Tularemia From Veterinary Occupational Exposure.

Tularemia is a disease caused by Francisella tularensis, a highly infectious bacteria that can be transmitted to humans by direct contact with infected animals. Because of the potential for zoonotic transmission of F. tularensis, veterinary occupational risk is a concern. Here, we report on a human case of tularemia in a veterinarian after an accidental needlestick injury during abscess drainage in a sick dog. The veterinarian developed ulceroglandular tularemia requiring hospitalization but fully recovered after abscess drainage and a course of effective antibiotics. To systematically assess veterinary occupational transmission risk of F. tularensis, we conducted a survey of veterinary clinical staff after occupational exposure to animals with confirmed tularemia. We defined a high-risk exposure as direct contact to the infected animal's body fluids or potential aerosol inhalation without use of standard personal protective equipment (PPE). Survey data included information on 20 veterinary occupational exposures to animals with F. tularensis in 4 states. Veterinarians were the clinical staff most often exposed (40%), followed by veterinarian technicians and assistants (30% and 20%, respectively). Exposures to infected cats were most common (80%). Standard PPE was not used during 80% of exposures; a total of 7 exposures were categorized as high risk. Transmission of F. tularensis in the veterinary clinical setting is possible but overall risk is likely low. Veterinary clinical staff should use standard PPE and employ environmental precautions when handling sick animals to minimize risk of tularemia and other zoonotic infections; postexposure prophylaxis should be considered after high-risk exposures to animals with suspected or confirmed F. tularensis infection to prevent tularemia.

Work environment adversity and non-communicable Disease risk among drivers working for application-based-cab-aggregators in an Indian metropolis : Assessment of work environment adversity and its association with ncd risk factors among application based cab aggregators in Bengaluru, India: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Bengaluru, a metropolis in Southern India, is one of the largest markets for cab aggregator companies. Drivers working for these companies play a vital role in urban transportation but unlike other drivers, their work pattern is stressful, which could increase their proneness to NCD risk factors. Understanding associations between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors among these drivers will help to plan specific health promotion and NCD prevention programs including provision of basic occupational health services. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to test for an association between work environment adversity and selected Non-communicable Disease (NCD) risk factors among Application Cab Aggregator drivers in Bengaluru city and to estimate the prevalence of selected NCD risk factors among the ABCA drivers. METHODOLOGY: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Bengaluru city among 340 eligible and consenting ABCA drivers with at least one-year experience. Drivers were recruited through a multi-stage sampling procedure and time-period sampling, from transportation and leisure zones in the city. Data was collected through interviews using specifically developed semi-structured tools to assess work environment adversity and NCD risk factors. Prevalence of NCD risk factors is presented per 100 drivers with 95% confidence intervals. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to quantify the strength of the association between work environment adversity categories and NCD risk factors. Ethical clearance was obtained from the NIMHANS Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Nearly 97% of the 340 drivers reported having one or more NCD risk factors. Working more than 5 days a week, more than 7 + hours a day, staying away from family, and working night shifts were closely associated with higher risk for NCD risk factors among ABCA drivers. Drivers with work environment adversity scores between 5 and 10 were associated with higher odds of Physical Inactivity (OR = 3.1), Unhealthy diets (OR = 1.62), and Tobacco Use (OR = 3.06). CONCLUSION: The study highlights the association between work environment adversity and NCD risk factors and indicates a dire need for NCD prevention programs, basic occupational health services, and social security provisions for ABCA cab drivers.

Occupational variation in incidence of oropharyngeal cancer in the Nordic countries.

PURPOSE: Evaluate the occupational variation in incidence of oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). METHODS: We calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of OPC in occupational categories in the Nordic countries relative to the entire national populations. The data covered 6155 OPC cases. RESULTS: Among men high risk of OPC was observed, among else, in waiters (SIR 6.28, 95% CI 4.68-8.26), beverage workers (SIR 3.00, 95% CI 1.72-4.88), and artistic workers (SIR 2.97, 95% CI 2.31-3.76). Among women high risk of OPC was observed in waiters (SIR 2.02, 95% CI 1.41-2.81) and packers (SIR 1.73, 95% CI 1.07-2.64). The lowest SIRs were observed in female gardeners (SIR 0.27, 95% CI 0.12-0.51) and male farmers (SIR 0.30, 95% CI 0.25-0.35). CONCLUSION: The 20-fold variation in incidence of OPC between occupations needs further investigation in studies with detailed information on occupational and non-occupational risk factors.

Interactions between work-related factors, perceived fatigue and musculoskeletal disorders among handicraft artisans: structural equation model analysis.

The cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between work-related factors, perceived work fatigue (PWF) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handicraft artisans. 364 artisans participated in a questionnaire survey, and a structural equation model (SEM) was developed to explore the direct and indirect relationships between these factors using partial least squares analysis. The SEM explained 98.2% of the variance in MSDs and revealed that exposure to biomechanical factors had a direct impact on PWF and MSDs, with PWF mediating the effect of biomechanical factors on MSDs. Additionally, job demand was found to be positively associated with MSDs, while job control and social support reduced the risk of MSDs. The findings underscore the importance of strategic initiatives to mitigate the risk of developing MSDs among artisans. The study also highlights the potential of SEM as a novel framework for understanding the complex pathogenesis of MSDs in occupational health research.Practitioner summary: The study sought to comprehensively examine the intricate relationships among work-related factors, PWF, and MSDs. To achieve this, an SEM approach was employed to capture both direct and indirect relationships between these factors, employing partial least squares analysis. Findings revealed SEM as an innovative framework for understanding the intricate development of MSDs.

Exposure to UV Radiation in Lifeguards on Barcelona's Beaches: An Underestimated Occupational Risk. / [Artículo traducido] Exposición a radiación ultravioleta en socorristas de las playas de Barcelona: un riesgo laboral infravalorado.

BACKGROUND: The development of skin cancer is closely related to high exposure to UV radiation. Lifeguards are at an increased risk of excessive sun exposure. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to measure the exposure of Barcelona's beach lifeguards to UV radiation. METHODS: Measurements in the work chair were taken every 30min on a typical working day from 10:45 am to 19:15 pm. These measurements were carried out on four different days. These data were used to calculate the erythematous doses received during working hours, as well as those potentially received throughout the summer season. Vitamin D production was also estimated for the four days that the radiation received was measured, and the amount generated was calculated for the entire summer season. RESULTS: Exposure to UV radiation among Barcelona lifeguards far exceeds safety limits. In some locations, the exposure to UVB radiation is more than 16 times the minimum erythematous dose for phototype II skin. LIMITATIONS: This study assessed the radiation received during only four days. However, is a much higher number than most of the published papers. CONCLUSION: Although the health risks of excessive exposure to UV radiation are known, Barcelona's beach lifeguards are insufficiently protected.

Environmental, Occupational, and Demographic Risk Factors for Clinical Scrub Typhus, Bhutan.

Underdiagnosis and underreporting of scrub typhus has increasingly affected public health in Bhutan since its initial detection in 2008. Identifying scrub typhus risk factors would support early diagnosis and treatment for this nonspecific febrile disease, reducing the incidence of potentially fatal complications. We conducted a hospital-based, case‒control study during October‒December 2015 in 11 scrub typhus‒prone districts. We identified harvesting cardamom as the major risk factor (odds ratio 1,519; p<0.001); other factors were traditional housing, largely caused by an outside toilet location, as well as owning a goat and frequently sitting on grass. Harvesting vegetables, herding cattle in the forest, and female sex were protective. Age had a nonlinear effect; children and the elderly were more likely to seek treatment for clinical scrub typhus. This study has informed public health policies and awareness programs for healthcare workers through development of National Guidelines for Prevention, Treatment and Control of Scrub Typhus in Bhutan.

Occupational variation in the incidence of lip cancer in the Nordic countries.

INTRODUCTION: While certain occupations, such as agriculture and fishery, have been associated with an increased risk of lip cancer, the occupational risk profile of lip cancer and its change over time remain poorly known. This study aims to evaluate the incidence of lip cancer across different occupations in the Nordic countries. METHODS: The Nordic Occupational Cancer Study (NOCCA) covers 14.9 million people and includes 45 years of cancer incidence data, from 1961 to 2005, linked to occupational categories for all the five Nordic populations. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to quantify the risk of lip cancer across occupational categories relative to the entire national populations. RESULTS: There were a total of 14,477 male and 3008 female lip cancer patients identified during follow up. The highest SIRs were observed among male fishermen (SIR 2.26, 95% CI: 2.04-2.50), gardeners (SIR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.48-1.72), and farmers (SIR 1.60, 95% CI: 1.55-1.66). A significantly reduced risk of lip cancer (SIR < 0.50) was observed among male physicians, teachers, religious workers, artistic workers, journalists, administrators, printers, waiters, and hairdressers. Among women, no occupations were associated with an increased risk of lip cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of lip cancer varies widely between outdoor and indoor occupations. Occupations involving outdoor activity and exposure to sunlight show the most elevated SIRs.

Certain outdoor occupations, such as agriculture and fishery, have been associated with an increased risk of lip cancer. However, the occupational risk profile of lip cancer and its change over time remain poorly known. This study highlights the excess risk of lip cancer among men with outdoor occupations and further corroborates previous studies. Efforts to counsel outdoor workers on the risk and prevention of lip cancer are needed to reduce the societal burden of the disease.

Burden of injury due to occupational accidents and its spatiotemporal trend at the national and subnational levels in Iran, 2011-2018.

PURPOSE: The spatiotemporal trend of the burden of injury due to occupational accidents in Iran, 2011-2018 were assessed at the national and subnational levels. METHODS: The burden of occupational injury was estimated using three datasets of occupational injury data, the employed population, and duration and disability weight of injuries. RESULTS: The disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), deaths, DALY rate, and death rate (per 100,000 workers) of occupational injury in Iran drastically decreased from 169,523, 2,280, 827, and 11 in 2011 to 86,235, 1,151, 362, and 5 in 2018, respectively. The DALY rates of occupational injury were significantly different by gender and age in a manner that the DALY rate of men was much higher than that of women and the DALY rates by age group in 2018 ranged from 98 for 50 y and over to 901 for 15-19 y. The shares of injury outcomes in the total DALYs in 2018 were as follows: 63.6% for fatal injuries, 17.4% for fracture, 7.9% for open wound, 7.3% for amputation, and 3.8% for other injuries. Over 83% of the DALYs was observed in three economic activity groups of construction, manufacturing, and community, social, and personal service activities. The three provinces with the highest DALY rates in 2018 were Markazi, West Azarbaijan, and East Azarbaijan, respectively. CONCLUSION: Despite the decreasing temporal trend, the burden of occupational injury in Iran in 2018 was high. The high-risk groups and hot spot provinces should be taken into more consideration for further reduction of the injury burden.

The COVID-19 frontiers - sink or swim.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to address issues faced by doctors working in the COVID-19 units during the second phase of COVID-19 in the Czech Republic, when the country registered the highest per capita rate of new COVID-19 cases in the world. METHODS: A prospective study was designed using Google online questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were doctors from medical and surgical specialties working in COVID-19 units. The Czech Medical Association was approached in obtaining permission and helping us distribute the questionnaire with an introductory message with the aims of the study via email to the chairpersons of 18 medical and surgical Czech Societies and their respective members. The online questionnaire link was active for 31 days. Completion of a questionnaire implied consent to participate. Data was collected from the completed responses and statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: Fifteen out of eighteen invited Societies participated in the study. Out of all the transferred or volunteering doctors at the COVID units, 47.6% were from 9 medical specialties and 52.4% from 6 surgical units. The highest transfers were seen amongst male surgeons with 21 to 35 years of work experience, whilst the youngest group of doctors made the highest contribution. There was no statistical significance between the effects of COVID-19 and gender. Despite adequate medical provisions, 42% of all doctors had issues with procedural diagnostic methods, 40% tested positive for COVID-19 and 31% reported staff reduction leading to diminished patients' admissions and compromised care. Doctors from surgical departments experienced more difficulties in working in COVID-19 units. Furthermore, on contraction of COVID-19, 114 doctors asserted a lack of support and another 26% were unaware of any services. CONCLUSIONS: Our survey reiterates the relationship between factors related to occupational health and safety, standards of patient care and possibility of medicolegal consequences with the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

The price of COVID-19 risk in a public university.

We study the allocation of and compensation for occupational COVID-19 risk at Auburn University, a large public university in the U.S. In Spring 2021, approximately half of the face-to-face classes had enrollments above the legal capacity allowed by a public health order, which followed CDC's social distancing guidelines. We find lower-ranked graduate student teaching assistants and adjunct instructors were more likely to deliver riskier classes. Using an IV strategy in which teaching risk is shifted by classroom features (geometry and furniture), we show instructors who taught at least one risky class earned $7,400 more than those who did not.

Occupational hazards among dental hygienists: Risk level assessment of scaling work.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to classify occupational hazards of ultrasonic scaling by factor and to identify the distribution of occupational risk levels of the study participants according to occupational hazards. In addition, the relationship between the general characteristics of dental hygienists and the occupational risk level of scaling was investigated. METHODS: This study was conducted on 237 dental hygienists. Exposure frequency and the degree of work loss were investigated on a five-point scale for each of the 15 occupational hazards of scaling. RESULTS: Among occupational hazards, the proportion of high-risk individuals for biological hazards (32.9%) was the highest. Dental clinics (33.6%) were found to have a higher proportion of high-risk individuals than dental hospitals (16.5%) (p < 0.05). The proportion of high-risk individuals was higher in the absence of an infection control coordinator (33.9%) (p < 0.05) and infection control education in the preceding 2 years (28.6%) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: To create a safe dental work environment, appropriate measures according to the risk level and measurement of occupational risk should be discussed.

USING OF CALCULATION MODELS OF THE PENETRATION OF SUBSTANCES THROUGH THE SKIN IN THE ASSESSMENT OF THE RISK OF DERMAL INFLUENCE OF PESTICIDES ON WORKERS.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: Quantitative characterization of parameters of penetration of pesticides through the skin and assessment of the risk of their dermal exposure to workers using the basic provisions of diffusion theory and calculation models. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The penetration coefficient was calculated using the Potts's and Guy's equation: logKp,m = -2,8 - 6,0×10-3MW + 0,74logKo/w (R2 = 0.67). Determination of the absorbed dose was carried out using the maximum flow of the substance per unit area and the area of contact of the pesticide with the skin. Calculations were performed using the Microsoft Excel 2010 computer program package, PubChem information databases, EU Pesticides Database. RESULTS: Results: It was established that the pyrethroid insecticide bifenthrin and triazole fungicides (prothioconazole, propiconazole, and tebuconazole) penetrate the skin the fastest among the studied substances. The highest value of the absorbed dose is observed in the case of bifenthrin, which creates dangerous conditions during production operations with pesticide formulations based on it and conditions the adoption of necessary management decisions. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The calculation model of Potts and Guy (1992) is sufficiently informative and reliable to determine the coefficient of penetration of pesticides from aqueous solutions in the phase of the steady process of diffusion and allows determining the doses absorbed through the skin and assessing the risk of dermal exposure to workers.

RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH CANCER PATHOLOGY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is comparative assessment of the main risks of the global burden of cancer in the total burden of death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A comparative assessment of the main risks of the global burden of cancer within the overall burden of deaths was carried out based on the data of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), data from the Center for Medical Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Cancer Registry of Ukraine. The methods of comparative analysis, systematic approach and system analysis, bibliosemantic and medical-statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Results: Higher attributable risk of death in most nosological forms of cancer among the population of Ukraine (bronchial, tracheal and lung cancer, laryn-geal, pharyngeal, lip and esophageal cancer) have been observed. Behavioral factors at the level of Ukraine, compared to the world level, are characterized by signi!cantly higher rates of attributable risk with regard to tobacco smoking (cancer of the larynx, pharynx, lower lip, esophagus) and alcohol consumption (pharynx, liver, lower lip). Environmental and occupational factors in Ukraine do not exceed the global exposure rates, and are lower for some cancer nosol-ogies, namely bronchial, tracheal, lung and laryngeal cancer. Unlike global trends, metabolic factors prevail among the mortality risks of patients with liver, esophageal, uterine and kidney cancer in Ukraine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Behavioral, occupational, environmental and metabolic risk factors for cancer mortality have high attributable risk. Behavioral risk factors for cancer mortality have the most pronounced impact both globally and in Ukraine, and notably, for the majority of nosological forms of cancer in Ukraine mortality risks are higher compared to the global data.

Exposure to UV Radiation in Lifeguards on Barcelona's Beaches: An Underestimated Occupational Risk.

BACKGROUND: The development of skin cancer is closely related to high exposure to UV radiation. Lifeguards are at an increased risk of excessive sun exposure. OBJECTIVES: The main objective of this study was to measure the exposure of Barcelona's beach lifeguards to UV radiation. METHODS: Measurements in the work chair were taken every 30min on a typical working day from 10:45 am to 19:15 pm. These measurements were carried out on four different days. These data were used to calculate the erythematous doses received during working hours, as well as those potentially received throughout the summer season. Vitamin D production was also estimated for the four days that the radiation received was measured, and the amount generated was calculated for the entire summer season. RESULTS: Exposure to UV radiation among Barcelona lifeguards far exceeds safety limits. In some locations, the exposure to UVB radiation is more than 16 times the minimum erythematous dose for phototype II skin. LIMITATIONS: This study assessed the radiation received during only four days. However, is a much higher number than most of the published papers. CONCLUSION: Although the health risks of excessive exposure to UV radiation are known, Barcelona's beach lifeguards are insufficiently protected.

[41 cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritating chemicals].

Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

Occupational COVID-19 risk to dental staff working in a public dental unit in the outbreak epicenter.

OBJECTIVE: The management of the COVID-19 outbreak occurred in Lombardy (Italy) implied that non-COVID-19 health care was remodeled, limiting adequate resources in non-hospital public dental healthcare settings. This situation offered the opportunity to investigate the occupational COVID-19 risk to dental staff in public non-hospital dental units. METHODS: An infection control protocol was designed for dental health care in the Territorial Health and Social Services Authority (ASST) "Melegnano and Martesana" (Milan). Since specific guidance from central authorities was lacking, information was gathered from international public health organizations. The probability to visit asymptomatic COVID-19-infected patients was estimated, and the occupational risk to dental staff was calculated. RESULTS: The probability to visit asymptomatic patients passed from 1.2% (95% confidence interval -95 CI, 0.6%-2.5%) in the first period (20 February-15 March 2020) to 11.1% (95 CI, 5.8%-23.6%) in the second period (16 March-30 April). Dentists and dental assistants did not develop COVID-19, while one nurse did, the nature of her occupational risk was unclear, as nurses provided prevalently non-dental health care. The probabilities of developing COVID-19 per worked hour per person excluding and including this uncertain situation were 0.0% (95 CI, 0.0%-3.2%) and 0.9% (95 CI, 0.1%-4.7%). CONCLUSION: Relatively simple infection control procedures were enough to control occupational COVID-19 risk during the outbreak.

Acceptable surface limits (ASLs) of skin sensitizers derived from the local lymph node assay (LLNA): BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values and their relationships to known sensitization potency information.

Skin sensitization is an extremely important risk factor for occupational health and safety, and it would be desirable to set health-based exposure limits (HBELs) for the quantitative risk assessment (QRA) based on the skin sensitizing potencies of chemical. We attempted to set acceptable surface limits (ASLs) as HBELs for skin sensitizers in the workplace based on the local lymph node assay (LLNA): BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values. To calculate the ASLs, a safety assessment factor (SAF)interspecies value of 6, based on the EC1.6 values/human repeat insult patch test (HRIPT) NOEL ratios, a SAFinterindividual value of 10, and a SAFfrequency/duration value of 3 were applied, referring to previous literatures on SAFs for skin sensitization QRA, and the composite SAF was calculated as 180. The ASLs (mg/100 cm2 ) derived thus for 33 chemicals ranged from 0.001 to 10.417. Comparison of the ranges with known human sensitization potency classes and GHS subcategories revealed that use of GHS Category 1A chemicals needs to be controlled to ensure surface residue levels of less than 1 mg/100 cm2 . To minimize sensitization risks, a quantitative sensitization risk assessment method for chemicals and appropriate risk management are necessary. This report provides a potentially useful ASL-based method of managing sensitization risk derived from LLNA: BrdU-ELISA EC1.6 values, comparison of the ASLs and known human sensitization potency data showed that GHS subcategorization results would be a primary information notifying ASL ranges to be required for minimizing the sensitization risk.

Occupational Hazards of Orthopedic Surgery Exposures: Infection, Smoke, and Noise.

The orthopedic environment exposes surgeons and staff to infection, surgical smoke, and high levels of noise. It is helpful to understand how exposure increases the risk for adverse health consequences. Protective equipment, safety protocols, and instrument modification can reduce exposure to hazards. When modifications to practice are made, they must be evaluated to ensure they do not introduce new hazards or impede the use of instruments. Despite evidence of risk, protective measures are seldom employed in orthopedic practice. Wider implementation of protection for clinicians may not occur unless the same hazards are shown to impact patient outcomes.

Fast radiological safety evaluation applied to maintenance in cargo and container inspection facilities.

The application of nuclear technologies in a cargo and container inspection facility can increase the risk of accidents. Estimating the radiation dose in the controlled area generates critical information for elaborating routines aimed at establishing more effective safety procedures. For radiological protection purposes, mapping ambient dose equivalent H*(10) levels is crucial. The radiation source used was a fixed linear accelerator of 4.5 MeV. Five RadEye PRD-ER (Thermo Fisher Scientific) personal radiation monitors and five Geiger-Müller MRAD 111 (Ultra Radac) personal radiation monitors were used for the radiation measurements. The highest ambient equivalent dose rate and dose per scan were found with the Geiger-Müller monitors at values of 5.76E-01 mSv/h and 1.12E-03 mSv, respectively. The results showed that for public individuals, the number of scans at the point of highest dose rate value cannot exceed 893-unit operations. Additionally, the risks involved in the abnormal situation (increased H*(10)) were estimated by using a model to predict the development of solid cancer as a result of occupational radiological exposure. This procedure highlights the risks involved, hence providing initial support to the decision process.

Respiratory Inductance Plethysmography to Assess Fatigability during Repetitive Work.

Cumulative fatigue during repetitive work is associated with occupational risk and productivity reduction. Usually, subjective measures or muscle activity are used for a cumulative evaluation; however, Industry 4.0 wearables allow overcoming the challenges observed in those methods. Thus, the aim of this study is to analyze alterations in respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) to measure the asynchrony between thorax and abdomen walls during repetitive work and its relationship with local fatigue. A total of 22 healthy participants (age: 27.0 ± 8.3 yrs; height: 1.72 ± 0.09 m; mass: 63.4 ± 12.9 kg) were recruited to perform a task that includes grabbing, moving, and placing a box in an upper and lower shelf. This task was repeated for 10 min in three trials with a fatigue protocol between them. Significant main effects were found from Baseline trial to the Fatigue trials (p < 0.001) for both RIP correlation and phase synchrony. Similar results were found for the activation amplitude of agonist muscle (p < 0.001), and to the muscle acting mainly as a joint stabilizer (p < 0.001). The latter showed a significant effect in predicting both RIP correlation and phase synchronization. Both RIP correlation and phase synchronization can be used for an overall fatigue assessment during repetitive work.