Implementing Information Technology to Improve Workplace Health: A Web-Based Information Needs Assessment of Managers in Fraser Health,British Columbia

A web-based questionnaire-survey was administered primarily to determine what information is useful to managers in Fraser Health, of British Columbia to support decision-making for workplace health and safety. The results indicated that managers prefer electronic quarterly reports, with targets, goals, and historical trends rated as “very important.” Over 85.7% “agree” that if information was readily available in the “most beneficial” format, they would be able to improve workplace health. Recommendations include that managers be presented with clear and concise workplace health reports that facilitate analysis for decision-making.     

Pesticide Exposure and Cholinesterase Levels in Migrant Farm Workers in Thailand

Objectives: In this study, we examined the effects of pesticides in migrant farm workers from Cambodia after workplace exposure on fruit plantations in eastern Thailand. Methods: We studied 891 migrant farm workers employed on pineapple, durian, and rambutan plantations in Thailand. Data were collected via a detailed questionnaire survey and measurements of serum cholinesterase level (SChE). Results: The majority of subjects was male (57.7%), with an average age of 30.3 years. Most subjects (76.8%) were moderately aware of good industrial hygiene practices. SChE level was divided into four groups based on the results. Only 4.4% had normal levels of cholinesterase activity, 20.5% had slightly reduced levels, 58.5% had markedly reduced levels and were “at risk,” and 16.6% who had highest levels of cholinesterase inhibition were deemed to be in an “unsafe” range. SChE was classified into two groups, SChE value of 87.5 was “normal” and <87.5 units/mL “abnormal.” For the multiple logistic regression analysis of the abnormal SChE levels, the variables entered in the model included gender, period of insecticide use, the total area of plantation, frequency of spraying, period of daily insecticide spraying, and insecticide spraying method. The results indicated that the aOR (adjust odds ratio) for male migrant farm workers (95% confidence interval [CI]) was 1.58 (1.14, 2.17). The OR for farm migrant workers who worked on larger plantations of more than 39.5 acres (95% CI) was 2.69 (1.51, 4.82). Finally, the OR for the migrant farm workers who used a backpack sprayer (95% CI) was 2.07 (1.28, 3.34). Conclusions: These results suggest that health screening should be provided to migrant farm workers, especially those who spray pesticides on plantations of >39 acres, use a backpack sprayer, or have a low level of compliance with accepted industrial hygiene practices. These three classes of workers are at increased risk of chemical exposures and developing acute or chronic illness from pesticide exposures.     

Acute pesticide poisoning in the U.S. retail industry, 1998-2004

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to describe the national magnitude and characteristics of acute pesticide poisoning among workers and customers in retail establishments. METHODS: Analyses included retail employees 15-64 years of age and customers with acute pesticide poisoning identified from the Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks-Pesticides (SENSOR-Pesticides) and California Department of Pesticide Regulation from 1998 to 2004. Pesticide poisoning incidence rates and incidence rate ratios (IRR) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 325 cases of acute pesticide poisoning were identified. Of these cases, 287 (88%) were retail employees and 38 (12%) were customers. Overall, retail employees had a significantly lower acute pesticide poisoning incidence rate compared with non-agricultural, non-retail employees (IRR=0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.47, 0.59). However, significantly elevated pesticide poisoning incidence rates were observed for four retail occupations (janitors, stock handlers/baggers, bakery/deli clerks, and shipping/receiving handlers). In addition, workers employed in two retail industry sectors (farm supply stores and hardware stores) had significantly elevated acute pesticide poisoning incidence rates. Incidence rates among the retail employees demonstrated a quadratic trend, monotonically decreasing from 1998 to 2000 and monotonically increasing from 2000 to 2003. The rates appear to have leveled off in 2003 and 2004. CONCLUSIONS: Preventive measures to decrease acute pesticide poisoning incidence in the retail sector include adoption of unbreakable and tear-resistant container requirements, increased utilization of integrated pest management strategies, and advisement to store managers, employees, and customers about poisoning prevention.     

Development of interactive workplace improvement programs in collaboration with trade associations of small-scale industries

Serial participatory action programs for reducing occupational safety and health risks were undertaken to know the types of support suited for small-scale industries. Working groups were formed with workplace people and occupational safety and health experts. It was agreed to develop an action-oriented strategy focusing on improving both work environment and productivity by making low-cost improvements through group work. Many workplace improvements achieved by participating enterprises and the group work procedures taken were analyzed. As supporting tools for effectively implementing the workplace improvement action programs, we developed action checklists according to industry and workplace implementation guides. Collections of local good examples also served as part of these support tools. These experiences show that keys to the sustainable action in small-scale industries are: (1) mobilization of the industry-wise network by trade associations, (2) an output-oriented strategy based on interactive group work and (3) the effective use of support tools such as low-cost action checklists and group work methods.     

Health and Safety in Australian Agriculture - Linking Research,Data and Action

ABSTRACT

Almost every week the rural media provide farming communities around Australia with information about health and safety hazards on farms. The results of the increasing research and data collection are being made broadly available. But are we just adding yet another worry to already stressed farmers, farm workers and farm families by this approach?

Until recently, there was little information or support available to farmers to assist them to identify the hazards on their own workplace, to assess the relative risk to health and safety of the many hazards identified, or to plan adoption of effective solutions to reduce risk based on the cash flow of the farming enterprise.

Managing Farm Safety is a program which has been developed through integration of data findings, research findings, farmer responsibilities under OHS Occupational Health and Safety legislation, farm management practicalities, farm cash flow and farmer aspirations. The program will be incorporated into rural education, training and extension services.

The services to farmers and farm families include access to training in farm OHS management, provision of a management tool or kit which includes and on-farm audit, record of education and training for employees, record of farm chemicals usage, and information about risk reduction solutions are available, their relative effectiveness and the cost of each option. The program will be provided in commodity specific format as more of the major industry groups in Australian agriculture move to adopt the approach.

This paper describes the data flow system used in the development and maintenance of this program.     

Lifetime allergic rhinitis prevalence among US primary farm operators: findings from the 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety survey

Purpose

Allergic rhinitis is associated with decreased quality of life, and reduced workplace performance and productivity. This study investigated the prevalence of lifetime allergic rhinitis and factors associated with allergic rhinitis among US primary farm operators.

Methods

The 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety Survey data collected from 11,210 active farm operators were analyzed. Survey respondents were determined to have lifetime allergic rhinitis based on a “yes” response to the question: “Have you ever been told by a doctor, nurse, or other health professional that you had hay fever, seasonal allergies, or allergic rhinitis?” Data were weighted to produce nationally representative estimates.

Results

An estimated 30.8% of the 2.1 million active farm operators had lifetime allergic rhinitis in 2011. The allergic rhinitis prevalence varied by demographic and farm characteristics. Farm operators with allergic rhinitis were 1.38 (95% CI 1.22–1.56) times more likely to be exposed to pesticides compared with operators with no allergic rhinitis. The association with pesticide exposure for allergic rhinitis and current asthma, and allergic rhinitis alone was statistically significant and greater than that for current asthma alone.

Conclusion

Certain groups of farm operators may be at increased risk of allergic rhinitis. Studies should further investigate the association of allergic rhinitis with specific pesticide exposure.

     

Sports and children: Consensus statement on organized sports for children

This consensus statement was prepared by an Ad Hoc Committee on Sports and Children of the International Federation of Sports Medicine (FIMS) and WHO during a symposium on sports and children held in Hong Kong on 11-12 January 1997 and was reviewed by members of the WHO/Cardiovascular Disease Expert Advisory Panel and Members of the WHO Committee on Physical Activity, Sport, and Health.     

Initiation of Farm Safety Programs in the Arkansas Delta: A Case Study of Participatory Methods

CONTEXT: Outreach to high-risk communities is one of the goals of Area Health Education Centers. One such population is the farm community, which is known to suffer high rates of traumatic events. PURPOSE: To describe a participatory methods initiative by the Arkansas Delta Area Health Education Center and other agencies to address farm-related health hazards in a 7-county region. METHODS: Regional injury and fatality data were gathered from sources including Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation insurance claims, the Arkansas Statistical Service Phone Survey, the National Agricultural Statistics Service, and the Cooperative Extension Service Division of Agriculture at the University of Arkansas. Focus groups were held to assess farmer perceptions and recommendations. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Accidents involving tractors accounted for 42% of deaths, and accidents with crop-spraying aircraft accounted for 36%. Focus group participants agreed that planting and harvesting seasons were particularly dangerous. Recommendations included educating motorists to be more cautious on agricultural area roads, using local farmers to provide farm safety training, and making safety equipment more available.     

Guiding principles for development of ACIP recommendations for vaccination during pregnancy and breastfeeding

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) provides advice and guidance regarding effective control of vaccine-preventable diseases, including guidance for special populations that might warrant modification of routine recommendations. One such special population is pregnant and breastfeeding women. Formulation of recommendations for vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding women is challenging because the available scientific evidence needed to guide decisions is limited. To promote use of a consistent process and uniform terminology, the ACIP Workgroup on Vaccines during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding was established in 2007 to develop guiding principles for drafting of ACIP recommendations for vaccination of pregnant and breastfeeding women. Workgroup members included ACIP members, members of professional medical organizations, experts in the field, and CDC consultants.     

Comparison of occupational health problems of employees and self-employed individuals who work in different fields

Abstract

We used a representative sample of the working population of Korea to compare the occupational health problems of employees and self-employed individuals who performed different types of work. The Korean Working Conditions Survey (KWCS) of 2014 was used to compare the working conditions and occupational safety and health (OSH) issues of employees and self-employed individuals performing different types of work. Relative to paid employees, self-employed individuals were older, more likely to perceive their health as bad, and had less education, longer working hours, more exposure to workplace ergonomic hazards, more musculoskeletal problems, and poorer mental well-being. Relative to those performing “mental work” or “emotional work”, individuals performing “physical work” were more vulnerable to OSH problems. In conclusion, self-employed individuals in the sample were more vulnerable to OSH problems.     

Taiwanese farm workers’ pesticide knowledge,attitudes, behaviors and clothing practices

The purpose of this study was to assess Taiwanese fruit farm workers’ knowledge, attitudes, behaviours, and clothing practices regarding pesticide activities. Seventy-seven fruit farm workers from four districts of Tainan City, Taiwan completed the questionnaire. Results indicated that farmer workers had a good overall level of knowledge of the adverse effects of pesticides on human health and most had experienced symptoms of pesticide poisoning. Farm workers’ attitudes toward pesticide use and handling indicated that they saw pesticides useful in controlling pests. Farm workers indicated the limited availability of comfortable clothing designed for a hot and humid climate while still providing sufficient protection was the main reason for not wearing personal protective clothing (PPC) and personal protective equipment (PPE). Emphasis on safety precautions is needed when using pesticides, and the importance of PPC and PPE is essential for the health of farm workers.     

Practical Safety and Health Risk Management in Production Agriculture: Report on the 2011 ASHCA Workshop

ABSTRACT

Proven, evidence-based strategies were highlighted during “Practical Safety and Health Risk Management in Production Agriculture,” a Workshop hosted by the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA), January 7, 2011, at Georgia World Congress Center, Atlanta. The Workshop was co-located with AG CONNECT Expo 2011, a world trade show. The Workshop held special appeal to risk managers, agricultural employers, and insurers. Further, it provided insights for researchers and academics regarding future needs. The overriding principle that “being safe equates to being profitable” was evident. At a time when business—including agribusiness—is increasingly viewed as a major cause of social, environmental, and economic problems, employee safety can be embraced as a shared value by both business and society. Topics included culturally relevant training, safety competitions, training with a mobile safety trailer, reducing insurance premiums, and outcomes of a statewide agricultural safety certification program.     

Agricultural occupational health and safety: farming families presenting a challenge to wellness

ABSTRACT: Occupational health and safety has become the right of all workers. This right was recognised formally in New South Wales and other Australian States by the introduction of legislation in the form of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Farm (agricultural) occupational health and safety differs from other workplace issues, in that the farm is also the home. Thus occupational exposure affects not only the farmer, but the family living on the farm. This article examines the current state of agricultural occupational health and safety (farm safety) in Australia. Farm hazards such as agricultural chemicals, dusts and zoonoses are discussed in an attempt to examine whether farmers are aware of these health hazards, and whether the introduction of workplace legislation has had the same effect on the health, safety and welfare of farmers.     

Participatory decision-making through the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases: The Sri Lankan experience

The paper describes how the Advisory Committee on Communicable Diseases (ACCD) in Sri Lanka addresses new challenges by ensuring participatory, collective and transparent decision-making through a broad representation of stakeholders. The Committee, which is more than 40 years old, differs from many other national immunization advisory committees, since it has a broad mandate to deal with all communicable diseases, including those for which there are no vaccines, and addresses such areas as disease surveillance and health system improvements, in addition to vaccination-related issues. The Committee has 38 members. Unlike in some countries, ACCD recommendations are legally binding for all public sector health providers. The paper provides several examples of recent recommendations and factors that influenced the Committee's decision-making, and concludes with ways the Committee can be improved.     

It's time for the NIH to formally designate people with disabilities as a US health disparity population

This commentary discusses the implications of the report and recommendations of the Working Group on Diversity's Subgroup on Individuals with Disabilities, recently endorsed by the full Advisory Committee to the Director (ACD) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). We suggest that one of these recommendations, the formal designation of people with disabilities as a US health disparity population, can be enacted immediately, which would spur new federal investment in disability-based disparities research.     

Needs Assessment for Reducing Pesticide Risk: A Case Study With Farmers in Vietnam

ABSTRACT

The Objective of this study was to identify the needs for and solutions to pesticide risk reduction for farmers in Vietnam, using a comprehensive needs assessment model applied for evaluating community needs and policy development. Four kinds of needs were evaluated using qualitative research methods. A comparative analysis of pesticide regulations was used to identify comparative needs. In-depth interviews with authorities and experts were conducted to identify normative needs. Observations on farmer's practice were used to identify expressed needs, and focus group discussions among farmers were implemented to identify felt needs. The needs for pesticide regulations obtained from comparative analysis and experts include enhancement of pesticide legislation; multisectoral involvement in pesticide regulations; improvement of capacity for sectors involving in pesticide regulations; risk-benefit guidance for pesticide registration; reforms of pesticide regulations relating to the restriction, cancellation, suspension, transport, storage, and disposal of pesticides; and the development of occupational hygiene and safety policy and programs for agricultural activities. The expressed needs based on field observations comprise improvement in knowledge and behavior of farmers about pesticide safety with specific areas, and supports in safety facilities and personal protective equipment. The key request from farmers include needs about technical training for occupational safety and hygiene of pesticide application, and support for safety facilities for pesticide application and protective equipment. The results of comprehensive needs assessment were useful in the development of a range of strategies in legislative improvement, workplace and personal hygiene, information and training, and medical surveillance and pesticide poisoning first aids for pesticide risk reduction for Vietnamese farmers.     

Self‐employed individuals performing different types of work have different occupational safety and health problems

Introduction

We assessed the occupational safety and health (OSH) issues of self‐employed individuals in Korea.

Methods

The working conditions and OSH issues in three groups were analyzed using the Korean Working Conditions Survey of 2014.

Results

Among self‐employed individuals, “Physical work” was more common among males, whereas “Emotional work” was more common among females. Self‐employed individuals performing “Mental work” had more education, higher incomes, and the lowest exposure to physical/chemical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace. In contrast, those performing “Physical work” were older, had less education, lower incomes, greater exposure to physical/chemical and ergonomic hazards in the workplace, and more health problems. Individuals performing “Physical work” were most vulnerable to OSH problems.

Conclusion

The self‐employed are a heterogeneous group of individuals. We suggest development of specific strategies that focus on workers performing “Physical work” to improve the health and safety of self‐employed workers in Korea.

     

Respiratory Disease in Agricultural Workers: Mortality and Morbidity Statistics

ABSTRACT

To quantify the respiratory disease burden among agricultural workers, we examined the 1988–1998 National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) “Multiple Cause of Death Data” and the 1988–1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data (NHANES III). Proportionate mortality ratios (PMRs) were determined for 11 respiratory conditions among 6 agricultural groups: crop farm workers, livestock farm workers, farm managers, landscape and horticultural workers, forestry workers, and fishery workers. Prevalence ratios (PRs) were determined for 12 respiratory conditions among 3 agricultural groups: farm workers, farm managers, and other agricultural workers. Disease categories groups were based on the 9th International Classification of Diseases and the agricultural groups on the NCHS or NHANES III industry and occupation codes, respectively. Crop farm workers and livestock farm workers had significantly elevated mortality for several respiratory conditions, with mortality for hypersensitivity pneumonitis being 10 and 50 times higher than expected. Landscape and horticultural workers had significantly elevated mortality for abscess of the lung and mediastinum and chronic airways obstruction. Forestry workers had significantly elevated mortality for pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic airways obstruction, and pneumonia. Prevalence of wheeze was elevated for female farm workers, shortness of breath was elevated for farm workers who had ever smoked, and hay fever was elevated for black, non-Hispanic farm workers. Prevalence of asthma was elevated for other agricultural workers who had ever smoked. Farm workers had a PR of 173 for obstructive respiratory abnormality. Continued improvement in occupational health surveillance systems for agriculture is essential to help guide prevention efforts for respiratory disease.     

A national survey of food hygiene training and qualification levels in the UK food industry

The food hygiene training received and qualifications held by four different grades of food handlers were compared by means of a postal survey of 1650 businesses in the manufacturing, retail and catering sectors of the UK food industry. Significant differences ( p < 0.05) were identified between the methods of training delivery to, and qualifications held by different grades of food handlers across the three industry sectors. Business status, personnel characteristics and risk perceptions of managers all had significant effects on the methods of training used and qualification levels achieved within each industry sector. Positive attitudes towards training were expressed by most managers although follow-up face-to-face interviews revealed their concerns about the cost, time and relevancy of the training their staff received. Whilst both the uptake of training and level of food hygiene qualifications may have improved in recent years, this study highlighted the need to develop training methods that are proven to change workplace behaviour as well as imparting knowledge. This may be best achieved by consolidating food hygiene training as a fundamental part of a wider approach to food safety control based on HACCP.