Although acute traumatic injuries (ATIs) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) were relatively common among those exposed to the September 11, 2001 (9/11), terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and in Shanksville, PA, relatively few persons have received treatment from the World Trade Center (WTC) Health Program for these conditions. This paper is part of a clinical best practices series for the management of persons with WTC-related physical and mental health conditions, and it focuses on ATIs and MSDs. It provides prevalence estimates for the ATIs and MSDs experienced by members enrolled in the WTC Health Program and offers diagnostic and treatment best practices on those ATIs/MSDs that were most common.
This study assessed dust exposure, respiratory symptoms, and associated factors among 315 dry coffee processing workers in Agaro, Ethiopia. We measured particulate matter using dust detectors and assessed symptoms via modified ATS questionnaires. Geometric mean concentrations of PM₂.₅ (3.2 mg/m³) and PM₁₀ (11.6 mg/m³) exceeded occupational safety limits. Current respiratory symptoms were reported by 38.5% of workers (95% CI: 33-44%), peaking in machine rooms (71.2%). Machine room workers were significantly more likely to experience symptoms than hand-pickers (AOR = 3.6). Working >8 hours daily, longer employment, inconsistent mask use, and lack of safety training were independent risk factors. Agaro coffee workers face excessive dust and a high respiratory symptom burden. Protecting worker health requires engineering dust controls, reduced shift lengths, consistent mask use, and safety training.
This cross-sectional study assessed biological hazard-related knowledge and practices among 470 barbers across four districts in Bangladesh. The median knowledge score was 5 (IQR: 4-7), and the median practice score was 7 (IQR: 5-11). Approximately 45% of barbers had heard about the hepatitis B virus and 39% about the hepatitis C virus. Quantile regression revealed that higher education, monthly income (>10,000 BDT), work experience (>5 years), daily working hours (>10 h), and receipt of barbering training were significant positive predictors of knowledge scores across various quantiles. Moreover, educational attainment, higher monthly income (>20,000 BDT), receipt of barbering training, and higher knowledge scores were significantly associated with better practices. The study reveals suboptimal knowledge and practices regarding biological hazards among the participating barbers. To address these risks, policymakers should implement targeted interventions and training programs on infection control, proper sterilization methods, and disease transmission prevention among barbers in Bangladesh.
This study explored the impact of exposure to nonstandard work on workers' depression and suicidal ideation. Using data from the 12th to 18th waves of the Korea Welfare Panel Study, longitudinal analyses were conducted employing cox regression and survival analysis techniques to examine the relationships between nonstandard employment, depression, and suicidal ideation. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that individuals with the longest duration of nonstandard work exhibited a higher prevalence of suicidal ideation. Cox regression analysis confirmed a significant association between nonstandard work and depression levels. However, in the recurrent events Cox model, nonstandard work was not a statistically significant predictor of suicidal ideation; only depression showed a significant effect. Nevertheless, the findings overall indicate heavy connections between these factors, for which relevant policy implications can be proposed.
Occupational noise exposure remains a critical but under-prioritized hazard in the global mining industry, contributing significantly to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Workers in drilling, blasting, crushing, and haulage operations routinely face sound levels exceeding 85 dB(A) thresholds, often without adequate protective measures. Despite technological advances, systematic gaps persist in occupational noise hazards (ONH) research and prevention strategies. This study of systematic literature review and metadata analysis consolidate five decades of global research on occupational noise hazards in mining to evaluate methodological approaches, identify underrepresented regions and worker groups, and assess thematic trends for future occupational health strategies. The initial search yielded 69 articles, of which 65 were included for the present study. The review confirmed that most mining activities expose workers to noise levels exceeding 85 dB(A), with NIHL highly prevalent among long-tenured employees. Shift toward data-driven, interdisciplinary frameworks is needed to transform hearing protection from a compliance obligation to a health-preserving imperative.
In September 2023, a series of heatstroke cases across diverse exposure settings was observed at the University Hospital of Guadeloupe, a tropical region where published data on heatstroke are limited. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical features, environmental conditions, and outcomes of these cases. We conducted a retrospective single-center study including all adult patients admitted with heatstroke between September 1 and 30, 2023. Nine cases were identified over an 18-day period; all patients were male and local residents. Five (55.6%) had exertional heatstroke and four (44.4%) had classic heatstroke. Six patients (66.7%) developed multi-organ failure, of whom five died, with a median time to death of 2 days [1-3]. The median wet bulb globe temperature and heat index at the time of each case were 26.6°C [25.9-26.7] and 33.6°C [31.4-34.4], respectively.
Silicosis is the most common occupational lung disease and association with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection is common. Although extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases are rare, skeletal tuberculosis is responsible for 10-35% of these cases. Pott's disease is the most common form of skeletal tuberculosis, but it is not commonly encountered today. A 49-year-old male patient presented to our clinic with complaints of back pain, leg pain, and weight loss for 9 months. His occupational history revealed that he worked as a dental technician and a sandblasting for 30 years. In 2002, he was diagnosed with pneumoconiosis. Thoracovertebral Computed Tomography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed lytic lesions in the anterior middle columns of the T6-T9 vertebrae and an anterior narrow angle kyphosis (Gibbus deformity) at the level of T9 vertebra. The findings were primarily evaluated in favor of Pott's disease abscess. Posterior segmental instrumentation and osteotomy were performed. The patient was evaluated as extrapulmonary tuberculosis, and anti-tuberculosis treatment was started. We present a case of pneumoconiosis with extrapulmonary tuberculosis and Pott's disease.
This randomized controlled study examined the effects of posture and progressive relaxation exercises (PRE) on perceived stress levels among bus drivers in Turkey and Malta. The study included 430 bus drivers working in public transportation services between April and October 2023. The intervention group received posture and PRE training through face-to-face instruction, brochures, audio-supported materials, and an e-learning platform, and practiced the exercises three times weekly for one month, whereas the control group received no intervention. In Turkey, the intervention group demonstrated a significant reduction in PSS-14 scores, with a very large effect size compared with the control group (Cohen's d = 1.51, p = 0.001). In Malta, perceived stress scores also decreased significantly in the intervention group (p = 0.001). The findings indicate that posture and relaxation exercises are effective in reducing stress levels in bus drivers.
Nitrate (NO3-) and fluoride (F-) are beneficial in trace amounts but pose health risks at high concentrations. This study evaluated their contamination and associated health risks in water from Niger Delta communities, focusing on infants, children, teenagers, and adults through oral ingestion and dermal exposure pathways. Analysis of 113 samples revealed fluoride concentrations (3.55-7.50 mg/L) consistently exceeded the WHO guidelines (1.5 mg/L) with dietary intake mostly exceeding tolerable upper intake levels across life stage groups with a few exceptions in Communities such as Evboehighae, Ikobi, Jadawa By EPZ, Obubra and Maternity. Nitrate levels (3.55-13.10 mg/L) were below the WHO guideline (50 mg/L), with a low Nitrate Pollution Index. Human Health Risk Assessment identified oral ingestion as the main exposure pathway. Fluoride posed a pervasive non-carcinogenic risk, with its Hazard Quotient (HQ) exceeding the safety threshold for all age groups in every community. Nitrate, while low, presented a critical carcinogenic threat. The Mean Cancer Risk (MCR) for nitrate surpassed acceptable limits by several orders of magnitude for all ages, with infants most vulnerable. These findings indicate a public health crisis involving widespread fluorosis and a latent carcinogenic risk from nitrate, necessitating immediate interventions like defluoridation, pollution control, and health education.
This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) among nurses during a health crisis and identified whether resilience, perceived organizational support, and well-being resource use moderate the link between negative occupational experiences (NOE) and PTG. In fall 2020, 816 nurses from a US health system completed surveys on NOE, PTG, resilience, support, and resource use. Linear regression analyzed associations and moderation, adjusting for workload and demographics. NOE predicted PTG in adjusted models (β = 0.47, p = 0.0002), strengthening in the full model (β = 0.79 per NOE unit, 95% CI [0.50, 1.01], p < 0.0001). PTG increased with organizational support (p = 0.001) and resource use (p = 0.003). Resilience showed a mixed interaction with NOE (p = 0.047), but no direct association. Perceived organizational support and well-being resource use represent actionable targets for fostering PTG.e.
Flight attendants (FAs) must meet air carrier fitness-for-duty standards to perform their safety-critical roles. Those unable to work due to illness may face occupational and financial consequences that could contribute to healthcare avoidance. We conducted an anonymous, cross-sectional, internet-based survey of U.S. flight attendants. Respondents reporting at least one of four predefined healthcare avoidance behaviors were classified as engaging in healthcare avoidance. Findings were compared to a previously published sample of U.S. pilots (n = 3,765). A total of 6,318 aviation personnel were analyzed. Among 2,553 flight attendants, 66.24% reported healthcare avoidance compared to 56.12% of pilots (p < 0.01). After adjusting for age and sex, flight attendants demonstrated higher odds of healthcare avoidance compared to pilots (OR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.35-1.80; p < 0.01). Healthcare avoidance appears prevalent among U.S. flight attendants and warrants further investigation.
Introduction: Welders are at risk of elevated blood pressure, with hypertension (HTN) linked to occupational hazards and stress. This cross-sectional study aimed to explore the associations among occupational factors, stress, and HTN in welders. Methods: 2,575 welders were recruited. Demographic, occupational data and occupational stress were collected. Regression analyses and path analysis were used to examine associations and mediating effects. Results: Monthly income was inversely linked to HTN (OR=0.80), whereas longer working service (OR=1.20), confined space work (OR=1.64), shift work (OR=1.31), higher occupational role stress (OR=1.39), and higher personal strain (OR=1.48) were associated with an increased risk of HTN. Occupational stress mediated 14.00% of the association between occupational characteristics and HTN. Conclusion: Adverse occupational conditions affect HTN directly and indirectly through occupational stress, which has direct and mediating effects on HTN in welders.
This study presents a scientometric and state-of-the-art review of smart personal protective equipment (PPE) and wearable safety technologies (WSTs) in construction safety management for the period 2015-2024. Framed within SDG Target 8.8, the research utilizes data from Scopus and Google Scholar to map research trends, technological trajectories, and adoption dynamics. The findings demonstrate a transition from conventional PPE to intelligent, sensor-enabled systems integrated with artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring, thereby enhancing hazard detection and worker health surveillance. Despite increasing technical maturity, adoption is hindered by privacy concerns, cost-prohibitive procurement, and digital infrastructure deficits, particularly in the Global South. The study underscores the necessity of robust data governance and user-centered design to mitigate these barriers. It contributes a scientometric roadmap that bridges technological innovation with human-centric adoption, offering strategic insights for aligning construction safety practices with global sustainability mandates.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major occupational health concern among paramedical staff, leading to pain, reduced performance, and absenteeism. This prospective interventional comparative study included all 80 paramedical staff members at the center who met the inclusion criteria, making the study population exhaustive. Participants were assigned to an intervention group (n = 40) receiving a three-session ergonomic training program or a control group (n = 40) receiving usual practice. Primary outcomes were MSD prevalence and absenteeism; the secondary outcome was quality of life (SF-36). Assessments were conducted at baseline (T0) and 6 months (T6). After 6 months, the intervention group reported a significant reduction in MSD prevalence in the cervical spine (from 55% to 30%, p = 0.01), shoulders (55% to 35%, p = 0.03), hands (40% to 20%, p = 0.008), and fingers (35% to 20%, p = 0.03) compared to baseline and to the control group. Absenteeism days decreased significantly in the intervention group (from 14 ± 7 to 8 ± 4 days, p = 0.03). No significant change was observed in overall SF-36 scores. The ergonomic training program was associated with reductions in MSD prevalence and absenteeism among paramedical staff.
This study explored the relationship between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and work performance, sleep quality, and mental well-being among hospital staff in Türkiye using a cross-sectional design. A total of 150 participants aged 18-65 were included. Data were collected using validated instruments: the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS), and the Job Performance Scale (JPS). Participants were divided into three groups based on their daily UPF consumption: low (<306.97 g/day), moderate (306.97-778.57 g/day), and high (>778.57 g/day). The mean UPF intake was 507.3 ± 288.1 g/day. Overall, 51.3% of participants had poor sleep quality. Mean PSQI scores were 5.05 ± 2.12 in the low UPF group and 5.48 ± 3.21 in the high group (p = 0.360). Participants in the high UPF group had a mean WEMWBS score of 60.04 ± 9.45, compared to 56.10 ± 7.02 in the low UPF group (p = 0.019). The high UPF group showed higher job performance scores (mean = 50.44 ± 4.93) compared to the moderate group (mean = 46.23 ± 7.27) and the low group (mean = 46.07 ± 7.25) (p = 0.016). While the findings suggest a positive association between UPF consumption and both mental well-being and job performance, these results should be interpreted with caution due to the cross-sectional nature of the study. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects and underlying mechanisms. Additionally, future research could examine whether short-term improvements in mood or energy from UPF consumption translate into long-term health tradeoffs.
Previous studies have linked workplace conditions, including chemical and physical exposures, and reproductive health outcomes in women. Our study included 603 oocyte donors who underwent 967 controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) cycles for planned oocyte vitrification between 2008 and 2020. Cohorts of oocytes were then thawed and fertilized with resultant embryos utilized by intended parents. In our cohort of young, healthy oocyte donors, those employed in "healthcare practitioners and technical" occupations and in "office and administrative support" roles had lower ovarian reserve testing by antral follicle count and fewer mature oocytes retrieved COH when compared to the reference group. In vitro fertilization and embryo transfer outcomes, including live birth, for oocyte recipients were not statistically different between occupation groups when compared to the reference group. Future research is needed to clarify specific occupational exposures that may be driving these observed differences.
Occupational heat stress is a growing concern, especially among outdoor, physically demanding workers in tropical regions like Tamil Nadu. A total of 1,027 participants in different sectors were surveyed in this cross-sectional study (2024) to determine the effect of low-cost Cooling Foods (CFs) on occupational heat stress. The temperature was measured using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT), with a mean of 29.6 °C ± 3.2 °C; approximately 60% of workers were exposed to levels exceeding the Threshold Limit Value (TLVs). The CF consumers experienced much less heat-related illness (HRI), such as excessive sweating and nausea/vomiting. The non-consumers were more likely to be dehydrated (AOR = 1.5; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9) and had a higher core body temperature (AOR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.1-1.9). CFs are an affordable and available solution to occupational heat stress; additional research is needed to build robust evidence.
The marble industry generates metal-bearing waste that contaminates water resources and poses occupational health risks. This study iassesed heavy metal contamination in water sources and bioaccumulation in marble factory workers in Peshawar, Pakistan. Sixteen water samples (industrial effluents, residential and canal water) and fifteen blood samples (13 workers ; 2 control) were analyzed for Cd, Pb, Ni, and Mn using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Elevated Pb concentrations were detected in both water and workers' blood samples,with concentrations in water ranging from 0.83 to 1.68 mg L-1 ± 0.21 and in blood from 0.022 ± 0.068 mg L-1 to 0.922 ± 0.147 mg L-1. Mn, Cd, and Ni were present at comparatively lower levels. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) for Pb and Cd in residential drinking water exceeded WHO safety limits. These findings highlight the urgent need for effective effluent treatment, regulatory enforcement, occupational protective measures, and routine health surveillance.
Mercury (Hg), an environmental pollutant, can harm human health. Seafood consumption is a major way that people are exposed to Hg and the analysis of human hair is a standard method to measure Hg exposure. This community-based study identified demographic and dietary factors associated with elevated Hg concentrations and health outcomes of individuals with elevated Hg concentrations throughout two coastal South Carolina (SC) counties. We collected hair samples (n = 85) at local barbershops and salons; participants completed an online survey with questions on demographics, diet, and health histories; and we analyzed hair samples using a DMA-80. Between 4.9-8.4% of respondents had Hg concentrations exceeding the US EPA's reference dose of 1.0 part-per-million (ppm). Male respondents and those who consume seafood once per month or more-particularly certain fish species-were more likely to show elevated Hg. Other demographic factors were not significantly correlated with Hg concentrations. The most significant health effect associated with elevated Hg concentration was heart disease. These results suggest an opportunity for additional research into the pathways taken by Hg within the aquatic and marine ecosystems of coastal SC, as well as the need for better communication about the environmental-health risk factors faced by the public in this area.
The mental health of workers is a crucial objective of occupational health and safety programs. Mental health issues in the workforce present a significant public and occupational health challenge, with considerable impacts on workers, families, employers, and society. Meanwhile, the growing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in various work environments prompts important questions regarding its impact on workers' mental well-being. AI can positively contribute to workplace mental health in various ways, including the early detection of fatigue, stress, and anxiety through wearable sensors. However, it also raises potential drawbacks, such as concerns about job displacement and job insecurity. Therefore, this narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive review of existing literature to highlight the potential benefits and challenges associated with the adoption of AI in the workplace and its implications for mental health.
