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.
