Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) may be defined as injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disc. This may occur due to improper physical work activities or appalling workplace conditions. Awkward or extreme postures are less efficient than posture keep joints near the center of their range of motion.Objective: The objective of the current study was to assessment of postural effect on work related musculoskeletal disorders and back muscle fatigue among the goldsmiths of India.Methods: In this current study, the experiment was performed on 100 male goldsmiths. A detailed questionnaire study on discomfort feeling was done and analysis of body posture by Rapid Upper Limb Assessment was done to evaluate the work stress during their job. Electromyographic activity was collected from ten major trunk muscles sites which consist of right and left muscle.Result: From the analysis, it was revealed that musculoskeletal disorders were the major problem of the goldsmiths. Moreover questionnaire study revealed that most of the workers were affected by pain at Neck (80%), Low back (91%), Wrist (45%), Shoulder (20%). Decreased in RMS and MedF of all the ten major trunk muscles were observed at the end of the every work cycle, which indicating that muscular fatigue was induced by the Gold Smiths tasks.Conclusion: From this study it can be concluded that the goldsmiths are working in awkward and forward bending postures for prolonged period of time with the potential risks of musculoskeletal disorders primarily affecting the low-back and neck region of the body. This can be attributed by the improper design of the workstation.

Introduction: The prevalence of mental illnesses among industrial workers ranged between 14% - 51%, which is more than that of the general population. Individual’s psychosocial functioning has an impact on the work efficiency and hence the current study was undertaken to screen workers in tea plantations.Objective: To document the prevalence of probable mental illness and its associated factors among workers in selected tea estates in South India.Methodology: A cross sectional study was done in two tea estates in Tamil Nadu from March to May 2012. The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) 28 was used to screen for mental health status. Socio-demographic details, work profile and associated risk factors were also documented.Results: Among the 400 subjects interviewed, 75.5% were females. The mean age was 43.21 (±7.47) years and the mean work experience was 21.38 (±9.31) years. In this study 12.8% subjects screened positive for probable mental illness and 1%, 1%, 0.2% and 1.5% screened positive for the domains of somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression respectively. Workers who screened positive for probable mental illness had availed significantly greater duration of leave in the previous year. There was no significant association of mental illness with age, gender, marital status, substance abuse, designation, co-morbidity and stressful life events.Conclusion: The prevalence of probable mental illness was similar to other occupational settings. Management of the associated risk factors may improve one’s work efficiency and productivity.

Background: Occupational accidents in developing countries like Pakistan are obvious due to poor occupational health safety infrastructure. Objective: This retrospective study aimed to analyze the industrial accidents in factories of Pakistan during 1993-2009. Methods and Material: An index value calculation method used to investigate the trends of occupational accidents. Accident rate (103), fatal accident rate (105), and non-fatal accident rate (103) were also calculated. Pakistan Statistical Year Books published by Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) used as data source.Results: Data of total 10330 industrial accidents analyzed and decreasing accident rate found with average 3.1 accident per 103 factory workers. Fatal accident increased with an average of 23 fatal accidents per 105 factories workers. Regarding the severity of industrial accidents, minor accidents found at 74% followed by serious (18%) and fatal accidents (8%). Decreased trends of index values and accident rates can associate with the increased human development index of Pakistan, but increased fatal accidents in factories and under-reporting are major areas of concern for safety stakeholders. Conclusions: Despite industrial accidents decreased in factories but more in depth studies with more recent data about the root causes of accidents can be useful to draw a true picture of occupational accidents in Pakistan. Improved social security system in Pakistan can be helpful to the exact recording of occupational accidents data.

Background: Goldsmiths are known for using potent toxic chemicals which pose a health risk to workers which occur either by inhalation or by dermal contact. Chemicals taken up by the body causes damage to vital organs of body such as kidneys, lungs etc., there by affecting their normal physiology and function. Objective: Present study reports the assessment of Nephrotoxicity among goldsmiths who are employed from 4 years-50years in jewellery making units. Methods: The study involved various environmental parameters such as determination of TSPM for air pollutant analysis, biological parameters such as urinary β-2-microglobulin, urinary Creatinine, urinary albumin, urinary total protein concentrations, and serum concentrations of Glutathione-S-Transferase, Catalase, extracellular Super Oxide Dismutase and total protein in both control and test samples.Result: Environmental, biological parameters of exposure and renal dysfunction were examined in a group of goldsmith workers (n=22) and in an un-exposed control group (n=22).The parameters examined were compared between the two groups and related to different exposure parameters. The TSPM concentrations ranged between 75-664 µg/m3. The concentrations of β-2-microglobulin were 0.14-1.2 mg/g of Creatinine, In exposed group Serum concentration of Glutathione-S-Transferase was 1.19 ± 0.48, Catalase 5.1 ± 0.61, extracellular Super Oxide Dismutase 281.2 ± 90.8, and total protein 5.9 ±0.83. However there were no significant changes in the urinary albumin and urinary total protein concentrations between the exposed and the control population.

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are common work-related health problems affecting professionals in many sectors. Surgeons are among the most vulnerable as they have to work for long hours in unfavorable posture. Objective: Aim of this study was to determine both prevalence of work related musculoskeletal disorders and types of ailments among surgeons of different sub-specialties in a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu. Methods: In This cross sectional study was conducted in Bir Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Kathmandu. A total of 50 surgeons of different sub-specialties were surveyed. Self-reported questionnaires included i) socio-demographic information, ii) Dutch Musculoskeletal Questionnaire on ergonomic hazards and iii) Nordic musculoskeletal disorders questionnaire on pain and discomfort. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Result: Respondents were 40 male and 10 female surgeons with mean age of 38.9 years. Forty-four respondents (88%) reported that their job usually require them to stand for long hours, and41 (82%) also reported that they would work in the same posture for long period of time. In addition, 43 (86%) also reported that they would have to bend their trunk slightly during their job. Thirty-five respondents (70%) reported having at least one musculoskeletal disorder. Twenty-three (65.7%) surgeons had to miss their job at least once during last 12 month of which nineteen (54.3%) missed them in last 7 days. Conclusion: This survey showed that various musculoskeletal ailments were common among surgeons of all sub-specialties in our hospital which is likely one of the common and a serious occupational hazards in this population.

Stress is a condition or feeling experienced when a person perceives that “demands exceed the personal and social resources the individual is able to mobilize” (Lazarus)1. It could be debatable whether stress is inevitable, but most professionals report stress at work place and in general. A common perception prevails regarding high stress level amongst professionals in particular industries like the information technology, professionals with fieldwork (medical representatives, insurance agents) that is also backed by study findings. However, stress among health care professionals is less explored. The present study aims to explore and assess psychological well being and stress levels among health care professionals. 50 health professionals, including doctors, paramedical and nursing staffs from different multi-specialty hospitals in Kolkata were assessed on the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ 12) and the Professional Life Stress scale, and Medico Psychological Questionnaire. Majority of the subjects had evidence of psychological distress. Stress level was present in varying degree among all professionals, while nurses and technicians had stress level at severe level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9099 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 32-35

A percutaneous piercing wound as in needle stick injury is a typically set by a needle point, but possibly also by other sharp instruments or objects. These events are of concern because of the risk to transmit blood-borne diseases through the passage of the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the hepatitis C virus (HCV), and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), the virus which causes AIDS. The present study was done to determine the risk status regarding NSI among health care workers of Private Hospitals, Pokhara, Nepal. Samples were selected through purposive sampling. Self administered questionnaire & risk assessment tool were used to collect data. Study revealed that majority of health care workers were females (93%) with mean age of 22.66 years (±3.1). Sixty eight percent had got NSI, among them 41% had NSI more than 2times in life. Maximum NSI cases happened either by recapping of the needle (18%) or during disposal of sharps (16%) or while transferring a body fluid (blood) to a specimen bottle (15%). The study concludes that majority of health workers had NSI more than two times which denotes NSI is a major occupational hazard. Cases happened either by recapping of the needle or during disposal of sharps or while transferring a body fluid to a specimen bottle. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9098 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 22-25

It was reported high prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among nurses. Among the wards, personnel working in Orthopedic wards routinely perform activities that require lifting heavy loads in awkward posture. Challenges faced by them assess patients skillfully and uniquely because orthopedic patients typically present with multiple, complex health problems. During orthopedic patient handling work-related postural strain are most common in health care unit personnel. This study aims at evaluating the different work-related musculoskeletal strain due to awkward postures, body parts discomforts, and find out some ergonomic solutions to these problems. Forty nurses working in orthopedic settings of two hospitals were interviewed by modified Nordic Questionnaire to reveal the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems and pain in various regions of the body. BPD Scale was used to identify the intensity of different body parts discomforts. Video recordings and still photographs were taken to evaluate postural stress during different activities were analyzed by OWAS (Ovako working posture analysis) method. Activity analysis chart was also used to represent the duration of different activities of nurses in their respective duty hours. It was observed that the most physically demanding and postural strenuous task is transferring patient alone. In orthopedics wards different activities like assist patient to walk, changing, other care works are strenuous because as about 90% of adult patient are over 50 kg of body weight and due to facture or other problem are unstable. Some ergonomic interventions like assisted lifting, lifting aids, training, etc. are recommended to improve the working conditions and reduce postural strain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9097 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 26-31

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.9096 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 1 - 4

Damien Foundation India Trust (DFIT), one of the members of International Federation of Anti-Leprosy associations (ILEP) are involved in providing technical and financial support in leprosy and TB control through its projects spread across the country. While support to leprosy control started way back in 1982 through its own project, support to TB control started only in 2003. This study was part of evaluation taken to assess the role of DTST in achieving the planned objectives and to assess the impact of DFIT’s involvement in TB control. To assess the current status of worker safety in DMC/TUs of RNTCP centers in state of Bihar and the role and contribution of DTST in ensuring the same. This cross sectional evaluation study was undertaken in randomly selected 8 DMCs/ TUs in rural areas of two districts of Bihar state in 2007. Evaluation was done using pre-tested observational checklist and personal discussions with key personnel. Evaluation included assessment of role & contribution of DTST with respect to infrastructure & resource availability; Training and capacity building; Practice regarding safe disposal of infected materials & worker safety. Most of the civil works was complete in functional DMC/ TUs visited. Sharp pits for sharp disposal were available in only 50% of DMCs/TUs. Staffing position complete to nearly 80%. DTST role in capacity building training, infrastructure availably and monitoring of the programme has been remarkable. However there is a need to emphasis on importance of the worker safety and universal precautions during training. Effective implementation of clearly laid down National guidelines & policy keeping in lieu of the worker safety is the need of the hour when the programme gets streamlined in the general health system.

Occupational exposures to blood borne pathogens including HIV have been well studied. However, limited studies exist about the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up in Nigeria. The objectives of the study were to describe the characteristics of occupational exposure to HIV, the utilization of post exposure prophylaxis (PEP) among health workers, and the proportion of exposed health workers reporting for follow-up three months after exposure. A cross sectional descriptive study involving ninety three health workers was carried out at a general hospital located in an urban area in North Central zone of Nigeria. A simple random sampling technique was used. The prevalence of occupational exposure, utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up rate were assessed using self administered questionnaire. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and descriptive analysis was carried out. It was reported that, 73.1% of respondents at least one or more occupational exposures to HIV and other blood borne pathogens through accidental needle injury/prick, blood splash on a fresh wound or conjunctiva exposure in the last one year. Needle stick injury occurred in 83.8% of all respondents who had occupational exposures. 8.8% of exposed respondents commenced post exposure prophylaxis with two-thirds completing the post exposure prophylaxis regimen. Only one (25%) of those who completed the regimen reported for follow-up. Occupational exposures to HIV are common among health workers. The rates of utilization of post exposure prophylaxis and follow-up were low. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i1.6635 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 3 No 1 (2013) 11-17

The health care workers should be aware of Universal Work Precaution (UWP) as there is an increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases which is considered mainly due to accidental exposure to blood and body fluids. This study mainly aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and practice of medical students on blood and body fluids at Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates (UAE). The study subjects constituted 212 medical students of academic years 2005 – 2009. A self administered questionnaire was utilized for data collection and analysis was performed using statistical software PASW 17. Results: The participant’s age ranged from 17 to 27 years. A statistically significant association (P

Background: Studies done in the West have shown adverse interaction between highway pollutants on cardio pulmonary health of the people working or residing close to the highways. Therefore a study was undertaken to document the respiratory morbidity among shopkeepers working in shops situated on national highway (NH) 7, Bangalore. Objectives: To study the prevalence of respiratory morbidity among shopkeepers on NH 7. Methodology: Cross sectional study was done among 121 randomly selected shopkeepers working for more than a year in shops located within 100 meter radius of a junction of NH 7, Bangalore. A pre-validated questionnaire was administered to the shopkeepers along with measurement of peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), general physical and systemic examination. Results: Among the study participants, 59.5% was totally asymptomatic and classified as normal. Others were classified as syndrome of cough (32.2%), syndrome of breathlessness (31.4%), syndrome of asthma (12.4%) and syndrome of atopy (23.1%). Conclusions: The prevalence of respiratory morbidity and asthma was found to be significantly higher in shopkeepers near the highway than that of currently established data for residents of urban Bangalore. Presence of asthma in shopkeepers had a significant positive correlation with number of hours per day and years of exposure. Large prospective cohort studies could be undertaken to identify the effect of pollutants on the health of shopkeepers. Strengthening existing legislations could help reduce the effect of pollutants on health of shopkeepers working or residing near highways.

Background: Mining is a hazardous occupation in which workers are exposed to adverse conditions. In India, there are nine working lignite mines, producing about 30 million tons annually. The mines are located in the states of Tamilnadu, Rajasthan and Gujrat. Objective: The present study was carried out in a lignite mine in India to determine the health status of the miners. Methods: 143 workers engaged actively in mining activities were included. The health status of the employees was evaluated by well defined medical questionnaire along with pulmonary function test (PFT) and Audiometry. Result: Findings of the study showed poor literacy rate amongst the miners. Pulmonary impairment was present in 11.88% and noise induced hearing impairment in about 12.15% of the miners. Conclusion: The study findings indicate the need for regular health checkups, health education, personal protective devices and engineering control.

Background: Bacterial communities exist everywhere in the universe so in the caves. Kotumsar cave is the one of the renowned tourist place in India therefore high risk of anthropogenic pressure in this ecological niche. Objective: In the present study some pathogenic and nonpathogenic soil bacterial communities earlier isolated and characterized from different microhabitats of Kotumsar cave have been further confirmed by using serological and molecular technique i.e. applying Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis (ARDRA). Methods: Identified bacterial cultures were re-cultured for 16SrDNA analysis. Cluster analysis was used to analyze the restriction pattern generated by the enzyme by the using NTSYS-pc and UPGMA software and as well serotyping is done by Prescott’s method. Result: Total twelve bacteria were selected for serological and molecular characterization. There were two most suitable enzymes EcoRI and AluI which shows typical molecular characteristics between the similar genuses. Conclusion: This piece of work confirms some pathogenic bacteria in Kotumsar cave’s habitat. Though they are not highly pathogenic but repeated visiting in this cave environment may cause infectivity accordingly proper safety precaution must followed after visiting the cave.

Background: Repetitive handling of heavy concrete blocks has been associated with the risk of low back and shoulder injuries among the masons. Several interventions have been proposed to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders among the masons. A new intervention, a lift-assist handle, was tested in this study. Objective: The effectiveness of the lift-assist handle in masonry work was assessed using the shoulder and low back kinematics during block lifting/lowering tasks performed at two heights. Methods: In a laboratory setting, seven male subjects performed with- and without-lift handle assisted block lifting tasks at two different heights. Optical motion capture system and biomechanical modeling software were used to record and model each dynamic trial. Effect of lifting height and use of a lift-assist handle on range of motion of the shoulder and trunk were tested. Results: The use of lift-assist handle significantly reduced trunk motion and increased shoulder motion. Lifting height had a significant effect on shoulder kinematics only. When height was increased from 17to 29 inches, the ranges of motion of shoulder abduction-adduction and internal rotation significantly increased. Additionally, block lifting/lowering task duration decreased by 26% when the lift-assist handle was used. Conclusions: While potential benefits to lower back health were found with the lift-assist handle, increased shoulder motion may increase the risk of shoulder injuries. The findings of this study emphasize the need for an in-depth analysis of assistive devices prior to implementation to ensure that there are no unintended consequences of their use that could negate their benefit.

Background: The data on coal mine workers was collected from May 2009 to April 2010.Objective:To study the health issues of coal mine workers. Methods: Two types of data were collected. Primary data was obtained through topographic survey and questionnaire while Secondary data about the health issues, medical facilities and other allied facilities of coal mine workers of Baluchistan (pakistan) were collected from; Mine& Mineral department of Quetta, hospitals and medicals facilities in coal mine fields. Three mine fields i.e. Mach, So-range-Degari, and Chamalong coal fields were selected and further subdivided as M1,M2,andM3 at Mach coal field, SD1, SD2 and SD3 at So-range-Degari and C1, C2 and C3 at Chamalong coal field. Results: The average emission of Methane (CH4), Carbon monoxide (CO), and Oxygen (O2) in coal mine fields was 11.8m3/ton, 36ppm and 14% respectively which, exceeded the permissible limits of 1-10m3/ton, 30ppm and 18%. The concentration of coal dust (Carbon and Quartz) was 4-5mg/m3 and 0.35mg/m3 respectively as against the threshold limits of 2mg/m3 and 0.05-0.1 mg/m3 for 8 hours daily and 40 hours/week. Due to high concentration of coal dust the miners experienced headache, irritation in throat, nose and eyes, drowsiness, shortness of breath, nausea, pneumoconiosis, tuberculosis, chronic obstructive bronchitis, heart problems, and other respiratory illnesses. The coal water and slurry was disposed off in an unconfined area causing contamination of drinking water leading to symptoms of indigestion and diarrhea to the miners. Conclusion: Government of Baluchistan and coal mine owners should take concrete steps to improve the adverse health impacts of coal miners.

Background: Occupational dermatitis among cement workers is a major occupational health concern and skin contact with cement has been associated with contact dermatitis, which ranges from cement burns to cumulative irritant contact dermatitis. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of occupational cement contact dermatitis amongst cement workers in Nepal which is the first of its kind. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study amongst patients in construction site and hardware shops within the Kathmandu valley were selected. A structured questionnaire was used to evaluate the demographic data and work-related activities of these cement workers. A complete skin examination was conducted and skin manifestations were assessed by a dermatologist. The data collected was compiled and appropriate statistical tools was used to find out the significance of variables. Result: Out of the total number of workers screened 164/377 (43.50%) had hand contact dermatitis. There were males 148(90.2%) and females16 (9.8%) and the age ranged from 15-51 years ( mean 27.41± 7.68 years).The duration of the disease ranged from 1-360 months (median 36months (IQR=60).The most common site of lesion was palms (62.8%) followed by tip of the fingers in 39.0% patients and the most common morphology of the lesion was erythema seen in 59.1% followed by scaling seen in 51.8 % patients. Conclusion: The issue of contact and irritant hand eczema amongst cement workers in Nepal has had a considerable morbidity. Identification of these patients with adequate treatment, test of the suspected allergens and counseling could further help the patients involved.

Background: Apart from cereal production (rice, wheat, etc.) agricultural labourers are engaged in vegetable cultivation in West Bengal, India. Potato cultivation is one of the important vegetable cultivation in India. The potato cultivation tasks are repetitive in nature and those are carried out mainly by manual efforts. Most of the tasks of potato cultivation are monotonous, strenuous, physiologically demanding as well as time-consuming.Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and postural stress among male workers engaged in different potato cultivation jobs. Methods: The study was conducted on 163 male potato cultivators in different districts of West Bengal state. A modified Nordic Questionnaire and Body Part Discomfort scale were applied to identify MSDs in different body parts. The postural pattern was assessed by direct observation method. The postural stress was analyzed by OWAS, REBA and QEC methods. Result: The results show that the prevalence of MSDs was very high among the workers and the most affected areas were back and upper extremity. Postural analysis indicated that the subjects had to adopt different stressful postures during performing different potato cultivation jobs. During potato harvesting operation the workers were subjected to greater postural stress than that of other tasks.Conclusion: Postural stress might be the reason of the occurrence of MSDs. From this study it has been recommended that workers should avoid bad work postures as far as possible during work for reducing job related health hazards.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 05 – 14

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the socioeconomic, anthropometric status and health morbidity profile of tribal and non tribal female brick-field workers of Paschim Medinipur district. Study design: Assessment of socioeconomic, health and nutritional parameters were done using 300 tribal & non tribal brick-field female workers at the age group of 18-30 years after randomized sampling. Place and duration of study: The study was done in 30 brick-fields located in Paschim Medinipur district of West Bengal in the month of November and December, 2013 for a period of 60 days. Methodology: Through oral questionnaire methods, socioeconomic studies, health morbidity profile and dietary assessments were performed. Anthropometric parameters were measured by the conventional anthropometric methods.Results: From the study it was observed that most of the women workers were illiterate. Female workers of non tribal and tribal groups engaged in this industry were living below the poverty line and the tribal workers showed poor economic status than the non-tribal women workers. The female workers showed significant decrease in height, weight and body mass index, compared to the Indian national standard values. Mid upper arm circumference (MUAC) and waist-hip ratio (WHR) was also significantly lower to the Indian national standard in both age groups of female workers. The intake of energy, protein, carbohydrate carotene, riboflavin, dietary fiber, calcium and iron were significantly lower compared to the standard ICMR RDA. Conclusion: The female workers engaged in brick manufacturing works are mostly illiterate, economically backward, which make them vulnerable to health insecurity. Malnutrition among tribal & non tribal female workers is a problem that has perhaps been under-recognized, and should now take greater priority.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 51 – 57

Background: Cervical dysplasia is a pre malignant condition and cervical cancer is a leading cause of death among women in developing countries. This study was undertaken to coffee plantation workers to assess the prevalence of cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections (RTI) and its associated ethological factors among women aged 40 years and above.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted among female plantation workers aged 40 years and above and employed in coffee estates in Kodagu District, Karnataka, India. The tools in this study included an interview schedule to help collect socio demographic details and the procedures included per vaginal and per speculum examination along with Pap smear test. Results: A total of 141 women aged 40 years and above were screened for cervical dysplasia and reproductive tract infections. The prevalence of cervical dysplasia on Pap smear was seven percent and that of RTI was 12.05%. In this study there was no statistically significant association between cervical dysplasia or RTI with socio demographic variables like age, education, per capita in-come, age at marriage, age at first pregnancy or number of children.Conclusion: The prevalence of cervical dysplasia on Pap smear was seven percent and that of RTI was 12.05%. Regular screening of women in the reproductive age group with Pap smear and prevention and treatment of both partners with RTI may help reduce the chances of developing cervical cancer.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 01 – 04

Background: Obesity is increasingly prevalent in the industrialized world. Obese workers have two times the number of workers’ compensation claims as those of non-obese workers. Worksite interventions may be especially effective because employees spend a large part of their day in the work environment, and both employee and employer have incentives to improve the employees’ health.Objective: To assess the impact of a 4 week employee intervention in participant’s weight, body fat and blood pressure.Methods: This was a pilot study. We assessed feasibility and impact compared to baseline at 4 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months post-program. The primary outcomes were weight and body mass index. Secondary outcomes included percent body fat and blood pressure. Results: Forty participants consented to be part of the study. Baseline weight was 97.8 kg [SD ± 17.05]. Twelve months post-intervention weight loss averaged 2.7 kg [SD ± 6.35]. One-way repeated measures ANOVA showed a significant effect of participation on weight, body mass index, and percent body fat.Conclusion: Significant improvements in the primary outcomes were observed in participants completing our worksite pilot study, indicating that a worksite weight loss intervention is potentially effective.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 44– 50

Background: Industrial noise is usually considered mainly from the point of view of environmental health and safety, rather than nuisance, as sustained exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. Objective: To assess the Noise induced hearing loss in steel factory workers.Methods: It was a cross sectional study done to evaluate the hearing status of factory workers, working nearby a rural hospital, which were then correlated with the duration of work and SPL (in dBA) of exposure at their workplace. Results: In this study, Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) was calculated in the workers by taking the average of the 4 frequencies i.e. 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz and 4000Hz in right and left ear separately. Results showed that 129 (37.83%) workers were having Mild SNHL in Right ear i.e. between 26- 40 dB. 203 (59.54%) of the workers were having normal hearing i.e. hearing loss not exceeding 25 dB. Only 9 (2.63%) workers had moderate (41-60 dB) hearing loss in right ears. Whereas in case of left ears results showed that 145 (42.52%) workers were having Mild SNHL in left ear i.e. between 26- 40 dB. 185 (54.25%) of the workers were having normal hearing i.e. hearing loss not exceeding 25 dB. Only 11 (3.23%) workers had moderate (41-60 dB) hearing loss.Conclusion: Duration of exposure of individuals was found in the range from 6 years to 20 years. Maximum number of workers i.e. 235 (68.92%) were exposed to a time duration of 16 to 20 years followed by 96 (28.15%) who were exposed to 11-15 years. There were 10 (2.93) workers who were having the exposure of 6 to 10 years.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2(2015) 34 – 43

Background: Child malnutrition is one of the most vital global health problems concerning in most of the poor communities leading to high morbidity and mortality. Various studies have highlighted the relation-ship between socioeconomic status and nutrition levels of primary school children. The present study focuses on socioeconomic inequality resulting in risk of malnutrition. Objectives of the Study were to find the Impact of socio-economic factors on nutritional status in primary school children. Methods: A cross sectional survey of 281 children, aged 6-10 years were selected from remote primary school in Purulia were used in the study. the primary schools were randomly selected. The studied variables included; Age, sex of the pupils, parents’ socio-economic status and family size of selected House Holds. Interview of pupils and parents was carried out using prepared Nordic questionnaire template. Weight and height of the children were measured. and Body Mass Index (BMI) was calculated by standard method. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel, SPSS version 8.0 .The chi-square significance of association was deter-mined at Level of significance less than 0.05. Results: The proportion of girls and boys are 55.8% and 44.2% respectively. The nutritional status of children from lower socio economic class was poor as com-pared to their counter parts came from upper socio economic class. Children with BMI 4 as compare to 16.4% in those of House Holds had family size

Background: The golden thread (jori) work is one of the major home based industries providing employment to thousands of artisans spread over several rural areas of the West Bengal. The study is essentially labor intensive and thus workers are prone to suffer from work related health problems. Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and postural stress of the female golden thread workers. Methods: The study was carried on 123 adult female golden thread workers in different districts of West Bengal. The prevalence of MSD, body part discomfort rating (BPD) and postural stress (by OWAS, RULA, REBA method) of the workers were evaluated by standard methods. The EMG of shoulder and back muscle was recorded with the help of the BIOPAC system. Result: The results showed that the prevalence of MSDs, BPD rating and postural stress were comparatively lower in case of sitting on the floor with folded legs than squatting and sitting on the floor with stretched legs. The EMG and RMS values of EMG voltage of shoulder and back muscle were comparatively lower in this posture than that of other two postures. Conclusion: It was therefore, concluded that sitting on the floor with folded legs was less hazardous and it imposed less postural stress in comparison to other sitting postures adopted by the golden thread workers.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 24 – 33

Background: Agricultural work is subject to the health risks inherent to a rural environment and at the same time to those deriving from the specific work process involved. India being a country of agriculture, majority of its population is engaged in agriculture based activities in a varied manner either directly or indirectly. This sector of activity being most unorganized, very little attention has been given to the occupational health problems of these workers; though the need of investigation and intervention towards these problems has repeatedly been mentioned. Objective: 1)To find out the demographic distribution of agriculture related mechanical health hazards 2)To find out the magnitude of agriculture related mechanical health hazards 3) To find out the protective measures being used by the agricultural workers for the prevention of mechanical health hazards. 4) To give the necessary recommendations for the prevention of mechanical health hazards. Methods: It is a Cross-Sectional study. The study was conducted from the period of June 2009 to December 2011.. Data Collection: A pilot study was conducted on 10 patients. Data collection was done through asking questionnaire from the patients/relatives (AWs); clinical examination and clinical case records of the patients. Analysis of Data: Data was analyzed in the form of percentage (%) and presented in the tabular form. Chi- square (χ2) test was applied as a test of significance with the help of statistical software SPSS statistics (version- 17)Results: Out of total 53 cases 42 (79.25) were males and 11(20.75) were females. Majority (75.48%) of the respondents were hired laborers followed by own land workers (24.52%). Males (79.25%) were more addicted than females(20.75%). Majority of the cases were due to equipment/ instrument induced (64.15%), followed by animal induced (35.85%) injuries. It was revealed that maximum number of the cases (83.02%)were not using PPE and only 16.98% were using any kind of PPE.International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 4 No 2 (2014) 19– 23

Correction: On 2nd January 2018, the following authors were added to the online version of this article: Corinne Peek-Asa, Tracy Young and Nina Jovanović. They were always on the PDF of the article. The editor apologises for this error.Background: Professional exposures of health care workers (HCW) to potentially infective blood and body fluids presents a serious health threat, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV transmission. This study was conducted to assess the risk for and reporting of needlestick injuries, sharp injuries and other occupational exposures of health care workers in a large healthcare center in Sarajevo.Methods: This cross-sectional survey was conducted in May 2013. The study target population included all hospital health care workers who had a high potential for exposure. The estimated sample size was 48 physicians, 132 nurses/technicians and 30 auxiliary personnel. Results: During their career, 124 (63.3%) HCW reported exposures to blood and body fluids. In total, needle stick injuries (66.1%) were the most common source of exposure, followed by contact with intact skin (12.1%) and cut with sharp object (11.3%). Only 43 (35.5%) reported any of these exposures to health authorities during their career. The odds of exposure to needle stick injuries and other occupational exposures to blood and bodily fluids were significantly higher among medical nurses/techicians (AOR=4.98, 95%CI=1.52-16,1) and auxillary (AOR=4.30, 95%CI=1.07-17.34) personnel when compared to physicians. HCW in the operation room, intervention ambulance and laboratory (AOR=3.73, 95%CI=1.43-9.72) had higher odds of exposure than workers in the ambulatory departments.Conclusions: Needlestick Injuries, Sharp Injuries and other Occupational Exposures to Blood and Body Fluids among health care workers are underestimated hazard. Especialy, for HCW who work in operation room/interventional ambulance. There is a need for preventive programs for HCW and further work on the establishment of an effective surveillance system.

Background- Close association with animals makes zookeepers a high risk group for suffering from various zoonotic diseases. Thus, it is important that they are able to protect themselves from these diseases and injuries through prevention awareness. Objective- To study the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding health hazards among animal handlers in zoological gardens. Materials and Methods- A questionnaire based cross-sectional study conducted in the National Zoological Park, New Delhi, India involving all 66 employees, including 49 who were directly involved in taking care of animals. Result- About 86% of the total participants perceived a risk of suffering from disease or injury due to animal handling. Allergies, tuberculosis and bird flu were commonly perceived risks from animal handling. Majority (69.7%) suggested isolation of animals with infectious diseases. About 65% and 37% were vaccinated for tetanus and rabies respectively. Headache (83.3%), itching (80.3%) and vomiting (77.3%) were the most commonly stated symptoms of zoonotic diseases. While handling animals 59.2% had at least once got injured, after which they were mostly taken to the doctor (79.3%). Only 24.5% had attended training program on zoonotic diseases. Conclusion- There were many lacunae in the knowledge and practices of animal handlers regarding prevention, control and treatment of zoonotic disease and injuries due to animal handling. Training sessions for prevention of zoonotic diseases and injuries are absent. It is important that these issues are addressed promptly and adequately. Also, such study must be conducted in other zoos as situation analysis activity to plan training programmes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.9146

Mucoceles are benign, mucus-containing cystic lesions of the minor salivary glands. They are not true cysts since most of them lack an epithelial lining. These lesion occur most commonly in the lower lip. This case report presents two cases of mucocele on the lower and upper lips. This lesion was diagnosed based on history, clinical finding and histopathological examination. The excision of the lesion was planed using diode laser. After re-evaluation of both the patients healing was satisfactory.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12167

Objective: Health is nothing but a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing not merely the absence of disease. Health depends on life style and requires the promotion of healthy life style. Health is both a consequence of an individual’s life style and factors in determining it. Working pattern or type of work has long been known to influence human health specially. The present study was under taken to evaluate the body status and physiological stress and occupational health hazards of the female workers.Methods: According to the work load the working group was classified in to low physical work group (LPWG) and the moderate type of physical work group (MPWG). Eighty women (forty in each group), excluding pregnant women, were selected from the municipal area of Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India, aged between 20 to 40 years. The anthropometric measurement and skin fold thickness were taken, from which the body mass index (BMI) and fat percentage were determined. The blood pressure of all the subjects was taken by mercury sphygmomanometer at resting condition. The occupational health hazards were determined by questionnaire technique.Result: The result indicates that the MPWG workers suffer in significantly (p

Introduction: Occupational factors may be considered responsible for dental erosion among battery factory workers since they were exposed to sulfuric acid fumes created by the harmful processes known as forming and charging.Methods: A sample consisted of 138 battery factory workers (85 acid exposed workers and 53 controls) drawn as a convenient sample from 3 different battery factories of Mandideep, India. A pre-tested proforma, completed by interview, was used to collect information on medical and dental histories. Clinical examination of battery factory workers was done to assess dental erosion using tooth wear index given by Smith and Knight. Data related to dental erosion score of acid worker and control group was compared using Mann Whitney U test. Categorical data was analyzed by chi-square test.Results: The battery factory workers showed a propensity for higher erosion scores. The result of present survey showed a total of 74 percent of acid exposed workers had erosion compared to 37.7 percent of the controls. Statistical difference in erosion scores between acid exposed group and control group was found significant (p value

Background: Candida albicans is the commonly associated species with oral lesions, but other Candida spp., such as C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, and C. dubliniensis have also been isolated from the human saliva, even irrespective to the oral candidiasis. Candidal colonization has also been documented from subgingival plaque of adults with periodontitis.Objective: Nowadays there is a great demand of natural herbal medicines. For a Diabetic person having Periodontitis, the use antifungal drugs are must. Therefore the antifungal capacity of the commonly used drug and herbs has been evaluated.Methods: For the study, the patients were screened and categorised into two study and one control group, having 20 patients in each group, on the basis of their respective Blood Glucose level and Dental status using standard clinical parameters. Oral rinse of 60 patients including both gender were selected from the Out Patient Department of Periodontitis, Rungta College of Dental Sciences and Research, Chhattisgarh. Chrome Candida Agar Media was used to identify Candida albicans and NAC. In vitro tests of the effectiveness of selected antimycotic agents against test candidal isolates recovered from the patient were performed to check the efficacy of the antifungal agents by the Kirby-Bauer Disc Diffusion method.Result: We found that by the use of this chromogenic media most of the commonly recovered NAC can be easily distinguished as each species produced the widest range of colours and morphologies. The herbal extracts Aloe Vera and Garlic failed to inhibit the growth of the candidal species but Neem, Meetha Neem, Triphala, Tulsi showed sensitivity to varying degree. Now a day there are much popularity of using herbal products, having its extracts incorporated in the cosmetics and other products used by humans.Conclusion: We conducted the sensitivity check of the candidal isolates against the dental dentrifices and found that however all the toothpastes contained herbal extracts capable of destroying bacteria but it did not showed good results against candidal species except the Patanjali Toothpaste. This may be due the fact that Patanjali Dant Kanti Dental Cream has the combination of all the herbal extract mixed altogether. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.12164

Poor occupational health and safety damages many lives and livelihoods which impedes economic growth. Poor and unsafe work conditions are both a cause and consequence of extreme poverty. Both reinforce each other negatively. The significance of occupational health and safety is particularly strong in countries like Bangladesh where it is not addressed or explored much. This study focuses on urban and peri-urban Bangladesh drawing from: 15 Life History (LH) interviews with people who became disabled during work, 10 in-depth interviews with vulnerable workers in high risk environments; and key informant interviews (KII) with five senior management officials in high risk workplaces. Other studies have also been consulted on occupation safety in rural and urban Bangladesh. Findings confirm that extreme poor people are not only disproportionately drawn into high risk and unhealthy jobs but also the accidents and health problems that arise from these jobs exacerbate poverty. Employers were found to be reluctant to take responsibility for workers and any support offered to injured workers was mainly done out of charity. Sub-contracting was found to be potentially harmful practice of the business/industry owners which makes workers more vulnerable. The paper concludes that occupational health and safety in Bangladesh should be a higher priority in discussions of extreme poverty, its consequences and its solutions.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10654

Introduction: Hospital cleaning job is outsourced to companies that employ unskilled cleaners. Despite the importance of hospital cleaners little attention is paid to the work place hazards they are exposed to.Objective: This study therefore aimed at determining the prevalence of and factors associated with occurrence of work related hazards among hospital cleaners at Federal Medical Centre, Owo, Ondo State, Nigeria.Methods: A cross-sectional study of 249 hospital cleaning staff was conducted. A semi-structured interviewer administered questionnaires were used to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics and work place related hazards. Descriptive statistics were done and associations were explored with the chi square test at 5% level of significance.Result: The mean age of respondent was 34 ± 7 years, (range 20 - 60 years), 142(57.0%) attended secondary school. In all, 67.7% of the cleaners spent less than 8 hours at work daily. Chemical hazards affected 79.1% females compared to 57.9% of the males (p=0.03). Also, 60% of those with primary education had mechanical hazards compared to 39.1% of those with tertiary education. (p=0.02). Mechanical hazards occur in 53.8% cleaners sitting for < 5hours compared to 38.1% sitting ≥ 5hours at work daily (p=0.03). Hazards of greatest concern were dust 13.3%, and insect bite 4.8%. Respondents were exposed to physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological hazards. Low income was a major source of concern to 80% of them.Conclusion: Various forms of hazards were reported by the cleaners studied. Research examining ways to reduce it should be done. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10083

Introduction: Construction sector is one among the largest employers in India. Most of the construction workers are migrants susceptible to occupational health hazards. Construction workers are exposed to a variety of dust and chemicals that may pose a risk to the respiratory system. There is paucity of data on the respiratory function of construction workers in India. Objectives: The objectives were to assess the respiratory function of construction workers and to study possible factors associated with the respiratory function of these construction workers. Methodology: A cross sectional study was conducted among 197 workers in a construction company in Bangalore Urban district from November - December 2010. The study tools were an interview schedule to study the respiratory function and possible associated factors and clinical examination which included anthropometry (height, weight) and Wright’s mini peak flow meter to measure peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The data was analyzed using standard statistical software. Results: Among male workers, the mean PEFR was 457.43 l/min (SD 65.38 l/min) while among female workers, the mean PEFR was 326 l/min (SD 46.95 l/min). Respiratory function as measured by peak flow meter was decreased in 127 (64.5%) workers. The current reported tobacco smoking was 41.2% (77) among 187 males. Only 3 (1.5%) workers reported to use of face mask. There was no significant association (p>0.05) between respiratory function, and duration of work more than a year at construction company, use of face mask or smoking. Conclusion: This preliminary study revealed that the respiratory function among the workers was decreased. More precise studies with population control matched for age using pulmonary function tests are needed to assess the findings of the study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v4i1.10000

Background: Working environment is one of the factors which can determine public health conditions as many workers spend a large portion of their time at work.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and characteristics of occupational injury among workers in Kombolcha textile factory, North East Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April1-15, 2013 among 455 randomly selected workers after stratification by working departments. A structured questionnaire based interview, review of records of injury report and walk through survey using work environment observation checklist were used to support the self-reported information. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis using SPSS version 20.Results: The overall occupational injury prevalence rate was 36.9%. Puncture, abrasion/laceration, fracture, cut and back pain were the most common types of injury. Most of the sources of injury were due to machinery, lifting heavy objects, splinters, fall and hand tools.Conclusion: The magnitude of occupational injury at Kombolcha textile industry showed a high prevalence that indicates the need to work on integrated injury prevention by mainstreaming occupational health and safety procedures in all working departments of the factory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.8381

Background: Motor three-wheel drivers provide an important means of transportation in Sri Lanka, comprising 15% of motorized road vehicles. Although three-wheel driving is a widespread occupation for Sri Lankan men, little is known about their general health or risk factors.Objectives: This paper investigates chronic illnesses and risk factors for such illnesses in a sample of 33 three-wheel drivers in Galle, Sri Lanka.Methods: A qualitative investigation was conducted between June and August 2012. 20 three-wheel drivers participated in 60-minute semi-structured interviews, and 13 participated in semi- structured focus groups related to their work-related health concerns.Results: Illness reported included musculoskeletal pain, hypercholesteremia, hypertension, and diabetes. Participants identified work-related stress and substance abuse as risk factors.Conclusions: Participants described a cycle of work related stress, substance use, and chronic illness. Community-based education on the risks of substance use and alternative means of coping may be an effective intervention for these workers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.7662

Background: Ever since the beginning of the universe mankind had struggled constantly for their livelihood, Moradabad is branded as the “Brass city” of India, which comprises of a large number of populations working in different industries. Objective: To assess and compare the oral health status of workers employed in brass industries with non industrial workers of Moradabad city. Material and Methods: A total of 500 workers from each group aged 30-50 with 5 years working experience were selected through random sampling. Type III examination was performed by recording who oral health assessment form. To compare the proportion chi-square test was used. Mean values were compared using students t-test. SPSS version 15.0 was used for statistical analyses. Results: The prevalence of dental caries as Mean DMFT score was significantly higher in Non Industrial Group i.e. 3.57±2.74 while it was 2.88±2.14 in brass workers. Periodontal diseases were higher among production workers that belong to brass industries. The prevalence of Oral Mucosal Lesions was significantly higher among Production Workers. Bleeding was more pronounced in general population but calculus and pockets were seen more in brass workers. The requirement of prosthetic status was also more prevalent among industry subjects. Conclusion: The Oral health status of Brass Industry Workers was relatively poor with poor periodontal health when compared to General Population. Further studies of oral occupational disease should be conducted in order to check or confirm previous reports and to discover possible manifestations arising in new industries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6312

Noise and vibration can be the cause of serious disturbance and inconvenience to anyone exposed to them and in certain circumstances noise and vibration can be a serious hazard to health, causing permanent damage to hearing system. Noise exposure levels of construction workers are difficult to determine due to the day to-day variation in occupation and shift length of each worker and the itinerant and seasonal nature of the job. Nevertheless, it is clear that the construction worker is exposed to very high sound levels for considerable lengths of time. Different types and sizes of equipment's, machineries and tools are used by construction industries. Diesel Generator for power is a very important one among the equipment used in the construction industries, used in large numbers and as clusters and also located very near to the work area. The noise level produced by these generators is much higher than the permissible limit. But the construction work group took very little effort to avoid or minimize this noise level to permissible level. Many people even though they may not need electricity for their work got in and exposed in this zone of danger. At this site eight generators have been used by various working groups. This paper assesses the potential noise impacts associated with power generators used in construction activities of the DCT project site and the effective steps to control this noise. A 12-hour noise survey was conducted to establish background noise levels in the project area. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6145

Background: Plantation industries in India employ over 1 million people and are among the largest private employers in India. Plantations employ both skilled and un-skilled labour’s. The risks of occupational accidents are higher among this population due to the unfavorable working conditions.Objectives: To study the profile of occupational accidents and to describe the time trend of these occupational accidents. To assess changes if any in the profile of occupational accidents reporting to a rural plantation hospital over the last decade.Methodology: A descriptive hospital record review of all the patients presenting with occupational accident from January 2008 to December 2009.Results: 439 patients were registered with history of accidents; among them 196 were occupational accidents. Majority of the victims of the accident were in the age group of 21 – 40 years and were among males. Most common type and site of injuries were superficial injuries on the upper limbs. There is no significant change in the profile on occupational accidents over the last decade. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6138

Safety climate scrutiny has been given attention by the organization in increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to determine the relationship between safety climate construct factors and safety climate. Safety climate measurement as developed by Vinodkumar and Bashi was used and distributed to the selected respondents in the national automotive manufacturing plant. Internal consistency of six safety construct factors and correlation between safety construct factors and safety climate were validated using reliability analysis and Pearson correlation, respectively. The survey instrument scores had acceptable overall internal consistency (a = 0.913). The correlation analysis indicated that only two factors in safety construct factors have significant with safety climate. Both factors are enforcement of regulation and procedure of safety and safeness of work environment. The finding of this study provides a useful framework for the organization in practicing safety climate. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.6101

Brick manufacturing is a labor intensive informal industry using child workers as the major work force in Nepal. Workers are required to use physical strength, carry heavy loads and remain in a squatted posture for longer periods doing repetitive tasks posing threats to musculoskeletal system. This study involved cross sectional study of children aged 17 years and below. The study respondent included 101 cases and 64 controls in Bhaktapur and 97 cases and 43 controls in Sarlahi. Lack of adequate physical infrastructures, poor working conditions with non existent safety procedures have posed risk to physical, metal and overall well being of children. The study identifies work related physical ailments and discomforts dominate brick industries of Nepal. The musculoskeletal disorder related pain and discomfort was experienced by 73 per cent of working children in Bhaktapur and 58 per cent in Sarlahi. The odds ratio suggests that working children were 8 times more likely to experience trouble or body pain compared to non-working children. This study finds that presence of inferior physical environment, working conditions and practices has contributed to musculoskeletal injuries and problems exposing working children to risks and hazards. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.10271

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.10270

Background: Work related musculoskeletal disorders are a common cause of pain in female workers in brick manufacturing industries involved in sorting and stacking process. Objective: This study aims to categorize the component of neuropathic and/or nociceptive pain with reference to chronic low back pain, its probable causes and its impact on functional variables like hand grip strength, number of man days lost etc. Methods: Female subjects [n=220] in the age range of 28-45 years from different brick fields of Hooghly and Birbhum district of West Bengal ,India with a work experience of more than 10 years participated in this study. Pain categorization was done by PAIN DETECT TOOL .Hand Grip dynamometry done to evaluate grip strength. NIOSH equation was used to standardize RWL. Results: It showed that pain/discomfort was mainly at the low back(90%),neck(72%) and wrist(62%).72% of workers had a pain of >20 in the pain scale of the pain detect tool & 80% of workers were not satisfied with treatments with analgesics/antipyretics which indicate the involvement of neuropathic component of pain in them. The impact of pain was revealed on functional and productivity endpoints like reduced grip strength which also lead to absenteeism, loss of average man days[4.5/month] , injuries[in 33% of workers] and monotony[85% workers] Conclusion: The probable cause of the chronic low back pain may be due to radiculopathy from repetitive lifting of bricks over and above the Recommended Weight Limit [Lifting Index 1.8].DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6597 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 38-43

Background: Mining is an ancient occupation, long recognized as being arduous and liable to injury and disease. The lifecycle of mining consists of exploration, mine development, mine operation, decommissioning and land rehabilitation. Objective: To explore the prevalence characteristics and influence factors related to the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders of underground coalminers in Eastern Coalfield mines. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 55 coalminers from Saatgram Project, Raniganj, Eastern Coalfields, modified Nordic Questionnaire was performed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the occupational factors and their work related musculoskeletal disorders. Results: In this study 36 out of 55 miners (65.45%) complained about the development of musculoskeletal disorders at different body parts. The maximum pain was identified at lower back. The presence of lower back pain was observed among 58.18% of miners. The prevalence of pain in different body sites of the miners increased significantly with their ages. According to the present study, the repetitive operations and awkward postures were the risk factors for the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders in neck, shoulder and upper limbs; moreover, the repetitive operation of moving heavy substances and stooping postures continuously were related significantly – with the development of lower back pain at lower limbs due to the long standing awkward posture. Conclusion: It may be concluded from the above study that Eastern Coalfield miners are suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders. This condition may be rectified by changing working postures or by implementation of ergonomically designed tools and machineries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6596 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 34-37

Background: Several risk factors are associated with cardiopulmonary stress of industrial workers. Most important factors are job strain, job demand, physical effort, work station environment etc. In India, study on occupational cardiopulmonary stress among china clay miners is scanty. Objectives: The present study was aimed to evaluate the cardiopulmonary stresses of the china clay mine workers. Methods: The investigation was carried out on male workers from different china clay mines in the Birbhum district, West Bengal. The cardiovascular stress was evaluated by noting pulse rate of the subjects both during rest and during performance of different types of mine tasks. The cardiovascular stress index (CSI) was evaluated in different mine task. The work rest cycle of different china clay mine tasks was analyzed by video-photographic method. Different pulmonary function parameters, viz, FVC, FEV1, FER and PEF were measured by a digital spirometer to assess the severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Results: The results showed that the working pulse rate and CSI vary with different mine task. It was highest in subjects carrying china clay by head mode. The magnitude of CSI was found to vary with the change of work time and the rest time among the workers. Pulmonary function parameters of china clay mine workers were significantly lower (P

Background: Cycle Rickshaw is a human-powered transportation device. A large number of people remain engaged in the occupation of pulling cycle rickshaw. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to assess nutritional status of the cycle rickshaw pullers and their workload by working heart rate and energy expenditure. Methods and Materials: Eighteen rickshaw pullers and eleven control subjects were selected after clinical examination. Subjects were asked to pull the rickshaw in two phases - phase 1 (before lunch) and phase 2 (after lunch) each of 3 cycles of 15 min duration each followed by 15 min rest with two passengers. Heart rate was recorded continuously using a heart rate monitor. Average working heart rate (AWHR), peak working heart rate (PWHR) and energy expenditure (EE) were calculated. Maximal heart rate (HRmax) was also recorded in the laboratory. The control subjects were allowed to work in a cycle ergometer in the laboratory. Results: There was no significant difference between the mean values of rickshaw pullers and those of control subjects in relation to age, BMI, fat% and HRmax (beats/min). The AWHR, PWHR and EE values of rickshaw pullers showed the workload as ‘heavy’ to ‘very heavy’ category. Conclusion: The result of the study will be beneficial for cycle rickshaw pullers, health administrators and manufacturers of cycle rickshaw.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6567 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 23-26

Background: The job challenges faced by healthcare unit personnel are psychological, temporal and physically demanding. Studies on psychological stress on nurses are available but unfortunately studies on physiological load or temporal analysis of tasks of nurses or attendants in general hospitals in India have not been reported so far. Objective: The study aims at evaluating the perception of workload in different shifts among healthcare unit personnel and to develop better ergonomic management protocols. Participants: The study population comprised 150 staff nurses and 175 attendants working in three government hospitals in West Bengal, India. Method: The amount of time spent by nurses and attendants performing different tasks were recorded throughout the shifts using an activity analysis chart along with perceived exertion rating and heart rate throughout the shifts. Results: About 26.8% of the total working time throughout the day was spent in “direct care”. In case of general duty attendants 24.4% of the duty time was spent in indirect care. Time spent in different tasks differed by shifts. More leisure time occurs in the night shift compared to the morning and afternoon shifts but duration of shift was longer (11 to 12 hours). Perceived exertion rating of healthcare unit personnel in night shift was more compared to other shifts but physiological response did not reflect that. Conclusion: There were temporal variations of job demand in healthcare units. So, ergonomic orientation of layouts of departments, arrangement of activities, ergonomic way of keeping the records and use of proper communication system, recommended reducing the stress of healthcare unit personnel.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6566 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 14-22

Background: The occupational health status scenario in unorganised sector is not impressive. There is a lack of awareness on occupational health and safety issues and manual labour is still obligatory. Ergonomic and work physiological studies conducted among different unorganised sector occupations are scanty. Aims and Objective: The present study intended a physiological evaluation of workload in small scale aluminium casting works. In accordance, cardiac strain of the workers is assessed in actual work situation. Methods: Seventeen regular male workers (mean age 32.6 ± 10.9; range 22 – 55) years, were examined for the magnitude of physiological strain. Different tasks performed were identified including work and rest hours. Working heart rate, net cardiac cost, relative cardiac cost and recovery heart rates were determined. Tasks performed were analysed in terms of heaviness, recommended strain level and thermal stress of the workplace. Results: Work study revealed the predominant static nature of the tasks performed. Overall strain of the job appeared to be moderate in nature with mean working heart rate of 99 ± 5.2 beats/min. Recovery patterns were inadequate for majority of the workers. Thermal stress prevailing was more than the recommended level. Conclusion: The subjects were exposed to cumulative circulatory stress which might have deleterious long term effect particularly on older workers. Interventions are required to ameliorate ergonomic stressors, which indicate further scope of study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6565 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 8-13

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6564 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 1-2