Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons^™

Enhancing Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention: The Role Of Hand Hygiene, Ppe, Isolation, And Vaccination Education, Kaitlyn N. Rollo

Aurora

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a significant threat to patient safety in hospital environments. These infections are often linked to lapses in infection prevention protocols, including inadequate hand hygiene, improper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and insufficient isolation procedures. This project aimed to evaluate compliance with infection control policies and identify areas for improvement at Lima Memorial Hospital. By focusing on auditing, education, and data analysis, the goal was to reduce HAI rates and strengthen overall infection prevention practices.

Methods included a comprehensive review of existing hospital infection prevention policies, followed by hand hygiene and PPE audits across the hospital’s …

Enhancing Safety In Healthcare Construction: A Comprehensive Training Program On Managing Construction Dust, Melissa Nalath

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

In healthcare settings, construction activity poses significant risks due to the formation and release of construction dust containing allergens, pathogens, and toxic substances. This culminating project will develop a comprehensive training course for contractors to mitigate these risks while ensuring the safety of patients, employees, and construction workers. The training programs will raise awareness of the health risks associated with construction dust and educate contractors on proper dust handling techniques and ensure compliance with relevant regulations. Key elements such as containment, ventilation, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) use will be emphasized. The program will also underscore the potential for …

Mental Health Crisis Of Medical Staffs During The Pandemic – How Has The Covid-19 Impacted Health Care Workers’ Mental Status, Yue Chen

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

The COVID-19 pandemic has waged a relentless battle against humanity, but amidst the physical toll lies a hidden front: the war on the mental health of our healthcare workers (HCWs).

Previous reviews have demonstrated a potential prevalence of mental health problems among HCWs, but these reviews necessitate updating and inclusion of more studies, along with a comparative analysis of pre- and post-pandemic backgrounds. Therefore, the aim of my study is to deliver updated prevalence estimates for mental health concerns among HCWs in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The results show not only a drastic increase in the percentage of …

Beyond The Label: Understanding And Addressing Occupational Stigma In Psychiatry, Mahesh Vasudevan, Madeeha Sheriff

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction:Stigma is a social classification that devalues individuals or groups, and occupational stigma targets entire professions. Psychiatry is particularly affected, often viewed by the public and medical community as lacking scientific rigor and prestige. This negative perception has far-reaching consequences.

Methods:A narrative literature review was conducted to explore the scope, sources, and impact of occupational stigma toward psychiatrists. Peer-reviewed articles and professional resources published between 2002 and 2023 were selected based on relevance to psychiatric stigma, education, and public perception. Databases searched included PubMed, Google Scholar, and professional association websites using keywords such as “psychiatry stigma” and “psychiatrist …

Cocreating A Programme To Prevent Injuries And Improve Performance In Australian Police Force Recruits: Consumer, Industry Partner And Researcher Involvement Protocol, Myles Calder Murphy, Andrea R. Bruder, Vanessa R. Sutton, Garth M. Allen, Andrea C.M. Mosler, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Evert L. Verhagen, Joanne Kemp, Caroline Jones, Joletta Belton, Debra Langridge

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We are conducting a research program to cocreate, implement and evaluate an injury prevention intervention for the Western Australia (WA) Police Force Recruit Training Academy. This programme of research has three primary phases: (1) cocreate an injury prevention intervention for the WA Police Force with WA Force recruits, WA Police Force staff, health professionals and injury prevention experts, (2) implement the injury prevention intervention into WA Police Force Recruit training and (3) evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the injury prevention intervention. Our research programme includes the involvement of consumers, industry partners and researchers. To ensure collaboration …

Preventing The Strain: An Educational Program To Address Upper Extremity Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders In The Beauty Industry, Stacy Bello, Rebecca King

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

The program aims to enhance the safety and health of beauty professionals by addressing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD). The educational program seeks to reduce injuries in the beauty industry by teaching ergonomic practices and joint protection strategies, which include the development of seminars targeted at cosmetology and esthetics students, as well as working professionals, with a strong emphasis on understanding body mechanics and ergonomic principles. Feedback from beauty professionals highlighted common WRMSD conditions and the critical need for preventative education and advocacy for care. The educational program strives to create a safer working environment that benefits beauty service providers throughout …

I Worked In A Building That Was Not Accessible And That's Too Bad, Aaron Donaldson

Toyon: Multilingual Literary Magazine

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Changes To International Commission On Radiological Protection Models On Occupational Thorium Ore Dust Intake, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Workers involved in mining and processing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) are potentially exposed to dust containing alpha particle emitters. The objective of this study is to summarize the key impacts of the latest International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) biokinetic model for thorium ore dust intake and to identify model parameters that require further investigation. The dosimetric significance of thorium ore dust exposure has varied widely over time owing to progressive changes in the inhalation dose coefficients. These changes had a significant influence on radiation protection practices in the Western Australian mineral sand industry, including research initiatives and implementation …

Violence Against Healthcare Workers In Kenya: A Cross-Sectional Sub-Analysis Of The Global Vishwas Study, Reena Shah, Jasmit Shah, Rakhtan K. Qasba, Ruman K. Qasba, Annastacia Mbithi, Eric Njenga, Akshat Banga, Rahul Kashyap, Salim Surani

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Background: Global concern exists for workplace violence against healthcare workers (HCWs), especially in low and middle-income nations. This violence includes physical, verbal, or sexual abuse and has a significant impact despite initiatives like Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. We conducted a study in Kenya to address this issue.

Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey that collected responses during June 6th to August 9th, 2022, focused on healthcare professionals in Kenya within the global ViSHWaS study. Violence against healthcare professionals in multiple Kenyan counties was analysed, The study reached participants through social media, emails, and other channels using a …

Analysis Of Nuclear Security And Safety Integration Using Survey Responses And Pairwise Comparison Methods, Sheila V. Gbormittah, Theodore A. Thomas, Jason Timothy Harris

International Journal of Nuclear Security

Integrating nuclear security and safety is important for implementing and sustaining nuclear technology because it promises improved and effective management. This integration is an ongoing effort to ensure that both work together with minimal conflicts. This research aimed to determine the preferred level at which nuclear security and nuclear safety integrate by using the pairwise comparison methods of decision-making. This methodology used survey responses from women nuclear professionals to identify the most-desired criteria at three levels: strategic, operational, and cultural. The strategic level includes actions that government officials and regulators can take. The operational level encompasses actions that deliver the …

Personal Decontamination Of Copper Oxide Powder As A Radiological Surrogate On Ambulatory Patients In Arctic Environments: Assessing Residual Airborne Risks After Air Shower Or Vacuum Decontamination Of A Manikin, Quinn G. Pelichoff

Theses and Dissertations

This study assessed air-based decontamination methods for treating patients exposed to dry radiological contamination while minimizing reaerosolization during disrobing, particularly in extreme cold environments. A full-size manikin,  simulating an able-bodied Airman, was dressed in military-issue extreme cold weather gear and coated with 28 grams of Copper Oxide. The manikin underwent one of three treatments: HEPA vacuuming, a mobile personal air shower, or no treatment (control). After treatment, researchers removed the uniform and used optical particle counters to measure airborne dust concentrations that could pose risks during disrobing. Each method was tested ten times (30 trials total). Statistical analyses (ANOVA, Tukey’s …

Exposures Of Western Australian Wildland Firefighters: Insights From Real-Time Monitoring, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Inhalation of bushfire smoke is a risk to the health of firefighters, particularly across Australia where bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense. This study aimed to use real-time monitoring devices to assess the particle and chemical exposures of Western Australian firefighters during prescribed burns and bushfires. Methods: Participants included volunteer bushfire firefighters and forestry firefighters. Real-time gas and particulate monitors were used across nine unique fire events to evaluate the occupational exposures of firefighters. Findings: Firefighters (n = 40) were exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), particularly PM10, with concentrations varying widely between individuals and events. …

Thorium Ore Dust Research Applicable To Mineral Sands Industry Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, M. I. Ralph, M. Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historically, radiation exposure to mineral sands workers arose primarily from intake of thorium associated with monazite dust generated in mineral separation plants. Research investigations in the 1990s provided greater insight into the characteristics of inhaled thorium ore dust and bioassay studies inferred that some workers had accumulated significant lung burdens of thorium. Recent changes to biokinetic models have increased the radiation dose assessed to arise from thorium intake, raising questions on the appropriateness of current assumptions used in exposure assessment and feasibility of further bioassay research. Past radiation research undertaken in the Western Australian mineral sands industry is summarised and …

Musculoskeletal Injury In Australian Infantry Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study To Understand Prevention Priorities, Joanne Stannard, Caroline Finch, Paula Dabovich, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Musculoskeletal injury patterns are under-investigated in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Subsequently, more evidence is needed to support injury prevention processes in this population. One difficulty in collecting injury information to monitor injury patterns within combat populations accurately is known injury concealment behaviors in such populations. This study aims to examine musculoskeletal injury epidemiology within Australian infantry battalions using a tailored approach to mitigate reporting avoidance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey captured musculoskeletal injury information directly from personnel serving within 2 Australian infantry battalions. The survey requested information on participants’ injury frequency in …

Thorium Bioassay Of Miners Revisited, Gregory Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to revisit previous in-vitro thorium studies on workers and reevaluate their significance against the current International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) models for thorium intake. Thorium concentrations in the urine and blood serum of Western Australian mineral sands workers had previously been interpreted using biokinetic models recommended by the ICRP. These findings revealed significant inconsistencies with those of other monitoring methods, including in-vivo lung counting and personal air sampling. Data on thorium concentrations in the urine and blood serum of workers and their exposure records were extracted from the previously published research and assessed using the Taurus …

Evaluating Dry Air Personnel Decontamination Of Methyl Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate In Extreme Cold Environments To Reduce Airborne Risks Using A Manikin, Lance E. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigated a mobile air shower as an alternative to water washing for personnel chemical decontamination in Arctic environments, where traditional methods like disrobing and rinsing are impractical. Interest in Arctic operations has grown with recent U.S. military focus on strategic advancements by Russia and China, yet research on air shower effectiveness for chemical decontamination remains limited. This study examined whether a commercial off-the-shelf air shower could effectively decontaminate methyl salicylate (MES), a surrogate for chemical warfare blister agents, from a manikin outfitted in military cold-weather gear. Researchers used a ppbRAE 3000 photo-ionization detector to measure MES concentrations following …

Air-Based Chemical Patient Decontamination Methodologies For Arctic Regions Using Methly Salicylate As A Chemical Agent Surrogate On A Litter-Bound Manikin, Marcus D. Shadd

Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluated a mobile air shower for patient decontamination without disrobing or rinsing, an alternative for Arctic conditions where water is scarce. A manikin in extreme cold weather gear was exposed to 10 µL of methyl salicylate (MeS), a sulfur mustard surrogate, and placed in a horizontal chamber on a military litter. Airborne MeS was measured using a ppbRAE 3000 detector to assess inhalation risk for the patient and decontamination team. Three methods were tested: an air-knife system, paper towels, and no decontamination, with 10 trials each (30 total). ANOVA analysis showed significant reductions in airborne MeS with air-knife …

Retrospective Cohort Study Of Pure Tone Audiometry Hearing Changes Associated With Ototoxic Metals And Solvents, Continuous Noise And Impulse Noise Exposures At Robins Air Force Base From 2001-2019, Ronald Diaz Cataldo Ramos

Theses and Dissertations

Utilizing DOEHRS-IH and DOEHRS-HC, a retrospective epidemiological study was performed on Robins AFB personnel to investigate relative risks of hearing loss associated with exposures to continuous noise, impulse noise, and ototoxic metals and solvents. An analysis of variance identified age, frequency octave, era and exposure type as influencers of hearing threshold shifts. Risk ratios showed higher risk of hearing loss for exposures to continuous noise + impulse noise + ototoxic metals as well as continuous noise + impulse noise at low frequencies (500Hz and 1,000Hz), and lesser risk for exposures to continuous noise + impulse noise and continuous noise + …

Prevalence Of Low Back Pain Among Office Workers During The Covid-19 Pandemic In Various Countries: A Systematic Review, Yosephine Roma Intan, Ririn Arminsih Wulandari, Popy Yuniar

Kesmas

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the implementation of work from home policies in almost all parts of the world. This policy has increased the onset of musculoskeletal disorders in workers, such as low back pain (LBP). This study aimed to examine the prevalence of LBP among office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic after implementing WFH policies. This study was performed using data from various countries to determine the relationship between LBP and several risk factors, specifically age, sex, physical activity, ergonomic factors, as well as work environment factors such as temperature, humidity, lighting, noise, and work duration. A systematic …

Exploring Physician Well-Being: A Bibliometric Analysis Of Mental Health, Suriya Kumareswaran, Bala Murali Sundram, Vanitha Thurairasu

Kesmas

This bibliometric study examined the evolving research landscape on physician mental health from 2010 to 2023, analyzing key themes, publication trends, and global contributions. A total of 3,360 articles, including 3,137 original research and 223 reviews, were sourced from Web of Science and Scopus. Findings revealed a significant increase in research output, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with burnout, depression, and anxiety emerging as dominant themes. The US accounted for most publications, while research from low- and middle-income countries remains limited, indicating a substantial global disparity. Thematic analysis highlighted variations in burnout assessment methodologies, underscoring the need for standardized evaluation …

Powered Haulage Fatalities In Appalachian Coal Mines, Nirmala T. Myers, Noemi B. Hall, Nadia T. Saif, A. Scott Laney

Journal of Appalachian Health

The recent death of a 33-year-old mother of three at a Central Appalachian surface coal mine highlights the persistent dangers faced by miners, particularly from powered haulage incidents. As of December 2, 28 mining fatalities have occurred in the U.S. in 2024, with four in Appalachian coal mines attributed to powered haulage. These deaths underscore the urgent need to address this cause of fatalities in the mining industry and to provide a safe workplace to protect all miners.

Hubungan Konsentrasi Pm 2,5 Dengan Keluhan Gangguan Pernapasan Pada Pekerja Uji Mekanis Up Pkb Pulo Gadung, Armando Wijaya Tampubolon, Doni Hikmat Hikmat Ramdhan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Vehicle emissions including traffic and transportation emissions have become the largest source of particulates in many cities in various countries. Health problems due to particulates from motor vehicles can not only occur around the highway, but can also occur in industries that are in contact with motor vehicles. Under these conditions, researchers wanted to conduct a study at UP PKB Pulo Gadung to see the relationship between PM_2.5 concentrations and complaints of respiratory problems. The study sample totaled 38 people, consisting of mechanical testers and FKM UI community members as a comparison sample. The average result of measurements taken …

Analisis Implementasi Prosedur Keselamatan Distribusi Bbm: Studi Kasus Pt Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Jambi, Tiara Sebrina Afrianti, Hafiz Adli Ananda, Taufiq Ihsan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Distribution of fuel oil (FO) using tanker trucks is highly risky. Although PT Pertamina Patra Niaga has adopted the Tanker Truck Safety Management System, accidents still occur. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation of FO distribution safety procedures at PT Pertamina Patra Niaga Fuel Terminal Jambi. This study used a cross-sectional approach. Primary data were collected through direct observation of 50 tanker trucks, including the physical condition, completeness of documents, and driver behavior. Secondary data, such as accident and inspection reports, were also analyzed. Fishbone analysis was used to identify the root cause, and scoring was done to determine …

Analisis Gangguan Fungsi Paru Pada Pekerja Di Area Stockpile Pelabuhan Talang Duku Jambi Tahun 2024, Azurly Difi Fahrandis, Melda Yenni, Entianopa Entianopa

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported in 2018 that 2.78 million workers die annually due to occupational accidents and work-related diseases. Approximately 2.4 million (86.3%) of these deaths are caused by work-related illnesses. Dust exposure in the work environment can lead to lung function disorders in workers. This study aims to analyze lung function disorders and their relationship with risk factors among workers in the Stockpile Area of Talang Duku Port, Jambi, in 2024. The research method is cross-sectional, with a sample of 38 workers using research instruments including spirometry, questionnaires, interviews, and observations. Results show that 84.2% of respondents …

Analisis Faktor Risiko Distres Pada Petugas Kpps Di Tangerang Selatan: Studi Kasus Pemilu Tahun 2024, Puti Intan Sari, Dadan Erwandi

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

General elections or elections are processes for citizens to elect the president, vice president, and representatives directly. Elections are organized by various organizations or bodies, one of which is the polling station organizing group (KPPS). Based on studies, KPPS officers bear a heavy workload leading to distress among them. This research aims to analyze distress risk factors among KPPS officers in South Tangerang during the 2024 elections. The study uses a quantitative method with a cross-sectional study design. Data analysis involves descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that 68.8% of the officers experience moderate stress, while 31.2% experience mild …

Kajian Risiko Kesehatan Pajanan Bahaya Kimia Benzene, Toluene, Dan Xylene Pada Pekerja Laboratorium Lubricant Pt X, Muhammad Reyhan Ahadin Pratama, Mila Tejamaya

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Lubricant laboratory pose various occupational safety and health hazards to their workers. Exposure to chemical hazards can occur through multiple routes and can lead to both acute and chronic health risks for laboratory workers. This study aims to analyze the health risks associated with exposure to benzene, toluene, and xylene (BTX) among lubricant laboratory workers at PT X. The study was conducted from February to June 2024 using a descriptive analytical research design with the chemical health risk assessment method from the Department of Safety and Health Malaysia (DOSH) 2018. Data collection techniques were employed quantitatively through personal exposure measurements …

Social Determinants Of Occupational Injuries Among Us-Based Commercial Fishermen: A Systematic Review, Shannon Guillot-Wright, Leonard Kuan-Pei Wang, Bibiana Toro Figueira, Mary Overcash Jones, Ruhi Maredia, Nikhita Kichili

Faculty, Staff and Student Publications

BACKGROUND: Commercial fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry that supports job growth, small- to large- businesses, and port and city revenue. The commercial fishing industry continues to be one of the most dangerous in the US, with a fatality rate nearly 40 times higher than the national average. Dangers of the fishing industry are multi-faceted and include hazardous working conditions, strenuous labor, long work hours, and harsh weather. Moreover, a vast majority of fishermen suffer from economic insecurity, including safe and affordable housing and food insecurity.

METHODS: We followed the recommendations and standards set by the Campbell and Cochrane Equity Methods …

Faecal Excretion Of Thorium By Norm Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Exposure to thorium-bearing dust in industries handling and processing monazite and other minerals can pose radiological risks to workers. This study aimed to reassess historical faecal bioassay data collected over 10 d from two monazite plant workers using updated biokinetic and dosimetric models. Another objective was to evaluate the feasibility of faecal thorium bioassay for contemporary operations involving naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The retrospective analysis found that the bioassay-derived thorium intakes were significantly higher than those estimated via personal air sampling. The effective dose estimates for the two workers were similar and ranged from 0.95 to 2.40 mSv over …

Are We Underestimating Exposures From Norm Dust?, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ian Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The inhalation of dust containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) associated with mining and mineral processing operations may lead to potential long-term health impacts, including cancer and chronic lung disease, due to alpha particle-emitting radionuclides. This study evaluates the effectiveness of air sampling strategies used to estimate radiation doses from NORM exposure, with a focus on the Western Australian minerals industry. The objectives were to review current sampling and analysis protocols, identify factors contributing to over- or underestimation of dose, and propose adjustments to improve intake assessments. A review of research and guidelines applicable to NORM dust exposure was conducted, …

Lung-Delivered Il-10 Mitigates Lung Inflammation Induced By Repeated Endotoxin Exposures In Male Mice, Aaron Schwab, Todd A. Wyatt, Oliver Schanze, Amy J. Nelson, Angela Gleason, Michael J. Duryee, Deanna Mosley, Geoffrey M. Thiele, Ted R. Mikuls, Jill A. Poole

Journal Articles: Environmental, Agricultural & Occupational Health

Therapies capable of resolving inflammatory lung disease resulting from high-consequence occupational/environmental hazards are lacking. This study seeks to determine the therapeutic potential of direct lung-delivered interleukin (IL)-10 following repeated lipopolysaccharide exposures. C57BL/6 mice were intratracheally instilled with LPS (10 μg) and treated with IL-10 (1 μg) or vehicle control for 3 days. Lung cell infiltrates were enumerated by flow cytometry. Lung sections were stained for myeloperoxidase (MPO), CCR2, vimentin, and post-translational protein citrullination (CIT) and malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde (MAA) modifications. Lung function testing and longitudinal in vivo micro-CT imaging were performed. Whole lungs were profiled using bulk RNA sequencing. IL-10 treatment reduced …