Disability management is a relatively new field that has received some attention recently. Although organizations have traditionally avoided the management of disability and its associated costs, they cannot continue to do so. This paper demonstrated the high costs associated with workplace injuries. A literature search led to a plethora of models for managing disability. The purpose of this paper was to prove the need for disability management, but more importantly to develop an ideal disability management model: the Diamond Health Management (DHM) model. The model developed in this paper was the result of analyzing several models in terms of their strengths and weaknesses. Key elements were applied to the DHM Model. The DHM Model has gone beyond other models in its completeness and simplicity. As well, the DHM Model has a focus on the new challenges facing disability management: psychological disorders, substance abuse, and repetitive strain injuries. Evidence was presented to support the elements present in the DHM Model. Finally, suggestions for future research and implications for the field were discussed.

Cette recherche, de type qualitatif, a pour but la reconstruction du processus institutionnel d'enquete et de prise de decision dans le domaine de l'inspection du travail au Quebec. Plus precisement, nous voulons regarder le cheminement quotidien de l'inspecteur de la Commission de la sante et de la securite du travail (CSST) en ce qui a trait a son role dans les enquetes d'accidents et a son mandat au niveau de la prise en charge par le milieu "employeurs et travailleurs", lui permettant de proteger les travailleurs, des risques de sante de securite, dans les lieux de travail. Cette recherche nous a permis de conclure que les exigences du mandat, que l'on a confie a la CSST, est de proteger le travailleur, se trouvant, en permanence, module par une autre exigence, sans aucun doute, aussi forte; "celle de la survie economique, des entreprises, qu'elle controle". (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Over the last few years the lay media have raised the question whether there may be a link between the use of police radar and the development of cancer. Radar has been used to measure traffic speed since the mid 1950's. The purpose of this research study was to determine the profile of exposure and cancer outcomes in members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) who have ever performed radar duties. The design was a historical cohort study involving 4 cohorts. The target population was defined as all members of the RCMP who had been assigned to highway patrol from 1973 onward. Four cohorts of subjects were identified within this population and surveyed: pensioned members (n = 1819), active members who had 30 or more consecutive days of sick leave (n = 750), a sample of active members who had less than 30 consecutive days of sick leave (n = 750) and the deceased members (n = 146). The questionnaire ascertained police service, radar unit usage, diagnosis of cancer, risk factors for testicular cancer and socio-demorgraphic information. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The unilateral muscle activity of the erector spinae muscles, hip extensors, knee extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, along with joint articulation kinematics of the ankle, knee, hip and lumbar region in the sagittal plane, were examined as' a multi-link system. The objective was to determine the effects of wearing work boots on joint kinematics with particular emphasis on the lumbar angle formed by the spinous processes of S3-L3-T10. Seventeen male subjects volunteered to perform specific 'repeated measures' exercises of a material handling nature while wearing properly laced work boots and barefoot with the feet on boot wedges but in an unbound state. Differences in relative angles, and EMG magnitude and timing were examined. The results of this study demonstrate that by externally restricting the articulation of the ankle-foot complex, other joints of the body compensate. If the restriction is in place for the most part, potentially, derogatory side effects could result such as back problems and the low back could become more susceptible to injury. Any research identifying other etiological factors that could be contributing to back pain or injury is very relevant. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Swine workers in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are at risk of developing respiratory illnesses as a result of exposure to a combination of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and dust. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a recirculating ventilation system with a filter-type air pollution control (APC) unit (Shaker Dust Collector, United Air Specialists Inc.), selected to control dust, would inadvertently increase NH3 and CO2 concentrations in a farrowing room. During the 2013-14 winter season, NH3 and CO2 concentrations were measured at six fixed locations throughout the farrowing room test site. Direct reading instruments (NH3: VRAE, Rae Systems Inc.; CO2: ToxiRAE Pro, Rae Systems Inc.) were deployed for 24-hour periods throughout the season on 18 randomly selected days. Contaminant concentrations were measured and compared by ventilation status (APC ON: 11 days, APC OFF: 7 days). Ammonia concentrations were above the literature recommended limit (7 ppm) on 13 of the 18 sample days (72%) and even exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 25 ppm on one of the sample days. Carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded the literature recommended limit of 1540 ppm on all 18 sample days, and average concentrations were half of the TLV (2500 ppm). There was no statistically significant difference in NH3 (p > 0.23) or CO2 (p > 0.67) when concentrations were compared by APC status. The results of this study indicate a recirculating ventilation system with filter dust control does not increase NH3 or CO2 concentrations spatially or temporally in the room during operation. Future work will investigate engineering control options to reduce CO2 concentrations in the farrowing room.

The research presented in this doctoral dissertation strived to increase knowledge with respect to respirators performance in the workplace by evaluating particle penetration and breathing resistance (BR) of N95 filtering face-piece respirators (FFRs) under simulated air environmental conditions, determining maximum particle penetration of uncertified dust masks (UDMs) against sodium chloride (NaCl) and BR of UDMs and FFRs when challenged against Arizona road dust (ARD), and evaluating BR of FFRs while performing power washing in swine rooms. A novel test system was used to measure particle penetration and BR of two N95 FFRs under modified environmental conditions. NaCl particle penetration through the FFR was measured before and after the BR test using a scanning mobility particle sizer. BR of the FFR was measured by mimicking inhalation and exhalation breathing, while relative humidity and temperature were modified. BR was evaluated for 120 min under cyclic flow and four temperature and relative humidity air conditions. The BR of the FFRs was found to increase significantly with increasing relative humidity and lowering temperature upstream the FFR (p < 0.001). Measured particle penetration was not influenced by the simulated air environmental conditions. Differences in BR was observed between FFRs indicating that FFRs filtering media may perform differently under high relative humidity in air. In the second study, the maximum particle penetration of five commercially available UDMs was evaluated against NaCl aerosol. Particle penetration was carried out as specified by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to certify N95 FFRs (42 CFR Part 84). Particle penetration was found to vary between 3% and 75% at the most penetrating particle size. In addition, the effect of mass loading on BR of UDMs and FFRs over time was evaluated. ARD was used as the loading dust and BR was measured for 120 min on UDMs and FFRs. BR was found to increase differently between the tested UDMs and FFRs. Further analysis of the UDMs and FFRs external layer suggest that the development of the particle dust cake during mass loading may be influenced by differences of the external layer. In the third study, field research was conducted to evaluate BR of two N95 FFRs while performing power washing in swine rooms. A member of the research team wore the FFR while power washing swine rooms. Every 30 min the team member stopped power washing, BR was measured and power washing continued. At the end of the 120 min trial, the FFR model was switched and the team member continued to power wash the rest of the room. Results demonstrated that BR of the tested FFRs did not increased during power washing in swine rooms (FFR 1, p = 0.40; FFR 2, p = 0.86). Power washing was found to have an effect in the temperature and relative humidity inside the rooms. Based on this study, FFR wearer should expect no increase in BR over 8 hr of power washing, decrease health risk by wearing the FFR and no need to replace the FFR during the power washing task.

El texto completo de este trabajo no está disponible en el Repositorio Académico UPC por restricciones de la casa editorial donde ha sido publicado. / The importance of an occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) in a mining contract allows the establishment of guidelines to prevent and mitigate accidents that may occur in mines and in exploration areas. Such guidelines are integrated to ensure compliance with regulations with respect to the mining activity (DS 024-2016-EM). For developing a model, the literature was initially reviewed (scientific articles and research studies were used as the background), development techniques were established, and an OHSMS was proposed, with prior evaluation from the contractor. Subsequently, this study presents the general requirements, planning, implementation, verification, and the corresponding review by the appropriate authority. Finally, the model is established, supported by tables that will report the current state of the company and the implementation process. This study concludes with the execution of OHSMS in case of mining contracts.

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