ABSTRACT In South Africa the assessment of exposure to occupational hygiene stressors or environmental factors in workplaces covered by the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Act No. 85 of 1993 must be performed or at least verified by an Approved Inspection Authority for occupational hygiene. However, no formal system is in place to effectively audit and score operational work of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. Formal auditing is a requirement of internationally accepted and implemented management systems such as the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 9001: 2000, Quality Management System – Requirements, the British Standards Institution - Occupational Health and Safety Series (OHSAS) 18001: 1999, as well as the International Standard - ISO 14000: 2004: Environmental Management System. To develop an audit system for Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene, a descriptive research project that gathered relevant data through electronic questionnaires was conducted with the objective of identifying audit elements and a general scoring system as well as the development of an audit tool that can be applied by regulatory authorities, professional bodies and even competent persons to audit operational work of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. 5 This study had a sample population of 40 Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene, all based in the Gauteng Province, the province which had the largest number of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. A questionnaire was compiled from local and international audit elements and emailed to the study population for electronic completion. The cover letter and study questionnaire is appended as ANNEXURE A and ANNEXURE B respectively. The Ethics Committee – Clearance Certificate is appended as ANNEXURE C. The questionnaire listed the proposed audit elements and a number of questions relating to the registration of the Approved Inspection Authority for occupational hygiene. A scoring mechanism was also suggested. Questions asked in the questionnaire applied the equivalent-form approach whereby as far as reasonably practicable each question was rephrased so that it “appeared different”, but effectively asked the same question. The study had a response rate of 65%, or a total of twenty six returned questionnaires. The respondents were in agreement that the elements; Organisation & Administration, Human Resources, Accommodation & Environment, Equipment, Measurement & Testing as well as Occupational Hygiene Services & Documentation were applicable to an audit for Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. Twenty two or 84.6% of the respondents strongly agreed that the said elements were adequate for an occupational hygiene audit. Four or 15.4% of the respondents disagreed, responding that the proposed elements were not adequate for an audit of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. 6 Four of the 26 respondents indicated that the elements; Suppliers & Accommodation should be excluded from the proposed occupational hygiene audit. Twenty two or 84.6% of the respondents strongly agreed that audits are effective in the identification of poor quality work and the subsequent need for corrective measures. Forty two percent of the respondents agreed to the use of the four point scale applied by most of the CONCAWE member companies (Brussels), which was suggested for the proposed audit of the Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. Two of the respondents preferred the use of the terms “comply” and “not comply” instead of a numerical rating or scoring mechanism. Two respondents stated that they preferred the use of a five point scale (numbers 1 – 5) as a scoring mechanism. Six of the respondents stated that they would use a different scoring mechanism but did not explain, or elaborate on their statement. Five respondents did not complete the section on the suggested scoring mechanism. On the subject of adequate scores the study found that 18 of the respondents suggested a score of not less than 80% (out of a possible 100%). The majority of respondents indicated that a score of less than 60% warranted corrective action from the Department of Labour or the Southern African Institute for Occupational Hygiene. The majority of respondents preferred the legal appointment of the Department of Labour as the body permitted and approved to audit the operational activities of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. From the results of the study the researcher concluded that a need exists for a formal auditing and scoring system for operational work of Approved Inspection Authorities for occupational hygiene. A proposed audit tool was designed and is appended.

irgarzon@ugr.es / This paper addresses the question of how construction workers perceive occupational risks. It is a question that has not been addressed in scientific research. Specifically, we answer the following research questions: what is the perception of risk of construction workers?; what aspects of risk significantly influence the formation of the overall perception of risk?; are there sociodemographic variables that help to understand the perception of risk of construction workers? and if this were the case, then what are these variables and how do they influence them?. Ultimately, it examines the profile of perceived risk, its relation to the delay of consequences and the influence of socio-demographic variables. Respondents filled out a questionnaire in the presence of the survey-taker. The questionnaire was based on the psychometric paradigm, and was comprised of: (a) nine questions, each exploring a perceived risk attribute or dimension rated on a Likert 7-point scale, (b) a question on global risk perception, and (c) categorical questions about socio-demographic issues. The survey was conducted in the city of Granada (Spain). A profile of the construction workers’ perceived risk was obtained. Answers to each attribute were above the neutral line (scores above four). The profile shows the risk dimension with the highest score was the delayed consequences of exposure to risk conditions, a dimension that can be related to ergonomics and occupational hygiene. This is a new outcome since traditionally this dimension was given a lower score in the worker’s perception. A simple linear regression showed global risk may be explained in terms of the delayed consequences dimension (R2=0.29). Finally, a variance analysis (ANOVA) and several t-tests explored the relationship between this dimension and the sample’s socio-demographic variables. To conclude, the delay of consequences is the risk dimension workers perceived as the most critical in their daily chores. In addition, this risk dimension is decisive in creating a high global risk perception. Parenthood, a higher worker category and training are the only socio-demographic variables having an impact on this dimension of perceived risk. Hence, there is a direct relationship between these two variables.

Student Number : 0110574V - MPh research report - School of Public Health - Faculty of Health Sciences / Pesticide poisoning poses a health risk to individuals throughout the world although the reported global and local risk are not consistent in the literature. Mpumalanga Province has areas of epidemic malaria. Spray teams, applying local insecticides to indoor surfaces operate just prior to the rainy season (October to May) to control malaria. The purpose of this cross sectional study was to compare prescribed safe handling and application practices of Mpumalanga malaria spray operators mixing and applying insecticides versus actual practices in the field. All members of the spray operating teams were included in the study. A tick list and questionnaire was utilized to observe field practices and enquire about reasons for non-compliance. Only 28% of all operators complied with prescribed safety practices and differences in compliance between mixing (38%) and application (36%) were marginal. Gloves, face shields and dust masks were not utilized as recommended and contributed to the highest levels of non-compliance. Compliance was found to be dependent on gender, age, years of experience, education level and employment status. The low compliance rate necessitates further investigation of the malaria programme occupational safety management system. All stakeholders need to be aware of the consequences of pesticide poisoning and collaborate in efforts to work towards prevention rather than cure.

Background Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is an occupational hazard which, cumulatively, leads to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Detection and reduction of HAV can help prevent the disease or slow down its progress. Unfortunately, assessment of HAV through direct measurement is difficult due to the high cost of measurement equipment, interruption of work performance, and long travel cost to worksites. An alternative assessment method is through development of an exposure prediction model to identify workplace, tool, and task characteristics which significantly predict HAV exposure. Purpose The purpose of this study is twofold: 1) to determine the extent and nature of previously published scientific journal articles on exposure prediction modeling of HAV through performing a systematic review; and 2) to develop a new exposure prediction model using administrative data to find significant HAV predictors. Methods A systematic review of relevant studies involved humans aged 18 or over, applicable to occupational setting, with vibration measured using tri-axial accelerometer and statistical modeling of the effects of occupational characteristics on measure HAV were identified. Five online bibliographic databases (Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, and EMBASE) were searched using a combined word list of terms under three categories: “occupational diseases”; “Hand-arm vibration”; and “Statistical Modelling”. Two multiple linear regression models predicting average hand-arm vibration exposure over 8 hour day, A(8), were built using enforcement data collected by Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Saskatchewan using standard model building method. In addition, GEE was used to account for repeated data collection within workers and worksites. Results In the first manuscript, 7 articles found were deemed relevant. Four studies built regression models, while three used ANOVA to find significant HAV predictors. Examples of significant HAV predictors included: tool age, tool weight, participant, and operating power; the proportion of HAV variance explained varied from 46 to 90%. In the second manuscript, the models based on administrative data explained 16% to 27% of A(8) variance. The included variables were tool power source, vibration control, and job type for the parsimonious model; the comprehensive model has the same variables as parsimonious along with accelerometer attachment method and tool brand. Conclusion HAV prediction through exposure prediction modeling is a relatively new method for assessing occupational HAV. It is feasible to find HAV predictors using low-cost administrative data, and variables such as tool power source, job type, and vibration control make promising predictors. However, the variance explained will be lower than using data collected for research purposes. The significant predictors found in the systematic review can be considered when installing protective measures in the future. The significant predictors found and procedures used from the modeling study can be considered for future HAV exposure prediction modeling studies.

CoordenaÃÃo de AperfeÃoamento de Pessoal de NÃvel Superior / A crescente demanda por alimentos tem feito com que a agricultura brasileira aperfeiÃoe a sua produÃÃo em campo, levado o operador de tratores agrÃcolas a prolongadas jornadas de trabalho, expondo-o a um ambiente insalubre, alÃm de provocar alguns acidentes e de causar danos à saÃde do operador, ocasionando, em certos casos, atà mesmo morte do profissional. NÃo obstante existam tecnologias capazes de melhorar as condiÃÃes de trabalho do operador, como sÃo as capotas e as cabines climatizadas, a grande maioria dos tratores no Brasil nÃo dispÃem deste dispositivo. Sendo assim, o operador permanece submetido a condiÃÃes ambientais adversas, principalmente na regiÃo do Nordeste, em que, durante todo o ano, os elevados nÃveis de radiaÃÃo solar e temperatura do ar sÃo desfavorÃveis ao conforto tÃrmico e ao bem estar dos operadores de tratores agrÃcolas. Deste modo, tomando por base as condiÃÃes econÃmicas e climÃticas de cada regiÃo, o objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o conforto tÃrmico e ergonÃmico do operador em tratores agrÃcolas com e sem capota na atividade de preparo de solo, visando apontar diagnÃstico em relaÃÃo à sensaÃÃo tÃrmica, à insalubridade ao calor, o grau de esforÃo fisiolÃgico e medir a temperatura da pele de diferentes membros do corpo deste profissional quando em trabalho. As avaliaÃÃes foram feitas durante o verÃo brasileiro nos perÃodos matutinos, vespertinos e noturnos, utilizando de um trator BM-125I, da marca VALTRA, durante as operaÃÃes de araÃÃo e subsolagem. A sensaÃÃo tÃrmica foi calculada atravÃs da temperatura e da umidade relativa do ar e resultou em desconforto em todas as condiÃÃes trabalhadas. A insalubridade foi calculada baseando-se na metodologia da Norma Regulamentadora n 15, Anexo 3, insalubridade esta que nÃo foi diagnosticada por parte da exposiÃÃo ao calor, dado se ter medido a frequÃncia cardÃaca do operador para anÃlise ergonÃmica e se constatado que nÃo houve sobrecarga cardiovascular nos esforÃos fÃsicos demandados pelas operaÃÃes. Finalmente, foi medida a temperatura mÃdia da pele dos certos membros do operador (face, mÃo, braÃo e perna) fazendo uso de termovisores e levando em consideraÃÃo a permanÃncia do calor acima da temperatura de conforto em todas as condiÃÃes e horÃrios trabalhados, e pode-se notar que houve diferenÃa significativa quanto à variaÃÃo na temperatura da pele do operador entre as condiÃÃes de operaÃÃes realizadas com e sem capota apenas nos os horÃrios do meio dia e ao final da tarde. / The increasing food demand has made Brazilian agriculture optimize their production in the field, conducing the agricultural tractors operator to prolonged working hours exposing him to an unhealthy environment, besides causing some accidents and cause damage to the operator health, causing, in some cases, even professional death. Nevertheless there are technologies that can improve the operator working conditions as are the cowlings and air-conditioned cabins, the great majority of tractors in Brazil donât have this device. Therefore, the operator remains submitted to adverse environmental conditions, especially in the Northeast region, in which, throughout the year, the elevated levels of solar radiation and air temperature are unfavorable for thermal comfort and well-being of agricultural tractor operators. Then, based on the economic and climatic conditions in each region, the objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal and ergonomic operator comfort in tractors with and without cowl in the activity of soil preparation, aiming to identify diagnosis in relation to thermal sensation, heat insalubrity, the physiological stress degree and to measure the skin temperature of different body parts of this person when working. The assessments were made during the Brazilian summer morning, afternoon and evening periods, using a BM-125I tractor VALTRA brand, during plowing and subsoiling operations. The Thermal sensation was calculated using the temperature and relative humidity and resulted in discomfort worked in all conditions. The unhealthiness was calculated based on the methodology of Norma Regulamentadora 15, Anexo 3, unhealthiness this which was not diagnosed by exposure to heat, as it had measured the heart rate operator for ergonomic analysis and verified that there wasnât overload in cardiovascular physical effort demanded by operations. Finally, measured the skin average temperature of some operatorâs member (face, hand, arm and leg) by making use of thermal imaging and considering the permanence of heat above the comfort temperature in all conditions and hours worked, and was noted that there was significant difference in the variation by skin temperature operator between operating conditions with and without cowl only in the schedules of midday and late afternoon.

Limited research has been conducted on inconsistencies relating to whole-body vibration (WBV) field assessments. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate a certain possible contributor to inconsistencies in vibration assessment work, namely averaging intervals. To our knowledge, this was the first study investigating the effect of multiple averaging approaches on WBV results. WBV parameters were measured for a driver operating a vehicle on a preselected test route utilising ISO 2631-1:1997. This was achieved utilizing a Quest HavPro vibration monitor with a fitted tri-axial Integrated Circuit Piezoelectric (ICP) accelerometer pad mounted on the driver’s seat. Furthermore, in an attempt to decrease differences between observed WBV results, an outlier detection method, part of the STATA software package was utilised to clean the data. Statistical analyses included hypothesis testing in the form of one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance by ranks to determine significant differences between integration intervals. Logged data time-series durations showed a W0 = 0.04, therefore indicating unequal variance. Omission of 60s from statistical analyses showed a W0 = 0.28. The observed difference occurs when data is averaged over longer intervals, resulting in portions of data not being reflected in the final dataset. In addition, frequency-weighted root mean squared acceleration results reflected significant differences between 1s, 10s, 30s, 60s and SLOW averaging approaches, while non-significant differences were observed for crest factors and instantaneous peak accelerations. Vibration Dose Value results reflected non-significant differences after omission of 60 second averaging interval data. Cleaned data showed significant differences between various averaging approaches as well as significant differences when compared with raw vibration data. The study therefore outlined certain inconsistencies pertaining to the selection of multiple integration intervals during the assessment of WBV exposure. Data filtering could not provide a conclusion on a suitable averaging period and as such, further research is required to determine the correct averaging interval to be used for WBV assessment. / Dissertation (MPH)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / tm2015 / School of Health Systems and Public Health (SHSPH) / MPH / Unrestricted

The aims of the studies underlying this thesis were to assess the exposure to quartz in Swedish iron foundries and to determine the cancer morbidity for Swedish foundry workers. A cohort of 3,045 foundry workers and a final measurement database of 2,333 number of samples was established. The exposure measurements showed high levels of respirable quartz, in particular for fettlers and furnace and ladle repair workers with individual 8 hr TWA (GM=0.041 and 0.052 mg/m3; range 0.004-2.1 and 0.0098-0.83 mg/m3). In our database, the quartz concentrations as 8hr TWAs of current and historical data varied between 0.0018 and 4.9 mg/m3, averaging 0.083 mg/m3, with the highest exposures for fettlers (0.087 mg/m3) and furnace and ladle repair workers (0.42 mg/m3). The exposure for workers using respirators assuming full effect when used were assessed quantitatively, revealing workers with actual exposure exceeding the occupational exposure limits. Overall cancer morbidity was not increased, but the incidence of lung cancer was significantly elevated (SIR 1.61; 95 % CI 1.20-2.12). In the cohort study, significant associations between lung cancer and cumulative quartz exposure were detected for quartz doses of 1-2 mg/m3 * year (SIR 2.88; 95 % CI 1.44-5.16) and >2 mg/m3 * year (SIR 1.68; 95 % CI 1.07- 2.52). These findings were not confirmed in the case-control analysis. The agreement between the estimated exposure in our early historical model and the development model showed a regression coefficient of 2.42, implying an underestimation of the historical exposure when using the development model data. The corresponding comparison between the development and the validation model based on our survey data showed a B of 0.31, implying an overestimation of present exposures when using data from the validation model. The main conclusions of the thesis are that certain foundry workers are still exposed to high levels of quartz, and the overall excess lung cancer could not be confirmed in the exposure-response analysis.

Traditional occupational hygiene assessment of occupational exposures to organic gases and vapours rely on low flow (<200 ml/min) NIOSH sorbent tubes. This work investigates 3M charcoal filter media (JK50 and JK40, 3M, Inc.) for collection and analysis of organic vapours across 0.1-5 l/min. To enable this work, a custom exposure facility was constructed and validated within which organic analyte gas/vapour concentrations could be introduced at known concentrations while controlling environmental variables such as temperature and humidity and other variables. This facility enabled experiments designed to investigate collection and desorption efficiencies across a range of sample flow rates, temperature and humidity conditions for both NIOSH sorbent tubes (e.g. SKC tube) and 3M charcoal filter media. As a result of the investigations described in this thesis, the following conclusions are drawn. Performance of the 3M charcoal filter media for collection and desorption efficiencies for loading, storage time, humidity and breakthrough at low flow rates (<0.5 l/min) were found comparable to the SKC sorbent tube. It is concluded that 3M charcoal media (JK50 and JK40) are suitable for sampling and analyses of hydrocarbons at flow rates <0.5 l/min. The collection efficiencies of the 3M charcoal filter media were investigated at high flow rates (>0.5l/min) for the same parameters, i.e., loading, temperature and humidity. It is concluded that 3M charcoal filter media can be used with confidence in sampling and analysis of airborne hydrocarbons up to 5 l/min. The Wheeler-Jonas model was found to satisfactorily predict the adsorption kinetics of the 3M charcoal filter media at different loading values of hydrocarbons. It was therefore concluded that the model can be applied to determine the suitable amount of 3M charcoal filter media prior to sampling for a given loading.

A saúde e segurança do trabalhador em um empreendimento mineiro necessitam de atenções redobradas. O constante monitoramento dos agentes físicos e químicos, possivelmente danosos, deve ser feito para que seja demonstrada eficiência nas medidas preventivas e até mesmo para que novas situações de risco sejam detectadas. Este monitoramento deve ser feito por profissionais preparados, que podem ser os próprios funcionários da empresa, desde que devidamente capacitados. As informações necessárias para o treinamento desses profissionais encontram-se dispersas em diferentes literaturas. O objetivo deste trabalho é elaborar um guia unificado de procedimentos de amostragem e tratamento de dados por meio de descrição dos agentes, instrumentação utilizada e exemplos de medição de campo, com metodologias específicas. Os resultados obtidos foram tratados, analisados e comparados com a respectiva norma brasileira vigente. Foram considerados os principais agentes nocivos de uma pedreira: ruído, iluminação, sílica, vibração e calor que foram analisados com alguns dos diversos instrumentos disponíveis no mercado. Este guia, com as sugestões de monitoramento, pode ser aplicado a outros ambientes de mineração. Os resultados são parâmetros na elaboração de melhorias para a saúde e a segurança dos trabalhadores. / Health and safety of mining workers require extra attention. The continuous monitoring of physical and chemical agents, possibly harmful, is essential to verify the efficiency of preventive actions and to identify new risks situations. This job has to be carried out by qualified professionals that can even be the company\'s employees, since well trained. However, the required information for guidance is not easily found at the specific bibliographies. Thus, the goal of this work is to prepare a comprehensive guide of field measurements with some sampling tips, including the description of the physical and chemical agents, equipments examples, and the associated methodology. The results were analyzed and compared with the current Brazilian standards. This study considered the most harmful agents in a quarry: noise, illuminance, silica dust, human vibration and heat stress which were measured with some of the several equipments available in the market. This guide, with suggested monitoring practices, can be extended to other mining environments. The results were helpful in proposing enhancements to safety and health of miners.

Submitted by Rosimeri Vergara (rosimerivergara@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-12-06T22:26:24Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Paulo Braccini Fagundes - 2018.pdf: 1692622 bytes, checksum: f6b9ea6f528388b8983ac6a1ce88dcf3 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Dayse Pestana (dayse.pestana@unipampa.edu.br) on 2018-12-07T13:44:00Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Paulo Braccini Fagundes - 2018.pdf: 1692622 bytes, checksum: f6b9ea6f528388b8983ac6a1ce88dcf3 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-07T13:44:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Paulo Braccini Fagundes - 2018.pdf: 1692622 bytes, checksum: f6b9ea6f528388b8983ac6a1ce88dcf3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018 / Ao tratar de uma atividade em que há necessidade de recursos humanos para seu desenvolvimento, mostra-se elementar o estudo de medidas relacionadas à prevenção de riscos no ambiente laboral. A presente pesquisa, vinculada ao Programa de Pós-Graduação em Tecnologia Mineral da Universidade Federal do Pampa, aborda um dos pilares fundamentais de qualquer atividade econômica, neste caso em especial, do setor de transformação de minerais não metálicos: segurança e saúde do trabalhador. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratório-descritiva, na qual se realizou um estudo de caso em uma olaria no município de Caçapava do Sul - RS, buscando identificar os riscos ocupacionais existentes no empreendimento. A metodologia utilizada contemplou análises qualitativa e quantitativa, por meio de coleta de dados em campo e avaliação dos registros existentes. Observou-se o funcionamento de todo o processo produtivo da olaria, analisando as atividades desenvolvidas nos distintos postos de trabalho para, então, poder identificar os riscos ocupacionais, sua fonte geradora e a forma de exposição dos trabalhadores a estes riscos. Foram identificados riscos físicos como ruído, calor, vibrações e radiações não ionizantes, riscos químicos como poeira, gases e fumos metálicos no ambiente de trabalho e resultantes de tarefas de manutenção, e, ainda, riscos ergonômicos e de acidentes, variando conforme com os setores do empreendimento: extração da matéria-prima, produção de tijolos, forno/secador, manutenção e transporte/entrega. Não obstante tenham sido identificados riscos inerentes às atividades desenvolvidas, apresentaram-se plenamente passíveis de aplicação as medidas de proteção coletiva, individual e de ordem administrativa para seu devido controle, objetivando à prevenção da saúde e da integridade física dos trabalhadores. / When dealing with an activity in which human resources are required for its development, it is essential to study measures related to risks prevention in the work environment. This research, linked to the Postgraduate Program in Mineral Technology of the Federal University of Pampa, addresses one of the fundamental pillars of any economic activity, in this case in particular, of the non-metallic minerals processing sector: safety and health of the worker. This is an exploratory-descriptive research, in which a case study was carried out in a pottery in the municipality of Caçapava do Sul - RS, seeking to identify the occupational risks in the enterprise. The methodology included qualitative and quantitative analysis, through field data collection and evaluation of existing records. It was observed the operation of the whole production process of the pottery, analyzing the activities developed in the different jobs, in order to be able to identify the occupational risks, its source and the way workers are exposed to these risks. Have been verified physical risks such as noise, heat, vibration and nonionizing radiations, chemical risks such as dust, gases and metal fumes in the work environment and resulting from maintenance tasks, as well as ergonomic and accident risks, varying according to the sector: raw material extraction, production of bricks, oven/dryer, maintenance and freight/delivery. Although risks inherent to the activities developed have been identified, it was fully applicable the collective, individual and administrative protection measures for its due control, aiming to prevent the health and physical integrity of workers.