Allergic contact dermatitis from iroko and pine wood dust.
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Dermatitis, Allergic Contact↗
Biomedical subjects
U Hinnen
Publications and source records attributed to U Hinnen.
Irritancy exposure assessment in metal workers.
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Dermatitis, Irritant↗
Surveillance of occupational illness through a national poison control center: an approach to reach small-scale enterprises?
A pilot study was performed in order to evaluate the usefulness of the Swiss Toxicological Information Center (STIC) in detecting cases of occupational illness. One hundred and fifty-two symptomatic occupational exposure cases were collected, comprising 3.2% of 4830 cases reported to the STIC between 1 April 1992 and 15 August 1992. In 114 cases a follow-up could be performed by a structured telephone interview. On the basis of these interview data it was estimated that 72% of the cases in small enterprises were reported to the STIC without additional notification to an occupational insurance fund. By contrast, only 28% of the occupational illness cases that occurred in companies employing more than 15 workers were not reported to an occupational insurance fund. This discrepancy could have resulted in part from the fact that occupational insurance in Switzerland is mandatory only for salaried employees, not for self-supporting persons. It is concluded that the monitoring of the occurrence of occupational illnesses in small-scale enterprises must be improved. Poison control centers could play a major role in this respect.
Adult↗
[Effect of occupation on health behavior and biological cardiovascular risk factors].
Within the framework of the second survey of MONICA-Switzerland (cantons of Vaud and Fribourg; canton of Tessin), the data of 683 working men were analysed to examine the relation between occupation and cardiovascular risk factors. For this purpose, lifestyle factors (smoking, nutritional habits, physical activity, alcohol intake) as well as blood pressure and serum lipoprotein concentrations were compared among 17 different occupational groups. Furthermore, every occupational group was ranked, based on the medians of the mentioned dependent variables. A strong relationship between socioeconomic status (recorded as number of years of schooling completed) and an index for healthy lifestyle was found. However, in some occupational groups a major discrepancy between socioeconomic status respectively lifestyle and measured cardiovascular risk factors (blood pressure, lipoprotein concentrations) was observed. It is therefore hypothesized that unknown occupational factors adversely affect blood pressure and serum lipoproteins for example in physicians, managers and executives whereas the contrary--beneficial effect of unknown occupational factors--is true for example for drivers and bricklayers.
Adult↗
Design of check-out systems including laser scanners for sitting work posture.
Forty-six laser scanner operators were compared with 106 cashiers operating conventional cash registers. The influence of job rotation on the two groups was evaluated, and several design features were examined. For this purpose the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders was determined by means of a questionnaire and a physical examination. In addition, a three-dimensional movement analysis system was employed. Work postures were analyzed with the Ovako working analysis system. The results indicate that a beneficial effect on the musculoskeletal system is achieved by combining the operation of a laser scanner with job rotation. The study also points out the need for better equipment, including flat scanners and smaller keyboards, and a change in the angle between the scanner and the take-off belt running up to the cashier.
Adult↗
[Toxic substances at the work place: do occupational diseases still occur in Switzerland?].
The statistics about work-related diseases influence greatly the setting of prevention priorities. It is consequently of prime importance that these statistics correctly mirror the reality. This paper summarizes the results of studies which show that the real prevalence of work-related diseases is probably two to three times greater than generally admitted; therefore, it seems very important to improve the quality of diagnosis and of data collection.
Humans↗
[Assessment of musculoskeletal disorders using a questionnaire].
The standardized illustrated questionnaire on musculoskeletal disorders of the Japanese Committee on Occupational Cervico-branchial Disorders was translated into German. This questionnaire, composed of 37 items about the occurrence (never/seldom, occasionally, almost daily) of symptoms (pain, stiffness, fatigue) in twelve body regions, was used together with medical examinations (pressure points), and further information was gathered on the consumption of analgetics and medical visits prompted by musculoskeletal symptoms. The questionnaire's reliability and validity were tested in 644 persons from twelve occupational groups within the service sector. Factor analysis showed that symptoms can be grouped into four distinct regions of occurrence: neck/shoulder/area, back/low back, and both left and right upper extremities. Indices based on these regions are consistent (Cronbach alpha approximately 0.8). Palpation findings steadily increase with increasing index values. The consumption of medicaments and medical visits positively correlate with the indices. Consequently the questionnaire is judged to be a valid instrument for studying musculoskeletal disorders at the workplace.
Adult↗
[Number of complaints in cashiers at workplaces with conventional cash registers and those with barcode reader equipment].
115 cash register operators of supermarkets have been studied. Postural complaints are high, compared to office workers. The results obtained by questionnaire and by a rheumatological examination revealed that most cash register operators complain about pains in the back, in the left shoulder and in the left arm. The cashiers working on laser-scanner-systems have the same complaints, but they have significantly less pains in the right arm and the right hand because the cash register is only used infrequently. It seems to be better if cashiers have to do different tasks in a supermarket because the study shows that cashiers who work at different workplaces have significantly less pains then those who work only at the cash register.
Back Pain↗