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At least 397 records · Page 22Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

N,N-dimethylformamide--influence of working conditions and skin penetration on the internal exposure of workers in synthetic textile production.

OBJECTIVES: This study examined the external and internal exposure to the solvent N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) of 126 workers from a factory producing synthetic fibers. METHODS: Air measurements were carried out using personal air samplers with diffusion tubes (Drager, ORSA 5). For the purpose of biological monitoring the levels of N-methylformamide (NMF) in urine were measured in preshift and postshift samples. Determinations were carried out using gas chromatography. Anamnestic data were collected with standardized questionnaires, including personal data, working history and current working conditions, and former and current illness with regard to the effects of DMF. Skin diseases were documented by a dermatologist. RESULTS: DMF concentrations measured in the air ranged between <0.1 and 37.9 ppm (median 1.2 ppm). Concentrations of NMF varied from 0.05 to 22.0 mg/l (preshift values) and from 0.9 to 100.0 mg/l (postshift values). The creatinine-related values (0.02-44.6 mg/g preshift; 0.4-62.3 postshift) were subject to less variation and therefore represented the level of exposure better than the values related to volume. Additional investigation of a subcollective (n=31) over a period of 4 days showed that NMF did not accumulate in the organism. The positive but relatively weak association observed between the DMF concentrations measured in the workplace air and the values recorded for internal exposure in this study can be explained by influencing factors such as dermal absorption or protective clothing. Interindividual differences in internal exposure were found for the specific work areas. The German BAT value (15 mg NMF/l urine) was exceeded in 36 persons (29%) despite the use of breathing protection and protective gloves, without increased values being measured in the air. Increased absorption without higher-level exposure could particularly also be observed in employees with eczema. CONCLUSIONS: From the point of view of the prevention of disease, biological monitoring is the best instrument for exposure assessment of workers exposed to DMF.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

[Working conditions in the operating room: surgeons surveyed during the annual meeting of the German society of surgery 2004].

For the evaluation of working place conditions in the operating room a survey was conducted among the surgeons working in German hospitals. Questions regarded the personal profile, the architectural situation, the devices and instruments as well as the working posture. The answers to the 60 questions display a high potential for improvement within all fields. Every single group working in the operating room, as well as their professional organizations are asked to work on the optimization of the working place conditions in the operating room in terms of improvement of quality and efficiency.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1986

Working conditions of male and female psychiatrists.

The percentage of females among Danish medical graduates has increased from 1% in 1900-10 to 33% in 1980-84. In 1980 women doctors comprised 21% of all Danish medical doctors; the percentage among psychiatrists was 29. The purpose of the study has been to analyse the job-profiles of male and female psychiatrists, and their activities in research, teaching, committees, etc. The job-profiles of males and females differ, females more likely being in less influential positions. Based on an investigation among members of the Danish Psychiatric Association, the working conditions and professional activity of 307 male and female psychiatrists were analysed. Male psychiatrists were found to complete their training at a younger age than females. Among those aged 25-44, 29% of males and 6% of females had reached a position as chief consultant. Males report greater activity in all areas of research, and 35% of females and 17% of males do not research at all. In all age groups and all fields investigated more males take part in organisational activities, while 48% of females and 25% of males report no such activity. No difference was found regarding teaching experience, but men were relatively more often involved in teaching professional groups and women, nursing staff. A significant preponderance of males had their main interest in biological psychiatry, females in psychotherapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The impact of a worker health study on working conditions.

A research partnership of representatives from labor, academia, and public health enabled unionized San Francisco hotel workers to achieve important policy changes in workplace health and safety. Known as the "Housekeeping Study," the project took sixteen months to complete. A unique aspect of the project was that it utilized participatory action research methods, involving workers themselves as full participants in the study. A core group of 25 hotel room cleaners was involved in each phase of the project. The study developed health data which enabled room cleaners and their union to formulate and justify a contract proposal calling for a significant reduction in housekeeping workloads. The employer association agreed to a contract which reduced the maximum required room assignment from 15 rooms to 14 rooms per day in 14 San Francisco hotels. By lowering the maximum work assignment, these workers set a new standard which can potentially protect the health of room cleaners across the country. The project can serve as a model for worker and union participation in academic research, as well as for the application of research to improving working conditions, particularly for low-wage immigrant workers.

Data Collection↗
PubMed1991

[Effects of work conditions of women on the outcome of pregnancy and labor].

Working under the occupational conditions of Gr. 3 of hazardness is a risk-factor with respect to the reproductive function in women. Working under such conditions before pregnancy and its early stages (before it was diagnosed) is fraught with complications for the pregnancy course and for the fetus. Creation of normal labour conditions immediately after pregnancy has been diagnosed is capable of protecting the mother's health, but it cannot guarantee the fetus' viability. The proposed measures influenced positively pregnancy terminations in the women working at the KAMAZ Automobile Plant.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Problematizing gender, work and health: the relationship between gender, occupational grade, working conditions and minor morbidity in full-time bank employees.

It is commonly asserted that while women have longer life expectancy than men, they have higher rates of morbidity, particularly for minor and psychological conditions. However, most research on gender and health has taken only limited account of the gendered distribution of social roles. Here we investigate gender differences in morbidity whilst controlling, as far as possible, for one major role, namely participation in paid employment. There is substantial segregation of the labour market by gender; men and women typically work different hours in different occupations which involve varying conditions and differing rewards and costs. Here, we examine men and women working full-time for the same employer. This paper reports on a postal survey of employees (1112 men and 1064 women) of a large British bank. It addresses three main questions: do gender differences in minor morbidity remain if we compare men and women who are employed in similar circumstances (same industry and employer)? What is the relative importance of gender, grade of employment within the organisation, perceived working conditions and orientation to gender roles for minor morbidity? Finally, are these factors related to health differentially for men and women? There were statistically significant gender differences amongst these full-time employees in recent experience of malaise symptoms, but not in physical symptoms or GHQ scores. Controlling for other factors did not reduce the gender differences in malaise scores and produced a weak, but significant, gender difference in GHQ scores. However, gender explained only a small proportion of variance, particularly in comparison with working conditions. Generally similar relationships between experience of work and occupational grade and morbidity were observed for men and women. Throughout the paper, we attempt to problematize gender, recognising that there are similarities between women and men and diversity amongst women and amongst men. However, we conclude that the gendered nature of much of adult life, including paid work, continues to shape the experiences and health of men and women at the end of the twentieth century.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Hygienic assessment of working conditions for schoolchildren at video terminals during their academic studies].

Proceeding from the studies on the conditions of schoolchildren's work with video terminals during school lessons there was developed a complex of hygienic measures aimed at reduction of impact of factors specified by the work with video terminals and by anthropogenic pollution. Requirements to design of classrooms equipped by video terminals were listed and optimal and permissible ergonomic characteristics of the workplace established along with air temperature and humidity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1995

Improving workplace environments and working conditions at worksites providing school lunch service in Japan.

With the cooperation of All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union, we have started an overall program on occupational safety and health from 1984. This program has several strategies aimed at preventing occupational injuries and work-related diseases. At first, we analyzed the relationship between work-related hazards and occupational factors, and to identify dangerous or hazardous factors in the workplace. Second, we have conducted a couple of intervention studies at worksites and evaluated these improvements. Third, we discussed the priority, feasibility and cost of improvements with Workers' Union members and school lunch workers. Fourth, during the last decade, Workers' Union and many researchers have demanded that regulations be implemented which would establish comprehensive safety and health programs. Fifth, we provided the workers with procedures on how to improve working environments and conditions. These education and training programs are provided for small-group working ("safety and health circle"), and demonstrate to workers their abilities to solve occupational safety and health problems and to empower them with respect to health-related issues. Finally, we discussed and evaluated the preventive effects of improving workplace environments and working conditions. The overall program on occupational safety and health at worksites is developing nationwide and is gradually taking effect.

Cooking↗
PubMed1997

Working conditions in home care: negotiating race and class boundaries in gendered work.

Home care work in metropolitan areas is a source of employment for immigrant women of color. Service work of this type intertwines domestic and caring labor in ways that reinforce the historically gendered and racialized nature of the work. Such macro level economic and political issues are played out at the micro level of daily service provided within elderly clients' homes. A study of these processes in home care work was carried out in urban southern Ontario in two nonprofit home care agencies. In-depth interviews and focus groups held with visible minority home care workers suggested that workers deal daily with racist attitudes and behaviors from clients and their families; agencies recognize these oppressive processes but usually handle them on a case-by-case basis through supervisors; and home care workers handle racism on the job as they do in their off-work hours-by avoidance, situating incidents within an analysis of the circumstances of elderly clients, setting boundaries on discussions, and occasionally, confrontation.

Adult↗
PubMed1989

[Hygienic electrooculographic evaluation of working conditions of school children using a computer].

The technique for the electrooculographic analysis of the visual system of schoolchildren working with computers is described. The strain of the oculomotor system and fatigue manifestation have been detected in children under unfavourable environmental conditions. It is recommended to use the derived indicators of evaluating electrooculograms when hygienically assessing the working conditions of schoolchildren using computers.

Adolescent↗