Aims To determine whether people spending time in horse barns have a higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms than non-exposed controls.

Methods A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted from May 2005 to January 2006 to investigate the prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in 82 barn-exposed subjects and 74 control subjects. Logistic regression and the chi-square test were used to analyse the data.

Results There was a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported respiratory symptoms in the barn-exposed group (50%) versus the control group (15%). Exposure to horse barns, smoking and family history of asthma or allergies was independent risk factors for respiratory symptoms. High exposure to the horse barn yielded a higher odds ratio for self-reported respiratory symptoms (8.9).

Conclusions Exposure to the equine barn is a risk factor for respiratory symptoms. Investigation of organic dust exposures, lung function and horse dander allergies in the barn-exposed group will be necessary to determine how best to protect the health of this group.

Aims To assess prevalence of respiratory symptoms (RS) and respiratory function (RF) of welders in comparison to a control group (CG).

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among welders and controls selected from office support staff of a medical faculty. RS were determined by administering a questionnaire and RF with the use of an electronic spirometer.

Results Forty-one welders and 41 controls participated. Chronic bronchitis was significantly higher among welders (27%; n = 11) than in controls (7%; n = 3) with an odds ratio of 4.6 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1–23.3]. Forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second of forced vital capacity (FEV_1.0), forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF_25–75%) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) were slightly higher among welders (2.97 l, 2.6 l, 3.4 l/s and 339 l/min, respectively) than in the CG (2.79 l, 2.4 l, 3.38 l/s and 323 l/min, respectively), the differences of which were not statistically significant. On comparison of the observed values of welders with the predicted normal values, the observed FVC (2.97 versus 3.35 l, respectively) and PEFR (339 versus 538 l/min) had significantly lower values.

Conclusions Welders are at a higher risk of developing chronic bronchitis with non-impairment of lung function in comparison to the CG.

Aims To assess the current quality of the diagnosis of occupational asthma before referral to a specialist occupational medicine centre.

Methods The quality of diagnostic procedures was assessed by reviewing the files of 150 patients who were referred to the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health in 2003 with a suspicion of an occupational cause of their asthma. The quality indicators used were assessment of workplace exposures, spirometric studies, bronchodilator response, serial workplace measurements of peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the time since first symptoms to the final diagnosis. For each indicator, criteria to differentiate between sufficient and insufficient care were developed.

Results Exposure assessments, spirometric studies and bronchodilator responses were performed in 92, 87 and 79% of cases in the total study group, respectively. Workplace measurements of PEF had been performed in 51% of the cases, and the quality of measurements was sufficient in 52%. Workplace exposures had been assessed significantly more often in occupational health care than in other health care units. The median time from the beginning of symptoms to the final diagnosis was 3.2 years.

Conclusions Although the diagnostic procedures were mostly of sufficient quality, the performance of serial measurements of PEF at the workplace and the time to diagnosis should be substantially improved.

Aims To evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of sensitization to moulds, as well as clinical symptoms associated with allergy in museum workers.

Methods A total of 103 employees of the Polish National Museum (NM) in Warsaw, potentially exposed to fungi during their work, were assessed using a questionnaire and skin prick tests to common allergens and fungal extracts. The level of total and serum-specific IgE to moulds was evaluated, and spirometry was performed in all subjects. Mycological analysis of the workplace was also performed.

Results Penicillium, Aspergillus, Cladosporium, Alternaria, Trichoderma, Acremonium and Paecilomyces were the most frequent species isolated from investigated exhibits of NM. Thirty per cent of museum employees were sensitized to at least one of the fungal allergens. Logistic regression analysis revealed that duration of occupational exposure lasting >5 years, family history of atopy, presence of a cat at home, sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and a history of frequent respiratory infections were risk factors for the development of sensitization to fungi in this working group.

Conclusions This study suggests an important role of fungi as occupational allergens for museum workers. The prevalence of allergic symptoms among employees of NM was relatively high. Further studies are necessary to elucidate the importance of particular fungal species in the development of occupational allergy.

Aims To determine the presence and prevalence of Artemia sensitization at the farm and the extent of any Artemia-related respiratory and hand skin symptoms and to identify the allergens involved.

Methods Participants completed a questionnaire and structured interview. Skin prick tests (SPTs) were performed, and immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to Artemia, shrimp and recombinant tropomyosin were determined. Gel electrophoresis and immunoblots of Artemia extracts were also carried out.

Results Thirty of 42 employees (71%) participated. Among the 24 subjects exposed to Artemia, four (17%) reported chest and/or hand skin symptoms during exposure and three of them were IgE sensitized to Artemia. Five (21%) of those exposed demonstrated IgE antibodies to Artemia and four (17%) had immediate-positive SPTs. A serum pool from these subjects exhibited IgE binding to a protein of ~97 kDa in the Artemia extract.

Conclusions Occupational exposure to the Artemia fish fry feed can cause IgE sensitization and allergic symptoms affecting airways and skin.

Aims To compare the prevalence of occupational cutaneous symptoms among professional indoor cleaners to other building workers (OBW) and to determine associations with exposures and with respiratory symptoms among cleaners.

Methods A questionnaire completed by indoor professional cleaners and OBW to compare rash and respiratory symptoms between these groups examined workplace factors such as training, protective equipment and work tasks.

Results In total, 549 of the 1396 professional cleaners (39%) and 593 of the 1271 OBW (47%) completed questionnaires. The prevalence of rash was significantly higher in the cleaners compared to the OBW. For male cleaners, 21% (86/413) had a rash in the past 12 months compared to only 11% (13/115) of OBW (P < 0.05). The rashes experienced by the cleaners were more likely to be on their hands and worse at work. Cleaners washed their hands significantly more often than OBW. Cleaners with a rash were less likely to have received workplace training regarding their skin and were more likely to find the safety training hard to understand. Cleaners with a rash within the past year were significantly more likely to have work-related asthma symptoms than cleaners without a rash (P < 0.001).

Conclusions This study demonstrates a strong link between work-related symptoms of asthma and dermatitis among cleaners. Effective preventive measures, such as the use of protective skin and respiratory equipment, should be emphasized.

Aims To quantify the mortality hazards arising from employment at the Dow AgroSciences agrochemical production site in New Plymouth, New Zealand.

Methods Workers employed between 1 January 1969 and 1 October 2003 were followed up to the end of 2004. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated using national mortality rates by employment duration, sex, period of hire and latency.

Results A total of 1754 employees were followed during the study period and 247 deaths were observed. The all causes and all cancers SMRs were 0.97 (95% CI 0.85–1.10) and 1.01 (95% CI 0.80–1.27), respectively. Mortality due to all causes was higher for short-term workers (SMR 1.23, 95% CI 0.91–1.62) than long-term workers (SMR 0.92, 95% CI 0.80–1.06) and women had lower death rates than men. Analyses by latency and period of hire did not show any patterns consistent with an adverse impact of occupational exposures.

Conclusions The mortality experience of workers at the site was similar to the rest of New Zealand.

Aims To investigate lung cancer risks in a cohort of cadmium recovery workers in relation to period from ceasing exposure to arsenic.

Methods The mortality experience (1940–2001) of a cohort of 625 male workers from a US cadmium recovery plant was compared with expectations based on US national mortality rates.

Results There was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) negative trend in lung cancer standardized mortality ratios in relation to period from ceasing arsenic exposure.

Conclusions The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that arsenic is a late-stage human carcinogen.

Aims Our objective was to study lung function and respiratory symptoms among spot welders and office workers at an automobile assembly factory in Iran.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study of 137 male spot welders and 129 office workers. We used a questionnaire to record demographic data, smoking habits, work history and respiratory symptoms. Spirometry was performed to assess lung function status. Metal fume samples from the respiratory zone of spot welders were analysed.

Results The concentrations of metal fume were less than the American Conference of Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) threshold limit values. There were significantly lower values for average forced expiratory volume in 1st second (FEV₁), FEV₁/forced vital capacity and 25–75% forced expiratory flow in spot welders compared to controls. There was also a significantly raised prevalence of respiratory symptoms (sputum and dyspnoea) in spot welders. Fifteen per cent of spot welders and 1% of controls had an obstructive pattern in spirometry.

Conclusions Our survey suggests that spot welders are at risk of developing respiratory symptoms and decreasing pulmonary function values despite their exposure to components of welding fume being within ACGIH guidelines.

Aims To identify cases of chlorhexidine allergy among health care workers.

Methods A questionnaire was distributed among HCWs in wards and operating theatres at a UK district general hospital to raise awareness of potential chlorhexidine allergy and to invite those with possible clinical allergy to come forward for further testing. Diagnosis was based on an appropriate clinical history with positive serum-specific IgE to chlorhexidine and/or positive skin prick testing.

Results Four cases of occupational IgE-mediated allergy to chlorhexidine were identified.

Conclusions Despite its excellent antimicrobial properties, chlorhexidine is an occupational allergen. We suggest that chlorhexidine allergy be included in the differential diagnosis of HCWs presenting with work-related allergic symptoms. Increased awareness and easier access to chlorhexidine-specific IgE serological testing should facilitate early diagnosis of affected HCWs, allowing appropriate avoidance measures to be instigated—thus reducing the risk of potentially severe allergic reactions in the future.

Aims To explore factors associated with farmers joining farmers’ occupational health services (FOHS). This knowledge is important for improving the coverage of FOHS and to motivate farmers to join.

Methods In 2004 and 2005, we interviewed a total of 1182 full-time farmers aged 18–64, chosen randomly from the register of the Information Centre of the Ministry of Agricultural and Forestry in Finland (Tike). A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to calculate odds ratios and their 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with their joining FOHS.

Results Among both genders, chronic illnesses, farm size and opinion on whether membership of FOHS should be obligatory were predictors of farmers joining FOHS. Among male farmers, the production sector, the existence of a quality system on the farm and vocational education were associated with interest in joining. Among female farmers, interest was associated with physical activity.

Conclusions Emphasizing FOHS constitutes a preventive approach. All farmers should be motivated by FOHS to become aware of issues concerning safety and health at work. The potential channels for increasing its awareness are vocational education, quality systems and support from farmers who are already members.

Methods We have assessed and performed occupational assessment of eight workers involved in this industry. Two of these were later diagnosed with OA and are reported here.

Results Both workers developed their respiratory symptoms within 2 years of the first use of the chemical hydroxylamine as part of the ‘de-inking’ process. Hydroxylamine was used as a substitute for glutaraldehyde on risk grounds, although no prior cases of OA had been found. The two workers had worked at the same plant for 11 and 20 years, respectively. Both gave histories of work-related wheeze, shortness of breath and cough. Both cases performed OASYS peak flow records over a 3-week period and had OASYS II index of 2.85 and 2.67, respectively. Both were redeployed on site to non-exposed areas and subsequently demonstrated improvement in bronchial reactivity. Case 2 subsequently consented to and underwent a blinded, placebo-controlled occupational challenge using hydroxylamine demonstrating a significant isolated late asthmatic response.

Conclusions We believe that these are the first two confirmed cases of OA caused by hydroxylamine in the paper recycling industry.

Aims To determine the occupational health status of New Zealand dentists.

Methods A nationwide postal survey of a representative sample of 750 dentists.

Results There was a response rate of 77%. Most dentists (71%) reported their general health as very good or excellent; 43% rated their physical fitness as excellent or very good and 64% were happy and interested in life. Workplace bullying had been experienced by 19% and was higher for female and employee dentists and 29% had experienced a violent or abusive incident at work. Almost half of the sample (47%) had experienced at least one dermatitis-type condition in the previous 12 months. The most commonly reported sites for musculoskeletal problems experienced in the previous year were the neck (59%), lower back (57%) and shoulders (45%). Women had a higher prevalence of several occupational health problems, but were more satisfied with their overall health than male dentists.

Conclusions The majority of dentists had good general health, but physical fitness levels were not ideal. The prevalence of hand dermatoses and musculoskeletal problems are high and impact significantly on dentists’ daily lives. Interventions such as reducing weight and training in optimal working methods to reduce musculoskeletal problems and injuries (such as eye or needlestick incidents) might improve the health of this workforce but further research is required.

Aims To determine whether compensated work-related injuries among females are higher than their male colleagues in the British Columbia healthcare sector.

Methods Incidents of occupational injury resulting in compensated days lost from work over a 1-year period for all healthcare workers were extracted from a standardized operational database and the numbers of productive hours were obtained from payroll data. Injuries were grouped into all injuries and musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). Detailed analysis was conducted using Poisson regression modelling.

Results A total of 42 332 employees were included in the study of whom 11% were male and 89% female. When adjusted for age, occupation, sub-sector, employment category, health region and facility, female workers had significantly higher risk of all injuries [rate ratio (95% CI) = 1.58 (1.24–2.01)] and MSIs [1.43 (1.11–1.85)] compared to their male colleagues.

Conclusions Occupational health and safety initiatives should be gender sensitive and developed accordingly.

Aims To audit the understanding and practice of UK occupational physicians to see if a consensus view existed.

Methods A postal questionnaire sent to all UK-based Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM) members between December 2005 and June 2006. Responses were analysed using the SPSS 13.0 software.

Results Responses were received from 726 SOM members, a response rate of 48%. The study revealed wide variation and a limited consensus in practice. Significant differences existed between doctors with a Diploma in Occupational Medicine and those with higher Faculty qualifications, between part-time and full-time practitioners and between doctors who qualified pre- and post-1974.

Conclusions The audit revealed wide variation in responding to clinical scenarios in relation to both the Access to Medical Reports and the Data Protection Acts. The findings have implications for clinical practice, policy and research. The majority of respondents reported that national guidance is needed.

Aims To characterize shiftwork-related attitudes, behaviours, symptoms and coping strategies among health care workers, two validated questionnaires (the Standard Shiftwork Index and the Pressure Management Indicator) were used to identify factors predicting shiftwork adaptation.

Methods Participants (n = 376, response rate 25%) were grouped according to their work schedule (days, permanent evenings, rotating days plus evenings, permanent nights or relief and combined shifts). Indicators of lifestyle, work organization, sleep disruption, health and pressure management among workers on irregular shifts were compared with participants on day shifts, after adjustment for gender, age and marital status. Principal components analysis and ordinal logistic regression were used among irregular shiftworkers to identify factors predicting schedule adaptation.

Results Night and relief/combined shiftworkers reported a greater ability to accommodate irregular schedules and disrupted sleep, but were also more likely to report work-related impacts than day workers. Permanent night workers generally reported poorer health, more absenteeism and less job satisfaction than day workers. Factors associated with optimal work performance or schedule contentment among shiftworkers included adequate sleep, evening circadian preference, increased age and organizational satisfaction. Reduced work performance or schedule discontent was associated with sleep/wake difficulties and poor health.

Conclusions This study confirmed previous research and identified factors that can be targeted for the development of more effective shiftwork adaptation programmes in a health care setting (sleep timing and duration, exercise and optimal health and organizational satisfaction).

Aims To measure upper extremity disability using the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire in workers with HAVS and to determine how this disability is affected by the vascular and neurological components of HAVS and other factors, in particular musculoskeletal variables.

Methods Subjects were recruited from HAVS patients assessed at St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada, over a 2-year period. All participants were assessed by an occupational medicine specialist to determine the specific components of HAVS and musculoskeletal variables including upper extremity pain score measured by the Borg scale. The DASH questionnaire was completed on the same day as the clinical assessment and before any feedback had been given about the clinical findings.

Results A total of 141 workers with HAVS were recruited and 139 agreed to participate in the study. This study group had a statistically significantly higher mean DASH score than the US population (P < 0.001). The multiple linear regression analysis indicated that upper extremity pain score (P < 0.001), the Stockholm sensorineural scale (P < 0.01) and the number of fingers blanching (P < 0.05) had a statistically significant association with an increase in the DASH score. The highest partial R² value was for the upper extremity pain score.

Conclusions Workers with HAVS have significant upper extremity disability and musculoskeletal factors appear to make an important contribution to this disability.

Methods Two laboratory experiments were conducted. In each, 10 healthy subjects, five males and five females, participated. The subjects' fingers were exposed to vibration under four conditions with a combination of different periods of exposure and rest periods. The vibration frequency was 125 Hz and the frequency-weighted acceleration was 5 m/s². A measure of the tactile or thermal perception was conducted before the different exposures to vibration. Immediately after the vibration exposure, the acute effect was measured continuously for the first 75 s. This was followed by regular measures for a maximum of 30 min.

Results The results showed that combinations of vibration with different periods of exposure and rest periods significantly influenced vibrotactile perception, but not thermal perception.

Conclusions These findings suggest that intermittent exposure to hand-transmitted vibration might be more beneficial for the response of the finger vibrotactile sensation than continuous exposure. This finding is inconsistent with the evaluation methods in ISO 5349-1 for vibrotactile sensation, but accurate for thermal perception.

Aims To assess whether work as a hairdresser and cosmetologist during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight, preterm delivery, small for gestational age (SGA) and perinatal death.

Methods The 1990–2004 Finnish Medical Birth Registry was used to identify all singletons of hairdressers (n = 10 622) and cosmetologists (n = 2490) and those of teachers (n = 18 594) as the reference group. The main outcomes were sexual differentiation measured as the probability of female gender, low birth weight, preterm delivery, SGA and perinatal death. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) adjusted for maternal age, parity, marital status and maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Results In logistic regression, the risk of low birth weight (adjusted OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.23–1.69), preterm delivery (adjusted OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.07–1.38), SGA (adjusted OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.38–2.07) and perinatal death (adjusted OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.01–1.60) was higher in hairdressers than in teachers. In cosmetologists, the risk of SGA (adjusted OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.10–2.12) and perinatal death (adjusted OR 1.36, 95% CI 0.62–2.98) was elevated. There were no substantial differences in the sex distribution.

Conclusions This study provides evidence that work as a hairdresser or cosmetologist may reduce foetal growth. Work as a hairdresser may also increase the risk of preterm delivery and perinatal death.

Aims To highlight the value of simple Doppler assessments of the palmar blood flow to distinguish the condition of HHS from ‘classical’ HAVS.

Method Among patients assessed for HAVS by the authors during 2006, three were identified as potentially having HHS. Doppler ultrasound of the palmar arches with and without ulnar arterial occlusion was used.

Result We report three cases in which Doppler ultrasound assessment supports a diagnosis of HHS.

Conclusions It is our recommendation that such Doppler assessments should form part of the clinical assessment of workers being assessed in connection with exposure to hand-transmitted vibration and in whom symptoms are present that are not typical of ‘classical HAVS’, particularly where there is a history of possible hypothenar trauma.

Aims To determine the frequency rates of occupational injuries and fatalities among copper miners in Zambia.

Methods A retrospective study of occupational injuries and fatalities at one of the largest copper mining companies in Zambia was undertaken for the period January 2005 to May 2007. Information on injuries and fatalities was obtained from the electronic accident survey database of the company. Analysis was restricted to fatalities and those injuries that had prompted medical attention and at least 1 day of absence from work. Annual injury and fatality frequency rates (injuries per 1000 employee years and fatalities per 100 000 employee years, respectively) were calculated.

Results In the selected period, 165 injuries and 20 fatalities were recorded. The underground department had the highest frequency rates of fatalities (111/100 000 employee years) and injuries (5.5/1000 employee years). The most common cause of fatal injuries was fall of rock in the underground mines. The most frequent mechanism of injury was handling of tools and materials, and the most commonly injured body parts were the hands and fingers.

Conclusions The fatality rate is high compared to reported values from the metalliferous mining industry in developed countries, strongly suggesting that measures should be taken to reduce risks, particularly at underground sites.

Aims To identify variables associated with a lack of fitness to serve.

Method Extraction and analysis of data from the Phase I of the study, with a binary outcome of fitness as the dependent variable, controlling for psychosocial and other confounders.

Results Stepwise logistic regression analysis found statistically significant effects due to smoking, body mass index (BMI), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ)-12 and work–family conflict. The model accounted for 5.6% of the variance in medical grading, 3% of which was due to smoking.

Conclusions With psychosocial factors and GHQ-12 scores accounted for, personnel who were not fully fit for NS were found to be more likely to be smokers and to have a high BMI (≥25).

Aims To explore how MSD pain differs according to frequency of night-shift naps.

Methods A questionnaire study was conducted on 111 care workers at three nursing homes. Of 98 respondents, data from 66 shift workers (54 women) were analysed. Data on self-rated pain in multiple sites (neck, shoulder, arm, leg and low back), naps during night shifts and relevant variables were collected. Participants were categorized into three groups on the basis of frequency of night-shift naps taken during the previous month: non-nappers, <50% nappers and ≥50% nappers.

Results Pain at all sites, with the exception of low back pain, differed significantly among the three groups. Pain scores were lowest at the arm and leg for the ≥50% nappers. Neck and shoulder pain was lower for the ≥50% nappers and the non-nappers compared to the <50% nappers.

Conclusions Reduced pain in the arm and leg was associated with taking a nap at least once every two night shifts among the nursing home care workers. No association was found between low back pain and night-shift naps in this sample.

Aim The aim of this article is to review the key epidemiologic papers on occupational solar exposure and skin cancer and discuss the relationships found.

Method A literature search was conducted using online databases and article bibliographies. A full review of all available studies was not carried out, as only key studies on occupational exposure were required.

Results There is a clear association between solar radiation and skin cancer. The mechanisms for induction vary between the types of skin cancer and these cannot be solely attributed to occupational exposures.

Conclusions There is great difficulty in separating the effects of occupational and recreational solar UVR exposure; therefore, any results discussed in this review should be interpreted with caution. However, it is clear that solar UVR exposure does induce skin cancer and protective measures should be taken in an attempt to reduce the burden of occupational skin cancer in Great Britain.

Aim This paper gives an overview of the literature reporting investigations of the relationship between exposure to silica and development of lung cancer with a focus on the controversy concerning the roles of silicosis and smoking in the development of cancer.

Method A literature search was conducted to identify epidemiologic papers on silica, silicosis and lung cancer using electronic databases (MEDLINE, PubMed, Web of Science) from 1996 onwards and paper bibliographies.

Results If silicosis were the necessary step leading to lung cancer, enforcing the current silica standards would protect workers against lung cancer risk as well. Alternatively, a direct silica–lung cancer association that has been suggested implies that regulatory standards should be revised accordingly.

Conclusion Further research is needed in order to understand the complex pattern of interactions leading to lung cancer among silica-exposed workers (and cancers and workplace exposures in general) and to understand whether and to what extent other workplace lung carcinogens, total respirable dust and total surface size and age of silica particles affect the carcinogenic potential of silica. In addition, the apparent paradox of a lower lung cancer risk in some workplaces with high-level silica exposure needs further investigation.

Methods A 3-year study was carried out using data from the Exposure Prevention Information Network of four teaching hospitals in the UK.

Results One hundred and seventy-five cases of BBF exposures in doctors were reported over the 3-year study period. Eighty-one (46%) occurred in senior doctors and 94 (54%) in junior doctors. Junior doctors had a higher rate of BBF exposures compared to senior doctors: 13 versus 4 incidents per 100 person-years, respectively (relative risk 3, 95% confidence interval 2–4). The most frequent setting for BBF exposures among senior doctors was the operating theatre/recovery (59%). Among junior doctors, it was the patient room (48%). The commonest original reason for use of sharps by junior doctors was the taking of blood samples (42%). Among senior doctors, it was suturing (41%).

Conclusion While ongoing training efforts need to be directed towards both junior and senior doctors, our data suggest that junior doctors are at higher risk of BBF exposures and may need particular attention in prevention strategies. An improvement in the safety culture in teaching hospitals can be expected to reduce the number of BBF exposures.

Aim To investigate BBF exposure and its associated factors among primary HCWs.

Methods Cross-sectional study among workers from municipal primary health care centres in Florianópolis, Southern Brazil. Workers who belonged to occupational categories that involved BBF exposures during the preceding 12 months were interviewed and included in the data analysis.

Results A total of 1077 workers participated. The mean incidence rate of occupational BBF exposures was 11.9 per 100 full-time equivalent worker-years (95% confidence interval: 8.4–15.3). The cumulative prevalence was 7% during the 12 months preceding the interview. University-level education, employment as a nurse assistant, dental assistant or dentist, higher workload score, inadequate working conditions, having sustained a previous occupational accident and current smoking were associated with BBF exposures (P ≤ 0.05).

Conclusions Primary Health Care Centres are working environments in which workers are at risk of BBF exposures. Exposure surveillance systems should be created to monitor their occurrence and to guide the implementation of preventive strategies.

Aim To assess the relationships between PJD, lifestyle and injury in workers of various ages.

Methods A total of 2888 randomly selected workers from northeastern France, aged ≥15, completed a postal questionnaire. The PJD score was defined as the total number of the following reported job demands: using pneumatic tools, other vibrating hand tools, hammers, machine tools or vibrating platforms and exposure to manual handling tasks, awkward postures, high pace of work, high physical workload, work at heights, work in adverse climates or exposure to noise, cold or heat. Data were analysed using logistic regression.

Results Nine per cent of subjects reported an injury during the previous 2 years. The PJD score was related to the injury rate for workers aged ≥45: crude odds ratio (OR) 3.5 (95% confidence interval = 1.5–8.0) for PJD = 1, 5.0 (2.2–11.3) for PJD = 2–3 and 14.5 (6.5–32.2) for PJD ≥4, versus PJD = 0. Lower ORs were found for those aged <30 (1.4, 4.2 and 9.9, respectively) and 30–44 (1.5, 4.4 and 6.5, respectively). The differences between age groups remained when controlling for all factors studied. Obesity, smoking and musculoskeletal disorders were associated with injury risk in workers aged ≥45 (adjusted ORs 1.7–2.6). Smoking was also an injury risk factor for workers aged <30.

Conclusions PJD and lifestyle have a higher impact on injury rates among older workers than among younger ones. Injury prevention should address reducing PJD and improving relevant lifestyle factors, especially for older workers.

Aim To study the relationship between serum, erythrocyte and saliva acetylcholinesterase (AChE) levels and to explore the use of salivary AChE as potential biomarker for OP exposure.

Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 19 healthy adult male lead-exposed workers who were undergoing six monthly statutory medical examination. Passive drool saliva samples were collected from each worker. Each blood sample was tested for serum and erythrocyte AChE, and each saliva sample was tested for AChE.

Results Among the 19 subjects, the mean (±standard deviation) of salivary, erythrocyte and serum AChE/cholinesterase were 22.7 (±17.4), 17171 (±1467), 8861 (±1876) U/l, respectively. There was a moderate correlation between salivary and erythrocyte AChE (r = 0.42, P = 0.071), but not salivary and serum AChE (r = –0.17, P = 0.48). The level of AChE in saliva was ~1820 times lower than AChE in erythrocytes.

Conclusion It is probably not feasible to use saliva as a replacement for blood for the measurement of AChE levels. This is because of the much lower levels of AChE in saliva relative to erythrocytes, the weak correlation between the two measurements and the previously reported high intra-individual variation of salivary AChE.

Aim To analyse the type of occupational eye injuries that occur and to document the use of eye protection in patients presenting to a UK district general hospital.

Methods A pilot retrospective case note analysis of all ocular injuries seen in one calendar month was performed. A prospective survey of consecutive occupational ocular injuries presenting to this district general accident and emergency (A&E) department over a 2-month period was then carried out. Demographics, aetiology, eye protection usage and clinical details were recorded and analysed.

Results Of all eye patients attending this A&E, 31% (87/283) were due to occupational eye injuries. Of 55 prospectively reviewed patients with occupational eye injuries, the majority had minor injuries. Of the cases where eye protection was recorded, 56% (18/32) were not wearing any protection and 44% (14/32) wore eye protection at the time of injury.

Conclusions Occupational eye injuries are a commonly seen ocular complaint in the A&E department. Provision of appropriate eyewear protection and worker education is required to minimize the incidence of ocular injury in the workplace.

Aims To study the willingness of anaesthetists to change their employment and factors associated with it. Work-related, individual and family-related factors were investigated as potential influences on such willingness.

Method A postal questionnaire was sent to all working Finnish anaesthetists (N = 550).

Results The response rate was 60%; 175 (53% of responders) were men. Of the respondents, 31% were willing to consider changing to another physician's job and 43% to a profession other than medicine. The most important correlates for these views were conflicts with superiors (odds ratio 6.1; 95% confidence interval 2.1–17.7) and co-workers (4.2; 1.4–12.2), low job control (2.6; 1.4–4.9), a sense of organizational injustice (2.4; 1.3–4.6), stress (6.5; 2.6–16.3) and job dissatisfaction (4.6; 2.4–8.8).

Conclusions The establishment of respect, trust and genuine dialogue between co-workers and superiors is needed to minimize the risk of loss of members of this occupational group.