- Occupational health surveillance: pulmonary function testing and oxidative stress among photocopying workers in Pakistan
The photocopying occupation contributes to various health issues in workers. Elevated levels of oxidative stress have been found to be associated with respiratory problems in occupational workers. The intention of the current research is to evaluate the association between the pulmonary function parameters, a biomarker of oxidative stress, and the photocopying occupation in Lahore, Pakistan.
- The reaction of the circulatory system to stress and electromagnetic fields emitted by mobile phones - 24-hour monitoring of ECG and blood pressure
In experimental studies, the effect of using a cell phone on heart function was observed, including QTc interval prolongation and changes in BP values. Stress can also cause changes in the circulatory system. However, there are no studies taking into account the simultaneous effects of stress and electromagnetic field (PEM). Both factors relate to employees of cellular networks.
- The need for preventive actions concerning civilization diseases in preventive care provided by the occupational health service - the opinion of the employed
Every year, in Poland, almost 5 million preventive examinations of working people are carried out for the purposes envisaged in the Labor Code. The aim of the research conducted by the authors of the article was to obtain the opinion of employees on the desirability of extending the scope of these research to prevent diseases of civilization (including educational activities related to a healthy lifestyle).
- Ten years of validity of REACH and CLP - assessment of knowledge and implementation of regulations by Polish users of chemicals
The aim of the work was to assess the awareness of downstream users and distributors of chemicals in Poland on the subject of applicable legal regulations [Regulation on registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) and Regulation on classification and labeling) and packaging (classification, labeling and packaging - CLP)] in the field of chemicals and to determine on this basis the need for training and information campaigns addressed to these professional groups by means of a questionnaire survey.
- Tool for measuring work transformation: Psychometric characteristics of the Polish version of the Job Crafting Scale
The variable job crafting has been the object of growing interest of researchers and practitioners for over a dozen years. It refers to the behavior consisting in adjusting the work characteristics of an employee so that the work corresponds to his or her abilities and needs. The aim of the article is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Job Crafting Scale (JCS) scale, which is used to measure this variable.
- Assessment of the ability to undertake work after completion of rehabilitation as part of the disability pension scheme of the Social Insurance Institution in people with chronic musculoskeletal diseases
The increasing number of people receiving benefits due to inability to work is a heavy burden on the state budget. In order to reduce the scale of this phenomenon, the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS) implements a rehabilitation program as part of pension prevention.
- Perceived support received from the supervisor as an important factor for job satisfaction of subordinate employees - model verification
Perceived support received from the superior significantly affects the well-being of employees. The aim of the conducted research was to verify the mechanisms of both direct and indirect impact perceived support from the supervisor (perceived supervisor support - PSS) on employee satisfaction and check the moderating role of this variable for the relationship between stress and work-life balance, loyalty and gratitude towards organization and job satisfaction.
- Are platinum nanoparticles safe to human health?
Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have been widely used not only in industry, but above all in medicine and diagnostics. However, there are disturbing reports related to the toxic effects of nanoplatinum, which is the main reason why the authors of this study have decided to review and analyze literature data related to its toxicity and impact on human health. While PtNPs may be absorbed by the respiratory and digestive tract, and can penetrate through the epidermis, there is no evidence concerning their absorption through the skin. Platinum nanoparticles accumulate mainly in the liver and spleen although they also reach other internal organs, such as lungs, kidneys or heart. Toxicokinetics of platinum nanoparticles depends strongly on the particle size. Only few studies regarding platinum nanoparticles toxicity have been conducted. Animals intratracheally exposed to platinum nanoparticles have demonstrated an increased level of proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage which confirms inflammatory response in the lungs. Oral administration of PtNPs can cause inflammatory response and induce oxidative stress. Nanoplatinum has been found to induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity via the intravenous route. It can cause DNA damage and cellular apoptosis without significant cytotoxicity. There are no research studies on its carcinogenicity. Fetal or maternal toxicity has not been observed, but an increased mortality and a decreased growth of the offspring have been demonstrated. Platinum nanoparticles may permeate the skin barrier but there is no evidence for their absorption. Due to the insufficient number of tests that have been carried out to date, it is not possible to clearly determine the occupational exposure limit value; however, caution is recommended to employees exposed to their effects.
- Priority: safe working conditions
The preparation of a new Regulation of the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy regarding the highest permissible concentrations and intensities of harmful factors in the work environment resulted from the need to implement into national law the provisions of the Commission Directive (EU) 2017/164 of 31 January 2017 establishing the fourth list indicative occupational exposure limit values in accordance with Council Directive 98/24 / EC and amending Commission Directives 91/322 / EEC, 2000/39 / EC and 2009/161 / EU, the provisions of which Member States had to introduce by 21 August 2018, and also partially the European Parliament and Council Directive 2017/2398 / EU of 12 December 2017 amending Directive 2004/37 / EC on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work. The Regulation takes into account 13 applications addressed in the years 2014-2017 to the minister competent for labor by the Interministerial Commission for Highest Acceptable Concentrations and Intakes of Workers Harmful to Health in the Work Environment. The committee was appointed by the regulation of the Prime Minister of December 15, 2008, and its tasks include Submission to the minister responsible for labor of applications regarding the value of the highest allowable concentrations and intensities of agents harmful to health in the work environment.
- Musculoskeletal disorders in computer operators
Working in a sitting position, although it does not require a lot of physical effort, performed for a long time and in the wrong way can cause musculoskeletal disorders. They are a common problem in the working population. The article presents an analysis of selected literature on the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders in computer operators. Particular attention was paid to their classification and reasons. Also discussed are the latest reports on their occurrence and costs they generate, affecting the employee's inability to work and his sick absence.
Medycyna Pracy (Occupational Medicine) - full list