Medico-­social and epidemiological aspects of occupational dermatoses incidence among water transport workers (literature review)

Abstract

Objective — to conduct a comprehensive retrospective study of the medico-social and epidemiological direction regarding the structure, determinants and cause-and-effect relationships between the performance of professional duties and skin diseases in sailors; substantiate proposals for additional measures that will improve the level of health protection of water transport workers of Ukraine to international standards. Materials and methods. The research methods applied in the work were as follows: bibliosemantic, statistical observation, analytical and structural analysis. These methods made it possible to process only valid, complete and up-to-date information, to make correct and thorough conclusions about the nature and regularities of the researched process. Results and discussion. The volume of water transportation of chemicals, goods or foods that were treated with chemicals is increasing every year. Some cargoes on board ships are disinfected, in particular, with the help of toxic fumigants. All fumigants that are used to protect transported goods are a potential health hazard for workers and can cause, among other things, occupational dermatoses.Available data on the study of sanitary-chemical, hygienic and epidemiological parameters of working conditions, living conditions and morbidity of dockers and sailors during transshipment in ports and transportation of bulk freight on ships of the bulk fleet indicate contamination of workplaces with dangerous and harmful substances, which caused damage to the mucous membranes and skin coverings. Conclusions. The mechanisms of health preservation and emergency response readiness constitute a complex scientific and practical problem and require further thorough study, considering the variety of determinants and risk factors in water transport, the differences in their physical and chemical properties, as well as the potential impact on human health and the aquatic environment. Scientifically based proposals have been provided regarding additional measures, the implementation of which will bring the level of health protection of water transport workers of Ukraine closer to international standards. Among the scientific and practical tasks related to the treatment and prevention of skin diseases among water transport workers, the priority is given to the implementation of modern diagnostic algorithms, training of personnel, organization of telemedical consultations, updating the completeness of ship’s first-aid kits in order to provide timely, high-quality emergency medical care as needed.