Environmental and Occupational Health Practice最新文献

{"title":"Development of a simple method for determination of gas permeability resistance of whole chemical protective gloves","authors":"Takamasa Aoki, S. Iwasawa, Shinobu Yamamoto, A. Takeuchi, S. Tanaka, H. Miyauchi","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2020-0027-oa","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2020-0027-oa","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: We investigated the protection performance of whole gloves by developing a straightforward permeability resistance method and evaluating the permeation over 480 min. Methods: The permeation time for toluene was obtained for seven glove types according to the Japanese Industrial Standards. In addition, the permeability resistance of whole gloves was evaluated from the ratio of collected amount of toluene in the passive layered sampler attached to the inside and outside of the glove. Results: The permeation times of the two types of polyurethane gloves evaluated were less than 1 min each. However, the percentages of toluene that permeated through the whole gloves determined by the developed method were 32.5% and 6.8% for the thin and thick gloves, respectively, at 480 min and 71.8% and 24.1% for the thin and thick gloves, respectively, at 1,440 min. Permeation times for all three types of layered films were more than 1,440 min, but the whole glove tests showed differences of 1.7%, 3.1%, and less than 0.1% at 1,440 min. The causes of these differences were assumed to be related to variations in thickness, type of material, and differences in deposition state of the various gloves. Conclusions: It became possible to grasp the permeation performance throughout whole chemical resistant gloves, which could not be known only with material testing, using a straightforward permeability test method.","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132269857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging issues in the occupational health field","authors":"A. Tsutsumi","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2.1-ed","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2.1-ed","url":null,"abstract":"In 2019, the Japan Society for Occupational Health launched their second international journal, Environmental and Occupational Health Practice (EOH-P). EOH-P is a sister journal to the Journal of Occupational Health (JOH). The scope of EOH-P covers different areas than those of JOH because it emphasizes current developments in the occupational health field. With the launch of EOH-P, we aim to disseminate information to improve occupational health practitioners’ practices. EOH-P primarily seeks to publish reports on knowledge gained through practical activities and good practice in occupational safety and health (OSH). These reports will have important empirical value for the occupational health field, where perspectives of those who directly contribute to practice are needed. Real-world activities produce much local knowledge; however, information about these activities has rarely been published in academic journals. One of the evaluation indicators for academic journals assesses how many papers published by the journal have been cited in related journals (i.e., the journal’s impact factor could be a relevant indicator). Even superior examples of best-practice activities are difficult to publish because documents on practical activities are seldom cited. EOH-P hopes to actively discuss issues and topics that have not received much previous coverage. Occupational health issues are expanding globally as well as locally. The low birthrate and longevity in postindustrial societies have caused a labor shortage. The aging workforce has elevated risks for various morbidity and disability issues. Societies also need to consider the health problems of increasing numbers of foreign workers, to whom ordinary occupational health services have rarely been delivered. The occupational health issues of self-employed workers, small-business owners, and freelancers are understudied compared with those of employees. Dual employment or overemployment has become popular in the era of increasing mobility of employment; however, this working style may cause serious health problems for the working poor. These emerging issues are understudied because of the difficulty of investigation using rigorous study designs. Occupational injuries and illnesses among the working poor are often not captured in official statistics. Even small-scale studies can provide worthy data to explore these issues at an early stage of research. Another perspective is the environmental issues that remain problematic, such as the exposure to high concentrations of toxic substances in not only occupational health settings, but also in natural or urban environmental settings. Environmental issues include many old and new problems. There are many hidden health issues among workers in developing countries. To solve these problems, it is necessary to obtain real data about these problematic agents. For example, data on concentrations of toxic substances have accumulated; however, there is scarce room f","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"61 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126231114","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recommendation of occupational exposure limits (2023–2024)","authors":"","doi":"10.1539/eohp.roel2023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.roel2023","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"72 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127672328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of a support tool for balancing cancer treatment and work in small and medium-sized enterprises","authors":"N. Nishikido, Minako Sasaki, E. Yoshikawa, Michiyo Ito, Hitomi Abe, N. Sakiyama","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2019-0006-oa","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2019-0006-oa","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a practical support tool to promote activities for balancing cancer treatment and work in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and to evaluate its validity and feasibility. Methods: Based on good examples of the support at SMEs from our prior study, researchers discussed the basic structure and details of such a tool and developed its first version. The validity and feasibility were examined in a focus group interview with management experts and a mail survey to human resource (HR) managers in SMEs. The final version of the support tool was prepared based on their opinions. Results: The basic structure of the developed tool comprised two parts: an assessment part for self-checking the degree of balancing treatment and work and an information provision part offering an explanation of the assessment results and tips for improvement. We prepared 24 items for checking six fields that were strongly related to balance activities. Assessment results were displayed in a radar chart so that the strengths and weaknesses of one’s own workplace could be visually determined at a glance. Management experts and HR managers evaluated this tool and found it easy to understand and useful. Conclusion: This tool seems to offer visible assessment of current activities for balancing cancer treatment and work and tips for improvement, resulting in increased motivation of employers and HR managers. We expect that this practical support tool will contribute to promote activities for balancing cancer treatment and work in many workplaces, including SMEs. support tool, radar chart, validity and feasibility","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"28 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"126567542","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cross-sectional association between working and depression prevalence in cancer survivors: a literature review","authors":"A. Ota, K. Kawada, A. Tsutsumi, H. Yatsuya","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2020-0006-ra","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2020-0006-ra","url":null,"abstract":"Objective: To examine the hypotheses that the depression prevalence would be lower in working cancer survivors compared to non-working cancer survivors and that the depression prevalence of working cancer survivors could be as low as that of the cancer-free general population. Methods: We used the PubMed database to search for relevant literature. Out of 299 matches to the used terms, 17 cross-sectional, quantitative studies that compared depression statuses of working cancer survivors with non-working cancer survivors or cancer-free general samples were considered. Results: In some studies, survivors of breast cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma indicated a significantly lower depression prevalence compared to non-working survivors with the same cancer types. On the other hand, some studies did not demonstrate a significant difference in the association between depression prevalence and working status among breast cancer and head and neck cancer survivors. Working survivors of breast cancer and malignant brain tumor demonstrated significantly worse scores on the depression subscale of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS-D) compared to the cancer-free general population. However, the depression prevalence was not compared. Conclusions: The existing literature did not consistently support our hypotheses. Working does not function as an absolute prevention method for depression in cancer survivors. Preventive measures against depression are necessary even after cancer survivors return to work. Further research is necessary to determine whether working is effective for preventing depression in cancer survivors.","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"132999631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recommendation of occupational exposure limits (2020–2021)","authors":"","doi":"10.1539/eohp.roel2020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.roel2020","url":null,"abstract":"1. Definitions Exposure concentration is defined as the concentration of a chemical substance in air which will be inhaled by a worker during a job without the use of protective respiratory equipment. Occupational Exposure Limit-Mean (OEL-M) for mean concentration of a chemical substance is defined as the reference value to the mean exposure concentration at or below which adverse health effects caused by the substance do not appear in most workers working for 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week under a moderate workload. Exposure above OEL-M should be avoided even Characteristics of OELs and Instructions for Users","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"18 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127761039","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Outcomes of an employment support program in psychiatric day care collaborate with the public employment service: a single-arm preliminary study","authors":"Kojiro Kawano, Saori Haga, K. Endo, Takeshi Shimada, Masayoshi Kobayashi","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2021-0009-oa","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2021-0009-oa","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"23 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114255204","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Musculoskeletal pain in Japanese workers and the relationship between labor productivity by presenteeism and chronic musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study","authors":"R. Sugano, K. Ikegami, Satoshi Michii, H. Ando, H. Nozawa, H. Imoto, A. Shima, Y. Kawatsu, Y. Fujino, A. Ogami","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2019-0003-oa","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2019-0003-oa","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: Although musculoskeletal pain is considered to be a major contributor to chronic pain in Japan, there are few epidemiological studies on chronic musculoskeletal pain in workers. Presenteeism, defined as attendance at work in spite of the need to rest due to poor health, related to chronic pain causes a decrease in labor productivity, and its economic loss is said to be four times greater than that of Absenteeism. In this study, we examined the relationship between the actual state of musculoskeletal pain in workers and chronic musculoskeletal pain and labor productivity, with the goal of obtaining useful information to improve labor productivity. Methods: A questionnaire was distributed to 3,406 workers, of whom 2,055 were analyzed to determine the prevalence of chronic musculoskeletal pain and the affected body parts, and the influence of work-related factors and the degree of labor produc tivity loss due to chronic musculoskeletal pain. Results: 34.0% of subjects had chronic musculoskeletal pain. The most commonly reported pain site was “neck and shoulder”. Chronic musculoskeletal pain was significantly more common in people working overtime and in physical workers. Labor productivity was significantly lower in the group with chronic musculoskeletal pain than in the group without musculoskeletal pain, and it was significantly lower in the “neck and shoulder” and “lower back” groups than in the group without chronic musculoskeletal pain. Conclusions: Thirty-four percent of workers were engaged in work while experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain. These workers had significantly decreased labor productivity. Efforts to improve conditions for workers with chronic musculoskeletal pain in each work type and working condition may improve labor productivity.","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"1 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"127365128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Consideration of information that occupational physicians should obtain from employers for use in providing employees’ healthcare","authors":"Rina Minohara, Yuichi Kobayashi, Hitomi Fujise, Suo Taira, Kota Fukai, Haruna Hirosato, K. Mori","doi":"10.1539/EOHP.2020-0026-OA","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/EOHP.2020-0026-OA","url":null,"abstract":"Objectives: In Japan, as a result of legislation, the role of occupational physicians and the function of occupational health have been strengthened. Employers are now required to provide information to occupational physicians. This study explored what information occupational physicians considered should be available to them. Methods: We conducted a focus group discussion with eight professional occupational physicians and developed a draft list of the information that occupational physicians should obtain from employers. To assess the validity of the list, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 777 occupational physicians in the training and certification system of the Japan Society of Occupational Health. Results: We obtained valid responses from 155 occupational physicians. In total, over 80% agreed or somewhat agreed that all 24 categories were required, indicating that a consensus had been reached. In two of the eight categories for which fewer than 80% responded “agree”, more senior or special-ized physicians were significantly more likely to respond “agree” than others. Conclusion: The results of the survey suggest specific experiences and systematic education influence decisions about whether certain types of information are considered necessary. Finally, based on the opinions in the open-ended section of the questionnaire, we recommend a list with 26 categories of information collecting from an employer. We believe the key to sharing information is to have a common understanding with employers and develop a good relationship so that additional information will be disclosed voluntarily. Occupational physicians need to be mindful of this need to develop rela-tionships with employers.","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"9 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"125471601","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Workstyle reform for Japanese doctors","authors":"A. Tsutsumi","doi":"10.1539/eohp.2020-0008-op","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1539/eohp.2020-0008-op","url":null,"abstract":"Workstyle reform for Japanese doctors is a priority of Japanese labor policy. Factors influencing this include the low birthrate and longevity of the population and the long working hours experienced by Japanese workers. Long working hours imperil the health of doctors and create discord between their work and other life roles. The Japanese government enacted measures to promote workstyle reform for doctors, including a provision that capped legal overtime work. The limit was set to sustain healthcare services in the community. However, the allowed level of overtime is substantially higher than the so-called “line of karoshi” at which point worker compensation for work-related medical disorders is approved. Despite limited research, several measures can be considered to reduce health risks of overworked doctors, such as recommending psychological detachment from clinical work and maintaining work-life balance. Doctors should realize that self-care is a professional imperative. Organizational efforts from public administration entities or hospitals are required to secure the health of doctors. The number of surgeons and obstetricians has not recently increased. Gender role stereotyping has encouraged male Japanese doctors to work long hours and makes it difficult for female doctors to continue their professional life after childbirth. Without reforming the workstyle and protecting the health of doctors, younger workers, particularly women, are liable to avoid entering medical professions. To ensure the provision of good healthcare, it is necessary to change traditional values and improve the work environment. Academics in occupational fields should produce evidence that will help improve Japanese labor policies.","PeriodicalId":278195,"journal":{"name":"Environmental and Occupational Health Practice","volume":"3 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"1900-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"129894624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}