American journal of industrial medicine
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Studies of truck drivers and cardiovascular disease (CVD), myocardial infarction, or ischemic heart disease (IHD) are limited, although studies of other professional drivers reported increased risk. ⋯ The highest significant excess proportionate mortality for lung cancer, IHD and AMI was found for long haul truck drivers who were under age 55 at death. A cohort or longitudinal study of heart disease among long haul truck drivers, that obtains data for occupational exposures as well as lifestyle risk factors, could help explain inconsistencies between the findings of this and previous studies.
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Comparative Study
Physical workload, ergonomic problems, and incidence of low back injury: a 7.5-year prospective study of San Francisco transit operators.
The etiologic role of biomechanical factors for low back injury (LBI) needs to be confirmed in prospective studies that control for psychosocial factors. ⋯ Duration of professional driving and ergonomic problems are independent and preventable risk factors for LBI even after adjustment for psychosocial factors.
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Despite the provisions of a Smoke-Free Air Act (SFAA) enacted in 1995, more than 415,000 non-smoking New York City workers reported exposure to second-hand smoke in the workplace all or most of the time in 2002. Continued exposure to second-hand smoke in New York City prompted a renewed debate about a broader smoke-free air law. ⋯ Proponents for a stronger law prevailed by defining greater protection from second-hand smoke as a matter of worker health and safety. Efforts to enact smoke-free workplace laws will inevitably encounter strong opposition, with the most common argument being that smoke-free measures will harm businesses. These challenges, however, can be effectively countered and public support for these measures is likely to increase over time by focusing the debate on worker protection from second-hand smoke exposure on the job.
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Comparative Study
Nonfatal occupational injuries from slips, trips, and falls among older workers treated in hospital emergency departments, United States 1998.
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults. As the workforce demographics shift to an older population, the dearth of information on occupational falls among older adults must be addressed. ⋯ Fall prevention programs targeted to older workers must examine extrinsic sources of falls, particularly surface traction, contaminant control, and footwear.
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Review
Review of the Federal Child Labor Regulations: updating hazardous and prohibited occupations.
Child labor regulations are intended to protect our young and most vulnerable workers. While regulations are not the only strategy for providing a safe and healthy work environment for young workers, they are the first step in setting the community standard to protect them. The world of work has changed since the first child labor laws were issued in 1939. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) enlisted assistance from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to evaluate the current list of hazardous and prohibited occupations and to make recommendations for changes to the regulations. ⋯ The NIOSH report is a valuable resource for anyone working to prevent occupational injuries-among adult and young workers alike. It is crucial that the DOL use the guidance provided by NIOSH and the Young Workers Safety and Health Network to improve the protections for young workers.