@article { author = {El-Helaly, M. and Balkhy, H. and Vallenius, L. and Khan, W.}, title = {OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE AND WORK PRACTICES AMONG ETHYLENE OXIDE STERILIZATION WORKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {157-174}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2849}, abstract = {Introduction: Ethylene Oxide (EtO) is a colorless flammable, gas or liquid. In the health care setting, EtO is commonly used for sterilizing heat- and moisture-sensitive medical equipment to prevent health-care associated infections. Aim of work: To assess the Ethylene Oxide (EtO) occupational exposure and work practices among the EtO sterilization workers. Materials and methods: This study included 28 hospital EtO sterilization workers and 32 controls, all of them filled self-administered questionnaire including questions on their demographic characteristics, work experience, and associated symptoms with special attention to pulmonary, digestive, neurologic, hematologic, reproductive, dermatologic and ophthalmologic symptoms. Liver, kidney and ventilatory function tests were carried out for all participants. Work practices of the EtO sterilization workers were assessed. Moreover, EtO 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) and short term 15 minutes personal monitoring were measured. Results: Both 8- hour TWA and short term 15 minutes personal monitoring of the EtO sterilization workers were below the OSHA recommended EtO levels and proper work practices were followed by the workers but 30% of them were not fit tested for respirators use. The study revealed insignificant difference between the EtO sterilization workers and the controls concerning clinical symptoms, liver, kidney and ventilatory function tests. However, the mean of the white blood cells and the lymphocytes absolute numbers were higher among EtO sterilization workers compared to that of the controls, but within the normal range. Conclusion: Routine monitoring of EtO sterilizers; training, proper work practices and periodic medical evaluation of the EtO sterilization workers are important preventive measures to protect them from the harmful effects of EtO. Further research is recommended to study the health effects of EtO exposure at levels below the OSHA 8-hour TWA for EtO}, keywords = {Ethylene oxide,sterilization,Work practice,Occupational,exposure,Personal monitoring}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2849.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2849_5dd496ed3d765111c26ea05a6db43b88.pdf} } @article { author = {Ahmed, AS and Oraby, EE.}, title = {WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS IN SHARKIA GOVERNMENTAL HOSPITALS, EGYPT}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {175-186}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2853}, abstract = {Introduction: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists are prevalent complaints. The symptoms might impair work capacity and the future possibility to stay in the profession. Aim of work: to assess the prevalence and distribution of work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among dentists working in Sharkia governmental hospitals and to determine the risk factors among them. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among (123) dentists. A self-administered questionnaire that involved information about: socio-demographic and work-related data, a version of Standard Nordic MSD questionnaire, and a version of Demand/Control model questionnaire from Karasek. Results: The overall prevalence of MSD was (66.7%). Low-back pain was the most prevalent musculoskeletal complaint that reported by (56.9%) of the subjects, followed by wrist, neck and shoulders complaints (50.4%, 47.2% and 42.3% respectively). Age more than forty years, duration of work more than ten years, use of vibrating tools and low job control were the most significant predictors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among the studied dentists with (OR= 2.70, 2.72, 5.32 and 4.85 respectively).Conclusion: WMSDs are significant problems among dental practitioners. Repetitive tasks, using of vibrating tools, bad working habits, and uncomfortable posture contribute to musculoskeletal disorders, loss of production and stress. Educational dental ergonomics program should be introduced as a separate course during undergraduate practice.}, keywords = {Musculoskeletal disorders,Work related,Dentists and Risk factors}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2853.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2853_41347f924c4c9a17a4a464e9ec17eef9.pdf} } @article { author = {Hosny, G. and Abouelmagd, A. and Abdelaziz, H. and Elsayed, AS.}, title = {A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE IMPACTS OF INTEGRATED AUDIT ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT PERFORMANCE}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {187-203}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2854}, abstract = {Introduction: System integration can be achieved in a number of ways and at different levels. In practice all management systems are mutually coordinated systems functioning almost independently. Integration enables synergetic effect and optimum workplace performance on all aspects of Safety, Health, Environment and Quality. Aim of work: To evaluate the effect of Occupational Health, Safety and Environmental Protection Management System (HSEMS), integrated audit on Health, Safety and Environmental (HSE) protection performance level of petrochemical companies. The study was designed to evaluate the compliance degree of the organization with International Standardization Organization for environmental management, (ISO 14001) and Occupational Health and Safety Administration Series (OHSAS 18001) requirements in five petrochemical companies to ensure continued effectiveness and efficiency. Materials and methods: Performance indicator checklist and a questionnaire were designed to be used as a tool for internal review of HSE directed by OHSAS 18001:2007 and ISO 14001:2004. Relevant data were collected and statistically analyzed. Data collection was performed through various methodologies such as reviewing HSE published documents, safety reports of the companies, conducting interviews and surveys among HSE managers. Results: The study indicated that there was a gap between the effectiveness of HSEMS before and after the integrated audit by about 17.8 % at company A, 18.3 % at Company B, 21.5 % at Company C, 31.5 % at Company D, and 10.1 % at Company E. Factor analysis indicated that there was an identity and good correlations between the HSE performance indicators means for all companies. The results after integrated audit on the studied companies were categorized by a SWOT analysis technique to four areas of strength, weakness, opportunities and threats. Conclusion: Although the performance of health, safety and environment at the selected petrochemicals companies seems to be at a high level, the underlined study revealed some weaknesses and threats that affect the efficiency of HSEMS. However, HSE performance indicators were not enough to evaluate the effectiveness of HSEMS. The integrated audit technique is very important to evaluate the effectiveness of HSEMS.}, keywords = {Integrated audit,SWOT Analysis,integrated HSEMS,HSE performance indicators}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2854.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2854_fcb6441d1de6e685dcafcd1c6f734add.pdf} } @article { author = {Salem, GM. and Eltwansy, MS. and Waly, E. and Bakry, HM.}, title = {WORK ABILITY, INDIVIDUAL AND LIFESTYLE ASPECTS AMONG ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY EMPLOYEES}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {205-216}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2855}, abstract = {Introduction: Work ability is a dynamic process of human resources in relation to work and affected by many factors including sociodemographic characteristics, lifestyle and work demands through which health is considered as a primary determinant of work ability. Aim of work: to measure the work ability among employees at Zagazig University and its relationship with some individual and life style aspects. Materials and methods: A cross sectional study was conducted over a period of 4 months upon 251 employees at Zagazig University. The validated work ability index issued by Finnish Institute of Occupational Health is used to measure the employees’ work ability and a structured questionnaire is used for assessing some individual and life style factors. Our participants were taken through multistage cluster technique. Results: The majority of our sample had good work ability (59.4%). There was significant relationship between work ability and some individual factors which are aging (OR= 2.5) and normal weight (OR= 2.5). Also, several lifestyle aspects showed significant relationship with employees’ work ability with the following Odds Ratios; proper physical activity (OR= 37.5), adequate fiber intake (OR= 2.7) and coping with stress (OR= 4.9). Conclusion and recommendations: Individual and lifestyle aspects has been significantly associated with work ability, therefore policy makers has to take into consideration planning and implementation of health promotion programs concerning work related individual and life style factors to improve the performance of employees. Further researches are needed to study the work related factors, micro and macro environment outside the work life as work ability is multifactorial in nature.}, keywords = {Work ability,Lifestyle,employees,Zagazig University and Physical activity}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2855.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2855_157a28f38732dceca4872856e47a360e.pdf} } @article { author = {El Samra, GH.}, title = {CLIMATE CHANGE, FOOD SECURITY, FOOD SAFETY AND NUTRITION (REVIEW ARTICLE).}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {217-236}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2858}, abstract = {Climate change can affect food production through the effect of raised temperature, changes in precipitation, extreme weather events, sea level rise and loss or degradation of agricultural land. The vulnerability to the effects of climate change will vary in different regions, among different populations and will vary by gender.Climate change will have its impact on pasture, crops and livestock production; will lower the nutritional value of certain crops; will affect fisheries and aquaculture and will affect food manufacture, logistics and trade.Climate change affects the 4 dimensions of food security: availability, stability access and utilization; the effect on availability will cause an increase of food prices. Human health and nutrition are affected by climate change through the effect on absorption and utilization. Food borne diseases, which are affected by climate change, increase the nutritional need while simultaneously reducing absorption. Food can be contaminated with micro-organisms, animal disease pathogens, fungal toxins, toxic products of harmful algae, chemicals, pesticides and veterinary drugs.Environmental factors can affect abundance of pathogens, their survival and/or their virulence. Morbidity and mortality from diarrhoeal diseases will increase due to contamination of food and water. Through the effects of climate change, the spatial and temporal distribution of disease vectors and animal reservoirs will expand and, consequently, the distribution of vector borne and zoonotic diseases will expand. Climate change will impact emergence and re-emergence of infectious diseases. It will also encourage infection of crops with toxigenic fungi and the production of mycotoxins, famous among which is aflatoxin which will reach man through ingestion of infected crops. Through its effect on marine environment climate change will enhance the formation of harmful algal blooms and the formation of algal toxins with consequent occurrence of sea-food borne intoxications. Due to the increased use of chemicals, pesticides and veterinary drugs to deal with plant pests and animal diseases, residues of these substances can be present in food in toxic amounts.Attempts for climate change mitigation, and the use of bio-fuels as substitutes for fossil fuels will affect food production and can result in an increase in prices of food crops.}, keywords = {Climate Change,Food security,Food Safety,Harmful algal bloom,Toxigenic fungi,mitigation,Biofuels}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2858.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2858_85ecb20020dbb0e342b6ec7f6d10a009.pdf} } @article { author = {Abdel Aziz, MAH. and Moussa, ARM and Nafee, AE.}, title = {LEAN MANUFACTURING SYSTEM AND ITS IMPACTS ON WORK ENVIRONMENT AND HUMAN HEALTH IN GARMENTS MANUFACTURING}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {237-258}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2860}, abstract = {Introduction: In today’s modern industrial world all manufacturing entities strive for sustaining the ever changing turmoil of varying resources and demands, a need for correcting and efficient managing of resources and time emerges. Hence, lean manufacturing techniques that have surfaced as the motor tool in controlling and nourish improving the quality of the business. Aim of work: To clarify the impact of implementing lean manufacturing system on the work environment and employees’ health in the garment manufacturing in order to eliminate the environmental problems, such as air pollutants and hazard wastes. On the other side, lean manufacturing technique aims to eliminate wastes to create a more efficient workplace. Materials and methods: It begins by stating the principles and techniques of lean manufacturing system, and the tools used to achieve them. To be more accurate, everything must be related to its environmental effect. This research was applied at the assembly line of Textile Company for apparel Industries focusing on sewing section of Men’s T-shirt model. Results: This research shows a good impact of implementing lean manufacturing system on work environment by reducing and eliminating production and environmental wastes. Conclusion: The research findings show the implementation of lean system can affect directly business and indirectly the work environment and human health. According to this study, quality has been improved; productivity, efficiency, cost has been reduced and profit have been increased. Also, total dust and particulates have been eliminated. }, keywords = {Lean manufacturing,Operators’ Health,Environmental Measurements,Hazards and,Pollutants}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2860.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2860_6db50fdc03182963aece080b15f96bcc.pdf} } @article { author = {Allam, H. and Salem, E. and Seif, D. and El-Tabl, M.}, title = {THE PREVALENCE OF CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME AMONG FEMALE DAIRY MILKERS}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {255-269}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2862}, abstract = {Introduction: Occupation-related Carpal tunnel syndrome represents one of the major health problems among workers in various occupations throughout the world that possess a complex symptoms resulting from compressing the median nerve at the carpal tunnel. Farmers in Egypt are known to use the traditional manual milking of their cattle which needs bilateral repetitive hand movements. Aim of the work: To determine the prevalence and severity of CTS among farmers who performed hand-milking task of cattle and correlate these findings with working years and work duration per hours. Materials and methods: A structured questionnaire was used to determine demographics; work history, present medications and history of any chronic illness. Clinical examination for CTS symptoms as nocturnal exacerbation, Phalen sign, Tinel sign, sensory hyperalgesia, thenar atrophy and thenar weakness. Electrophysiologic studies were done for 240 female farmers, where half of them were milking their cattle manually the other half is used as control. Both groups are matched for age, and Body Mass Index (BMI). Results: The prevalence and clinical severity of CTS were significantly higher among female farmers who milk their cattle than non milkers in both hands (P<0.001), The median nerve motor and sensory conductive study was significantly higher among milkers than non milkers farmers (P value<0.001). The electrophysiological findings were significantly correlated with the longer years of work and longer working hours. Conclusion: These findings suggest that CTS is a significant occupational health issue for farmers that continue the traditional methods of manual milking. Introduction of automated milking machines may help to reduce this problem among the coming generations of the Egyptian farmers who represents a noticeable part of our community}, keywords = {Dairy milkers,Carpal tunnel syndrome,Occupational,Egyptian farmers and electrophysiological studies}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2862.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2862_2f5953f6db3911dc28a142e5ac189876.pdf} } @article { author = {Awad Allah, MB. and El-Shafei, DA. and Sheta, SS. and Abdelsalam, AE.}, title = {KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE OF FEMALE TEACHERS REGARDING SAFE FOOD HANDLING; IS IT SUFFICIENT? AN INTERVENTION STUDY, ZAGAZIG, EGYPT}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {271-287}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2867}, abstract = {Introduction: Food borne diseases are one of the major health problems in developing and developed countries. Safe food handling at the household level is much acknowledged and an understanding of the interaction on prevailing safe food handling knowledge, beliefs and practices in order to minimize food borne outbreaks required. Aim of work: to 1- To determine level and sources of Knowledge of female teachers regarding safe food handling. 2- To assess their Attitude and Practice regarding safe food handling. 3- To evaluate the effectiveness of a health education program on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) of safe food handling among participants. Materials and methods: An intervention study was carried out from November 2015 to October 2016 among forty two (42) secondary school female teachers in Zagazig, Egypt. A pre-test was performed to determine level of KAP of safe food handling among participants through a face-to-face interview. Health education program was implemented to educate the participants in order to improve their KAP regarding safe food handling. Three months later a post-test questionnaire identical to the pre-test was done. Results: The mean age of the participants was 34.2±9.7, more than half of them were married (55.4%) and about one third of them acquired their safe food handling knowledge from the mass media. About two thirds (64.3%) of their house hold personnel suffered from self-limited gastroenteritis during the last three months. There was a highly significant improvement in Knowledge after intervention (p<0.01), and significant improvement in Attitude (p<0.05), while; there was non-significant improvement in Practice (p>0.05). The total KAP level was significantly improved (p<0.05). Conclusion: the majority of respondents had unsatisfactory level of total KAP about safe food handling, both Knowledge and Attitude significantly improved after intervention. Items of purchasing and storage, safe food cooking were the most improved items in Knowledge and Attitude respectively. However, there was no effect of intervention on Practice level.}, keywords = {Safe food handling,Food borne diseases,Health education program,Knowledge,Attitude,and Practice}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2867.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2867_62703d605258cdda9a2254bd98840558.pdf} } @article { author = {El -Sherbiny, E. and Khashaba, E and Abdel-Hady, A.}, title = {BURNOUT AMONG INTENSIVE CARE WORKERS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL IN SAUDI ARABIA}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {289-306}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2870}, abstract = {Introduction: Various acute and chronic demands and burdens on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) staff put them at great risk for developing psychological stress and disorders. High expectations on performance and understanding can exert enormous pressure on intensive care personnel. Aim of work: To assess the frequency of job stress and burnout among ICU workers and highlight the role of job stress and psychosomatic health as possible predictors of burnout subscales . Materials and methods: One hundred and forty ICWs including 8 physicians, 114 nurses and 18 respiratory therapists participated in the study. Physicians worked 12 hours shifts, nurses and respiratory therapists worked 8 hours shifts; all of them worked 48 hours per week. A cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaires including socio-demographic     data, job stress questionnaire (Health and Safety Executives Management Standards Indicator Tool), Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) and psychosomatic symptoms. Results: High stress levels were found among 47.8% of ICWs. High burnout levels were found among more than one tenth (11.4%) of the sample. The job demand was significant predictor of emotional exhaustion (EE) and relations at work were significant predictors for depersonalization (DP). Colleague support and clear role were significant predictors of personal achievement (PA). Sleeping problems were significant predictors for EE and PA. Chronic fatigue was significant predictor for DP. Conclusion: High stress levels were found among ICWs, however, these levels lead to moderate levels of burnout necessitating the immediate intervention to control predictors of burnout such as high job demand, poor relations at work and role ambiguity which can lead to prevention of burnout in different intensive care units.}, keywords = {Job stress,Burnout,ICU workers,Psychosocial stress and Organizational stress}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2870.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2870_6f366fa04a0a7d7ab08cf10ef4bde5aa.pdf} } @article { author = {Hosny, G. and Elsayed, EA. and Shalaby, EA.}, title = {A COMPARATIVE ASSESSMENT OF SAFETY CLIMATE AMONG PETROLEUM COMPANIES}, journal = {Egyptian Journal of Occupational Medicine}, volume = {41}, number = {2}, pages = {307-324}, year = {2017}, publisher = {The Egyptian Society of Industrial Medicine}, issn = {1110-1881}, eissn = {2357-058X}, doi = {10.21608/ejom.2017.2872}, abstract = {Introduction: Occupational health and safety is an important component of national development. Occupational health and safety is relevant to all branches of industry, business and commerce including traditional industries, information technology companies. Safety climate can be regarded as the surface features or indicator of safety culture emerged from workforce’s attitudes and perceptions. Organizational climate is conceived to be a critical determinant of individual behavior in organizations. Aim of work: The current study was designed to perform a multi-level comparative analysis on employee’s perception for safety climate dimensions in petroleum and petrochemical of three industrial sectors; multinational, investment and public, in Egypt. Materials and methods: Data were collected utilizing a modified-NOSACQ-50 questionnaire for the seven safety domains including 66 questions, constructing safety climate dimensions which are; management commitment, safety training, workers’ involvement, safety communication and feedback, safety rules and procedures, and safety promotion policies, as well as self-reported safety behavior of employees. The questionnaire was distributed to 6 petroleum companies (two companies of each sector) targeting all employees. Results: Analysis of data revealed significant differences in employee’s perception on safety management practices among the three petroleum sectors especially in worker involvement domain and safety rules and procedures applied in those companies. Conclusion: Workers’ involvement was the main extracted factor for proper safety climate establishment within an organization and should be taken into consideration for decision making in safety matters. The research provides useful information for project managers and safety practitioners who desire to improve safety performance within an organization.}, keywords = {Safety climate,Occupational health and safety management,Safety culture and Safety performance}, url = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2872.html}, eprint = {https://ejom.journals.ekb.eg/article_2872_11111a4b9c4cfc5a220efd8aeb437dd1.pdf} }