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BACKGROUND: Health workers were at higher risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the COVID-19 pandemic due to occupational risk factors. As part of the WHO Unity Studies initiative, we aimed to characterise these risk factors. METHODS: This global, multicentre, nested, case-control study was conducted in 121 healthcare facilities in 21 countries. Cases were health workers who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection with a documented occupational exposure to COVID-19 patients in the 14 days pre-enrolment. Controls were enrolled from the same facility with a similar exposure but negative serology. Case and control status was confirmed with serological testing at baseline and after 3-4 weeks. Demographic and infection risk factor data were collected using structured questionnaires. FINDINGS: Between June 2020 and December 2021, data were obtained for 1213 cases and 1844 controls. SARS-CoV-2 infection risk was associated with non-adherence to personal protective equipment (PPE) guidelines (aOR 1·67 [95% CI 1·32-2·12]) and not consistently performing hand hygiene after patient contact (aOR 2·52 [1·72-3·68]). Direct close contact with COVID-19 patients was also associated with an increased risk, particularly during prolonged contact (>15 min.). Items associated with a lower risk were respirators during aerosol-generating procedures and gloves, gowns or coveralls during contact with contaminated materials/surfaces. No difference was observed among health workers using respirators versus surgical masks for routine care. CONCLUSION: Appropriate implementation of infection prevention and control measures and PPE use remain a priority to protect health workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection.

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BACKGROUND: Based on data from the Global Burden of Disease study, the burden of cancer attributable to occupational risks between 1990 and 2019 was explored. METHODS: The estimated burden in different regions was compared in terms of the age-standardized death rates (ASDRs), age-standardized disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates, and corresponding estimated annual percentage changes (EAPCs). The comparative risk assessment framework was used to estimate the risk of death and DALYs attributable to occupational risk factors. RESULTS: Globally from 1990 to 2019, ASDRs decreased (EAPC = -0.69; 95% CI: -0.76 to -0.61), and age-standardized DALY rates decreased (EAPC = -0.99; 95% CI: -1.05 to -0.94). In terms of the global age distribution of cancer attributable to occupational risk factors, the death rate and DALY rates increased with age. In addition, from 1990 to 2019, the number of deaths, DALYs, ASDRs, and age-standardized DALY rates in men were higher than those in women, and the cancer burden grew fastest in Georgia (EAPC = 5.04), Croatia (EAPC = 4.01), and Honduras (EAPC = 3.54). Moreover, as the sociodemographic index (SDI) value of a country or region increased, its burden of cancer attributable to occupational risk factors rapidly increased. CONCLUSIONS: The global cancer burden attributable to occupational risk factors declined from 1990 to 2019, was higher in men than in women, and was concentrated in middle-aged and older adults. The baseline cancer burdens of regions or countries increased as their SDI values increased and were especially high in high-SDI regions or countries.

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OBJECTIVES: To explore relationships between 'need for recovery' (NFR), a strong predictor of burnout, and menopause symptoms and to identify work-related factors that are associated with a high NFR in Belgian menopausal women. STUDY DESIGN: 760 menopausal women took part in a cross-sectional questionnaire study. NFR, presence of menopause symptoms, job type, age category, work activity, physical workload, psychosocial and physical work environment, balance of work and private life and the opportunity to discuss menopause at work were assessed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Uni- and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to calculate the odds ratios for the presence of a high NFR. RESULTS: Of menopausal women currently experiencing menopause symptoms, 53.3 % reported problems while performing their work. The overall prevalence of a high NFR in menopausal women was 41.2 %. Women who experienced problems at work had the highest prevalence of a high NFR (61.1 %), and constituted a separate risk group for having a high NFR (OR 3.31 vs. never symptoms; 95%CI 1.72-6.38). The following factors were significantly associated with a high NFR: poor balance of work and private life (OR 7.89; 95%CI 4.32-14.39), physical workload (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.08-1.28), discomfort from cognitive demands (OR 1.17; 95%CI 1.09-1.26), organizational justice (OR 0.86; 95%CI; 0.78-0.94), and social support from colleagues (OR 0.87; 95%CI 0.79-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Maintaining a good balance of work and private life, reducing physical workload, addressing discomfort from cognitive work demands and assuring a fair work distribution are measures that require a culture where open and easy discussion about menopause is possible.

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INTRODUCTION: The workplace's health hazard remains a significant concern to workers in the mining industry, where miners are continually exposed to various kinds of exposure sources. METHOD: First, the determinants of miners' health were systematically extracted from 259 publications, comprising chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial stressors, vulnerability factors, and common health outcomes. Then, 16 meta-analyses were performed to ascertain the epidemiological evidence for associations between four stressors and three health outcomes. The seven top contributing factors affecting miners' health were identified through 166 available prospective studies. Finally, based on the classic and domestic measurement scales, a cross-sectional survey of 559 Chinese miners was conducted to determine the core psychosocial predictors. In addition to the traditional mechanisms, complex interactive networks among the antecedents and consequences and the reversed effects of consequences were also obtained, where 379 strong association rules were yielded via the Apriori algorithm. RESULTS: The results showed that occupational dust, NO2, heavy metals, heat, vibration, awkward posture, and job stress are significant risk factors associated with individuals' health conditions. Psychological capital, coping style, job demand, social support, organizational support, justice, and culture are core psychosocial predictors of miners. CONCLUSIONS: This study presents a case for identifying the most significant occupational risk factors related to individuals' health, which could be extended and applied to other industries, as working populations around the world are suffering from various chemical, physical, ergonomic, and psychosocial stressors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Identifying the significant occupational risk factors affecting workers' health conditions is essential for comprehensive occupational health risk assessment and management. Therefore, this study could be important for health management in mines and other industries.

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Damage to the articular cartilage resulting in an acute tear can lead to functional changes within the joint and increase the risk of osteoarthritis developing. There is limited understanding of the association between occupational risk factors and sustaining an acute articular cartilage tear in the military and other physically demanding occupations. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to identify and evaluate original research reporting on occupational risk factors associated with sustaining acute articular cartilage tears. METHODS: A systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analysis-Protocols was conducted and registered with the Open Science Framework. Key academic databases were searched using terms from the following concepts: risk or cause, paid occupations, and acute articular cartilage tears. RESULTS: Of an initial 941 studies, 2 studies met the eligibility criteria, both reporting data from military contexts; only one evaluated acute articular cartilage tears in both males and females. One paper focused on articular cartilage injury within the knee and the other within the ankle joint with incidence rates being 0.2 and 0.3 per 1000 person-years, respectively. People in more physically active occupations and individuals with an above-normal body mass index were reported as being at higher risk of sustaining an acute articular cartilage tear. CONCLUSION: Physically demanding occupations, such as the military, may increase the risk for acute tears of the articular cartilage. However, the findings of this review indicate there is a paucity of research to underpin understanding of the injury mechanisms and occupational risk factors for acute articular cartilage tears.

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The cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between work-related factors, perceived work fatigue (PWF) and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among handicraft artisans. 364 artisans participated in a questionnaire survey, and a structural equation model (SEM) was developed to explore the direct and indirect relationships between these factors using partial least squares analysis. The SEM explained 98.2% of the variance in MSDs and revealed that exposure to biomechanical factors had a direct impact on PWF and MSDs, with PWF mediating the effect of biomechanical factors on MSDs. Additionally, job demand was found to be positively associated with MSDs, while job control and social support reduced the risk of MSDs. The findings underscore the importance of strategic initiatives to mitigate the risk of developing MSDs among artisans. The study also highlights the potential of SEM as a novel framework for understanding the complex pathogenesis of MSDs in occupational health research.Practitioner summary: The study sought to comprehensively examine the intricate relationships among work-related factors, PWF, and MSDs. To achieve this, an SEM approach was employed to capture both direct and indirect relationships between these factors, employing partial least squares analysis. Findings revealed SEM as an innovative framework for understanding the intricate development of MSDs.

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Background: Leptospirosis is a neglected emerging zoonotic disease with a profound public health impact worldwide with higher burden of disease in resource-poor countries. The environmental and occupational exposures contribute to human and animal transmission, but the interaction was less explored. A deeper understanding of the critical environmental and occupational drivers in different contexts will provide useful information for disease control and prevention measures. Objective: This review aimed to summarize the potential environmental and occupational risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection. Methods: Four databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Ovid MEDLINE, EBSCOhost) were searched for articles published from 2012 to 2021. Eligible articles were assessed using a checklist for assessing the quality of the studies. The quality of the articles was assessed based on the laboratory diagnosis approach and statistical analysis method. Results: A total of 32 studies were included in this systematic review. Water-related risk factors such as natural water as the primary water source (AOR 1.8-18.28), water-related recreational activities (AOR 2.36-10.45), flood exposure (AOR 1.54-6.04), contact with mud (AOR 1.57-4.58) and stagnant water (AOR 2.79-6.42) were associated with increased risk of leptospirosis. Infrastructural deficiencies such as un-plastered house walls and thatched houses presented a higher risk (AOR 2.71-5.17). Living in low-lying areas (AOR 1.58-3.74), on clay loam soil (OR 2.72), agricultural land (OR 2.09), and near rubber tree plantations (AOR 11.65) is associated with higher risk of leptospirosis. Contact with rats (AOR 1.4-3.5), livestock (AOR 1.3-10.4), and pigs (AOR 1.54-7.9) is associated with an increased risk of leptospirosis. Outdoor workers (AOR 1.95-3.95) and slaughterhouse workers (AOR 5.1-7.5) have higher risk of leptospirosis. Conclusion: The environmental and occupational components related to water, infrastructure, landscape, agriculture, and exposed animals play an essential role in leptospirosis transmission. The magnitude of those risk factors differs with geographical region, climate factor, urbanization and population growth, and the country's socioeconomic status.

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Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between exposure to occupational hazards and the metabolic syndrome. A secondary objective was to analyze the additive and multiplicative effects of exposure to risk factors. Methods: This retrospective cohort was based on 31,615 health examinees at the Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital in Republic of Korea from 2012-2021. Demographic and behavior-related risk factors were treated as confounding factors, whereas three physical factors, 19 organic solvents and aerosols, and 13 metals and dust were considered occupational risk factors. Time-dependent Cox regression analysis was used to calculate hazard ratios. Results: The risk of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in night shift workers (hazard ratio = 1.45: 95% confidence interval = 1.36-1.54) and workers who were exposed to noise (1.15:1.07-1.24). Exposure to some other risk factors was also significantly associated with a higher risk of metabolic syndrome. They were dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, trichloroethylene, xylene, styrene, toluene, dichloromethane, copper, antimony, lead, copper, iron, welding fume, and manganese. Among the 28 significant pairs, 19 exhibited both positive additive and multiplicative effects. Conclusions: Exposure to single or combined occupational risk factors may increase the risk of developing metabolic syndrome. Working conditions should be monitored and improved to reduce exposure to occupational hazards and prevent the development of the metabolic syndrome.

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Background: Physical and chemical factors of workplace, either alone or in combination, contribute to oxidative stress that is harmful to the body. The combined impact of physical and chemical components of the work environment on oxidative stress was examined in this research. Methods: Research articles published from 2000 to 2021 on this topic in reliable national and international databases were collected and analyzed. Based on the preliminary screening, 120 articles were selected for the first stage. The relevance and quality of 85 suitable papers were found appropriate and evaluated by examining the purpose of the study in the next phase. Results: The data collected and presented from the articles cover simultaneous exposure to physical risk factors such as noise, radiation, and chemicals such as metal solvents, as well as different types of oxidative stress parameters like MDA, GHS, LOP, 8-OHdG, SOD, CAT, ROS, and other parameters such as research site, co-exposure effects, and target organ. Investigating the combined effect of physical and chemical variables on oxidative stress in the target organs, as well as the interaction of multiple effects on each other, was one of the key goals of the articles (synergistic, reinforcing, additive or antagonistic). Conclusion: Most of the findings of theses researches generally highlight the synergistic impact of concurrent exposure to chemical and physical risk factors on oxidative stress.

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The primary objective of this systematic review was to analyze the main physical agents representing risk factors for commercial aircrew, together with their consequences. The secondary objective was to identify the countries in which studies on the topic were conducted, as well as the quality of the publications available. Thirty-five articles, published between 1996 and 2020, were selected for the review, having met all inclusion criteria. The majority of studies were conducted in the United States, Germany, and Finland and had moderate or low methodological quality of evidence. The main risk factors for aircrew identified in publications were exposure to abnormal air pressure, cosmic radiation, noise, and vibrations. Hypobaric pressure was explored in response to demands for studies on this agent, a factor which may lead to otic and ear barotraumas, as well as acceleration of atherosclerosis of the carotid artery. However, there is a dearth of research exploring this phenomenon.

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Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

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OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is comparative assessment of the main risks of the global burden of cancer in the total burden of death. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: A comparative assessment of the main risks of the global burden of cancer within the overall burden of deaths was carried out based on the data of the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD), data from the Center for Medical Statistics of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, the National Cancer Registry of Ukraine. The methods of comparative analysis, systematic approach and system analysis, bibliosemantic and medical-statistical methods were used. RESULTS: Results: Higher attributable risk of death in most nosological forms of cancer among the population of Ukraine (bronchial, tracheal and lung cancer, laryn-geal, pharyngeal, lip and esophageal cancer) have been observed. Behavioral factors at the level of Ukraine, compared to the world level, are characterized by signi!cantly higher rates of attributable risk with regard to tobacco smoking (cancer of the larynx, pharynx, lower lip, esophagus) and alcohol consumption (pharynx, liver, lower lip). Environmental and occupational factors in Ukraine do not exceed the global exposure rates, and are lower for some cancer nosol-ogies, namely bronchial, tracheal, lung and laryngeal cancer. Unlike global trends, metabolic factors prevail among the mortality risks of patients with liver, esophageal, uterine and kidney cancer in Ukraine. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Behavioral, occupational, environmental and metabolic risk factors for cancer mortality have high attributable risk. Behavioral risk factors for cancer mortality have the most pronounced impact both globally and in Ukraine, and notably, for the majority of nosological forms of cancer in Ukraine mortality risks are higher compared to the global data.

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BACKGROUND: Physiotherapists worldwide experience lower back pain (LBP). Up to 80% of physiotherapists report having experienced an episode of LBP at some point in their career, and LBP is the most common musculoskeletal disorder in this profession. In France, the prevalence of LBP among physiotherapists and associated work-related risk factors have not previously been studied. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the risk of work-related non-specific LBP among French physiotherapists depends on practice pattern. METHOD: A link to an online self-questionnaire was sent to French physiotherapists. The various practice patterns were compared with regard to the prevalence of LBP, the total number of days with LBP during the previous 12 months, and the degree of exposure to biomechanical, psychosocial and organisational risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 604 physiotherapists included in the study, the prevalence of work-related, non-specific LBP in the previous 12 months was 40.4%. The prevalence was significantly greater among physiotherapists working in geriatrics (p = 0.033) and significantly lower in sports medicine (p = 0.010). Differences in exposure to risk factors were also found. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of non-specific LBP among French physiotherapists appears to depend on the mode of practice. All the various dimensions of risk must be taken into account. The present study could serve as a basis for more targeted research on the most exposed practices.

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BACKGROUND: Fatigued driving is one of the leading factors contributing to road crashes in the trucking industry. The nature of trucking, prolonged working time, and irregular sleep patterns can negatively impact drivers' health and wellbeing. However, there is limited research in Australia investigating the impact of demographic, occupational, or lifestyle factors on fatigue among truck drivers. OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study examines the role of demographic, occupational, lifestyle, and other health risk factors associated with fatigue among Australian truck drivers. METHOD: This study was part of a larger study that used a short online survey with a follow-up telephone survey to capture in-depth information on a wide range of determinants related to truck drivers' physical and mental health outcomes. Fatigue was measured by three questions, including the frequency of fatigue, fatigue management training, and strategies used to combat fatigue. Multivariate regression analysis was used to determine the specific impact of demographics, occupational factors, lifestyle factors, and other health risk factors on fatigue. RESULTS: In total, 332 drivers completed both the online and telephone surveys; 97% were male, representing drivers from broad age groups and professional experience. The odds of being in the high-risk fatigue group were nearly three times higher in drivers who worked 40-60 h compared to those who worked < 40 h. Poor sleep increased the odds of high-risk fatigue by seventimes (95% CI: 2.26-21.67, p = 0.001). Drivers who reported experiencing loneliness also had double the odds of being at high risk of fatigued driving. CONCLUSIONS: The increased risk of fatigue in truck drivers is associated with prolonged working hours, poor sleep, and social aspects such as loneliness. Further interventions seeking to reduce driver fatigue should consider the impact of work schedules, the availability of quality sleeping spaces, and the level of social connections.

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Extensive literature reports an increase in physical disorders (pain, pathologies, dysfunctions) and mental malaise/uneasiness (stress, burnout) affecting dental professionals in relation to fast and pressing rhythms of work, long working hours, increasingly demanding patients, ever-evolving technologies, etc. This project has been conceived to bring the science of yoga around the world to dental professionals as a preventive (occupational) medicine and to provide knowledge and means for self-care. Yoga is a concentrative self-discipline of the mind, senses, and physical body, that requires regular daily exercise (or meditation), attention, intention, and disciplined action. M&M: The study aimed to design a Yoga protocol specifically devised for dental professionals (dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants) including positions (asana) to be practiced/used in the dental office. The protocol is targeted for the upper body, namely neck, upper back, chest, shoulder girdle, and wrists, being areas greatly affected by work-related musculoskeletal disorders. This paper represents a yoga-based guideline for the self-cure of musculoskeletal disorders among dental professionals. Results: The protocol includes both sitting (Upavistha position) and standing (Utthana or Sama position) asana, with twisting (Parivrtta), side bending (Parsva), flexion and forward bending (Pashima), and extension and arching (Purva) asana to mobilize and decompress, and to provide nourishment and oxygen to the musculo-articular system. The paper delivers different concepts and theories developed and deepened by the authors and introduces and spreads yoga as a medical science among dental professionals for the prevention and treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. We articulate notions ranging from stretching out using the vinyasa method (breath-driven movement) and inward-focused attention to contemplative/concentrative science, interoceptive attention, self-awareness, the mind-body connection, and receptive attitude. The theory of "muscles are bone ties" is coined and delivered with regard to tensegrity musculoskeletal fascial structures connecting, pulling together, and nearing the bone segments where they are anchored. The paper describes over 60 asana envisaged to be performed on dental stools or using the walls of a dental office or a dental unit chair. A detailed guideline on the work-related disorders that can find relief with the protocol is provided, including the description of breath control for the practice of asana in vinyasa. The foundations of the technique reside in the IyengarYoga method and ParinamaYoga method. Conclusions: This paper represents a guideline for self-cure in the prevention or treatment of musculoskeletal disorders affecting dental professionals. Yoga is a powerful concentrative self-discipline able to provide physical and mental well-being, representing great help and support in daily life and business for dental professionals. Yógasana restores retracted and stiff muscles, giving relief to the strained and tired limbs of dental professionals. Yoga is not intended for flexible or physically performing persons but for people who decide to take care of themselves. The practice of specific asana represents a powerful tool for the prevention or treatment of MSDs related to poor posture, forward head, chronic neck tension (and related headache), depressed chest, compressive disorders on wrists and shoulders as carpal tunnel, impingement syndromes, outlet syndrome, subacromial pain syndrome and spinal disc pathologies. Yoga, as an integrative science in medicine and public health, represents a powerful tool for the prevention and treatment of occupational musculoskeletal disorders and an extraordinary path for the self-care of dental professionals, sitting job workers, and healthcare providers suffering from occupational biomechanical stresses and awkward postures.

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Objective: To analyze the case characteristics of Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease caused by occupational irritant chemicals (OI-COPD). To provide basis for revising its diagnostic criteria. Methods: From June to December 2021, we investigated the information of OI-COPD patients confirmed by Shandong Institute of Occupational Health and Prevention of Occupational Diseases, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Institute of Occupational Disease Prevention and Control, Qingdao Central Hospital affiliated to Qingdao University and other diagnostic institutions in the past five years, a total of 41 cases. The basic information of OI-COPD cases, occupational risk factors exposure information, medical history, smoking history and clinical symptoms were analyzed retrospectively. The measurement data were tested for normal distribution, which was described by x±s, and compared between groups by t test; Those who do not conform to the normal distribution are described by the median [M (Q(1), Q(3)) ] and analyzed by nonparametric test; The counting data were expressed in frequency and rate (% ), and the comparison between groups was tested. Results: Of the 41 cases, 33 were male and 8 were female. The age of the patient diagnosed with OI-COPD was (49.5±10.3) years old, and the minimum age was 30 years old; Among them, 8 patients had a definite long-term smoking history (more than 5 years) ; The exposure duration of occupational risk factors was (18.6±10.3) years, of which 3 patients had exposure duration of less than 5 years; The occupational risk factors leading to OI-COPD include acids and acid-forming compounds, bases, aldehydes, nitrogen oxides, chlorine and its compounds, etc. The exposure level of occupational risk factors is related to the degree of COPD airflow restriction (χ(2)=6.17, P <0.05). 18 patients with diagnosis age <50 years old were diagnosed as early-onset COPD. The incidence of respiratory symptoms in the early diagnosis COPD group was lower than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group, and the FEV1% pred was significantly higher than that in the non-early diagnosis COPD group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.01 ) . Conclusion: The exposure level of occupational risk factors may be the risk factor affecting the degree of COPD airflow restriction. With the increase of the exposure level of COPD patients, the proportion of respiratory symptoms will also increase accordingly.

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El cáncer es una enfermedad cuya prevalencia aumenta en todos los países de forma inversa al descenso en su mortalidad debido a los avances diagnósticos y a los tratamientos actuales. En el caso concreto del cáncer laboral el objetivo es actuar en prevención y para ello hay que conocer sus causas y evitarlas: eliminar o reducir las sustancias que pueden producir cáncer, minimizar los tiempos de exposición e incrementar la protección colectiva e individual de la población trabajadora expuesta a cancerígenos. No obstante, esta enfermedad es multicausal, e incluye la exposición a factores medioambientales, individuales y laborales, lo que dificulta en muchas ocasiones poder establecer esta relación de causalidad imprescindible para su tipificación legal. No todos los factores de riesgo pueden ser evitados y cuando aparece el daño, en este caso la sospecha de cáncer, la actividad preventiva debe ser precoz, coordinada y protocolizada. Un diagnóstico temprano y certero del cáncer es importante para poder decidir cuáles serán las estrategias de tratamiento más apropiadas, aún si el paciente no muestra todavía síntomas claros de enfermedad. La detección y notificación de sospecha de cáncer laboral corresponde a los sanitarios de los Servicios de Prevención de Riesgos Laborales (SPRL), especialistas en Medicina del Trabajo y Enfermería del Trabajo y, fuera del ámbito laboral están involucrados todos los profesionales del Sistema Público de Salud. Del mismo modo y, ante la creciente tasa de curación en cáncer y mayor supervivencia, adquiere un notable protagonismo la reincorporación laboral del trabajador que ha superado un cáncer a su actividad laboral, todo ello en un marco de coordinación entre todos los agentes involucrados: técnicos de prevención y profesionales sanitarios del ámbito laboral y extralaboral. (AU)

Cancer is a disease that has seen substantial improvements and developments regarding its diagnosis and available treatments. This is causing its prevalence in all countries to experience an increase inversely proportional to the generalised decrease of its mortality rate. In the specific case of work-related cancer, the focus is on preventive actions based on determining its causes and avoiding them as much as possible: eliminating or reducing contact or intake of substances that can cause cancer, minimising exposure times, and increasing collective and individualised protection of workers who are exposed to carcinogens. However, this disease is multi-causal and includes exposure to environmental, personal and occupational factors. This often makes it difficult to establish the causal relationship between the illness and these factors, something essential for its categorisation. Not all risk factors can be avoided, and when damage appears, in this case the suspicion of cancer, preventive actions must be taken quickly and in a coordinated way following designated protocols. An early and accurate diagnosis of cancer is of high importance, even if the patient does not yet show clear symptoms of disease, in order to decide on the most appropriate treatment. The detection and disclosure of suspected work-related cancer is responsibility of the Occupational Health Services (SPRL), as well as Occupational Medicine and Occupational Nursing specialists, and, outside the workplace, all professionals involved within the Public Health System. Likewise, in view of the increasing cancer overcoming rate and even greater survival rate, the return to work of employees who have suffered from cancer keeps gaining weight. This return-to-work process requires coordination between all agents involved: prevention and health professionals, both in and outside workplace. (AU)

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There is an increasing body of literature suggesting a relationship between environmental factors and the development of systemic sclerosis (SSc). These include occupational exposures, chemical materials, medications, alterations in the microbiome, and dysbiosis. Environmental exposures may impact epigenetic regulation thereby triggering an aberrant immune response resulting in the clinical and serologic phenotype that we diagnose as SSc. Screening and studying putative triggers will not only improve our understanding of the pathogenesis of SSc but also inform the institution for protective measures.

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Purpose of Review: This review summarizes contemporary data on unique cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in Hispanic individuals in the USA, and how addressing these factors is important in addressing health equity. Recent Findings: Recent studies have shown high rates of traditional CVD risk factors in Hispanic individuals such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and emerging CVD risk factors like hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, psychological stress, and occupational exposures. However, most studies fail to consider the significant heterogeneity in risk factor burden and outcomes in atherosclerotic CVD by Hispanic subgroup. Heart failure and rhythm disorders are less well studied in Hispanic adults, making risk assessment for these conditions difficult. High levels of CVD risk factors in Hispanic youth given an aging Hispanic population overall highlight the importance of risk mitigation among these individuals. Summary: In brief, these data highlight the significant, unique burden of CVD risk among Hispanic individuals in the USA and predict a rising burden of disease among this growing and aging population. Future CVD research should focus on including robust, diverse Hispanic cohorts as well as specifically delineating results for disaggregated Hispanic groups across CVDs. This will allow for better risk assessment, prevention, and treatment decisions to promote health equity for Hispanic patients.

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Job rotation is a work organization strategy with increasing popularity, given its benefits for workers and companies, especially those working with manufacturing. This study proposes a formulation to help the team leader in an assembly line of the automotive industry to achieve job rotation schedules based on three major criteria: improve diversity, ensure homogeneity, and thus reduce exposure level. The formulation relied on a genetic algorithm, that took into consideration the biomechanical risk factors (EAWS), workers' qualifications, and the organizational aspects of the assembly line. Moreover, the job rotation plan formulated by the genetic algorithm formulation was compared with the solution provided by the team leader in a real life-environment. The formulation proved to be a reliable solution to design job rotation plans for increasing diversity, decreasing exposure, and balancing homogeneity within workers, achieving better results in all of the outcomes when compared with the job rotation schedules created by the team leader. Additionally, this solution was less time-consuming for the team leader than a manual implementation. This study provides a much-needed solution to the job rotation issue in the manufacturing industry, with the genetic algorithm taking less time and showing better results than the job rotations created by the team leaders.