ABSTRACT
Shift work is a major feature of working life that affects diverse aspects of human life. The objective of this study was to investigate shift workrelated health problems and their associated risk factors among employees of petrochemical industries. This cross-sectional study was carried out at 14 petrochemical companies in 2009. Study population consisted of 2357 workers [including 43.7% shift workers and 56.3% day workers]. Data on personal details, shift schedule and adverse effects of shift work were collected by anonymous questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS, version 11.5. The level of significance was set at <5%. The mean of age in day workers and shift workers was estimated 36.26 +/- 8.20 and 34.96 +/- 8.08, respectively. Also, the mean of job tenure in both groups was estimated 10.83 +/- 7.50 and 10.15 +/- 7.55 years, respectively. Although, the results showed that health problems among shift workers was more prevalent than day workers, but the differences were only significant in relation to gastrointestinal and psychological disorders [P<0.05]. Multiple linear regressions indicated that in addition to shift working, other variants such as long working hours, type of employment, second job, age and education were associated with health problems. Prevalence rates of gastrointestinal and psychological problems among shift workers were significantly higher than those of day workers. Although, working in shift system was the main significant factor associated with the reported problems, other demographic and work variables were also found to have association
ABSTRACT
Ionizing radiations are the hazardous agents in the workplace and all forms of ionizing radiation produce some type of injuries. Awareness of application of protection guidelines and knowledge of the principles of radiation protection can play an important role in health of employees. Survey of radiation employee's levels of awareness and practical behavior is essential and should be standardized. The hospitals were visited to determine the number of radiation employees and to select the samples. Data was collected by questionnaire and analyses were performed by EPI6 software. The employee's awareness about protection in the radiation room was 70%, about application of film badge was more than 85%. The employee's awareness of periodic inspection of atomic energy organization expert was 54% and their knowledge of long term and short term radiation effects were 98% and 95%, respectively. There was a meaningful relation concerning the level of education and awareness of the employees about MPD or principles of radiation protection [P<0.0007 and P<0.003 respectively]. Our results reveal that the employees have acceptable knowledge about the use of film badges, however, they lack enough awareness concerning other issues of radiation protection. Proper and periodic educational courses for radiation workers are mandatory