Ventilatory changes in pulmonary functions among sugar cane workers

This is a cross-sectional study among sugar cane workers in Ques Sugar Production Factory in Quena Governorate. It is designed to investigate changes in ventilatory pulmonary functions and chest X-ray of sugar cane workers and their interaction with smoking. All que-collar male workers were classified into high exposure group [production workers, n=27] and low exposure group [maintenance workers, n=43], and were included in the study. All participants were subjected to a pre-designed questionnaire, clinical examination, computerized pulmonary functions testing [FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, MMEF, PEF, MEF25%, MEF50% and MEF75%] and chest X-ray examination. Results showed significantly higher rates of chronic bronchitis and chronic asthmatic bronchitis among the high exposure group. Ventilatory pulmonary functions demonstrated significant reductions in FVC in relation to exposure to airborne bagasse [p=0.006]. Also, reductions in MEF5O% and MEF75% were significantly related to occupational exposure and smoking [p<0.05]. Obstructive and restrictive impairments in ventilatory pulmonary functions were significantly more common among high exposure group currently smokers [P< 0.05]. Small lung opacities were reported more significant among high exposure workers versus low exposure group [p=0.003]. In conclusion, FVC, MEF50% and MEF75% seem to be early sensitive parameters; meanwhile, chest X-ray examination is a specific parameter in periodic medical examination of sugar cane workers. Anti-smoking measures and other control strategies are important issues

Environmental factors and health probems among workers of the national project in Toshka

The National Project in Toshka is a recognized agricultural one, as well as a comprehensive developmental project. The present study was carried out to investigate environmental factors and health problems among workers in this National Project. Environmental levels of vibration, noise, heat stress, total suspended particulates and respirable dust were measured in the different activities of the project during May 2000. The health records of Behera Company Incorporation, the project main implementing contractor, in the period 1997-1999 were analyzed. Workers were classified according to the nature of occupational exposure into three groups namely; earth workers, concrete workers, and services and administration workers. Records of occupational accidents of the same group of workers and in the same period were analyzed as well. Results showed that all the measured environmental factors were within the permissible levels of exposure in the different project activities. Workers showed a significant lower rate of total health problems in the last studied year [1999] as compared to the previous two years [1997-1998] [p=0.001]. Prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorders, urinary tract troubles, ear-nose-throat [ENT] problems and chest problems were significantly higher in earth and concrete workers than in services and administration workers [p=0.001, 0.011, 0.036 and 0.044, respectively]. Both occupational accident frequency and severity rates were very low in comparison to other major construction projects such as the High Dam. These rates showed decreasing trends throughout the studied years; however, relatively higher rates were observed among earth workers than the other groups. Miscellaneous wounds were the commonest presentation of occupational injuries among the three occupational groups. In conclusion, the current use of modern technology accounted for the low levels of environmental exposure factors, as well as the high safety standards. Workers showed a significant degree of acclimatization to work in this region; therefore, inhabitants and workers should be encouraged to engage this new community. The low rates of health problems among workers observed in this study reflected a satisfactory level of medical services. Preplacement and periodic medical examinations of construction workers aught to consider musculoskeletal, urinary tract, ENT and chest conditions among them

Retrospective study on industrial accidents in Amirya petroleum refinery company over ten years 1980-1989

A retrospective study of industrial accidents was conducted during the period 1980-1989 in Amirya Petroleum Retinering Company [A.P.R.C.] in Alexandria to determine the incidence and causes of industrial accidents and also to determine the type of injuries among the injured workers. Data were collected from the monthly records of A.P.R.C., Ministry of Health Hospitals, Alexandria University Hospitals and Health Insurance Injury Centre. The total number of workers was 33447 during the period of study and the total number of injured workers was 764. The study revealed that 63% of accidents occurred in the plant and 23.7% in workshop department in A.P.R.C. The highest prevalence of accidents in injured workers could be attributed to certain characteristics: 63.4% presented with age below 35 years, 68.8% with job duration less than 10 years, 32.6% were holding basic education or less, 42% were single, 41.8% were working with work shift and diabetes mellitus was the commonest non-occupational disease among the injured workers. Study of factors precipitating industrial accidents revealed that workers in workshop department showed the highest A.F.R. [15.7 per one million man-worked hours] and A.S.R. [1035.5 per one million man-worked hours]. Falling or flying objects [30.8%] and falls and slips [25.9%] represented the main causes of injuries; 30% of accidents occurred due to unsafe circumstances; and more than 70% of accidents occurred as a result of unsafe act of the workers. Injuries of the upper limb [35%] and lower limb [28%J represented the commonest injury sites among injured workers specially wounds [26%], contusions [24%] and burns [19%]. The medical department of A.P.R.C. offered first aid services to 80.4% of injured workers, and the main types of first aid were dressing [45.9%] and bandage [18.7%]. Disability occurred in 5.4% of injured workers, specially in the upper and lower limbs and four deaths occurred in the period of the study. In addition, 719 injured workers completely recovered without any residual effect

impact of work stress among industrial workers

The present study was conducted to elucidate the impact of the Stressful working conditions on the prevalence of health disorders and injuries among industrial workers. This study included% exposed workers working in three chemical manufacturing industries in Alexandria and divided into two groups: stressful group [n=64] and non-stressful group [n=140]; and control subjects [n=8l]. Each worker and control subject was interviewed for his personal, social, occupational, medical histories and history of in dustrial injuries as well as smoking habit. The NIOSH conflict/ stress questionnaire with some modification was used to assess the presence of the stressful working conditions for each subject. worker was further subjected for measurement of height, weight, blood pressure and pulse rate. The study revealed increase in the prevalence of significant difference of hypertensive difference of hypertensive diseases gastrointestinal disorders, chest conditions, eye diseases, derma tological and urinary tract conditions and industrial injuries of upper and lower limbs specially burns among stressfully exposed workers when compared to either non-stressfully exposed workers or control subjects. These findings might be attributed to the significantly. higher difference in shift work and to the presence of different kinds of environmental stressors. It has been concluded that work stress seems to be a paramount factor in the increase prevalence of health disorders and injuries among industrial workers

Study of the effects of long-term exposure to noisy air conditioners on hearing acuity

This study included 100 persons who have been exposed to noise levels emitted from compact air conditioners units in closed places for long periods reached up to 21 years. Results obtained denoted that persons only exposed to compact air conditioners units showed a very slight higher [0.6%] hearing impairment than the corresponding 62 control subjects. On the other hand, impairment of hearing was [2.4%] among subjects used to listen at the same time the other noisy equipments, and aged 50 years and over