Developing a Feasible Integrated Framework for Occupational Heat Stress Protection: A Step Towards Safer Working Environments.

Background: Specialized occupational health and safety (OHS) issues are covered at the EU level through detailed legislation and guidelines. Unfortunately, this does not extend to occupational heat stress, not only in Greece but also (with few exceptions) internationally. One possible explanation could be the difficulty in accurately identifying the dangerous conditions, as many environmental and individualized elements are involved, and hundreds of "thermal stress indicators" are available.

Investigation of the health effects on workers exposed to respirable crystalline silica during outdoor and underground construction projects.

Chronic exposure of workers to powder containing crystalline silica (Silicon dioxide; SiO) can lead to chronic lung diseases (lung cancer, silicosis, etc.). Aim of this study was to evaluate the exposure of Greek construction workers to SiO and describe their pulmonary function.