Publications by authors named "Joan Cooke"
Background: The public order and safety (POS) sector remains susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks, as workplace attendance is typically compulsory and close physical contact is often needed. Here, we report on a SARS-CoV-2 outbreak with an attack rate of 39% (9/23), which occurred between 19 and 29 June 2021 among a cohort of new POS recruits participating in a mandatory 18-week training programme in England.
Methods: The COVID-OUT (COVID-19 Outbreak investigation to Understand Transmission) study team undertook a multidisciplinary outbreak investigation, including viral surface sampling, workplace environmental assessment, participant viral and antibody testing, and questionnaires, at the two associated training facilities between 5 July and 24 August 2021.
Article Synopsis
- - A SARS-CoV-2 outbreak at a plastics plant in England had a 14.3% attack rate, prompting an investigation by the COVID-OUT team from March to May 2021 to identify transmission routes and risk factors.
- - Investigators found that the technical office had a high localized attack rate of 21.4% and that poor mask usage (only 20% compliant) and close contact among workers contributed to the outbreak, despite generally adequate ventilation.
- - The study highlights the need for better infection control in manufacturing, including improved ventilation, air cleaning measures, and better-quality face masks, while also calling for further research on how job security concerns affect worker health behaviors.
Investigation of a SARS-CoV-2 Outbreak at an Automotive Manufacturing Site in England.
Int J Environ Res Public Health
May 2022
Article Synopsis
- Workplace outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 remain a global issue, especially in the manufacturing sector where transmission risks need better understanding.
- A study conducted between March and April 2021 investigated a COVID-19 outbreak at an automotive manufacturing site in England involving 266 workers and 51 infections, assessing ventilation and control measures.
- Despite implementing infection controls like face coverings and social distancing, lapses in worker practices were observed, particularly in high-occupancy areas, highlighting the challenges in preventing outbreaks under close working conditions.
Biological monitoring to assess exposure to diisocyanates in the workplace is becoming increasingly widespread due to its relative ease of use and ability to look at all exposure routes. Currently, biological monitoring measures the corresponding isocyanate-derived diamine in urine, after hydrolysis. Because of this, any exposure to the diamines themselves released during the industrial process could confound the assessment of diisocyanate exposure.
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