Occupational exposure to crystalline silica in artificial stone processing.

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is a hazardous substance with known effects that can be well correlated with exposure levels that still persist in many traditional sectors, such as construction or stone processing. In the past decade, exposure scenarios for RCS have been found in the sector of artificial stone processing. The aim of this study is to evaluate the levels of RCS in facilities specialized in the production of artificial stone countertops and other accessories for the furnishing of kitchens, bathrooms, and offices after the introduction of some preventive technical measures such as wet processing or local exhaust ventilation systems.

Upper and Lower Respiratory Signs and Symptoms in Workers Occupationally Exposed to Flour Dust.

A group of 142 bakers was studied in order to investigate the relationship between higher/lower respiratory signs/symptoms and inflammation biomarkers and occupational exposure to flour dust. A complete upper and lower respiratory tract evaluation was performed. Seven percent of bakers complained of lower respiratory symptoms, while 22% of them complained of upper respiratory symptoms.

Occupational Exposure to Flour Dust. Exposure Assessment and Effectiveness of Control Measures.

The adverse effects associated with exposure to flour dust have been known since the 1700s. The aim of the study was to assess the occupational exposure to flour dust in Italian facilities, identify the activities characterized by the highest exposure, and provide information to reduce workers' exposure. The study was performed in different facilities such as flourmills ( = 2), confectioneries ( = 2), bakeries ( = 24), and pizzerias ( = 2).

How to improve performance and prevent burnout in safety representatives.

Background: The present work is part of a greater research project, aimed to examine Safety Representatives' (SRs) role, twenty years after the appointment of this figure.

Objectives: The study aims to investigate the role of some personal and organizational dimensions in the promotion of SRs' well-being, in terms of reducing burnout and improving performance.

Methods: The study involved 455 SRs operating in North East Italy.

Multiorgan accelerated silicosis misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis in two workers exposed to quartz conglomerate dust.

Introduction: Clusters of silicosis cases have been reported in the fabrication of quartz conglomerate, a new high-silica-content artificial stone for kitchen and bathroom benchtops (countertops).

Aim: We describe two cases of accelerated-type silicosis with hepatic granulomas arising in workers exposed to artificial quartz conglomerates.

Methods: A confident diagnosis of multiorgan silicosis was based on high level of respirable silica in the workplace, typical radiological alterations in chest high-resolution CT, histological findings in the lung and liver, and detection of silica crystals in both tissues by phase-contrast polarising light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy.

[Effectiveness trial for prevention of occupational injuries in the wood processing industry].

Background: Training is a key tool to improve prevention and safety management at the workplace. Few studies have aimed at assessing quality of training and its outcomes.

Objectives And Methods: This paper describes the rationale, design, content, and evaluation of an ongoing randomized controlled trial aimed at assessing the effectiveness of a training programme designed to reduce the risk of occupational injuries among employees of the wood processing industry.