The economic burden of musculoskeletal disorders on the Italian social security pension system estimated by a Monte Carlo simulation.

The aim of the study is to estimate the pension costs incurred for patients with musculoskeletal disorders (MDs) and specifically with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) in Italy between 2009 and 2012. We analyzed the database of the Italian National Social Security Institute (Istituto Nazionale Previdenza Sociale i.e.

Occupational health and safety policy and psychosocial risks in Europe: the role of stakeholders' perceptions.

Introduction: Psychosocial risks are now largely acknowledged throughout Europe as important challenges in occupational health and safety. However, there appear to be wide gaps in perception between experts and the general population on the nature and the relevance of psychosocial risks that have a potential impact on policy development and implementation in this area.

Methods: This study investigated the level of knowledge among European stakeholders, of legislation on occupational safety and health, focusing particularly on psychosocial risk factors.

Italian National Register of Occupational Cancers: data system and findings.

Objective: To analyze data stored in the National Register of Occupational Cancers, set up by law at the Italian Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention.

Methods: Statistical analyses were performed on economic activity, cancer site, and carcinogenic agent. Mesothelioma cases were excluded because they were exhaustively recorded and managed in a proper register.

Exposed workers and bladder cancer in Italy: an estimate starting from the ISPESL's database of enterprises.

The aim of this study is to assess the number of workers potentially at risk of bladder cancer in Italy. A detailed list of codes of economic activities entailing bladder cancer risk was developed on the basis of the excess risk resulting from two different pooled analysis (separately for men and women) in Europe. Firms and the number of blue-collars potentially at risk were selected from the ISPESL (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention) database of enterprises.

Occupational cancer in Italy: evaluating the extent of compensated cases in the period 1994-2006.

Objective: The aim of this study is to analyze occupational cancer claims compensated in the industrial sector in Italy between 1994 and 2006.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of compensated occupational cancers based on the Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL) data was performed. Summary statistics were compiled by sex and age of worker, cancer type, workplace agent and economic sector.

Occupational exposure and lung cancer in Italy: estimating the number of workers potentially at risk.

Background: In 2001, a comprehensive and standardised list for occupations or jobs known or suspected to be associated with lung cancer was prepared. The aim of this study was to assess the number of potentially exposed workers using this list.

Methods: A detailed and unique list of codes has been developed on the basis of the national standard classification of economic activities.

Occupational exposure to crystalline silica: estimating the number of workers potentially at high risk in Italy.

Background: Occupational exposure to free silica is widespread in several economic sectors and is well known to cause silicosis. This study was designed to establish a database of enterprises and workers in industrial sectors involving silica exposure in Italy and to estimate the number of workers potentially at high risk of exposure.

Methods: The industrial sectors at risk of silica exposure were identified by selecting the industrial sector that employed people who were compensated for silicosis in 2000-2004.

Analysis of latency time and its determinants in asbestos related malignant mesothelioma cases of the Italian register.

Italy was an important producer of raw asbestos until 1992 (when it was banned) and it is now experiencing severe public health consequences due to large-scale industrial use of asbestos in shipbuilding and repair, asbestos-cement production, railways, buildings, chemicals and many other industrial sectors. Latency of malignant mesothelioma generally shows a large variability and the relationship with the modality of asbestos exposure is still not fully clarified. We present an analysis of latency period among the case list collected by the Italian mesothelioma register (ReNaM) in the period of diagnosis 1993-2001 (2544 malignant mesothelioma (MM) cases with asbestos exposure history).

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL): role in occupational health and safety.

The article explains the role of the Italian National Institute for Occupational Safety and Prevention (ISPESL), a public research body dealing with occupational and environmental health. Its organization, institutional roles, activities, facilities, and resources are outlined. Especially important is ISPESL's participation in national and international occupational safety and health networks.