International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

During the COVID-19 pandemics, several outbreaks have been recorded all other the world in industrial slaughterhouses and meat processing plants. Occupational preventive medicine in such non-healthcare frontline essential services accounts for combined different environmental, social, and economic factors, to reduce the burden of COVID-19 in the workplaces and in the connected residential settings. In Italy, during the first year of the pandemics, an advocacy action has been activated, targeted on meat plant managers and related food business operators. A risk-oriented control plan was agreed by competent Italian Health Authorities at Region/Province level. A questionnaire focused on the inventoried risk factors reported in the literature in such working places have been developped as supporting tool, and administered on voluntary basis to the interested stakeholders. In addition, an outbreak questionnaire was proposed to the Prevention Depts of the Local Health Units. In the 2021 - 2022 years timeframe, we collected 333 advocacy and 24 outbreak questionnaires, respectively, on 4,765 inventoried plants at national level. Responses came mainly from those districts that locally activated the risk-oriented control plan. The lack of awareness to update the Risk Assessment Document of the meat plant for COVID-19, non instrumental body Temperature checks of workers at the entrance, working force from different subcontractors, poor hygiene in the shared places and insufficient ventilation represented the main critical points recorded. The cross-checks between the results from the advocacy and from the outbreak questionnaires are feeding an after-action review for such food-chain related essential work settings within a One Health approach.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has resulted in many live events being canceled or held without spectator participation. It is therefore necessary to develop strategies to determine the conditions under which cultural activities can be maintained. In this study the results from available literature were combined with findings, guidelines and regulations for other indoor environments and recommendations were derived. In the cultural sector, the number of experimental investigations, surveys and simulations is comparatively small. This is probably due to the complexity of the events in terms of location and visitor flow, so the respective conditions under which they take place can be very different. It is therefore practically impossible to predict the risk of infection for a specific situation with potential virus spreaders attending or to derive general rules that go beyond the known measures of vaccination, testing, masks and distance. Cultural events can be held under pandemic conditions, provided certain conditions are met. Most study results agree on this. However, any recommendations for hygiene, safety and ventilation measures in cultural institutions can only minimize the risk of infection, but cannot completely rule it out. It is also of considerable importance that visitors protect themselves individually and act responsibly. Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=68 SRC="FIGDIR/small/22281932v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (10K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@13b4f8dorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@e3b4a9org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@16a0140org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@78280b_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

IntroductionHuman civilisation faces such global catastrophic risks as a: nuclear war, bioengineered pandemic, major solar storm, and volcanic winter. For some of these catastrophes, island nations may have relative survival potential but any collapse in international trade could also end critical imported goods such as pharmaceuticals. We aimed to explore the latter using the case study country of Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). MethodsWe identified the 10 most extensively prescribed pharmaceuticals in NZ that are used for acute treatment (by annual prescription numbers). Based on modern synthesis pathways for these pharmaceuticals in the literature, we identified ingredients and then determined if these ingredients were currently produced in NZ. ResultsThe results suggest that none of these 10 pharmaceuticals could be produced in NZ in a trade-ending catastrophe: paracetamol, omeprazole, amoxicillin, ibuprofen, aspirin, metoprolol succinate, salbutamol, prednisone, cetirizine hydrochloride, and amlodipine. This is primarily because NZ does not refine petrochemicals. For seven of these 10 pharmaceuticals the relevant catalysts or other specific chemical ingredients are also not mined or otherwise produced in NZ. There may, however, be some scope for the post-catastrophe scavenging of minerals for producing some catalysts. ConclusionsThis preliminary analysis suggests that none of the 10 most extensively prescribed pharmaceuticals used for acute treatments could be manufactured in this case study country after a trade-ending global catastrophe. To address this and other domains lacking in resiliency (eg, liquid fuel supply), a research programme for building shared resiliency with other neighbouring nations (eg, Australia) could be considered.

Aim and MethodsA coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cluster emerged in a manufacturing factory in early August 2021. In November 2021, a ventilation survey using tracer gas and data analysis was performed to reproduce the situation at the time of cluster emergence and verify that ventilation in the office increased the risk of aerosol transmission; verify the effectiveness of measures implemented immediately in August; and verify the effectiveness of additional measures when previously enforced measures proved inadequate. ResultsAt the time of cluster emergence, the average ventilation frequency was 0.73 times/h, less than the 2 times/h recommended by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare; as such, the factorys situation was deemed to have increased the risk of aerosol transmission. Due to the measures already taken at the time of the survey, the ventilation frequency increased to 3.41 times/h on average. It was confirmed that ventilation frequency increased to 8.33 times/h on average, when additional measures were taken. ConclusionTo prevent the re-emergence of COVID-19 clusters, it is necessary to continue the measures that have already been implemented. Additionally, introduction of real-time monitoring that visualizes CO2 concentrations is recommended. Furthermore, we believe it is helpful that external researchers in multiple fields and internal personnel in charge of health and safety department and occupational health work together to confirm the effectiveness of conducted measures, such as this case.

BackgroundPriority during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic is that employees need to be protected from infection risks and business activities need to be ensured. New virus variants with increased infection risks require an evolved risk strategy. Material and methodsSeveral standard measures such as testing, isolation and quarantine are combined to a novel risk strategy. Epidemiological model calculations and scientific knowledge about the course of SARS-CoV2 infectivity are used to optimize this strategy. The procedure is implemented in an easy-to-use calculator based on Excel. Layout in practice and resultsAlternative combinations of measures and practical aspects are discussed. Example calculations are used to demonstrate the effect of the discussed measures. ConclusionThat quarantine calculator derived from these principles enables even non-specialists to perform a differentiated risk analysis and to introduce optimized measures. Targeted testing routines and alternative measures ensure staff availability.

ObjectivesThree important, directly-causal, behavioral risk factors for obesity and its metabolic consequences are: food consumption, sedentary lifestyle and circadian disruption, such as social jet-lag, which should also partially explain the relevance of known, indirectly-causal, such as educational level, socio-economic status and/or type of job and its conditions. In this study we use actigraphy as a means to quantify and understand those differences in behaviors or conducts, related to 1) physical activity and 2) circadian disruption, which can explain observed differences in metabolic health in two different populations. MethodsMetabolic and anthropometric data were taken from a population of university workers segmented by educational level - administrative workers (bachelors degree) and researchers (Masters or PhD degree) - Actigraphs collected temperature, acceleration, luxes and time in movement; participants use them for at least 1 week. Actigraphy data were divided in weekdays and weekends for analysis. ResultsWe show that body mass index and metabolic syndrome criteria were significantly worse for the lower educational level group. Correspondingly, significant differences were found between administrative personnel and researchers across all measured actigraphy parameters - activity level, acceleration, light exposure and temperature. The most relevant differences are that researchers presented significantly more/less time in high/low-activity conducts, less differences in activity level between weekdays and weekends, and less social jet-lag than administrative personnel. ConclusionsResearchers have healthier habits both in terms of voluntary physical activity and less circadian disruption, showing how work environment can be an important determinant of the degree to which healthy habits can be adopted. HighlightsO_LIEducational level and work environment are relevant factors to contribute to the development of metabolic syndrome and obesity. C_LIO_LIAdministrative personnel showed worse metabolic health than Researchers, and also Administrative workers showed less healthy behaviors in actigraphy. C_LIO_LIDifferences between weekdays and weekends are a good parameter to measure social jet lag, but also for habits. C_LIO_LIAdministrative personnel presented more Social jet lag than researchers, and more differences between weekdays and weekends in activity and temperature. C_LI

PurposeIt is questioned whether the exposure-response relation for the onset of vibration-induced white finger (VWF) in ISO 5349-1:2001 needs to be revised based on the epidemiologic studies identified by Nilsson et al., (2017) (https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0180795), and whether the relation they derive improves the prediction of VWF in vibrationexposed populations. MethodsA pooled analysis has been performed using pidemiologic studies that complied with selection rules and reported a VWF prevalence of 10% or more, and exposure constructed according to the provisions of ISO 5349-1:2001. The lifetime exposure at 10% prevalence was calculated for various data sets using linear interpolation. They were then compared to both the model from the standard and that developed by Nilsson et al. ResultsRegression analyses reveal excluding extrapolation to adjust group prevalences to 10% produce models with 95-percentile confidence intervals that include the ISO exposure-response relation but not that in Nilsson et al. (2017). Different curve fits are obtained for studies involving daily exposure to single or multiple power tools and machines. Studies with similar exposure magnitudes and lifetime exposure durations but markedly different prevalences are observed to cluster. ConclusionsA range of exposures and A(8)-values is predicted within which the onset of VWF is most likely to occur. The exposure-response relation in ISO 5349-1:2001, but not that proposed by Nilsson et al., falls within this range and provides a conservative estimate for the development of VWF. Additionally, the analyses demonstrate that the method for evaluating vibration exposure contained in ISO 5349-1:2001 needs revision.

BackgroundThe nail salon industry in the US comprises mostly immigrant-owned, small mom-and-pop salons that employ primarily first-generation immigrant workers from Asia. Because of the cultural and language barriers, both owners and workers may not avail themselves of the occupational safety resources. We formed an academic-community partnership to co-design a feasibility study and multi-level occupational health intervention for Vietnamese-speaking salon owners, workers, and community-based organization. MethodsThe intervention for each salon included 1) two-hour in-person training covering chemical safety, infection control, musculoskeletal prevention, and workers rights for both the owners and their employees, 2) a tailored recommendation report for the owner, and 3) check-ins with the owners during the three-month follow-up. Community partner was trained to deliver the in-language training with technical assistance from the research team. Baseline and post-intervention individual data about health symptoms and behaviors, as well as personal chemical exposures were collected and analyzed. ResultsA total of 44 participants from 12 consented salons enrolled in the study. One salon dropped out follow-up due to change of ownership. Analysis of the differences between post-and pre-intervention showed a tendency toward reduction in self-reported symptoms in the respiratory system, skin, and eyes, neurotoxicity score, as well as some chemical exposures. We could not rule out seasonality as an explanation for these trends. Increase in self-efficacy in some areas was observed post-intervention. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated a successful academic-community partnership to engage community members in the intervention study. While the intervention effects from feasibility study should be interpreted with caution, our preliminary results indicated that our community-based intervention is a promising approach to reduce work-related exposures among nail salon worker workers from Asia.

IntroductionMilitary exposure summarization is critical for Veterans with complex environmental, occupational, or toxic exposures. Existing methods are limited by technical language, incompatible data formats, and difficulty in prioritizing information. Clinicians require concise, standardized, and easily interpretable exposure summaries to facilitate rapid assessment. This report is part of a broader programmatic effort to collate military exposure information from established, as well as new sources of data to improve VA exposure-informed healthcare. MethodsIn a collaborative effort, VA clinicians from multiple specialties participated in a structured clinical needs assessment interview to identify the most clinically useful information to be included in the Health Exposure Records and Occupations (HERO) summary. The interviews covered summary length, exposure prioritization, demographics, military occupational history, features characterizing exposure, resilience factors, health outcomes, and impact on clinical practice. ResultsConsensus recommendations prescribed a concise summary with clear language, basic military demographics, and critical military exposures that prioritize exposures that require further investigation. Based on recommendations, the HERO summary also includes types of exposure, proximity, route, symptoms at the time of exposure, exposure period, duration, frequency, and protective controls used. ConclusionThis perspective piece not only assesses the clinical need for exposure summarization and the optimal format for the HERO summary, but also highlights its potential impact. The HERO summary, as a tool, offers improved time efficiency, consistency in exposure-informed care across the VA, enhances communication between Veterans and providers, and improves understanding of the association between military exposures and health outcomes, potentially transforming the VA healthcare system.

The 2019 health crisis has underscored the imperative role of information and communications technology (ICT) in bolstering employees health, well-being, and ameliorating health risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) errors. Digital health technology facilitates remote healthcare delivery, employee health monitoring, and enhanced communication channels between workers and healthcare professionals. This paper conducts a comprehensive analysis of global trends in digital occupational health research over the past decade, with a specific focus on prolific authors, countries, academic institutions, and publications. Leveraging the PRISMA framework and VOSviewer software, relevant documents are extracted from the Scopus database. The findings underscore the significance of digital technology in the realm of occupational health and highlight the pressing need for further investigation, particularly encompassing emerging economies and employing robust methodologies to ensure the reliability of results. This study offers a valuable assessment of advancements in digital occupational health, serving as a foundation for future research endeavors aimed at optimizing workplace health and well-being on a global scale.

BackgroundThe healthcare sector significantly contributes to environmental degradation and climate change. Implementing sustainable practices, known as "green practices," can mitigate these negative impacts. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in adopting and promoting green practices, but their perceptions and experiences are not well understood. ObjectiveThis systematic review protocol outlines methods for synthesizing qualitative evidence on healthcare professionals perceptions and experiences regarding green practices in health services. The review aims to identify facilitators, barriers, and strategies for implementing green practices from healthcare professionals perspectives. MethodsWe will search PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, MEDLINE, The Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, and Scopus from each databases inception to July 2025. We will include qualitative studies exploring healthcare professionals perceptions and experiences regarding green practices in health services. Two reviewers will independently screen studies using Covidence, extract data, and assess methodological quality using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist. We will use thematic synthesis to analyze findings. Risk of bias will be assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal Checklist for Qualitative Research. DiscussionThis review will provide insights into healthcare professionals perceptions and experiences regarding green practices. Findings will inform strategies for implementing sustainable practices in healthcare, considering key stakeholders perspectives. This may contribute to reducing healthcares environmental impact and improving planetary health. Limitations include English language restriction and potential non-generalizability of qualitative evidence.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an intricate etiology that includes environmental factors as well as genetics. Organophosphate esters (OPEs) are frequently used as chemical additives in many personal care products and household items. However, there has been limited research on their potential effects on rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The specific associations between OPEs and RA remain largely unexplored. This study investigates any potential associations between adult rheumatoid arthritis risk and exposure to OPEs. We investigated data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2018 among participants over 20 years old. In two models, multivariable logistic regression was utilized to investigate the relationship between exposure to OPEs and RA. Furthermore, subgroup analyses stratified by age, gender, and dose exposure response were evaluated. Generalized additive models and smooth curve fits were used to characterize the nonlinear relationship between RA and OPEs. In conclusion, 5490 individuals (RA: 319, Non-RA: 5171) were analyzed. Higher quantiles (Q4) of DPHP and DBUP showed a higher prevalence of RA than the lowest quantiles. Our findings show that adult RA prevalence is higher in those who have been exposed to OPEs (DPHP, DBUP). Interestingly, these correlations seem to be stronger among women, the elderly, those with higher BMIs, and those who have diabetes. The dose-response curve for DPHP and DBUP demonstrated an upward-sloping trend. In contrast, BCEP and BCPP showed a U-shaped relationship and an inverted U-shaped relationship with the probability of RA.BDCPP demonstrated a complex relationship with a peak at lower concentrations followed by a decrease. Finally, our study also concludes that exposure to OPEs plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA. HighlightsO_LIUrinary metabolites of OPEs (DPHP, DBUP) are associated with the increased prevalence of RA. C_LIO_LIBDCPP appears to have a protective effect, reducing the risk of RA. C_LIO_LIAssociations are more prominent in females, participants over 60 years, and those with higher BMI. C_LIO_LIExposure to OPEs plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). C_LI Graphical Abstract O_FIG O_LINKSMALLFIG WIDTH=200 HEIGHT=118 SRC="FIGDIR/small/24312872v1_ufig1.gif" ALT="Figure 1"> View larger version (35K): org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@af1cb4org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@85a424org.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@1db3eeeorg.highwire.dtl.DTLVardef@100b086_HPS_FORMAT_FIGEXP M_FIG C_FIG

Children are especially vulnerable to environmental harms, thus increasing their knowledge about risk factors caused by environmental exposures, in addition to epidemiology by providing practical experiences through a non-computer based educational game in environmental epidemiology may lead to more promising behavioral outcomes. Because no educational game exists in environmental epidemiology, we augmented an existing epidemiology game by adding an environmental health theme, involving practical decision-making and problem solving in environmental epidemiology. A cross-sectional survey assessed the games impact, on childrens knowledge, experience, and attitudes regarding environmental health, and experience and attitudes toward epidemiology following game exposure in 2016. Participants from Croatia had a median age of 11.5 years with interquartile range (IQR) 11-13. The majority of children indicated they had learned a lot about the environmental health concepts newly added to an existing epidemiology game. Our modified game offers interactive and practical examples, which may facilitate teaching environmental epidemiology to elementary school students.

We aimed to investigate the impact of the postponement of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on expected participants careers, COVID-19 history and mental health using an e-survey. Thirty-nine participants (median age 37 years; 16 females) from five countries responded between July 20th and September 28th, 2021, of which 37 completed the survey, including 20 athletes and 11 coaches. All but two participants planned to attend the rescheduled Games in 2021 (95%). Ninety percent (35/39) had previously tested at least once for COVID-19, with six testing positive. While three had no symptoms, all six were moderately impacted. Scores (median; lower and upper quartiles; questionnaire) for depression (2; 0.75-4; PHQ-9) and anxiety (2; 0-5.25; GAD-7) were low. Scores for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (3.5; 1-11; IES-R) were also low, but four participants reported high scores indicative of clinical concern for PTSD. There was low emotional distress caused by postponement of the Games (2; 1-4.5), and moderately low fear of catching COVID-19 (3; 2-5.5) on 10-point (0 = none, 10 = extreme) rating scales. While overall this population appears relatively resilient, the postponement of the Games came at a cost for some athletes and coaches, specifically with regards to experiencing symptoms of PTSD.

IntroductionThis study aims to examine the job satisfaction of occupational safety experts working in Joint Health and Safety Units (JHSUs) in Turkiye, and to identify the associated factors, including perceived competence, workload, support, and training. MethodsA cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in September 2024 using an online questionnaire. A total of 102 occupational safety experts participated. The survey included sociodemographic questions, the Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, and the Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale. Chi-square, post-hoc power, and regression analyses were used to explore associations between variables and job satisfaction. ResultsThe findings indicated that mental wellbeing, perceived competence, managerial support, and the ability to fulfill job requirements were significantly associated with higher job satisfaction. Perceived adequacy of training and concerns about job security also played a role. Despite expectations, increasing years of experience and certification class did not correspond with increased job satisfaction, suggesting that experience alone may not enhance perceived competence. The overall sample was skewed toward more experienced and highly engaged professionals, with underrepresentation of C class certified experts. ConclusionThe study provides insights into factors influencing job satisfaction among occupational safety experts and highlights the role of psychological and organizational dynamics beyond demographic characteristics. The findings underline the need for targeted strategies to improve training quality, support mechanisms, and working conditions. Furthermore, such research contributes to a broader understanding of how differing national OHS practices impact the job satisfaction and competencies of safety professionals.

BackgroundWith rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Online (VO) technologies in the field of education, Virtual Online Physical Education (VPE) as a novel instructional mode is gradually gaining traction. However, systematic research on the specific impacts of online physical education on the physical fitness of university students, particularly within the context of Chinese students, remains scarce. ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effects of Virtual Online Physical Education on the physical fitness of university students, focusing on assessing its impacts on Body Mass Index (BMI), lung capacity, aerobic capacity, flexibility, explosive strength, and muscular strength, while analyzing gender differences. MethodsA total of 17,000 undergraduate students from a university in southern China were involved in an 8-month Virtual Online Physical Education intervention. Paired-sample t-tests were employed to analyze changes in physical fitness data before and after the intervention, with stratified analysis by gender. ResultsFollowing the intervention, students showed a significant increase in BMI (p < 0.05) and a significant decrease in lung capacity (p < 0.01). Aerobic capacity improved significantly in male students (p < 0.05) but declined in female students (p < 0.05). Flexibility and explosive strength improved significantly in all students (p < 0.01), while muscular strength (sit-ups for females and pull-ups for males) slightly decreased (p < 0.05). Gender analysis revealed that females exhibited more significant improvements in flexibility and explosive strength, whereas males demonstrated better enhancement in aerobic capacity. ConclusionThis study reveals the potential and limitations of Virtual Online Physical Education in enhancing the physical fitness of university students, particularly highlighting significant gender differences. While VPE excels in promoting flexibility and explosive strength, its effectiveness in managing BMI and improving cardiorespiratory function is limited. Future research and practices should focus on personalized training program designs and further explore how new technologies can enhance the effectiveness of Virtual Online physical education to comprehensively promote students physical fitness.

The work environment in Philippine contact centres had been shown to expose employees to factors that contribute to work-related stress; health promotion strategies that could mitigate the impacts are needed. With the framework that stress is experienced as a result of the interactions of an individual with the environment, this study examined the relationship of stress with individual resilience and the presence of urban green spaces (UGS) in the environment. The study involved employees (N = 186) from six contact centres in the capital region of the Philippines, where a large number of contact centre service providers are located. A two-stage survey was administered online using standardised instruments to measure stress (10-item Perceived Stress Scale) and resilience (Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), customised questions to gather demographic information, and open-ended questions to probe on participants insights. Google Earth Pro was used to conduct satellite mapping of UGS, followed by on-site ocular inspection. This study revealed that participants average stress level was categorised as high. The percentages of UGS in the vicinity of the study sites were categorised as low. Linear regression revealed that amongst individual and environment factors, resilience, household income, and awareness of UGS in the vicinity were significant predictors of the participants stress levels. Health promotion in Philippine contact centres could consider strategies that include resilience building, enhancing income security, and promoting the awareness of UGS within the workplace vicinity.

BackgroundYoung adults are exposed to a variety of risk-related behaviours such as alcohol, smoking, and changes in dietary habits, which may result in unknown outcomes in their oral health. There is limited evidence on whether different risk behaviours are associated with oral health behaviours in the university student population. This study gathers data on the behaviours of students in their first year of university, which will inform the future development of oral health behaviour change interventions for this population. MethodThis longitudinal quantitative survey involved 205 first-year university students, aged 18-24. They completed questionnaires at baseline and a 6-month follow-up interval providing information regarding self-reported oral health status, hygiene routines, risk behaviours (e.g., diet, smoking, alcohol) and attitudes towards digital health. ResultsThe findings show associations between oral health behaviours with risk behaviours including links with oral care routines, bleeding gums, brushing frequency, with exercise, vaping, and unhealthy food and drink intake. Significant changes over the two-time points were also observed, such as the worsening of the self-reported condition of the teeth (p<0.001), reduction in the self-reported condition of the gums (p=0.004), reduced brushing frequency (p=0.003), less regular dental visits (p=0.013), more students intending to visit their previous dentist rather than finding a new dentist at university (p=0.026), and increased consumption of unhealthy non-alcoholic drinks (p=0.003). Positive changes over time include reduced alcohol consumption frequency and units (p=0.030 and p=0.001), fewer instances of binge drinking (p=0.014), and less frequent consumption of unhealthy foods (p=0.034). ConclusionThe findings highlight the complex relationship between oral heal and risk behaviours in this demographic. Poorer oral health behaviours are linked to engagement in risk behaviours. Therefore, oral health behaviours should be targeted alongside other risk behaviours. Tailored interventions should be developed to improve oral health and behaviour among university students.

BackgroundWaste generation is a daily occurrence and requires a proper system of collection, management, and disposal. This function lies on municipal solid waste managers (MSWM) who use manual methods of waste collection and management in the conduct of their activities. This exposes them to various forms of occupational health risks. AimThe study investigated the occupational risk exposure of waste managers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Materials and MethodThis descriptive cross-sectional survey collected data from solid waste collectors or managers who have worked for over a year in the Rivers state, using a researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPPS version 23. ResultsA total of 317 were recruited, with the majority as males (68.5%), aged between 30 - 39 years (56.5%), married (55.5%), permanent staff (54.3%), educated to the tertiary level (31.2%), have over 5 years of experience (52.1%) and earn between 30,000 - 39,000 Naira monthly (44.8%). Also, 87.1% of the respondents had good practice of occupational health and safety, while 61.5% and 32% of the waste managers have been exposed to work-related accidents and diseases respectively in course of carrying out their job within the last 12 months. Cuts (30.0%), puncture wounds (20.5%), and road accidents (20.2%) as the most experienced hazards by the workers, while allergies (23.2%) and rash/other skin diseases (22.1%) were the most experienced type of illness. ConclusionThe high prevalence of occupational hazards can be attributed to poor working conditions and lack of adequate safety gear. Hence, there is a need for increased governmental budgetary allocation for the provision safety gear and training

BackgroundThe world of work is undergoing profound changes towards agile, flexible, democratic, and digital forms of work, so called New Work (NW). The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated these changes and confronted the working world with new challenges. Effects on employee health are ambivalent and remain unclear. Moreover, there is a lack of evidence as to whether existing occupational health management (OHM) measures meet the needs of employees working in new forms of work. Methods/DesignThis prospective mixed-method project will include four substudies to identify different NW forms, resulting health risk, benefits and protective factors in subgroups, and derive target group-specific OHM services. In the four substudies, the following methods will be used: (1) a scoping review, semi-standardized interviews, and an online survey, (2) a systematic review, an online survey, an expert workshop and qualitative interviews, (3) workplace observations, and (4) expert workshops. Recommendations for action will be derived from the findings of all substudies and summarized in a checklist for OHM in NW settings. ConclusionFindings will expand the state of knowledge about NW settings and associated health effects. The development of an evidence-based checklist for target group-specific identification of NW settings and associated health risks, benefits and protective factors can be used as a basis for action regarding OHM in companies. The findings can provide guidance on how future OHM services should be designed to meet the needs of employees.