Occupational Medicine

An investigation into the relationship between shift work and white blood cells parameters: a cross sectional study in Iran Central Iron Ore Company workers

Manoochehry S, Mehrparvar AH, Jambarsang S, Davari MH — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:38:47 +0000

Introduction: Shift work can impact different body systems by disrupting the circadian rhythm. Due to the limited information regarding the effect of shift work on blood cells in the Iranian population, we decided to investigate some disturbance of white blood cells parameters among shift workers and non-shift workers in this study.

Materials and Methods: This cross- sectional study examined 1863 male workers of Iran Central Iron Ore Company who had at least one year of work experience, focusing on health information, lifestyle factors and CBC results through their occupational health records. Subsequently, the data were analyzed and compared between shift workers and non-shift workers using SPSS software.

Results: In this study, the average age of the participants was 38.68±7.82 years.721 (38.7%) were shift workers while 1142 (61.3%) were non-shift workers. In the comparison between these two groups, the prevalence of lymphocytosis was significantly higher among shift workers (6.7%) than non-shift workers (3.6%) (P=0.006); furthermore, after adjusting for such confounding factors like smoking in the logistic regression, this significant relationship remained (OR=1.76), [95% CI:1.11,2.80]. Although the number of white blood cells in two groups were in normal range but this count was significantly higher in shift workers (7.60 compared to 7.24*10³/μl) (P< 0.001). No notable difference was observed in the prevalence of neutrophilia, neutropenia, lymphopenia and relative lymphocytosis between the two groups (p>0.05).

Conclusion: The prevalence of lymphocytosis in shift workers was higher than non-shift workers; further investigations are suggested to measure the importance and prognosis of this lymphocytosis.

Fire and explosion risk classification using MIL-STD-882E standard and PHL and PHA techniques and analysis of a case study incident

Mina Sharifipour M, Varshosaz K, Orak N, Cheraghi M, Laal F — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:43:37 +0000

Introduction: Process industries are inherently associated with the risk of catastrophic events such as fires and explosions. An integrated framework was created to identify analyze, and classify fire and explosion risks utilizing Preliminary Hazard List (PHL) and Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) techniques along with the MIL-STD-882E risk assessment standard.

Materials and Methods: Initially, an analysis team was established and a system description was conducted. A real fire incident in the HDPE unit of a petrochemical plant was then selected as a case study. The underlying causes were identified through operational data, expert interviews, and technical documents. Using severity and probability tables from PHL and PHA methods, along with the MIL-STD-882E risk matrix, the risk level for each scenario was determined and corrective recommendations were proposed

Results: The findings revealed that eight hazardous conditions could possibly result in fire and explosion risks. Reactor explosions and centrifuge fires were identified in the initial control level of the study, accounting for 25%, linked to technical failures in control valves (TICI4). This scenario was assigned a risk level of 1D, classified as serious per the matrix. Compiling a comprehensive list of Pressure Safety Valves (PSVs) and implementing periodic inspections could significantly reduce the associated risk level. Moreover, the predominant consequences were mainly associated with deficiencies in isolation procedures, weaknesses in permit-to-work systems, and mistakes made by individuals.

Conclusion: Control and preventive measures proportional to the identified risk levels were recommended. The results demonstrate that combining PHA and PHL techniques with the MIL-STD-882E risk classification framework can enhance safety-related decision-making and mitigate hazards in high-risk process industries.

Relationship between healthy lifestyle with job burnout and job satisfaction among office workers

Kordestani F, Amaani F, Ghasemi M — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:47:29 +0000

Introduction: The mental and psychological components of occupational health are influenced by the employees' lifestyle, and among these, two components of burnout and job satisfaction are of great importance. This study investigated the relationship between healthy lifestyle indices, burnout, and job satisfaction among office workers.

Materials and Methods: In 2018, a descriptive cross-sectional study involved 276 employees and experts from the central offices of a governmental bank. The data collection tools consisted of a researcher-designed Minnesota Job Satisfaction Questionnaire, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, and a self-administered Healthy Lifestyle Questionnaire.

Results: The average age of the participants was 34.37 years (±4.20), and their average work experience was 16.17 years (±4.3). Out of the participants, 81 (29.6%) were female. The average scores for job burnout and job satisfaction were 76.82 (±0.87) and 51.49 (±0.73), respectively. The average healthy lifestyle index score was 32.20 (±7.74). A significant negative correlation was discovered between lifestyle characteristics and burnout. Additionally, the overall score for lifestyle, as along with the nutrition and exercise components, was positively associated with job satisfaction. A 13.6% increase in job satisfaction was associated with improvements in a healthy lifestyle, while an increase in burnout of up to 49.1% was linked to a decrease in lifestyle score.

Conclusion: Enhancing lifestyles may reduce job burnout and improve employee satisfaction. Future cohort studies and more comprehensive research are recommended to explore this further.

Comparison of the effects of eight-week functional restoration exercise program and lumbosacral orthosis on proprioception and quality of life in male employees with nonspecific chronic low back pain

Sahebozamani M, Khazaei R — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:49:53 +0000

Introduction: Nonspecific chronic low back pain ranks among the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide, exerting a considerable impact on productivity and quality of life, particularly in occupational settings. The present study aimed to compare the effects of an eight-week functional restoration exercise program and lumbosacral orthosis on proprioception and quality of life in male employees with nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 45 male employees suffering from nonspecific chronic low back pain, who were randomly divided into two experimental groups and one control group through simple randomization. The mean (±SD) age of the participants in the control, functional restoration, and lumbosacral orthosis groups was 36.2 ± 3.64, 37.3 ± 3.61, and 37.8 ± 3.42 years, respectively; their mean weight was 89.26 ± 9.26, 87.93 ± 9.36, and 92.26 ± 8.77 kg, respectively. Proprioception (measured using a goniometer) and quality of life (assessed by the SF-36 questionnaire) were evaluated before and after the eight-week intervention. The participants in the exercise group performed functional restoration training for eight weeks, attending three sessions per week. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Within-group changes were assessed using paired t-tests, while between-group differences were examined using one-way ANCOVA at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The findings demonstrated significant effects of both functional restoration training and lumbosacral orthosis on proprioception (p = 0.001) and quality of life (p = 0.001). Improvements, however, were more significant in the functional restoration group than in the lumbosacral orthosis group (p = 0.001), indicating the superior effectiveness of exercise-based intervention.

Conclusion: Both functional restoration exercises and lumbosacral orthosis improved proprioception and quality of life in male employees with nonspecific chronic low back pain. Nevertheless, functional restoration training proved more effective. Consequently, these exercise protocols may serve as a beneficial rehabilitation approach for men suffering from nonspecific chronic low back pain.

Health interventions to reduce occupational exposure to lead in the production of water meters and branch equipment: an interventional study

Kharghani Z, Kassiri N — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 04:52:35 +0000

Introduction: Lead is a toxic metal found in the earth's crust, which humans have extensively utilized in industries for the past 7000 years, resulting in numerous occupational exposures and public health problems worldwide. Considering its effects on all body systems and organs, such as impairing cognitive function, increasing blood pressure, decreasing kidney function, this article, will evaluate the strategies to reduce the serum lead levels among workers and seek to identify the most effective methods for safeguard and improve occupational health.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as an interventional study in 1402-1403 at the Talayeh Factory in Mashhad, Khorasan Razavi province, Iran. The study population included workers from different factory departments who were directly involved with metal melting and casting processes. In this study, several changes were made in the workplace and work processes, including changing the type of raw materials, improving the ventilation system, utilizing personal protective equipment, regular monitoring of lead levels, personnel transfers, and providing nutritional and dietary recommendations to reduce the serum lead levels of the workers.

Results: The results showed that the mentioned interventions significantly reduced the serum lead levels in workers, with the average serum lead level decreased from 24.56 micrograms per deciliter before the intervention to 15.84 micrograms per deciliter following the intervention.

Conclusion: The present study showed that workplace and health interventions can effectively reduce the serum lead levels of workers.

Examining the relationship between job stress and accident proneness among employees of a power distribution company

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:01:51 +0000

Introduction: Incidents result in fatalities, injuries, and economic and social damage to electricity distribution employees. Job stress negatively affects individuals' performance and can lead to unsafe behavior, potentially influenced by the individual's accident proneness. Considering the potential connection between job stress, accident proneness, and unsafe behavior and since unsafe behaviors are a major factor in the occurrence of incidents in the electrical industry, often accompanied by permanent human and financial losses—this study aims to investigate the relationship between job stress and accident proneness, utilizing the findings to minimize related incidents.

Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 156 (n) employees of a power distribution company, selected at a 95% confidence level, 90% test power, and a 20% loss rate. The study was conducted in 1996-98 and is of descriptive-analytical type. Data were collected using two job stress questionnaires (Eliot RS) and an accident proneness questionnaire with analyses conducted through SPSS 24.

Results: The results showed that the level of job stress of staff is moderate. The accident proneness of personnel is moderate to low, and a significant positive correlation exists and significant relationship between job stress and accident proneness (P<0.001).

there are significant relationships between job stress with underlying variables of work experience (negative, p = 0.008) and level of education (positive, P = 0.042) as well as accident proneness with mean age variables (negative, P = 0.016), marital status (P = 0.010) and smoking (P = 0.024).

Conclusion: Considering the increase in accident proneness rate with increasing staff stress level, the results of this study may also serve as a reason for more attention to occupational stress management, assisting managers in planning to reduce incidents in this industry."

Comparison of the effectiveness of short-daily (Micro-Workouts) and traditional resistance training on improving muscular strength and balance in elderly women with an emphasis on the prevention of work- and daily activity-related injuries

Mahmoudi L, Ghafari M, Bani Talebi E — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:05:24 +0000

Introduction: As the population of seniors increases and they engage actively in society; it is crucial to maintain physical health and avoid injuries caused by reduced strength and balance. Resistance training is recognized as one of the most effective strategies for improving musculoskeletal health and preventing falls. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of short-daily (micro-workout) and traditional resistance training programs in improving muscular strength and balance in elderly women

.Materials and Methods: This quasi-experimental study employed a pretest–posttest design including a control group. Forty-five elderly women (aged 60–75 years) were randomly divided into three groups: short-daily training, traditional training, and control group. The short-daily group performed 20-minute resistance workouts using bodyweight and elastic bands at moderate intensity (RPE 12–14) daily, whereas the traditional group participated in three 60-minute sessions per week at the same intensity. Muscular strength was assessed using a hand dynamometer, while balance was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results: Results indicated that both exercise interventions significantly improved muscular strength (p < 0.05) and balance (p < 0.01) compared with the control group, with no significant differences observed between the two training protocols (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Overall, both short-daily and traditional resistance training programs effectively enhanced strength and balance in elderly women. Given its simplicity, time efficiency, and accessibility, the short-daily protocol can serve as a practical and sustainable approach to promote physical health and prevent fall-related injuries in older adults.

Trend analysis of articles published in Ergonomics journal during 2014 to 2023

Aminnejad M, Hassanzadeh-Rangi N — Mon, 27 Oct 2025 05:09:15 +0000

Introduction: Scientometrics is a research field that investigates and analyzes trends and patterns across various journals. This study aimed to analyze the thematic trends and content of articles published in the journal Ergonomics from 2014 to 2023.

Materials and Methods: This research was conducted to investigate articles published in the journal Ergonomics over a 10-year period. All articles published during the specified time period were gathered based on the inclusion criteria. Each article was subsequently categorized according to a defined classification system and imported into Excel 2021 for preparation. To ensure the accuracy of the classifications, supervisors and advisors validated the categorization. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics including frequency, percentage, and cumulative percentage, which were presented in tables, figures, and charts.

Results: Five main themes were identified, comprising approximately 53% of the total content of published articles:"Application of ergonomics in a specific industry or workplace","Human-machine/computer interaction","Physiological and anatomical characteristics","Physicopsychological conditions and occupational factors", and "Ergonomics methodologies, methods, and techniques." Among these, special focus was observed on "Application of ergonomics in a specific industry or workplace" and "Human-machine/computer interaction."

Conclusion: This study reviewed ten years of publications in the journal Ergonomics. The articles mainly focus on the importance of ergonomics in particular industries and on the interaction between humans and machines/computers. The findings show that themes such as "human-machine/computer interaction" and "workplace and equipment design" have shown an upward trend, while the theme "application of ergonomics in specific industries" has declined, indicating a need for more attention. The thematic framework obtained from this study can assist in updating academic curricula, setting research priorities, and selecting thesis topics. Moreover, these trends can influence policymaking and regulations within ergonomics and help in minimizing musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Expanding the study to other journals may also provide researchers with more comprehensive insights and assist in selecting appropriate journals for publication.