Challenges for workplace risk assessment in home offices—results from a qualitative descriptive study on working life during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia

Funding Information: Funding: This research was funded by the National Research Programme of Latvia within the project “Life with COVID-19: Evaluation of overcoming the coronavirus crisis in Latvia and recommendations for societal resilience in the future” (agreement No: VPP-COVID-2020/1-0013). Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Epidemiological restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic have raised legal and practical questions related to the provision of workplace risk assessment in home offices of teleworkers. The objective of this qualitative study was to analyze practical experience of employers and occupational safety and health experts performing workplace risk assessment in Latvia during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings suggest that employers have not sufficiently implemented their legal obligations related to workplace risk assessment which can result in an increased number of physical and mental health problems of teleworkers in the short term and in the future. Work from home has shown how different working conditions can be for the same type of work (office work); therefore, the promotion of personalized workplace risk assessment should be encouraged. Even if virtual workplace visits using photos and videos are not the traditional way the workplace risk assessment should be done, it is effective; workers who report that their employers assessed their working conditions report fewer health effects. The experience of workers in participation in workplace risk assessment for telework might change the level and role of worker participation in the management of health and safety hazards at work in general.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Number of fine particles’ and their mass concentration : Comparison of emission of new printing technology versus traditional laser technology

Funding Information: Printers for use in this study were supplied by RF Serviss company. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 Linda Paegle, Žanna Martinsone, Ivars Vanadziņš, Ilona Pavlovska, Lāsma Akūlova.For many years the printers have been essential part of our offices and exposures from various printing technologies have been widely researched. The main objective of this study was to compare emitted number and mass of fine particles from laser printers and new Micro Piezo technology ink jet printers during the printing process and one hour afterwards as these emissions have potential for negative health effects. Air samples were taken with the particle size spectrometer for real-time ELPI+, Dekati (air flow rate 10 l/min). Measurements were taken ~0.5 m from the printers: one hour before the test, during printing and one hour afterwards. Similar class black&white (b/w) and colour printer of each technology were tested. Each printer performed a 10-page and a 100-page test according to ECMA 328-1 Standard [1]. During laser printer tests from 8324 to 19943 pt/cm 3 fine particles were determined on printing phase from b/w and colour printers. Ink jet (Micro Piezo) printers produced less: from 3239 to 5247 pt/cm 3. One hour after the printing phase for both types of laser printers’ there were 54722 to 152351 pt/cm 3 particles in air and 4270 to 9579 pt/cm 3 particles for ink jet printers. Detected particle mass differences was insignificant: in range of 0.002 to 0.012 mg/m 3 for laser printers and 0.002 to 0.019 mg/m 3 for ink jet printers. Micro Piezo technology printers emitted mass particles were with bigger median size μm. The highest number of particles was observed one hour after the printing for both tested printer technologies. Laser printers’ emitted 2.5 to 3.8 times more particles in printing phase and 12.8 to 15.9 times more after printing phase. Particle mass in mg/m 3 was detected in the size range 6nm - 2.5 μm with no significant mass differences.publishersversionPeer reviewe

Is It Essential for Occupational Health and Safety Experts to Know the English Language? Results From Several Studies in Latvia

Funding Information: The focus group discussions and transcribing of the focus group discussions were funded by the National Research Programme of Latvia within the Project Life with COVID-19: Evaluation of Overcoming the Coronavirus Crisis in Latvia and Recommendations for Societal Resilience in the Future (Agreement No: VPP-COVID-2020/1-0013). The original datasets of the independent studies Work conditions and risks in Latvia were received from the data owners free of charge. Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2022 Matisāne, Paegle, Akūlova, Eglı̄te and Vanadziṇš.Background: Poor knowledge of the language has been identified as a barrier to up-to-date occupational safety and health information, however, this question has not been addressed in the context of occupational safety and health expert competence in providing advice for employers in a small, non-English speaking country. Objectives: To analyze the available data on the use of languages for searching professional information by occupational safety and health (OSH) experts, and the sources of information on COVID-19 during the first wave of the pandemic in Latvia, and to assess if the knowledge of the English language among these experts is sufficient to react rapidly and effectively in case of emergency. Methods: Data were compiled from several different sources: three web-based surveys of occupational safety and health experts (data from 2006, 2010, and 2018) and ten focus group discussions with employers and occupational safety and health experts (data from 2020). Results: The results of the surveys show that between 2006 and 2018, the percentage of respondents using only one language (Latvian) for searching professional information in occupational safety and health has increased from 25 to 35.3%. In 2018, the English language was mentioned by only 42.8% of respondents and Russian by 46.8%. During the focus group discussions, the use of English was mentioned for obtaining trustful information from international organizations, for analysis of information received within international companies, for searching international experience, and for finding county-specific information. Discussion: Our study shows that knowledge of the English language for occupational safety and health experts working in Latvia is not sufficient. The companies providing external occupational safety and health services should establish a well-functioning internal training system to provide their non-English speaking experts with up-to-date information. Occupational safety and health-related non-governmental institutions should strengthen their capacity in sharing information related to different occupational safety and health aspects into the national language (Latvian in this particular case).publishersversionPeer reviewe

Impact of workplace conflicts on self-reported medically certified sickness absence in Latvia

Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Copyright: Copyright 2021 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.Sickness absence is one of the most important working population health indicators. It is a complex phenomenon that is investigated by health care and occupational health specialists, economists, and work psychologists. Sickness absence is used as a predictor for morbidity and mortality, but besides the health status of an individual, sickness absence is influenced by demographic, socio-economic factors, and work environment factors. Conflicts at work are a common psychosocial risk factor that can affect sickness absence. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between different types of workplace conflict and self-reported medically certified sickness absence using cross-sectional survey data pooled from four periodic national surveys—Work conditions and risks in Latvia (2006–2018). The sample is representative of the working population of Latvia, as respondents were randomly drawn from different regions and industries. In total, the study sample (n = 8557) consisted of employees between 16 and 80 years old (average 42.8 +/− 12.6) of which 46.2% were males and 53.8% were females. Researchers used the computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI) method for collecting data. The association between workplace conflicts and sickness absence was analysed by using binomial logistic regression and calculated as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI), with adjustment for gender, age, education and survey year. The risk of sickness absence was higher among women (OR = 1.24, CI 1.13–1.35), employees aged 25–44 years old and employees with higher income. Controlling for socio-demographic factors and survey year, the odds of sickness absence increased significantly for all types of workplace conflict analysed. The strongest association with sickness absence was related to conflicts between managers and employees (OR = 1.51, CI 1.37–1.66) and conflicts between groups of employees (OR = 1.45, CI 1.31–1.61). Conflicts between employees and with customers also increased the odds of sickness absence (OR = 1.39, CI 1.27–1.52 and OR = 1.11, CI 1.01–1.23, respectively). Our findings suggest that tailored interventions at a company level for reducing workplace conflicts as risk factors of sickness absence are required. Those should focus on the improvement of managers’ leadership and human resource management skills.Peer reviewe

Assessment of Occupational Exposures in the 3D Printing: Current Status and Future Prospects

3D (three-dimensional) printing technologies are widespread and rapidly evolving, creating new specific working conditions, and their importance has been highlighted by increasing publications in recent years. The report provides a compilation of current information on 3D technologies, materials, and measurements, considering the determination of the potential actual exposure dose of chemicals through airborne inhalation and dermal exposure, including workers’ exhaled breath condensate and urine data. Noninvasive assessment methods are becoming increasingly popular, as they are painless, easy to perform, and inexpensive. Investigation of biomarkers reflecting pulmonary inflammation and local and systemic oxidative stress in exhaled breath, exhaled breath condensate, and urine are among them. It is also important to consider the occupational health and safety risks associated with the use of various new materials in 3D printing, which are associated with skin irritation and sensitivity risks. Therefore, EDI (estimated daily intake) calculations for assessment of the potential occupational health risk purposes via inhalation and dermal exposure are critical in future. The assessment of occupational exposure and health risks of 3D printing processes is essential for the proper identification, control, and prevention of working conditions, also for the diagnosis and monitoring of occupational diseases among workers to improve public health and well-being in general

Pētījuma "Darba apstākļi un riski Latvijā 2019–2021" gala ziņojums

Pētījums veikts Eiropas Sociālā fonda projekta "Darba drošības normatīvo aktu praktiskās ieviešanas un uzraudzības pilnveidošana" Nr. 7.3.1.0/16/I/001 ietvaros. Pasūtītājs: Valsts darba inspekcija.Pētījuma “Darba apstākļi un riski Latvijā 2019-2021” mērķis bija noskaidrot aktuālo situāciju darba attiecību un darba aizsardzības jomā, analizēt iegūtos datus dinamikā un izstrādāt priekšlikumus tiesiskā regulējuma vai tā praktiskās ieviešanas uzlabošanai. Identificējot būtiskākos problēmu cēloņus un iespējamos risinājumus, pētījums sniedz informāciju, kas palīdz īstenot kvalitatīvu un uz mērķi orientētu politiku darba attiecību un darba aizsardzības jomā. Pētījums tika veikts darbības programmas „Izaugsme un nodarbinātība” 7.3.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa „Uzlabot darba drošību, it īpaši bīstamo nozaru uzņēmumos” projekta „Darba drošības normatīvo aktu praktiskās ieviešanas un uzraudzības pilnveidošana” (Nr. 7.3.1.0/16/I/001) ietvaros.Pētījums tika veikts darbības programmas „Izaugsme un nodarbinātība” 7.3.1. specifiskā atbalsta mērķa „Uzlabot darba drošību, it īpaši bīstamo nozaru uzņēmumos” projekta „Darba drošības normatīvo aktu praktiskās ieviešanas un uzraudzības pilnveidošana” (Nr. 7.3.1.0/16/I/001) ietvaros

Study "Working Conditions and Risks in Latvia 2019–2021" Final Report

The study was carried out within the framework of the project “Improvement of the Practical Application and Monitoring of Work Safety Laws and Regulations” (No 7.3.1.0/16/I/001). Contracting Authority: State Labour InspectorateThe aim of the study “Working Conditions and Risks in Latvia 2019–2021” was to find out the current situation in the field of labour relations and occupational health and safety, to dynamically analyse the data obtained and to develop proposals to improve the legal framework or the practical implementation thereofThis study was carried out within the framework of the project “Improvement of the Practical Application and Monitoring of Work Safety Laws and Regulations” (No 7.3.1.0/16/I/001) under the specific aid objective 7.3.1 “To improve work safety, especially in enterprises of hazardous sectors” of the operational programme “Growth and Employment

HBM4EU Occupational Biomonitoring Study on e-Waste—Study Protocol

Funding Information: This work has received external funding from the European Union?s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 733032 and received co-funding from the author?s organizations and/or Ministries. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Workers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals. If exposure occurs, this may result in uptake and potential adverse health effects. Thus, exposure surveillance is an important requirement for health risk management and prevention of occupational disease. Human biomonitoring by measurement of specific biomarkers in body fluids is considered as an effective method of exposure surveillance. The aim of this study is to investigate the internal exposure of workers processing e-waste using a human biomonitoring approach, which will stimulate improved work practices and contribute to raising awareness of potential hazards. This exploratory study in occupational exposures in e-waste processing is part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Here we present a study protocol using a cross sectional survey design to study worker’s exposures and compare these to the exposure of subjects preferably employed in the same company but with no known exposure to industrial recycling of e-waste. The present study protocol will be applied in six to eight European countries to ensure standardised data collection. The target population size is 300 exposed and 150 controls. Biomarkers of exposure for the following chemicals will be used: chromium, cadmium and lead in blood and urine; brominated flame retardants and polychlorobiphenyls in blood; mercury, organophosphate flame retardants and phthalates in urine, and chromium, cadmium, lead and mercury in hair. In addition, the following effect biomarkers will be studied: micronuclei, epigenetic, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and telomere length in blood and metabolomics in urine. Occupational hygiene sampling methods (airborne and settled dust, silicon wristbands and handwipes) and contextual information will be collected to facilitate the interpretation of the biomarker results and discuss exposure mitigating interventions to further reduce exposures if needed. This study protocol can be adapted to future European-wide occupational studiespublishersversionPeer reviewe

HBM4EU Occupational Biomonitoring Study on e-Waste—Study Protocol

Funding Information: This work has received external funding from the European Union?s Horizon 2020 research and innovation program under grant agreement No. 733032 and received co-funding from the author?s organizations and/or Ministries. Publisher Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.Workers involved in the processing of electronic waste (e-waste) are potentially exposed to toxic chemicals. If exposure occurs, this may result in uptake and potential adverse health effects. Thus, exposure surveillance is an important requirement for health risk management and prevention of occupational disease. Human biomonitoring by measurement of specific biomarkers in body fluids is considered as an effective method of exposure surveillance. The aim of this study is to investigate the internal exposure of workers processing e-waste using a human biomonitoring approach, which will stimulate improved work practices and contribute to raising awareness of potential hazards. This exploratory study in occupational exposures in e-waste processing is part of the European Human Biomonitoring Initiative (HBM4EU). Here we present a study protocol using a cross sectional survey design to study worker’s exposures and compare these to the exposure of subjects preferably employed in the same company but with no known exposure to industrial recycling of e-waste. The present study protocol will be applied in six to eight European countries to ensure standardised data collection. The target population size is 300 exposed and 150 controls. Biomarkers of exposure for the following chemicals will be used: chromium, cadmium and lead in blood and urine; brominated flame retardants and polychlorobiphenyls in blood; mercury, organophosphate flame retardants and phthalates in urine, and chromium, cadmium, lead and mercury in hair. In addition, the following effect biomarkers will be studied: micronuclei, epigenetic, oxidative stress, inflammatory markers and telomere length in blood and metabolomics in urine. Occupational hygiene sampling methods (airborne and settled dust, silicon wristbands and handwipes) and contextual information will be collected to facilitate the interpretation of the biomarker results and discuss exposure mitigating interventions to further reduce exposures if needed. This study protocol can be adapted to future European-wide occupational studiespublishersversionPeer reviewe

Environmental Management Challenges and Possible Solutions Regarding Chemical Pollution Caused by Households in Latvia: A Qualitative Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to determine public perception of chemical pollution and environmental management problems in Riga, Latvia, and obtain possible solutions to these problems. This is a qualitative study where data was obtained by organizing focus group interviews. A total of 3 focus groups were held with 18 participants taking part. The first focus group consisted of adults living in apartments, the second group – of adults living in houses, and the third group consisted of students; all respondents live in Riga city or its peri-urban area. The results have shown that the main problems defined by respondents regarding chemicals and environmental management is lack of information, low level of environmental education, complexity of available information on chemicals and environmental aspects, inappropriate infrastructure and lack of availability of environmental services. The potential solutions for determined problems are qualitative environmental education in schools, improved informative material accessibility by creating applications for smartphones, advertisement and social campaigns, ensuring provision of infrastructure and services, and implementation of packaging deposit system