Last data update: Apr 22, 2024. (Total: 46599 publications since 2009)
Records 1-5 (of 5 Records) |
Query Trace: Musolin K [original query] |
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Rates of carpal tunnel syndrome in a state workers' compensation information system, by industry and occupation - California, 2007-2014
Jackson R , Beckman J , Frederick M , Musolin K , Harrison R . MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018 67 (39) 1094-1097 Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes compressed as it passes through the wrist within the carpal tunnel, resulting in pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in the hand or the wrist. Occupational risk factors for CTS include engaging in work activities that require forceful, repetitive tasks, prolonged use of the hands or wrists in an awkward posture, or vibration (1). To assess trends and identify high-risk industries and occupations for CTS, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) analyzed California workers' compensation claims for CTS by industry (2007-2014) and occupation (2014) and calculated rates per full-time equivalent (FTE) worker. During 2007-2014, a total of 139,336 CTS cases were reported (incidence = 6.3 cases per 10,000 FTE) in California workers; the rate among women (8.2) was 3.3 times higher than that among men (2.5). Industries with the highest rates of CTS were textile, fabric finishing, and coating mills (44.9), apparel accessories and other apparel manufacturing (43.1), and animal slaughtering and processing (39.8). Industries with high rates of CTS should consider implementing intervention measures, including ergonomic evaluations and development of tools and instruments that require less repetition and force and that correct awkward postures. |
Occupational and take-home lead exposure among lead oxide manufacturing employees, North Carolina, 2016
Rinsky JL , Higgins S , Angelon-Gaetz K , Hogan D , Lauffer P , Davies M , Fleischauer A , Musolin K , Gibbins J , MacFarquhar J , Moore Z . Public Health Rep 2018 133 (6) 33354918795442 OBJECTIVE: In 2016, North Carolina blood lead level (BLL) surveillance activities identified elevated BLLs among 3 children exposed to take-home lead by household members employed at a lead oxide manufacturing facility. We characterized BLLs among employees and associated children and identified risk factors for occupational and take-home lead exposure. METHODS: We reviewed BLL surveillance data for 2012-2016 to identify facility employees and associated children. We considered a BLL >/=5 mug/dL elevated for adults and children and compared adult BLLs with regulatory limits and recommended health-based thresholds. We also conducted an environmental investigation and interviewed current employees about exposure controls and cleanup procedures. RESULTS: During 2012-2016, 5 children associated with facility employees had a confirmed BLL >/=5 mug/dL. Among 77 people employed during 2012-2016, median BLLs increased from 22 mug/dL (range, 4-45 mug/dL) in 2012 to 37 mug/dL (range, 16-54 mug/dL) in 2016. All employee BLLs were <60 mug/dL, the national regulatory threshold for immediate medical removal from lead exposure; however, 55 (71%) had a BLL >/=20 mug/dL, a recommended health-based threshold for removal from lead exposure. Because of inadequate controls in the facility, areas considered clean were visibly contaminated with lead dust. Employees reported bringing personal items to work and then into their cars and homes, resulting in take-home lead exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of child and adult BLL surveillance activities identified an occupational source of lead exposure among workers and associated children. Our findings support recent recommendations that implementation of updated lead standards will support better control of lead in the workplace and prevent lead from being carried home. |
Carpal tunnel syndrome prevalence: an evaluation of workers at a raw poultry processing plant
Musolin KM , Ramsey JG . Int J Occup Environ Health 2018 23 (4) 1-9 OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among workers at a raw poultry processing plant and categorize jobs on the basis of hand activity and force. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among 191 workers assessed CTS defined by self-reported CTS symptoms, a hand symptom diagram, and measurements of nerve conduction parameters. We categorized jobs based on American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists' (ACGIH(R)) limits for hand activity and force, and examined the relationships with CTS occurrence. RESULTS: A total of 64 workers (34%) had CTS after adjusting for non-occupational factors. Overall, 81% of jobs were above the ACGIH action limit; 59% were above the ACGIH threshold limit value(R). CTS prevalence did not differ significantly between exposure groups (PR = 0.82, p = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that poultry processing jobs continue to be hazardous with workers at risk for CTS. Recommendations for the study population were provided to reduce exposure and CTS risk among workers. |
Assessing occupational exposure to sea lamprey pesticides
Ceballos DM , Beaucham CC , Kurtz K , Musolin K . Int J Occup Environ Health 2015 21 (2) 151-60 BACKGROUND: Sea lampreys are parasitic fish found in lakes of the United States and Canada. Sea lamprey is controlled through manual application of the pesticides 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) and BayluscideTM into streams and tributaries. 3-Trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol may cause irritation and central nervous system depression and Bayluscide may cause irritation, dermatitis, blisters, cracking, edema, and allergic skin reactions. OBJECTIVES: To assess occupational exposures to sea lamprey pesticides. METHODS: We developed a wipe method for evaluating surface and skin contamination with these pesticides. This method was field tested at a biological field station and at a pesticide river application. We also evaluated exposures using control banding tools. RESULTS: We verified TFM surface contamination at the biological station. At the river application, we found surfaces and worker's skin contaminated with pesticides. CONCLUSION: We recommended minimizing exposures by implementing engineering controls and improved use of personal protective equipment. |
Prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome among employees at a poultry processing plant
Musolin K , Ramsey JG , Wassell JT , Hard DL . Appl Ergon 2014 45 (6) 1377-83 OBJECTIVE: To determine prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) among poultry processing employees while taking into account non-occupational factors and assess any association between CTS prevalence and exposure groups. METHODS: Performed a cross-sectional survey to assess CTS (n = 318). A CTS case was defined as an employee with self-reported CTS symptoms, an abnormal hand symptom diagram, and an abnormal nerve conduction study (NCS). Log-binomial regression was used to estimate prevalence ratios. RESULTS: Three hundred and one participants had sufficient symptom information or NCS data to be classified. 126 (42%) of 301 participants had evidence of CTS. In the adjusted analysis, the highest exposure group had CTS prevalence that was significantly higher than that for the lower exposure group [PR: 1.61; 95% CI = (1.20, 2.17)]. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing levels of hand activity and force were associated with increased CTS prevalence among participants. Recommendations were provided to reduce exposure to these risk factors. |
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