Last data update: Jan 27, 2025. (Total: 48650 publications since 2009)
Records 1-12 (of 12 Records) |
Query Trace: Ramirez-Cardenas A[original query] |
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Oil and Gas Extraction industry workers' compensation claims and proposed safety interventions
Alexander BM , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Wurzelbacher SJ , Meyers AR , Naber SJ . J Occup Environ Med 2024 OBJECTIVE: This study analyzed Ohio workers' compensation (WC) data to identify potential prevention strategies for common Oil and Gas Extraction industry claims. METHODS: Claim rates for 2001-2018 were calculated per full-time equivalent employee. Descriptive analyses on free-text descriptions of lost-time (LT) claims (>7 days away from work) identified common characteristics among claims and injured workers. RESULTS: Among 3,134 claims, 860 (27%) were LT. The industry group, Drilling contractors, experienced the highest LT claims rate, while the cost from Servicing contractors was highest. Contact with objects and equipment caused the highest LT claims rate. The most frequent LT occupation was Roustabout and LT work activity was Material Handling. Transportation Incidents caused most fatalities and hospitalizations. Over half of LT claims were from short-tenured workers. CONCLUSIONS: Both proven and innovative approaches are needed to reduce severe WC claims in this industry. |
The wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study: cohort characteristics and health behavior changes in context
Scott KA , Wingate KC , DuBose KN , Butler CR , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Hale CR . Ann Work Expo Health 2024 OBJECTIVES: Work is an under-recognized social determinant of health. There is limited research describing US wildland firefighter (WFF) workforce demographics or how to work associates with WFF health behaviors. In this study researchers characterized a WFF cohort and tested hypotheses that WFFs used tobacco, alcohol, and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) differently over the course of the fire season and that different fire crews may exhibit different behavior patterns. METHODS: Researchers collected data in the field with 6 WFF crews during 2 consecutive fire seasons (2018 and 2019). WFF crews completed questionnaires before and after each season. WFFs with an initial preseason questionnaire and at least 1 follow-up questionnaire were included (n = 138). Descriptive statistics summarized WFFs' baseline demographic, employment, and health characteristics. Linear mixed models were used to test for changes in WFFs' substance use over time and assess crew-level differences. A meta-analysis of WFF longitudinal studies' population characteristics was attempted to contextualize baseline findings. RESULTS: WFFs were predominately male, less than 35 yr of age, non-Hispanic White, and had healthy weight. Smokeless tobacco use and binge drinking were prevalent in this cohort (52% and 78%, respectively, among respondents). Longitudinal analyses revealed that during the fire season WFFs' use of tobacco and SSBs increased and the number of days they consumed alcohol decreased. Crew-level associations varied by substance. The meta-analysis was not completed due to cross-study heterogeneity and inconsistent reporting. DISCUSSION: WFF agencies can promote evidence-based substance use prevention and management programs and modify working conditions that may influence WFF stress or substance use. |
Risk factors for heat-related illness resulting in death or hospitalization in the oil and gas extraction industry
Lin NW , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Wingate KC , King BS , Scott K , Hagan-Hayes K . J Occup Environ Hyg 2023 1-14 Many oil and gas extraction (OGE) activities occur in high heat environments, resulting in significant risk of heat-related illness among outdoor workers in this industry. This report highlights cases of occupational heat-related illness that resulted in death and identifies common risk factors for heat-related fatalities and hospitalizations among OGE workers. Two databases maintained by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were reviewed to identify heat-related fatalities, hospitalizations, and associated risk factors among OGE workers. Nine fatalities and associated risk factors were identified during 2014-2019 from NIOSH's Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) Database. Risk factors identified included those commonly associated with heat-related fatalities: new workers not acclimatized to heat, inadequate heat stress training, and underlying hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Of particular note, substance use was identified as a significant risk factor as more than half of the fatalities included a positive post-mortem test for amphetamines or methamphetamines. Fifty heat-related hospitalizations were identified from OSHA's Severe Injury Report Database during January 2015-May 2021. Heat stress has been and will continue to be an important cause of fatality and adverse health effects in OGE as hot outdoor working conditions become more common and extreme. More emphasis on heat stress training, acclimatization regimens, medical screening, and implementation of workplace supportive recovery programs may reduce heat-related fatalities and injuries in this industry. |
Fatalities in oil and gas extraction database, an industry-specific worker fatality surveillance system - United States, 2014-2019
Wingate KC , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Hill R , Ridl S , Hagan-Haynes K . MMWR Surveill Summ 2023 72 (8) 1-15 PROBLEM/CONDITION: The U.S. oil and gas extraction (OGE) industry faces unique safety and health hazards and historically elevated fatality rates. The lack of existing surveillance data and occupational safety and health research called for increased efforts to better understand factors contributing to worker fatalities in the OGE industry. This report describes the creation of the Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) database, presents initial findings from the first 6 years of data collection (2014-2019), highlights ways that FOG data have been used, and describes the benefits and challenges of maintaining the surveillance system. PERIOD COVERED: 2014-2019. DESCRIPTION OF SYSTEM: In 2013, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the FOG database, a surveillance system comprising an industry-specific worker fatality database. NIOSH researchers worked with OGE partners to establish inclusion criteria for the database and develop unique database variables to elucidate industry-specific factors related to each fatality (e.g., phase of operation, worker activity, and working alone). FOG cases are identified through various sources, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports, media reports, and notifications from professional contacts. NIOSH researchers compile source documents; OGE-specific database variables are coded by multiple researchers to ensure accuracy. Data collection ceased in 2019 because grant funding ended. RESULTS: During 2014-2019, a total of 470 OGE worker fatalities were identified in the FOG database. A majority of these fatalities (69.4%) were identified from OSHA reports and Google Alerts (44.7% and 24.7%, respectively). Unique database variables created to characterize fatalities in the OGE industry (i.e., phase of operation, worker activity, working alone, and working unobserved) were identified in approximately 85% of OGE worker fatality cases. The most frequent fatal events were vehicle incidents (26.8%), contact injuries (21.7%), and explosions (14.5%). The event type was unknown among 5.7% of worker fatalities. Approximately three fourths of fatalities identified through the FOG database were among contractors. Approximately 20% of cases included workers who were working alone. INTERPRETATION: The FOG database is a resource for identifying safety and health trends and emerging issues among OGE workers (e.g., exposure to hydrocarbon gases and vapors and fatalities resulting from cardiac events) that might not be available in other surveillance systems. The FOG database also helps researchers better identify groups of workers that are at increased risk for injury in an already high-risk industry. Challenges exist when maintaining an industry-specific surveillance system, including labor-intensive data collection, the need for researchers with substantial knowledge of the industry, delays in access to timely data, and missing source file data. PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS: Continued surveillance of worker fatalities in the OGE industry is recommended to help identify new safety and health hazards and guide research and prevention activities. Industry, academic institutions, and government can use findings from the FOG database to identify factors contributing to fatal injuries in OGE and develop interventions to improve worker safety and health. The findings in this report also can be used by other industries with high fatality rates to support the development of worker fatality surveillance systems. |
Risky driving behaviors and employer motor vehicle safety policies among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers
Wingate KC , Pratt S , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Hagan-Haynes K . J Safety Res 2023 86 [Epub ahead of print] Introduction: Over half of fatal occupational injuries in the oil and gas extraction (OGE) industry are due to transportation incidents. While driving for work is common in this industry and risky driving behaviors have been identified as contributing factors to fatal crashes among OGE workers, limited information is available on the frequency of risky driving behaviors and employer policies to reduce these behaviors. Methods: Researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey of OGE workers in three states. Responses from 363 OGE workers who drive as a part of their work duties were analyzed to evaluate relationships between self-reported risky driving behaviors (i.e., speeding, cell phone use, and driving unbelted) and awareness of motor-vehicle safety policies by their employers. Results: Hands-free cell phone use was the most common risky driving behavior among participants (59.8%), while a hands-free cell phone ban was the least commonly reported employer motor-vehicle safety policy (34.7%). Multiple logistic regression results identified longer work and commuting hours, lack of employer motor-vehicle safety policies, having ever been in a work crash, and being employed by an operator to be significantly associated with risky driving behaviors. Conclusions: Workers whose employers lacked motor-vehicle safety policies were more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors. Practical applications: Results of this survey support the implementation of motor-vehicle safety interventions such as bans on texting and handheld and hands-free cell phone use, speed management, and in-vehicle monitoring systems by OGE employers as well as research focusing on the effectiveness of these interventions in OGE. Additional research could examine worker driving behaviors through self-reported data in combination with objective measures. |
Fatalities involving substance use among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers identified through an industry specific surveillance system (2014-2019)
Ramirez-Cardenas A , Wingate KC , Pompei R , King B , Scott KA , Hagan-Haynes K , Chosewood LC . J Occup Environ Med 2023 65 (6) 488-494 OBJECTIVE: Characteristics of oil and gas extraction (OGE) work, including long hours, shiftwork, fatigue, physically demanding work, and job insecurity are risk factors for substance use among workers. Limited information exists examining worker fatalities involving substance use among OGE workers. METHODS: The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health's Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction database was screened for fatalities involving substance use from 2014 through 2019. RESULTS: Twenty-six worker deaths were identified as involving substance use. Methamphetamine or amphetamine were the most common substances (61.5%) identified. Other contributing factors were lack of seatbelt use (85.7%), working in high temperatures (19.2%), and workers' first day with the company (11.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Employer recommendations to mitigate substance use related risks in OGE workers include training, medical screening, drug testing, and workplace supported recovery programs. |
Working alone and/or in remote locations: Opportunities to prevent the risk of fatality from cardiovascular events in oil and gas extraction workers
Zimmerman SM , Scott KA , Wingate KC , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Pompei R , Hagan-Haynes K , Hill R , Wood E . J Occup Environ Med 2023 65 (6) 481-487 OBJECTIVE: Explore personal and work factors related to fatal cardiac events among oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers. METHODS: The NIOSH Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction database was reviewed to identify fatal cardiac events among OGE workers from 2014 through 2019. A case series design was used to review case files, provide descriptive statistics, and summarize the findings. RESULTS: There were 75 fatalities identified, including 55 (73%) with sufficient information for review. Of the 55 workers, 18 (33%) worked alone. Thirty-six (66%) fatal cardiac events were unwitnessed by a co-worker. Toxicology findings suggested some possible exposures to hydrogen sulfide or hydrocarbon gases or vapors. Missing data was common. CONCLUSION: This study identified the need for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness, lone worker programs, medical screening, and enhanced exposure control in the OGE industry. |
Outcomes at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents and young adults in the USA: a follow-up surveillance study.
Kracalik I , Oster ME , Broder KR , Cortese MM , Glover M , Shields K , Creech CB , Romanson B , Novosad S , Soslow J , Walter EB , Marquez P , Dendy JM , Woo J , Valderrama AL , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Assefa A , Campbell MJ , Su JR , Magill SS , Shay DK , Shimabukuro TT , Basavaraju SV . Lancet Child Adolesc Health 2022 6 (11) 788-798 BACKGROUND: Data on medium-term outcomes in indivduals with myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination are scarce. We aimed to assess clinical outcomes and quality of life at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents and young adults. METHODS: In this follow-up surveillance study, we conducted surveys in US individuals aged 12-29 years with myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, for whom a report had been filed to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System between Jan 12 and Nov 5, 2021. A two-component survey was administered, one component to patients (or parents or guardians) and one component to health-care providers, to assess patient outcomes at least 90 days since myocarditis onset. Data collected were recovery status, cardiac testing, and functional status, and EuroQol health-related quality-of-life measures (dichotomised as no problems or any problems), and a weighted quality-of-life measure, ranging from 0 to 1 (full health). The EuroQol results were compared with published results in US populations (aged 18-24 years) from before and early on in the COVID-19 pandemic. FINDINGS: Between Aug 24, 2021, and Jan 12, 2022, we collected data for 519 (62%) of 836 eligible patients who were at least 90 days post-myocarditis onset: 126 patients via patient survey only, 162 patients via health-care provider survey only, and 231 patients via both surveys. Median patient age was 17 years (IQR 15-22); 457 (88%) patients were male and 61 (12%) were female. 320 (81%) of 393 patients with a health-care provider assessment were considered recovered from myocarditis by their health-care provider, although at the last health-care provider follow-up, 104 (26%) of 393 patients were prescribed daily medication related to myocarditis. Of 249 individuals who completed the quality-of-life portion of the patient survey, four (2%) reported problems with self-care, 13 (5%) with mobility, 49 (20%) with performing usual activities, 74 (30%) with pain, and 114 (46%) with depression. Mean weighted quality-of-life measure (0·91 [SD 0·13]) was similar to a pre-pandemic US population value (0·92 [0·13]) and significantly higher than an early pandemic US population value (0·75 [0·28]; p<0·0001). Most patients had improvements in cardiac diagnostic marker and testing data at follow-up, including normal or back-to-baseline troponin concentrations (181 [91%] of 200 patients with available data), echocardiograms (262 [94%] of 279 patients), electrocardiograms (240 [77%] of 311 patients), exercise stress testing (94 [90%] of 104 patients), and ambulatory rhythm monitoring (86 [90%] of 96 patients). An abnormality was noted among 81 (54%) of 151 patients with follow-up cardiac MRI; however, evidence of myocarditis suggested by the presence of both late gadolinium enhancement and oedema on cardiac MRI was uncommon (20 [13%] of 151 patients). At follow-up, most patients were cleared for all physical activity (268 [68%] of 393 patients). INTERPRETATION: After at least 90 days since onset of myocarditis after mRNA COVID-19 vaccination, most individuals in our cohort were considered recovered by health-care providers, and quality of life measures were comparable to those in pre-pandemic and early pandemic populations of a similar age. These findings might not be generalisable given the small sample size and further follow-up is needed for the subset of patients with atypical test results or not considered recovered. FUNDING: US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. |
Self-reported exposure to hazards and mitigation strategies among oil and gas extraction workers in 3U.S. states
Wingate KC , Scott KA , Pratt S , King B , Esswein EJ , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Snawder J , Hagan-Haynes K . J Occup Environ Hyg 2022 19 1-22 Numerous health and safety hazards exist at U.S. onshore oil and gas extraction worksites. Higher fatal injury rates have been reported among drilling and servicing companies, which are more likely to employ workers in construction and extraction occupations, compared to operators that employ more workers in management and office and administrative support roles. However, there is little information describing the extent to which workers encounter these hazards, are provided hazard mitigation strategies by their employers, or use personal protective equipment (PPE). A cross-sectional survey of 472 U.S. oil and gas extraction workers was conducted to identify and characterize factors related to on-the-job fatalities, injuries, and illnesses and determine the health and safety concerns of workers. Workers were employed by servicing companies (271/472, 57.4%), drilling contractors (106/472, 22.5%), and operators (95/472, 20.1%). The likelihood of contact with hazardous substances varied by substance and company type. Drilling and servicing employees had significantly higher odds of self-reported contact with pipe dope (OR(drilling)=10.07, 95% CI: 1.74-63.64; OR(servicing)=5.95, 95% CI: 2.18-18.34), diesel exhaust (OR(drilling)=2.28, 95% CI: 1.15-5.05; OR(servicing)=4.93, 95% CI: 2.73-10.32), and drilling mud (OR(drilling)=24.36, 95% CI: 4.45-144.69; OR(servicing)=3.48, 95% CI: 1.24-12.20), compared to operators. Safety policies, programs, and trainings were commonly reported by workers, although substance-specific training (e.g., respirable crystalline silica hazards) was less common. Differences in self-reported employer PPE requirements and worker use of PPE when needed or required for safety highlight a need for novel strategies to improve use of PPE. Overall, this study highlights differences in work conditions by company type and uncovers gaps in employer administrative controls and PPE use. |
On the road again: A cross-sectional survey examining work schedules, commuting time, and driving-related outcomes among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers
Hagan-Haynes K , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Wingate KC , Pratt S , Ridl S , Schmick E , Snawder J , Dalsey E , Hale C . Am J Ind Med 2022 65 (9) 749-761 BACKGROUND: Oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers in the United States experience high fatality rates, with motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death. Land-based OGE workers drive frequently to remote and temporary worksites. Limited information is available on factors that may influence crash risk for this workforce. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 500 land-based OGE workers examined work schedules and hours, commuting, sleep, employer policies, and their relationship to potentially harmful events while driving. RESULTS: Over 60% of participants worked 12 or more hours per day. The mean daily roundtrip commuting time was 1.82 h. Longer daily commutes, nonstandard work schedules, less sleep on workdays, and lack of employer policies were associated with one or more risky driving-related outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation and evaluation of OGE employer policies and programs to limit long work hours, reduce long daily commutes, promote sufficient sleep, and reduce drowsy driving among U.S. OGE workers are needed. |
The Wildland Firefighter Exposure and Health Effect (WFFEHE) Study: Rationale, design, and methods of a repeated-measures study
Navarro KM , Butler CR , Fent K , Toennis C , Sammons D , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Clark KA , Byrne DC , Graydon PS , Hale CR , Wilkinson AF , Smith DL , Alexander-Scott MC , Pinkerton LE , Eisenberg J , Domitrovich JW . Ann Work Expo Health 2021 66 (6) 714-727 The wildland firefighter exposure and health effect (WFFEHE) study was a 2-year repeated-measures study to investigate occupational exposures and acute and subacute health effects among wildland firefighters. This manuscript describes the study rationale, design, methods, limitations, challenges, and lessons learned. The WFFEHE cohort included fire personnel ages 18-57 from six federal wildland firefighting crews in Colorado and Idaho during the 2018 and 2019 fire seasons. All wildland firefighters employed by the recruited crews were invited to participate in the study at preseason and postseason study intervals. In 2019, one of the crews also participated in a 3-day midseason study interval where workplace exposures and pre/postshift measurements were collected while at a wildland fire incident. Study components assessed cardiovascular health, pulmonary function and inflammation, kidney function, workplace exposures, and noise-induced hearing loss. Measurements included self-reported risk factors and symptoms collected through questionnaires; serum and urine biomarkers of exposure, effect, and inflammation; pulmonary function; platelet function and arterial stiffness; and audiometric testing. Throughout the study, 154 wildland firefighters participated in at least one study interval, while 144 participated in two or more study interval. This study was completed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health through a collaborative effort with the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, Department of the Interior National Park Service, and Skidmore College. Conducting research in the wildfire environment came with many challenges including collecting study data with study participants with changing work schedules and conducting study protocols safely and operating laboratory equipment in remote field locations. Forthcoming WFFEHE study results will contribute to the scientific evidence regarding occupational risk factors and exposures that can impact wildland firefighter health over a season and across two wildland fire seasons. This research is anticipated to lead to the development of preventive measures and policies aimed at reducing risk for wildland firefighters and aid in identifying future research needs for the wildland fire community. |
COVID-19 mortality among Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Transport Workers Union (TWU) workers-March-July 2020, New York City metro area.
Tomasi SE , Ramirez-Cardenas A , Thiese MS , Rinsky JL , Chiu SK , Luckhaupt S , Bateman R , Burrer SL . Am J Ind Med 2021 64 (9) 723-730 BACKGROUND: Transit workers have jobs requiring close public contact for extended periods of time, placing them at increased risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and more likely to have risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related complications. Collecting timely occupational data can help inform public health guidance for transit workers; however, it is difficult to collect during a public health emergency. We used nontraditional epidemiological surveillance methods to report demographics and job characteristics of transit workers reported to have died from COVID-19. METHODS: We abstracted demographic and job characteristics from media scans on COVID-19 related deaths and reviewed COVID-19 memorial pages for the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and Transport Workers Union (TWU). ATU and TWU provided a list of union members who died from COVID-19 between March 1-July 7, 2020 and a total count of NYC metro area union members. Peer-reviewed publications identified through a scientific literature search were used to compile comparison demographic statistics of NYC metro area transit workers. We analyzed and reported characteristics of ATU and TWU NYC metro area decedents. RESULTS: We identified 118 ATU and TWU NYC metro area transit worker COVID-19 decedents with an incidence proportion of 0.3%. Most decedents were male (83%); median age was 58 years (range: 39-71). Median professional tenure was 20 years (range: 2-41 years). Operator (46%) was the most reported job classification. More than half of the decedents (57%) worked in positions associated with close public contact. CONCLUSION: Data gathered through nontraditional epidemiological surveillance methods provided insight into risk factors among this workforce, demonstrating the need for mitigation plans for this workforce and informing transit worker COVID-19 guidance as the pandemic progressed. |
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