Occupational Medicine

Background: Adverse health effects of extreme heat in occupational settings are substantial, particularly among outdoor workers who perform physical labor. Core body temperature (CT) is a critical indicator of heat strain. Excessive increase in CT negatively affects physical and cognitive performance and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

This study hypothesized differences would exist in NIHL markers among veterans compared to non-veterans. Methods A data set of 10,000 NHANES records, dating from 2015 to 2016, was obtained from the Department of Health and Human Services website. Records with a complete audiometric exam were examined to exclude subjects with ear disease that would invalidate the audiometric exam.

Decisions made in the energy and natural resources sector can affect public health. This report reviews the characteristics and assesses the effectiveness of health impact assessments (HIAs) conducted in this sector. A total of 30 HIAs conducted in 14 states in the United States were identified using a targeted literature search.

Objectives: Suicide and unintentional deaths related to firearms are a problem in the United States. Findings cited by the National Center for Health Statistics show a 33% increase in the U.S. suicide rate over the past two decades.

Introduction: Exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV) has been associated with increased prevalence of low back pain in occupational settings. Not only does exposure to WBV have a high personal cost for workers who experience chronic pain, but it also has a high impact on the costs of workers’ compensation claims.

Background: Heat-related injury (HRI) remains a significant public health concern in heat exposed outdoor occupational groups and especially in agricultural workers like tree fruit harvesters.

Objective: Determine the association between occupational exposure to copper or aluminum and incidence of all-cause dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

BACKGROUND: Opioids and benzodiazepines are central nervous system (CNS) depressants with sedating effects that can adversely impact cognitive as well as motor performance thereby potentially increasing the risk of occupational injury.