yousef mohammadian

Acceptance of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) rules plays a crucial role in determining the performance of employees in HSE-related areas at the workplace. This study aimed to design a questionnaire to investigate influential factors on acceptance of HSE rules among employees.

The face validity of the survey was assessed by ten individuals from the target population, while content validity was evaluated by ten HSE experts using both quantitative and qualitative methods. The impact scores were calculated for the quantitative assessment of face validity, and the Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI) values were used to assess content validity. Construct validity was determined through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) involving 506 participants. The reliability of the survey was evaluated using Cronbach’s alpha and the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

All items in the survey showed satisfactory levels of impact score (>1.5), CVR (>0.69), and CVI (>0.79). The mean values for the Impact score, CVI, CVR, and S-CVI-UA were 4.26, 0.963, 0.944, and 0.62, respectively. The survey and its dimensions demonstrated strong reliability, as indicated by Cronbach’s alpha and ICC values exceeding 0.70. Additionally, EFA successfully identified the structure of the questionnaire, and CFA confirmed its goodness of fit.

The Persian version of the questionnaire demonstrated satisfactory validity and reliability. This instrument can be effectively used to assess the factors that influence the acceptance of HSE rules among employees in various workplace settings.

Carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs) are the key elements in nanotechnology. The main challenge presented by CBNs is their relationship with the toxicity exposed in the biological systems, because of the incomplete information on their toxicity. This study is aimed to compare the cytotoxicity of graphite nanoparticles (GRNPs), graphene nanoparticles (GNPs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in A549 cells.
The physicochemical properties of nanomaterials were determined by instrumental techniques. CBNs were dispersed by the nongenotoxic standard procedure. After the cells were cultured, they were exposed to different concentrations of CBNs. Cellular viability was determined by the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) method. Moreover, toxicological indicators were obtained using linear probit regression.
The degree of cytotoxicity of CBNs in A549 cells was related to the time and, particularly, dose. At the concentrations of lower than 300 μg/mL, GNPs had stronger toxicity than MWCNTs, but the cytotoxic effects were reversed with the increase of the concentrations. The no-observed-adverse-effect concentration (NOAEC) of GRNPs, GNPs, and MWCNTs was 1.76, 0.06, and 0.65 μg/mL, respectively.
The results indicated that CBNs were toxic and GNPs had stronger toxicity than the others. The experimental results can be useful in increasing the knowledge about the toxicity and health risk management of CBNs.

Asbestos is a natural fiber that induce health risk such as chronic lung diseases. The aim of this study was to estimate pleural mesothelioma and lung cancer risk for a population exposure to asbestos in Tehran, Iran.

According to the annual report of Air Quality Control Company (AQCC), from 2011-2020, carcinogenic risk and mesothelioma was assessed based on environmental protection agency (EPA) method using the Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). Relative risk of morality cancer was calculated based on Camus et al' model. Also, mesothelioma risk was estimated by Bourgault et al' model.

The mean concentration and health risk of asbestos in ambient air has generally reduced from 2011 to 2020. The highest mortality risks for lung cancer, was 8.4 per 100,000 persons in 2011. It had reduced to 1.8, in 2017. For mesothelioma, the corresponding numbers were 8.96 per 100,000 persons in 2011 and it had also reduced to 1.92 in 2017.

Finding of this study could be helpful for health policy makers in management of asbestos risk.

Exposure to crystalline silica has long been identified to be associated with lung diseases. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the risk of silicosis and lung cancer associated with occupational exposure to crystalline silica in Iran. Study Design: It is a systematic review study.

Different databases were searched, and the Cochrane method was used for the systematic review. Thereafter, cumulative exposure to crystalline silica (mg/m3-y) was calculated in every industry. The relative risk of death from silicosis was performed using Mannetje’s method. Based on the geometric mean of exposure, the lung cancer risk of exposure to crystalline silica was also calculated.

As evidenced by the results, worker’s exposure to silica ranged from a geometric mean of 0.0212- 0.2689 mg/m3 (Recommended standard by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) was 0.025 mg/m3), which is generally higher than the occupational exposure limit recommended by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), ACGIH, and occupational exposure limits. The relative risk of silicosis was in the range of 1 to 14 per 1000 people, and the risk of lung cancer in workers ranged from 13-137 per 1000 people.

Since workers are at considerable risk of cancer due to exposure to silica in Iran, exposure control programs need to be implemented in workplaces to decrease the concentration of silica.

Considering the high prevalence and lack of standard treatment for the new coronavirus, the best way in the current situation is to avoid infection and prevent its spread. In occupational environments, especially industries, due to air pollution with dust, gases and vapors and allergens and irritants, workers are susceptible to COVID-19 infection. Respiratory exposure of workers to these contaminants can adversely affect the function of their respiratory system and predispose them to respiratory diseases. In some industrial environments, due to the nature of work, workers are forced to work close to each other or use common tools and devices, thereby increasing the risk of the coronavirus outbreaks. Due to the high population density in factories and companies, it is necessary to study the prevention of the coronavirus and application of control measures. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the prevention of coronavirus in industry.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that was performed after the pandemic of Covid-19 in April 2020. Three hundred and fifty Iranian industries were investigated in this study. In order to assess the status of Covid-19 prevention in industrial environments, a researcher-made questionnaire was used to perform the study. This study was conducted in three phases including checklist design, checklist validation and industry evaluation. The checklist questions were designed based on the latest recommendations offered by reputable international organizations. The initial questionnaire had 40 questions. To determine the validity, the questionnaire was checked carefully by a panel of experts, including 15 professors and experts in safety and emergency management. Content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) were also used to assess validity. Moreover, Cronbachchr(chr('39')39chr('39'))s alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. After designing and validating the checklist, in order to maintain ethical issues and prevent theCovid-19 outbreak the completion of the checklists’ items, the checklists were prepared electronically and distributed in more than 50 social networks of occupational health professionals and HSE. The purpose of the study and how to answer the questions were fully explained to the occupational health and HSE officials. Next, the information was extracted and analyzed by SPSS software version 23.

After checking the validity of the designed checklist, 13 questions were removed and 27 questions remained in total. The results of face validity showed that the transparency, appropriateness and overall simplicity of the questionnaire were equal to 0.90, 0.93 and 0.91, respectively. The lowest and highest values of validity index were 0.79 and 1, respectively. Also, the minimum and maximum content validity ratios were, respectively, equal to 0.65 and 1. Total CVI and CVR values of the questionnaire were determined to be 0.87 and 0.92. Furthermore, based on the results of completed questionnaires by the industries, the Cronbachchr(chr('39')39chr('39'))s alpha coefficient of the questionnaire was calculated to be 0.92. The findings of the evaluation showed that the commitment of management to the implementation of prevention programs in the industries is in good condition and most of the surveyed industries have a developed program to prevent of Covid-19. However, some areas such as telecommuting, distancing, and procuring some essential items were in poor condition. It was found that only 36.4% of the industries have taken action to strengthen local and general ventilation systems and more than 90% of them have held training programs for prevention. The most and the least supplied items were related to detergents (95.1%) and respirators (37.8%). Moreover, few industries have used the teleworking protocol (48.1%) and created an isolated room (26.1%) to isolate suspicious cases in emergencies.

The results of this study showed that the designed checklist has a high reliability and can help the management of the organization in assessing the current situation to manage the prevention of Covid-19. The results of the evaluation illustrated that the commitment of management to implement prevention programs in industries is in good condition and most of the industries surveyed have a developed program to combat Covid-19. However, some areas, such as teleworking, spacing, and the provision of some essential items, were in an unfavorable position, requiring the strengthening of discovered weaknesses.

Due to the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among computer users, this study was aimed at investigating the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders and awareness about the principles of ergonomics among computer users.

In this descriptive-analytical and cross-sectional study, data were collected using demographic questionnaires, Nordic questionnaire, and self-constructed questionnaires. Chi-square, independent t-test, ANOVA, and correlation analyses were used to analyze the data statistically.

The most prevalent signs of musculoskeletal disorders were in the waist, neck, shoulder, back, wrists, and knees. The level of awareness about the appropriate height of monitor and the proper distance between eyes of the operator and monitor was low. Although musculoskeletal disorders were lower in people with high levels of awareness about computer ergonomics, no significant relationship was found between the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and awareness about computer ergonomics.

The most prevalent signs of musculoskeletal disorders were in the waist, neck, shoulder, back, wrists, and knees. The level of awareness about the appropriate height of monitor and the proper distance between eyes of the operator and monitor was low. Although musculoskeletal disorders were lower in people with high levels of awareness about computer ergonomics, no significant relationship was found between the frequency of musculoskeletal disorders and awareness about computer ergonomics.

Nowadays, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used in various industries. Considering the exposure probability of these nanomaterials to humans, the purpose of the present study is to assess the effect of MWCNTs on cellular toxicity of human alveolar epithelial. The A549 cells were cultured and treated to various doses of MWCNTs at three different times. Finally, the Tetrazolium colorimetric (MTT) assay was implemented for evaluating the cellular viability. The results indicated that the cytotoxicity for MWCNTs on the human alveolar epithelial cells is related to dose and time of exposure. The inhibitory concentration of 50% (IC50) and non-observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) are calculated to be 103.6 as well as 0.65μg/mL, respectively. The findings of this present study could contribute to a better understanding of MWCNTs substances and might be useful as a basis for the future risk evaluation studies of exposed population in industries.

Hypertensive disorders are one of the causes of morbidity and mortality, which occur in 5% of pregnancies. One of the causes of preeclampsia, is inappropriate regulation of activator of placental Cyp27B1 enzyme, which is induced by vitamin D deficiency. This study aimed to assess the relationship between the level of vitamin D with risk of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

This case-control study, was performed on 140 pregnant women referred to Alzahra hospital of the Qom University, 70 patients with severe preeclampsia were included in the case group and 70 healthy pregnant women in terms of preeclampsia, were assigned to the control group. Blood samples were assessed in terms of vitamin D using immunoassay method from 2016 to 2017. Data analysis was performed by t test and Chi square test.

In this study, according to the results of t test, the mean serum level of vitamin D in preeclampsia group was 13.77±8.53ng/ml and in the control group, was 16.73±6.82ng/ml, which was statistically significant (p<0.05).

In the present study, the results showed that mothers with preeclampsia are at risk of vitamin D deficiency, Therefore, adequate administration of vitamin D can be effective in the prevention of preeclampsia.

In order to protect human resources, health and safety management systems such as OHSAS 18001, which is based on prevention, are necessary in projects. Therefore, the present study analyzes the incidents and evaluates the monitoring safety performance indicators based on work experience before and after the implementation of OHSAS 1800. This descriptive analytical study was performed on all incident victims during 2004 to 2011 at Yazd Combined Cycle Power Plant by census method. Data were extracted from the incident report checklists as well as technical protection committee documents of the plant. The AFR, ASR, FSI, FR, and IR indices were calculated based on OSHA standard before and after the implementation of OHSAS 18001. Descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-square were used for data analysis. Meanwhile, the significance level was considered equal to 0.05. 287 work-related incidents occurred during an 8-year period (2004-2011(. The 44.9% of incidences (n=129) were reported in the age group under 30 years and the lowest incidence rate was observed in the age group over 50. 97% of the incidents were reported in men while 2.8% of the incidents were reported in women. According to the results, there was a significant relationship between age and work experience as well as age and marital status. There was also a significant decrease in the indices in the years after the implementation of OHSAS 18001. The results showed that the implementation of safety systems and deployment of OHSAS 18001 has reduced the incident indices based on work experience. Therefore, health and safety management systems are suitable tools for reducing incident rates and incident indices are also appropriate for monitoring the safety performance.

Risk assessment an organized approach to detecting risks and estimating risk has been acceptable to reduce risk. Also, due to the increasing trend of implementation of the integrated management system (IMS) in different industries to improve the level of safety, health and environment standards, we determined to measure the impact of this system's deployment on safety performance monitoring indicators using the FMEA methodology for estimating risk and calculating the RPN.
This study is an interventional study. In this study, first all the high-risk activities of the organization were identified, then, the value of RPN was obtained using the product of intensity (A), probability (B) and discovery (C) depending on the acceptable level of the organization and the Pareto chart (80:20), the organization's unacceptable RPNs were identified and corrective action was taken.
The mean of RPN decreased significantly between 2010 and 2014. Considering the fact that the number of activities has increased with the expansion of the production line, the calculations show that in the years 91 and 93, the amount of RPN significantly decreased compared to the previous years (P The results of this study indicate that the implementation of the integrated management system (IMS) significantly influenced the FMEA risk assessment indicators and improved the safety level of the studied plant.

Considering the increasing trend of implementing integrated management system (IMS) in different industries to improve safety and health standards, environment and quality, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of IMS system on environmental indicators using FMEA method and risk priority number (RPN). Indicators were compared before and after the IMS implementation.
This is an interventional research that was carried out in a Persepolis tile factory during the years 2010-2011 (before the intervention) and the years 2012 to 2014 (when IMS system was implemented). First, environmental pollution activities were identified, and then RPN was obtained using the product of the intensity, probability, and detection. Considering the acceptable level for the organization and the Pareto charts (80:20), unacceptable RPNs were identified and corrective actions were taken.
The average RPN decreased from 2010 to 2014. Although activities has increased due to expansion of the production line, the results showed that in 2012 (the beginning of IMS implementation) and 2014, RPN was significantly decreased.
The results indicate that the implementation of the IMS has had a significant effect on the environmental assessment indicators by FMEA method and has improved environmental conditions

One of the consequences of job stress is its impact on job performance. The aim of current study is assessment correlation among psychosocial stressor’s and performance among teachers and presentation of path analysis model.
This is a descriptive-analytical study that carried out among 468 school teachers of Hashtrood city. Nordic psychosocial stressors questionnaire and job performance questionnaire were used for collection data. For statistical analysis SPSS software version 16 and statistical test of independent t-test, ANOVA, Pierson correlation and path analysis using regression were used.
Result showed job stress and job performance were at moderate level. Mean of job stress among different teaching degree and work experience were statistically significant (Pž Job stress can negative impact on job performance so that need measures to reduce job psychosocial stresses of teachers.

Nurses are the largest service providers in the health system, so they should have desirable quality of life to provide favorable care for the patients. On the other hand, the nurse's workload is high. The study aims to investigate the correlation between mental workload and quality of life in nurses. This descriptive, analytical and cross-sectional study was performed on 120 nurses of medical sciences of Urmia University. For assessment of mental workload and quality of life NASA- Task Load Index (TLX) and quality of life questionnaire (SF36) were used respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Reault: Result showed mental demand was maximum (86.16± 21.24) and physical need was minimum (55/83± 22.16) compared to other mental workload aspects. Quality of life index in the activity limitation due to emotional problems was in worst situation (50.75±37.91) and in the physical performance was in best situation (73.91± 23.18) compared to other aspects of quality of life dimensions. Between mean score of mental workload with activity limitation due to emotional problems, social performance and general health were statistically significant negative correlation (P<0.05). High mental workloads deteriorate quality of life of nurses and subsequently decrease quality of their service to patients. Therefore, measures necessary to reduce the workload among nurses.

One of the major factors affecting personnel is workload that puts many people at risk and may affect the quality and quantity of services. The object of this study was assessment of mental workload in teachers of Hashtrud city using NASA- TLX mental work load index. This was a descriptive study, which was conducted among 137 teachers of Hashtrud city in year 2013. In this study we used NASA-Task load indexes (TLX) for assessment of mental workload of teachers. Reliability and validity of this index were verified by Ghorbani (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.83). Data were analyzed using SPSS -16 software. Result showed thinking and mental workload were maximum (81.04 ± 20.49) and frustration score was minimum (47.84 ± 35.29). Mean mental workload among the different age group, different experience and educational degree were not significant different (P>0.05). Mean mental work load among the teacher with two and single job were significantly different (P<0.05). Mean mental workload among the teacher with two and single job were significantly different (P<0.05). Mean mental workload among the teacher with different work hours per week was significantly different (P<0.05). ‍ Mean mental workload score was higher among teachers, which can negatively impact the quality and quantity of education by teachers. Thus, implementation of effective programs to mitigate work hours and reduce the mental load in order to enhance teacher’s performance is suggested.

Attitude is the predicator of human behaviors. This study tries to assess the attitude of the school managers of Hashtrud city toward safety and occupational health. The study is a descriptive and analytical one. 76 managers participated at the study. To perform this study, a questionnaire with two aspects of attitudes to safety and occupational health (alpha Chronbakh 0.80), and observance of safety and occupational health alpha (Chronbakh 0.78) were used. To analyze the data, descriptive analysis, Pierson correlation, Independents t- test, and ANOVA test were used. The results showed that observance of safety and health rules and attitude to safety and health were in an undesirable status. There was a significant correlation (r= 0.624, P = 0/001) between attitudes to occupational health and safety, and observance of safety and health rules. The mean difference of attitude to occupational health and safety between male and female, among age groups, among years of experience groups, and between marital status were not significant (p<0/05). There was a significant difference (P = 0/002) among different educational levels in the mean attitude to occupational health and safety. Negative attitude to safety and occupational health result in less observance of safety and occupational health rules. Putting safety and health training program can improve the attitude of managers to safety.

One of the main problems in the occupational workplace is musculoskeletal disorders. Quality of life is a multidimensional concept, including the ability of performance, health and mental statues that important factors such as physical, psychological, social relationships and personal attitude influence on quality of life. The aim of current study is assessment of impact of musculoskeletal disorders and physical activity on quality of life in automobile factory workers. In this study, from 453 automobile factory workers, 140 workers participated. In order to determine musculoskeletal disorders, quality of life and physical activity, Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire, quality of life questionnaire (SF 36) and physical activity questionnaire were used respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16 software with descriptive analysis and Pierson correlation analysis. The results showed that the between physical function, activity limitation due to physical problems, bodily pain, vitality, public health and fatigue with musculoskeletal disorders were statistically significant correlation (P< 0.05). Between regular physical activity and musculoskeletal disorders and consequent with quality of life obtained significant correlation. Physical activity (exercise) increases worker fitness and reduces probability risk of musculoskeletal disorders and increase quality of life.

In this study the cytotoxicity to human epithelial lung cells of single-walled carbon nanotubes، multi-walled carbon nanotubes and chrysotile was compared based on the following cytotoxicity indices: no observable adverse effect concentration (NOAEC)، inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50)، and Total Lethal Concentration (TLC).

Human epithelial lung cells were exposed to different concentrations (1 to 1500 µg/ml) of carbon nanotubes and chrysotile for 6 and 24 hours. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the MTT assay. NOAEC، IC50، and TLC idices were determined by probit analysis.

The results showed statistically significant correlations (p<0. 001) between cytoxicity and exposure concentration in the case of all the three compounds. The NOAEC and IC50 indices were lowest for the multi-walled carbon nanotubes، while the single-walled carbon nanotubes showed the lowest TLC index.

Cytotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes at low concentrations was higher than that of single-walled carbon nanotubes and chrysotile. This would mean that exposure to this compound occurs at low concentrations. Thus، cytotoxicity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes is a cause for concern. It can be concluded، then، that، like chrysotile fibers، crabon nanotubes are also considerably toxic to human epithelial lung cells.