@article{ author = {azizpoor, y and Hemmati, F and sayehmiri, K}, title = {Prevalence of one-year back pain in Iran: a systematic review and meta-analysis}, abstract ={Background and aims: Over the past decades, musculoskeletal disorders have increasingly spread around the world. Back pain is considered as a complicated and often undetectable disease. there is no exact statistical report on such a prevalence of back pain during one year in Iran, The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of back pain during one year using the meta-analysis method. Methods:Twenty - four research papers were obtained using the keywords "prevalence of low-back pain and back pain " through the nationally available databases of Magiran - MEDLIBE - SID - IRANMEDEX and English databases of PubMed - Google scholar - Scopus .Analysis of data's was performed using meta-analysis (random model effects). Heterogeneity among the studies was investigated using the I2 test. Results: The prevalence rate of one-year low back pain in all the 24 studies was found 51/6% (95% CI: 42/9-60/3) during one year with a sample size of 31039 people. The disease prevalence in pregnant and pregnancy age women was more than that of the other social groups with an average of 66/3% (95% CI: 54/5-78/1). The highest and lowest prevalence rates of one-year back pain were observed in Amol and Mazandaran respectively, with an average of 81% and 17/4%.Back pain prevalence in the age group of over 24 years was the most widespread with an average of 55/2% (95% CI: 33/7-76/8). Conclusions: The results showed that considering the prevalence of back pain and its impact on health of society, education of prevention of back pain has specific situation in the health educations of society}, Keywords = {prevalence low back pain, Meta-analysis and a systematic review}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {1-12}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-862-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-862-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Panjali, Z and Mazloumi, A and Ahsani, H and Rezaee, E}, title = {Evaluation of the Risks for Manual Material Handling in a Metal Casing Industry in Iran}, abstract ={  Background and aims: In most industries, manual material handling is an inevitable part of the job.Acute low back pain and workers disability are most important injuries caused by manual material handling tasks. Therefore, evaluation of workplace and working conditions and interventional countermeasures are essential.. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical risk factors of manual material handling in a metal casting industry in Iran.   Methods: In this study, first, tabular task analysis using TTA technique was adopted in some selected jobs in the high risk work stations. Then, using NIOSH equation as well as Snook tables permissible weight load was determined for each of the evaluated work stations. Simultaneously, biomechanical estimation of compressive force on low back area was done by Utah methodology.   Results: The resultsof this study showed that incase of exceeding the load more than 37 kg, the compressive force will be in an unacceptable range. Similar finding was acquired using NIOSH equation and Snook tables. In further assessments, determined risks were still high, even by correcting the angle or lifting distance of the manual material handling. Evaluating by NIOSH equation it was revealed that 60% of work stations had impermissible load weights.   Conclusion: According to the results of the current study, work mechanization is the best interventional activity that may decline the risk level. In case of lower frequency of load lifting, correcting the low back angle as well as decreasing the load distance from the front of the body is recommended.   Keywords: MMH, NIOSH equation, Snook tables, biomechanical, Metal Casting,}, Keywords = {MMH, NIOSH equation, Snook tables, biomechanical Metal Casing}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {13-22}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-919-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-919-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Jafari, Z and Toufan, R and Aghamollaei, M and Asadmalayeri, S and Rahimzadeh, Sh and Esmaili, M}, title = {Characteristics and Effects of Tinnitus among Workers Exposed to Occupational Noise}, abstract ={  Abstract   Background and aims: Occupational noise is a major cause of hearing loss and tinnitus. In the present study, acoustic characteristics of tinnitus were evaluated and their relation with hearing loss and nervousness was studied.   Methods: Our study was performed on 56 male workers aged between 40 to 56 years including 28 workers with accompanied hearing loss and tinnitus and a long history of working in environments with excessive noise and 28 matched workers with normal hearing. Acoustic characteristics and the effects of tinnitus were assessed by case history, and Mini-Mental State Examination Test was performed for all subjects.   Results: In the most cases, tinnitus had high pitch and moderate stable loudness. It was continuous with moderate to high annoying effect and often with an impact on sleep and concentration of individuals. Significant relation was observed between hearing threshold in 4000 Hz frequency and acoustical characteristics of tinnitus (P<0.002). Further, tinnitus had impact on nervousness personality of the cases (p<0.047). Statistically significant difference was observed between scores of two groups in Mini-Mental State Examination Test (p<0.025).   Conclusion: Our study revealed the effect of hearing loss and tinnitus on general cognition, the relationship between acoustic characteristics of tinnitus and degree of hearing loss, andstrengthening of nervousness in workers exposed to occupational noise.   Keywords: Hearing loss, tinnitus, noise, worker, nervousness, cognition}, Keywords = {Hearing loss, tinnitus, noise, worker, nervousness, cognition}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {23-33}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-793-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-793-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Sultanian, A R and MotamedzadeTorghabe, M and Shafiimotlagh, M and Garkaz, A and Mahdavi, N}, title = {Persian version of Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory )P-SOFI) : validity and reliability}, abstract ={  Background and aims: Fatigue is the risk factor of musculoskeletal disorders and the aim of ergonomics is prevention from it. Decline in employee’s performance, safety and health are consequences of fatigue. The assessment of fatigue is necessary for its control. This study is going to provide valid and reliable Persian version of Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory for measuring occupational fatigue.   Methods: This analytical study population was 77 filling-station operators in Hamadan. Concordance among ergonomic experts and validity of the Persian version of Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory were assessed with Cohen's Kappa coefficient and content validity, respectively. To determine structures and principles of inventory, exploratory factor analysis was used. Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was used to determine the reliability of SOFI-translated Inventory. SPSS.16 software was used for data analysis.   Results: In Persian version of SOFI ) P-SOFI ( , Cohen Kappa agreement coefficient among experts was 0.812, with 95% CI: 0.622, 0.974. In exploratory factor analysis after oblimin turning, three factors were extracted from the Inventory. Reliability coefficient of each 3 factors [functional, physical, conceptual] in Persian version was at least 0.899 and a reliability of 0.921 was determined for total inventory. Internal consistency coefficient of the inventory was 0.894.   Conclusion: The result indicated that P-SOFI has a fair validity and reliability. Whereas 3 obtained factors [functional, clinical and psychological] define the 72% of the total inventory variance, the appropriateness of the factors is reliable. This inventory can be applied for the prevention of fatigue and programming of health-related interventions in workplace.     Keywords: Occupational fatigueInventory, Ergonomics, Validity and Reliability}, Keywords = {Occupational fatigue Inventory, Ergonomics, Validity and Reliability }, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {34-43}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-899-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-899-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {farzadkia, M and gholami, H and esrafily, A and farshad, AA and kermani, M}, title = {Study of the volatile organic compounds (VOCs( in the exhaust air from low heat sterilizer devices of four hospitals in Tehran}, abstract ={  Background and aims: Application of low heat devices was increased for infectious waste sterilizing in many hospitals in Iran. Studies have shown that the generation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and hazardous materials is most probable in the exhaust air of these devices. The main objective of this research is study of VOCs ( in the exhaust air from low heat sterilizer devices of four hospitals in Tehran city.   Methods: This research was accomplished in some hospitals using sterilizer devices such as: Hydroclave, Autoclave-shredder, Autoclave without shredder and Heat dryer. Ten samples were taken from each device every week from April to July 2011. Sampling was done by NIOSH 1501 method. Samples were analyzed in two qualitative and quantitative phases by GC-MASS and the obtained results were compared with occupational exposure short term limits (OEL- STEL) recommended by Center for Environmental and Occupational Health, Iranian Ministry of Health.   Results: In the first phase of research (qualitative analysis), in 90% of samples only BTEX compounds(Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene) were observed. Based on the results of the second phase, the highest and the lowest concentration of BTEX with 9.35 ppm and 1.25 ppm were determined to be related to Autoclave-shredder and Autoclave without shredder, respectively. According to exhaust air clarity, Autoclave without shredder, Hydroclave, Heat dryer and Autoclave-shredder were scored from 1 to 4, respectively.   Conclusion: The concentrations of Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene and Xylene in all samples were lower than the occupational exposure short term limits. The presence of VOCs in the majority of collected samples, considering the short lifetime of these devices (between 3 to 9 months), confirmed that there is a high potential risk of exposureresulted by these devices. Therefore, monitoring of exhaust air quality of such devices is required.   Keywords : low heat waste sterilizers hospital wastes volatile organic compounds BTEX air}, Keywords = { low heat waste sterilizers, hospital wastes, volatile organic compounds, BTEX, air}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {44-54}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-928-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-928-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Khosravi, Y and AsilianMahabadi, H and Hajizadeh, E and Farshad, N and Arghami, Sh and Bastani, H}, title = {Why construction workers involve in unsafe behaviors? Part A: A qualitative research}, abstract ={  Background and aims: The construction industry continues to rank among the most dangerous industries worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors influencing unsafe behavior in the construction industry from the perspective of experienced workers, supervisors and managers.   Methods: Triangulation approach was used for data generation in this grounded theory study. Sixty nine participants from a variety of work groups took part in focus group interviews, individual interviews, field observations, and focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was conducted to emerge and identify the contributing factors.   Results: The thematic analysis identified six main categories as influencing factors of unsafe behaviors, namely: (1) Social (2) Organizational (3) Contractor (4) Supervision and system safety (5) Unsafe condition and (6) Individual characteristics.   Conclusion: Our findings indicated the significant role of social and organization factors as the precondition of unsafe conditions and behaviors. These results can be used to improve safe behaviors on construction sites.   Keyword: Unsafe behavior Conceptual model Grounded theory Construction industry}, Keywords = {Unsafe behavior, Conceptual model, Grounded theory, Construction industry}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {55-69}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-948-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-948-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Golmohammadi, R and Damyar, N and Mohammadfam, I and Faradmal, J}, title = {Evaluation of the relation between noise exposure and occupational stress with unsafe acts and accidents in city bus drivers}, abstract ={  Background and aims : Among all systems that each person may interact with in daily life public transportation systems may expose them to various risks. The noise exposure of drivers can cause accidents through developing hearing loss and stress and consequent impact on driver’s safety performance. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the relation between noise exposure and occupational stress with unsafe acts and car accidents among city-bus drivers of Hamadan.   Methods : This cross-sectional study was conducted in spring of 2011 . Fifty four drivers were chosen using simple random sampling among Hamadan city bus drivers. The required data gathering was done by using sound level meter, job stress questionnaire, personal characteristics questionnaire, safety behavior sampling technique and checklist of accidents. Data analysis was done with statistical tests including t-test, logistic regression and one-way ANOVA.   Results: The obtained results indicated that 76% of drivers were at the high stress level, the percentage of unsafe acts among them was 42.71% and their noise exposure was at high risk levels. In addition, our results showed that the probability of accidents and unsafe acts was increased with the increasing of noise exposure and job stress.   Conclusion: Because of high stress level, high percent of unsafe acts and noise exposure in studied drivers, they are vulnerable to accident. Thus decreasing the stress level and unsafe acts through implementation of a comprehensive stress management program and education of drivers about following safety is required.   Keywords: noise exposure, job stress, unsafe acts, traffic accidents}, Keywords = {noise exposure, job stress, unsafe acts, traffic accidents}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {70-78}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-640-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-640-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Naseri, A and Sepehri, M and Mahmoudi, Sh}, title = {Strategic performance evaluation of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC), the case study of a corporation in energy industry}, abstract ={Background and Aims: Performance evaluation models are essential for assessment and improvement of management systems. However, they should be customized for specific requirements of their users, usually corporations. The purpose of this article is to develop a model to evaluate the performance of HSE management systems according to the corporations’ strategies. Methods: This article is a qualitative research based on the case study method which reports the strategic performance evaluation of the HSE management system in a large corporation. Studying many existing models and standards in the field of HSE management systems, we customized a model based on the BSC framework. The model, then, has been peer-reviewed and refined through Individual Depth Interviews (IDIs) with three HSE experts and consultants of the corporation in terms of validity and applicability. According to the model and its scoring guide, the strategic performance of the corporation’s HSE management system has been evaluated by external impartial HSE auditors.Results: The HSE management system of the organization in this case study scored 63.9 of 100 as the HSE strategic performance indicator. Based on the detailed scorecards of each indicator , the study revealed that the company had a great performance in ‘HSE processes’ layer whereas there had been some weaknesses in ‘Learning and Growth’ layer especially in “human and information capital” indicators of strategic performance. Conclusion: The case study results show that the customized Balanced Scorecard (BSC) model developed in this research could evaluate and measure the strategic performance of HSE management systems of the case. Moreover, the model is a starting point to measure strategic effects of HSE management systems in organizations.}, Keywords = {Health, Safety, Environment (HSE), Balanced Scorecard (BSC), Performance Management, Strategic Management}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {79-94}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-722-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-722-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {Mohammadfam, I and Shafikhani, AA and Sultanian, AR and Mohammadfam, F}, title = {Design and Establishment of an Integrated Safety and Preventive Maintenance System for Improving Safety Indexes}, abstract ={  Design and Establishment of an Integrated Safety andPreventive Maintenance System for Improving Safety Indices   Background and aims: Accident analysis shows that one of the main reasons of accidents is non-integration of maintenance units with safety. Merging these two processes through an integrated system can reduce accidents, diseases, and environmental pollution. These issues can potentiallylead to the improvement of organizational performance.   Methods: Firstly, safety and maintenance indices were determined and related values ​​were measured. I In order to promote the selected indicators, an integrated safety and preventive maintenance system were designed and implemented. Finally, after six months, values of selected indices were re-measured. The changes in values of indices were assessed using the Wilcoxon test .   Results: Our results showed that, following the intervention,the improvement of reliability, accessibility, repetition rate and events severity rate indicators was statistically significant (p-value ≤ 0.05).   Conclusion: This system predicts the types of defects, plans and designs required operation to prevent defects occurrence. As a result, it can potentially lead to safety, equipment and organizational performanceimprovement .   Keywords: Safety, Prevention, Maintenance, Integrated system}, Keywords = {Safety, Prevention, Maintenance, Integrated system}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {95-101}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-909-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-909-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} } @article{ author = {soltanzadeh, V and amrahi, A and FaghiniyaTorshizi, Y}, title = {Identify and prioritize the needs of the workplace psychological faculty of Urmia University of Medical Sciences}, abstract ={Background and Aim: Considering the importance of addressing the psychological needs in the workplace, In order to the performance and greater commitment of staffs crucial address this issue. The purpose of this research is study and prioritize the psychological needs of work among faculty members. Methods: The current research method regarding to the intrinsic, is done descriptive and survey at statistical society 300 at the faculty members of Urmia Medical Sciences University. The means of data collection were the questionnaire psychological needs of work, data analysis is done by SPSS16 software with using of Pearson correlation and confirmatory Factor Analysis, One sample T Test and Friedman test. Results: faculty members perspectives the human traits, The first rank important was in the workplace and in after ranking human beliefs, work culture, self rebuilding, sense of belonging, self respect, not of self alienation, self awareness. Conclusion: The results of the present study with prioritization components of psychological needs of work reemphasized the need to address workplace psychological needs of work particularly human traits.}, Keywords = {Need, Psychological Needs of Work, Faculty Members.}, volume = {11}, Number = {1}, pages = {102-112}, publisher = { Iran University of Medical Sciences}, url = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1152-en.html}, eprint = {http://ioh.iums.ac.ir/article-1-1152-en.pdf}, journal = {Iran Occupational Health}, issn = {1735-5133}, eissn = {2228-7493}, year = {2014} }