It can be concluded that using magnifying loupes reduced discomfort in different body regions and the whole body. A conclusion of this research is that ergonomic interventions can decrease MSDs of at risk body regions in the long term.

BACKGROUND: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational health hazards. In the flour production industry, the fast pace of work, high frequency of repetitive movements, manual handling of loads, and awkward postures put a lot of pressure on the worker’s body. OBJECTIVE: Given the high exposure of the workers of the flour production industry to ergonomic risk factors, this study aimed to reduce the rate of musculoskeletal disorders among a group of flour factory workers through ergonomic interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This interventional study was performed using the census method on the eligible workers of a flour factory. An ergonomic intervention program was planned and implemented with the goal of reducing musculoskeletal disorders. The effectiveness of the program was evaluated by measuring the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders before and six months after the interventions. RESULTS: Before the intervention, musculoskeletal disorders were most prevalent in the lower back, arms, shoulders, legs, thighs, knees, neck and wrists, respectively. Evaluation of the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders after the intervention showed the positive effect of the ergonomic intervention program on musculoskeletal disorders in the neck, shoulders, lower back, thighs, knees, and legs (P <  0.05). CONCLUSION: Engineering and management interventions implemented in this study led to a significant reduction in the level of ergonomic risk factors and a reduced rate of musculoskeletal disorders among workers of different units in the flour factory.

Introduction: An Occupational Health Surveillance System (OHSS) provides a critical opportunity to monitor and evaluate occupational disorders and injuries over time. In the Islamic Republic of Iran, more than 21 million employees, work in the industrial and private sections, 62.08% and 38.03% respectively.. The present qualitative study was designed for the collection of expert opinions of staff in this filed, and to determine proper characters for a suitable Iranian OHSS. Methods: The present qualitative study was performed on interview-based data from occupational medicine staff. Some of the questions were in reference to OHSS definition, temporary accompaniment of occupational diseases and injuries surveillance system, OHSS promoters and consumers, type of requested data for OHSS, and rewarding and controlling systems to preparing qualitative and valid OHSS data. Interview answers were read, summarized and presented. Results: Most of the study participants' staff believed that OHSS in the scientific base must cover all essential parts including disorders, hazards and accidents collectively. They believed that this combination was made by teams working with occupational medicine staff and other specialties such as occupational hygienists and information technologists. They emphasized that the Iranian Ministry of Health had the capacity to promote OHSS and organize an executive committee with the entire OHSS involved as a team working in this filed. Occupational staff had been focused on this fact that OHSS data must cover all the required data of the Iranian working population and their relatives. Conclusion: The Iranian occupational registry system must be changed and developed as an Occupational Health Surveillance System according to the main parameters which were found in occupational staff interviews.

Background: Cancer has a high mortality rate in both developing and developed countries.

Introduction. Stress is one of the most common problems at work environments, which may have a negative effect on physical and mental health. Besides, general health problems are the most commonly discussed matter relating to occupational health, causing a reduction in the individual performance quality and work absence. Aims and objectives. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between the different indicators of occupational stress and general health. Material and methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted among the office workers in Tehran in 2017. HSE’ occupational stress questionnaire was used to develop the different aspects of occupational stress. General health status was determined by General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). The relationship between different levels of occupational stress and general health was examined by statistical methods. Results. The study was conducted among a total of 393 participant. The mean scores of occupational stress and general health were 3.23 ± 0.44 and 3.26 ± 2.92, respectively. A significant statistical relationship was observed between general health and the different indicators of occupational stress including role (OR = 10.95, P value <0.001), relationships (OR = 2.73, P value <0.001), manager support (OR = 2.43, P value <0.001), demand (OR = 1.98, P value = 0.001) and organizational changes (OR = 3.03, P value <0.001), suggesting that as the level of occupational stress increased, the level of general health declined Conclusion. Attention to the different indicators of occupational stress and to the efficient ways to avoid and manage it can play an important role in improving the general health status of office workers.