Introduction. Two great changes in developed countries are taking place: populations are ageing and becoming increasingly overweight. Combination of these factors with shift work is a risk factor for work ability and mental workload that are dynamic processes which change greatly throughout an individual's work life. The aim of this study was to investigate mental workload and work ability in textile workers and to identify factors which affect work ability and mental workload. Methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out among 194 male workers in textile industry. Employees based on their job group and work conditions have been divided into 6 categories. They completed work ability index and mental workload questionnaires during three work shifts. Body mass index (BMI) and demographic details were recorded. Results. All of the participants rated their work ability as moderate with high mental workload. The mean WAI and mental workload in age group were significant. The mean BMI was 25.5 kg/m2 (standard deviation 4.1) and the mean age was 40.22 years. There was a statistically significant correlation between work ability index and shift work. Conclusions. Unlike the previous study, a decrease point in WAI started in early age that may be due to life-style work and another psychological factor; on the other hand, NASA-TLX revealed high score in six subscales that can be another reason for low WAI.

Introduction:Work-related stress is one of the basic problems in industrial also top 10 work-related health problems and it is increasingly implicated in the development a number of problems such as cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal diseases, early retirement to employees. On the other hand, early retirement to employees from the workplace has increased on the problems of today's industries. Hereof, improving work ability is one of the most effective ways to enhance the ability and preventing disability and early retirement. The aim of This study is determine the relationship between job stress score and work ability index (WAI) at the refinery workers.Materials and Methods:This is a cross-sectional study in which 171 workers from a refinery in isfahan in 2012 who were working in different occupational groups participated. Based on appropriate assignment sampling, 33 office workers, 69 operational workers, and 69 maintenance workers, respectively, were invited to participate in this study. Two questionnaires including work related-stress and WAI were filled in. Finally, the information was analyzed using the SPSS-20 and statistic tests namely, analysis of covariance Kruskal-Wallis test. Pearson correlation coefficient, ANOVA and t-test.Results:Data analysis revealed that 86% and 14% of participants had moderate and severe stress respectively. Average score of stress and standard deviation was 158.7 ± 17.3 that was in extreme stress range. Average score and standard deviation of WAI questionnaire were 37.18 and 3.86 respectively. That placed in a good range. Pearson correlation coefficient showed that WAI score had significant reversed relationship with a score of stress.Conclusion:According to the results, mean stress score among refinery worker was high and one fator that affect work abiity was high stress, hence training on communication skills and safe working environment in order to decreses stress, enhance the work ability of workers.

Introduction.Replacing incandescent lamps with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which are three to six times more efficient, is one of the easiest methods to achieve energy efficiency. The present study aimed to evaluate relationships between UV emissions radiated and illuminance CFLs.Material and Methods. This pilot study was conducted on 16 single envelope CFLs. The illuminance and UV irradiance of various types of CFLs are measured on a three-meter long optical bench, using a calibrated lux meter and UV meter, and measurement was done in 10, 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 cm, in three angles, including 0°, 45°, and 90°, at the ages of 0, 100, and 2000 hours. Result. UVC irradiance was not observed at the distance of 10 cm in all of lamps. The lowest value of UVB irradiance was recorded in Pars Khazar lamp, while the highest value was recorded in Etehad lamps. UVR values measured at different times showed negligible differences; the highest asset value was detected in zero times. One way ANOVA indicated that relationships between UVA irradiance and illuminance were significant (P<0.05).Conclusion. UVB irradiance in most of the lamp in 10 and 25 cm was more than occupational exposure and UVA except for the fact that Pars Khazar 60 watts and Nama Noor 60 watts were less than occupational exposure.

Background:Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is a developed fluorescent lamp type designed to saving energy. CFLs can cause an increased health risk to humans due to the ultraviolet radiation. Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the ultraviolet radiation emitted from compact fluorescent lamps in highly used Iranian brands. Materials and Methods: This experimental study was conducted on 16 CFLs that were manufactured by four Iranian manufacturers including: Pars Khazar, Parmis, Etehad and Nama Noor. The CFLs were marked as 11, 18, 40 and 60 Watt. Measurement was done in 10, 25, 50, 100, 150 and 200 cm in three angles including 0°, 45° and 90° using a calibrated UV-meter. All the CFLs are aged for one hundred hours in the laboratory. The information was analyzed using SPSS-20 and ANOVA test. Results: Measurement of UV showed that UVC emission was not observed at the distance of 10 cm in all of CFLs lamps. UVB irradiance in most of lamps in 10 and 25 cm was more than occupational exposure limits (OEL), but in 50 cm was less than OEL. One way ANOVA indicated that differences between UVB irradiance of four brands of lamps were not significant statistically (P > 0.05). UVA irradiance of all CFLs lamps in 25 cm was less than OEL. One way ANOVA indicated that differences between UVA statistically were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Based on the results of this study, authors recommended that CFLs lamps, due to UV radiation, especially in UVB span, be used at distances greater than 25 cm.Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL) is a developed fluorescent lamp type designed for saving energy. CFLs can cause the health risk increase in humans due to the ultraviolet radiation.

No abstract