Occupational health in the Negev: A model for regional planning
- Ben Gurion Univ. of the Negev, Beer Sheva (Israel)
In the Negev region of Israel, I tested a model approach to occupational health planning. This model included components assessing exposures, measuring adverse health outcomes, and evaluating health services. I analyzed employment survey data, compiled an exposure data base, and carried out site visits covering 10,707 employees (over 50% of the regional industrial work force). Site visits identified exposure hazards of inorganic and organic dusts, heavy metals, chemicals, pesticides, and noise. I identified elevated relative regional injury rates by Standard Morbidity Ratios (SMRs) in a variety of industries, including sixfold increases for mining and non-metallic minerals manufacture (SMR 6.8, 99% CI 6.1-7.7). Review of biological monitoring data suggested deficiencies in pesticide and heavy metals surveillance. A survey of primary care clinics estimated 13,707 cases of occupational injury and illness untreated by existing occupational medical services. Based on these findings, I formulated regional occupational health planning goals, including targeting high-risk industries for increased preventive activities. This regional approach, combining multiple measures of occupational health status, can serve as a model for assessing local public health planning needs.
- OSTI ID:
- 7104229
- Journal Information:
- American Journal of Industrial Medicine; (USA), Vol. 16:4; ISSN 0271-3586
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
METALS
HEALTH HAZARDS
NOISE
XENOBIOTICS
DUSTS
INDUSTRIAL PLANTS
ISRAEL
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OCCUPATIONAL DISEASES
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PESTICIDES
PLANNING
REGIONAL ANALYSIS
RISK ASSESSMENT
RURAL AREAS
ASIA
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ELEMENTS
HAZARDS
MIDDLE EAST
560300* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
560400 - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects