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Workplace interventions to reduce wood dust exposures in joinery and furniture workers

Year:
2010
Duration:
37 months
Approved budget:
$392,499.00
Researchers:
Professor Jeroen Douwes
Health issue:
Occupational health
Proposal type:
Joint Research Partnership Project
Lay summary
Workers in the joinery and furniture making industry are exposed to high levels of dust and have an increased risk of developing respiratory health effects. This research will evaluate workplace interventions in this industry. We will first identify peak dust exposures and their determinants by using video exposure monitoring. This allows a graphical representation of a worker's exposure (as measured by a direct reading monitor) to be displayed on a video recording of the worker's activities. For this purpose, we will measure personal dust exposures every three seconds in 50 workers during a four to eight hour work shift. Based on the main determinants of these peak exposures, an occupational hygiene survey and a literature review, we will develop industry specific exposure control measures. These will be implemented and tested in eight workplaces. Four workplaces where no intervention will take place will be included to serve as controls.