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Manuel d'ergonomie pratique en 128 points : solutions pratiques et faciles à mettre en oeuvre pour améliorer la sécurité et la santé au travail et les conditions de travail

Bureau international du Travail et al. — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 11:50:22 -0700

Vers une stratégie intégrée de prévention en manutention : document de sensibilisation à la prévention des troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) reliés à des tâches de manutention

Denis Denys et al. — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 05:06:27 -0700

Destiné à tous les intervenants et les milieux de travail préoccupés par la prévention des troubles musculosquelettiques (TMS) reliés à des tâches de manutention, ce document propose une stratégie intégrée de prévention en manutention.

Combinant formation et intervention, cette stratégie repose sur la compréhension, l’observation et l’analyse de cinq principes d’action. Ces principes d’action sont les points communs de l’ensemble des techniques de manutention qu’utilisent les travailleurs. Chacun d’eux possède des repères d’observation caractéristiques. Les repères indiquent ainsi les compromis que le travailleur doit faire pour atteindre son objectif de préserver sa santé et sa sécurité, puisqu’ils sont liés aux contraintes ou aux efforts.

Les principes d’action présentés dans le document sont soutenus par des vidéos explicatives disponibles sur le site de l’IRSST Manutention en milieu de travail.

La résistance des gants à la coupure : développement d'une méthode d'essai

Jaime Lara et al. — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 04:57:32 -0700

Evaluation and application of the Work-Related Asthma Screening Questionnaire-Long version (WRASQ[L])

Madison A. MacKinnon et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:17 -0700

Background

The Work-related Asthma (WRA) Screening Questionnaire—Long Version (WRASQ(L)) is a screening questionnaire that could improve the recognition of WRA.

Objective

To conduct a definitive evaluation of the WRASQ(L) to justify its implementation in clinical settings.

Methods

Employed adults aged 18 to 75 years with asthma confirmed by objective measures and the ability to take time off work were eligible. Participants completed the WRASQ(L) and then monitored their peak expiratory flow at and away from work or completed a specific inhalation challenge test. Data were classified as WRA or non-WRA by 2 asthma specialists, blinded to WRASQ(L) answers. Sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV, respectively), and Youden’s index were calculated for cutoffs of a positive screen.

Results

Of 106 participants (47.1 ± 7.1 years [mean ± standard deviation]; 60 [57%] female), 14 (17%) were classified as having WRA and were significantly younger in age than non-WRA participants (P = .043). The questionnaire has high SN and NPV (90.9% and 93.1%, respectively) but low PPV and SP (32.1% and 26.0%, respectively).

Conclusions

The WRASQ(L) has high SN and NPV. High SN is of primary interest to ensure that few false-negative screens are missed and those with potential WRA are identified and continue to specialist care. The SN indicates utility of the questionnaire in clinical settings. Further benefits of the tool include its potential to prompt education on the symptom-workplace relationship, workplace exposures, personal protective equipment use, and collect exposure and occupational history.

Filtration efficiency of different protective masks against viral aerosols

Vincent Brochu et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:16 -0700

During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, masks were widely used to reduce the spread of the virus through aerosols and droplets. While these are generally tested in laboratories for their effectiveness against particles and bacteria, their efficiency against viruses is seldom evaluated. Given the absence of standardized rules governing filtration efficiency against viruses, this study sought to examine how various types of masks perform against virus-containing polydisperse aerosols. Additionally, it aimed at assessing the consistency of mask filtration performances under similar test conditions, considering the heterogeneous nature of the standards for particles. Masks’ filtration efficiencies were determined using a wind tunnel specially designed for this kind of testing. Bacteriophages were used as a proxy for human viruses. Overall, the viral filtration efficiency was higher than that of particles. No significant difference was observed between infectious and total viruses. Particulate filtration performance varied among masks compared to their standard requirements. Filtration efficiency testing should report the specific size used whether it was tested with mono- or polydisperse aerosols to gain a clearer understanding of their effectiveness.

Supports for mental well-being valued by healthcare workers: Qualitative analysis of data from a Canadian cohort of healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Shannon Marie Ruzycki et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:15 -0700

A prospective cohort of 4964 HCWs from four Canadian provinces was established early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were invited to comment about workplace mental health supports at three time points. We performed a thematic content analysis of responses from 1738 participants using the Social Support Behaviour Code framework to categorize barriers to support as informational, tangible, emotional, social, or expressing esteem. Themes were synthesized into suggestions for healthcare organizations to prepare for future crises. Formal and informal peer support, workplace mental health supports, and one-on-one counseling were most often mentioned as valued. Analysis suggested that workplace social networks as a source of support and mental health supports would have been appreciated. HCWs perceived that a lack of tangible workplace supports, such as staffing, compensation, and time off, were barriers to well-being. Medical workplaces could consider the availability of tangible supports in addition to developing formal mental health supports for healthcare workers.

Les pratiques professionnelles des pomiculteurs exposés aux pesticides : des savoir-faire de métier aux pratiques stratégiques

Caroline Jolly et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:14 -0700

Dans les très petites entreprises pomicoles, le propriétaire assume majoritairement seul la préparation et la pulvérisation des pesticides. Le respect des mesures de prévention prescrites n’élimine pas l’exposition, pouvant occasionner des effets à la santé. L’objectif est de décrire les pratiques professionnelles développées par les pomiculteurs. Elles visent à limiter l’exposition aux pesticides tout en produisant des fruits de qualité, contribuant ainsi à l'essor de leur entreprise. La recherche-intervention mobilisant l’ergotoxicologie a été réalisée auprès de pomiculteurs au Québec. La diversité des pratiques professionnelles présentées s’inscrit dans les domaines d’activités de la gestion stratégique (p. ex. : développement de l’entreprise) et de la gestion de la production (p. ex. : réalisation des pulvérisations). Ces pratiques sont influencées par des forces externes, nécessitant des compromis. Elles sont complémentaires aux mesures de prévention actuelles et seraient à mobiliser pour mieux soutenir la prévention de l’exposition aux pesticides des très petites entreprises agricoles.

Flexible screen-printed SiC-based humidity sensors

Arjun Wadhwa et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:13 -0700

Humidity sensors are essential components in modern technology, spanning applications from residential appliances to the Internet of Things (IoT). However, conventional commercial sensors are typically rigid, constrained by narrow relative humidity (%RH) operating ranges, and require complex fabrication processes. In this study, we present a highly sensitive cubic silicon carbide (3C–SiC) nanoparticle-based relative humidity sensor, fabricated via serigraphic printing on to 5 mil thick flexible polyimide (Kapton^®) substrate. Devices are tested across a broad humidity range of 10–90%RH at ambient temperature and their performance is evaluated in a controlled humidity chamber. The sensor exhibits a robust response of 45.2% R/R₀, with a sensitivity of 5.34 Ω/%RH, an adsorption time of 18 seconds, and a desorption time of 46 seconds. Additionally, the device demonstrates low hysteresis of 6.5% at 60%RH, with excellent repeatability and stability over 3.5 hours of continuous cycling. To showcase their potential for real-world applications, the printed sensors are integrated into a commercial KN95 mask for monitoring respiration parameters, such as respiration rate. This integration highlights the potential for future exploration in human health monitoring, utilizing fully printed, low-cost sensing devices.

Microbial volatile organic compounds measured in the air of a waste sorting plant and a university by thermal desorption-gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Sarah Tabbal et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:12 -0700

In recyclable waste management facilities, several contaminants, mainly bioaerosols and microorganisms, can be released and cause potential adverse health effects. Given that microbial volatile organic compounds (mVOCs) are metabolites developed by molds and since they can be considered as potential biomarkers of mold exposure, their concentrations in ambient air were monitored at a recyclable waste sorting plant (WSP) and a university campus (UC) serving as control environment for comparison. A recently developed analytical method was used for the detection of 21 selected mVOCs in real conditions. The impact of mVOC sampling duration, period of the day, and variability of their concentrations between different workstations at both sites was studied. At UC, only 3 mVOCs were detected in comparison with 13 mVOCs at the WSP. The sampling duration of 2 h was chosen to increase the sensitivity of the method. Statistical tests showed no significant difference in concentration for the detected mVOCs at WSP for different period of the day whereas an increase in concentrations for ethyl acetate was observed at UC. At WSP, the highest concentrations were measured at the pre-sorting room (ex. 4.04 ng/m³ for pentan-2-one), followed by the sorting room (ex. 3.46 ng/m³ for decanal), the optic sorting room (ex. 3.67 ng/m³ for pentan-2-one), and the lowest concentrations were measured at the waste reception area (ex. 0.51 ng/m³ for cyclopentanone). This study allows the optimization of the mVOC sampling method, the comparison of the mVOC profiles between contaminated and non-contaminated workplaces and the recommendation for mVOCs with better potential as biomarkers of mold exposure.

Characterization of airborne bacterial diversity in conventional hen houses, enriched colonies and aviaries, and link between possible bioaerosol sources

M.-W. St-Germain et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:11 -0700

Background

Canada’s transition toward alternative housing systems for laying hens may have an impact on bioaerosol content and concentrations in those environments. This project aimed to characterize the airborne bacterial diversity in six conventional hen houses, six enriched colonies and six aviaries. The bacterial diversity found in bioaerosols was also compared to the diversity found in feces or litter samples from each corresponding housing type to investigate similarities between possible bioaerosol sources and bioaerosols.

Results

Specific richness (S_obs) and CHAO1 indexes were higher in air samples from conventional hen houses and enriched colonies, compared to their corresponding fecal or litter samples, which was not the case for aviaries samples. No significant differences were found between the Shannon and inverse Simpson (InvSimpson) indexes of air samples, compared to their corresponding fecal or litter samples. Firmicutes were the dominant phyla in all samples, followed by Actinobacteria. Dominant genera were Lactobacillus, unclassified Lanchnospiraceae, unclassified Actinomycetales, unclassified Clostridales and unclassified Ruminococcaceae. OTUs (Operational Taxonomic Units) were associated with hen microbiota and gut microbiota, and soil. Homogeneity of molecular variance analyses (HOMOVA) revealed significant differences between air samples from aviaries, compared to air samples from conventional and enriched cage houses. Significant differences were found between air and fecal or litter samples from conventional hen houses and enriched colonies, but not among aviary samples.

Conclusions

Findings highlight the effects of housing types on airborne bacterial diversity, and similarities in bacterial diversity between air and fecal or litter samples from three types of husbandry. Most dominant OTUs were shared across all samples, but were different in proportions, which may account for the differences in alpha and beta diversities. The overlap in bacterial diversities between air and litter samples collected in aviaries brings out the contribution of litter to ambient bioaerosols.

Paramedics' behavior patterns when transferring non-mobile patients from the ground to a stretcher

Maïté Tanguay et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:10 -0700

Background/Objectives: Transferring non-mobile patients from the ground to a stretcher represents one of the riskiest tasks for musculoskeletal disorders among emergency medical technicians–paramedics (EMT-Ps), but there is little information available on how they perform in real-life work situations. Methods: This study aimed to describe EMT-Ps’ patterns of behavior observed from field data and highlight safe work operations. A secondary analysis was conducted on 27 videos collected during EMT-Ps’ responses to live calls. Contextual variables (workspace and external assistance), operations during the preparation subtask (move patient or interfering objects and adjust stretcher’s height and position), and movements and postures related to the transfer subtask were extracted from the videos. Results: The results demonstrate that despite stratification based on similar contextual factors (equipment and limited workspace), EMT-Ps’ behavior varied between interventions during the preparation and transfer subtasks. Several operations to adjust the patient–stretcher configuration before the lifting phase were carried out to facilitate patient transfer, but these were not always optimal from a safety perspective. Strategies such as fast loading (1 out of 4) and the use of external assistance (6 out of 15) were beneficial in certain circumstances. Conclusions: EMT-Ps demonstrated their ability to analyze the situation, organize accordingly, and adapt their behavior by applying these safety skills.

A pilot study for measuring roadway exposure through GPS watches worn by bicycle messengers and food delivery workers during work shifts

Ugo Lachapelle et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:10 -0700

We conduct a pilot study on the delivery trips of bike messengers and food delivery workers using GPS-derived data to understand these gig economy jobs. Between July and September 2018, 19 workers were equipped with GPS watches for two consecutive days (n=38 participant-days). One-second signal data was classified using an algorithm to identify idle time periods between trips. This enabled us to extract times, speeds and distances on the road, as well as idle time blocks and as a share of total work shift. Extrapolated data on number of deliveries is compared with exit interview recalls as benchmark. Workers travel on average 31km (SD=13.3km) in shifts of over 5 hours (316 min., SD=84.4 min.) and conduct on average 20 deliveries (SD=5.8). They spend on average 10 min. bouts waiting for food or packages (SD=2.8) and spend on average 36% (SD=11%) of their work shifts on the road. The pilot provides important information on shift characteristics and deliveries and indicates the importance of time idling waiting for packages. This suggests greater per time and per kilometer injury risks than could be estimated when assuming workers are always on the streets. In a context of commission-based work, idling also reduces potential wage.

Personalizing rehabilitation for individuals with musculoskeletal impairments: Feasibility of implementation of the Measures Associated to Prognostic (MAPS) tool

Nathalie Desmarais et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:08 -0700

Introduction

The Measures Associated to PrognoStic (MAPS) tool is a standardized questionnaire that integrates validated prognostic tools to detect the presence of biopsychosocial prognostic factors in patients consulting for musculoskeletal disorders.

Purpose

The objectives were to assess the: 1) feasibility of implementation of the MAPS tool, 2) clinicians’ acceptability of the dashboard, and 3) patients’ acceptability of the MAPS tool.

Methods

Twenty physiotherapists and two occupational therapists from seven outpatient musculoskeletal clinics were recruited to implement the MAPS tool during a 3-month timeframe, where new patients completed the questionnaire upon initial assessment. The results were presented to the clinicians via a dashboard. Surveys and semi-structured interviews were conducted to measure feasibility and acceptability.

Results

Six out of 11 feasibility criteria (55%) and 21 out of 24 acceptability criteria (88%) reached the a priori threshold for success. The interviews allowed us to identify three main themes to facilitate implementation: 1) limiting the burden, 2) ensuring patients’ understanding of the tool’s purpose, and 3) integrating the dashboard as a clinical information tool.

Conclusion

Our quantitative and qualitative results support the feasibility of implementation and acceptability of the MAPS tool pending minor adjustments. Depicting the patients’ prognostic profile has the potential to help clinicians optimize their interventions for patients presenting with musculoskeletal disorders.

Airborne dust and bioaerosols in Canadian conventional and alternative houses for laying hens

Magali-Wen St-Germain et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:24:07 -0700

Awareness about laying hen welfare has led to the phase-out of conventional battery cages in favor of the adoption of alternative housing systems for egg production in many countries. However, the greater freedom of movement for animals and the presence of manure and litter (sawdust, straw, feathers, etc.) on the floor in some alternative housing systems may be suitable conditions for dusts, bacteria, and fungi to be aerosolized, raising concerns about indoor air quality and respiratory health of workers. The present project aimed at assessing and comparing indoor air quality and bioaerosols in conventional and alternative houses for laying hens. Six were conventional houses (with battery cages), six were enriched colonies, and six were aviary (multi-level cage-free houses) visited in Eastern Canada from 2020–2022. Higher airborne concentrations of particulate matter (PM) from all size fractions (PM1, PM2.5, PM4, PM10, and total dust), culturable bacteria, total endotoxins, and Clostridium perfringens were found in aviaries compared to houses for laying hens in conventional and enriched colonies. Total endotoxin and Clostridium perfringens concentrations were higher in enriched colonies than in conventional laying-hen housing systems. Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella sp. were detected in few hen houses. This study highlights possible markers for indoor air quality evaluation inside laying hen houses. These airborne contaminants could be targeted by mitigation strategies to improve indoor air quality in alternative housing systems for laying hens.

Mistrust among injured immigrant workers: A conceptual framework

Maude Arsenault et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:20:44 -0700

Background

In Quebec, injured workers have access to medical assistance, wage replacement indemnities, and rehabilitation measures, with most injuries resolved easily. However, a small percentage of cases require a lengthy rehabilitation process, which is particularly complex when involving immigrants. The therapeutic alliance is at the heart of the process, involving mutual trust and confidence and a degree of consensus about the therapeutic interventions to be used and, ultimately, the return to work.

Objective

This article delves into the concept of mistrust as more than the absence of trust, and sheds light on its role in the rehabilitation process of immigrant workers.

Method

Drawing from a literature review on mistrust of immigrants in the healthcare setting and comprehensive studies on the rehabilitation process, a conceptual framework for understanding mistrust in this context is proposed.

Results

Vulnerable situations, such as precarious employment and/or temporary immigration status, create fertile ground for mistrust. Negative experiences with healthcare professionals or systems further exacerbate mistrust, as do social stigmas within the rehabilitation system. Cross-cultural miscommunications such as differences in communication styles or beliefs about illnesses further complicate matters, emphasizing the need for culturally sensitive approaches.

Conclusion

Addressing mistrust requires understanding its origins and consequences, as well as providing guidelines for practitioners to enable them to recognize and manage it effectively. Further research is crucial to deepen our understanding of mistrust among immigrant workers and develop strategies for promoting trust and cooperation throughout the rehabilitation process.

A systematic review and evaluation of the tools measuring work-related psychosocial factors in prospective research on sickness absence of health care worker

Laurent Corthésy-Blondin et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:20:43 -0700

Purpose

This systematic literature review aims to list the validated tools measuring work-related psychosocial factors (WRPFs) influence health care workers’ (HCWs) sickness absence (SA), and to evaluate their psychometric and practical properties.

Methods

Using the PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science databases, the search targeted prospective studies on WRPFs and SA in HCWs published between 2012 and 2023. The validated, self-report tools that measured WRPFs and that yielded at least one significant predictor of SA in HCWs were identified. An evaluation of the psychometric and practical properties was performed.

Results

Based on inclusion criteria, three prospective studies on HCWs were included, and twelve tools were listed. Psychometric and practical properties were “excellent” for six tools, “good” for four, and “questionable” for two.

Conclusions

Researchers and occupational health practitioners can use tools with “good” to “excellent” overall quality to measure traditional WRPFs that predict SA in HCWs. There is a need to develop and validate tools that measure WRPFs representing the specific characteristics of the health care working environment. Other WRPFs relevant to the work context of HCWs can be measured by extant tools that could be used in research and program development and evaluation.

Polymeric nanocomposites-based advanced coatings for antimicrobial and antiviral applications: A comprehensive overview

Rachid Amrhar et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:20:42 -0700

The rise in microbial infections and viral outbreaks has accelerated the development of advanced antibacterial and antiviral coating that effectively minimize infection risks. Amidst rising global health concerns due to infectious diseases, these coatings have emerged as vital solutions for surface protection across various settings. This review focuses on the recent development and in-depth analysis includes synthesis process, inactivation mechanism in photoreactive antimicrobial and antiviral bio-coatings. This review comprehensively explores the development of different nanocomposite materials, including polymers based on metal oxide nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, graphene-based materials, and organic-inorganic composites. Their practicality and compatibility with diverse surfaces such as ceramics, glass, plastics, and metals are discussed, highlighting their broad applicability in different field. The mechanisms of action of these coatings, including the production of reactive oxygen species and physical barriers against microbes, are elucidated well. The review also includes the recent studies on polymer nanocomposite-based coatings, offering insights into their efficacy in reducing infection risks and improving public health. Apart from the materials fabrication and their practical applications this review also explores several challenges such as scalability, toxicity, cost-effectiveness and stability lifetime of the coatings. Although, the advancement in the photoreactive coating exhibits the positive scenario to disinfect several microbes and viruses. This review highlights the outlook of the highly advanced coatings which can inactive the different biological moieties under light exposure.

Advanced infrared face mask segmentation using a custom lightweight U-Net model

Mohamed Arbane et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:12:41 -0700

Face mask segmentation in the infrared domain rep-resents an innovative technique aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of detecting and isolating face masks in thermal images. This approach holds significant relevance in various applications, such as enhancing public health by verifying mask usage in medical environments, improving security through more accurate facial recognition of individuals wearing masks, and advancing human-computer interaction by enabling hands-free device control in mask-mandatory settings, thereby promoting safety and hygiene. In this research, we propose a novel solution that employs deep learning algorithms with infrared imaging to overcome the limitations of conventional mask detection methods. The core of this solution is a custom-designed, optimized variant of the U-Net model. Furthermore, this study forms part of a larger project focused on developing stations for detecting and quantifying leaks in medical masks across various mask types using infrared technologies and artificial intelligence.

A test bench for replicating human breathing: Evaluating thermal effect of N95 filtering facepiece respirator leaks: Preliminary findings

Geoffrey Marchais et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:12:40 -0700

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, it seemed important to develop alternative methods for verifying the fit of a filtering f acepiece respirator (FFR). I nfrared technology, promising in the assessment of the fit of a F FR, still requires a thorough study of the thermal effect of a N95 FFR leak. This pilot study aims to design a test bench capable of replicating human breathing as faithfully as possible, focusing on three aspects: breathing airflow, breathing temperature, a nd particle generation. The humidity aspect is not replicated in this study. To achieve this, the ASL 5000® Breathing Simulator, a heating chamber, and a HEPA filter were employed. These three aspects were validated through various tests on the test bench. The primary objective of this test bench is to assess the thermal impact of different leaks from an N95 FFR on two different test devices designed for this study: a flat model a nd a Static Advanced Headform (StAH). The thermal impact of the leaks was captured using an infrared (IR) camera. Additionally, a particle counter, the PortaCount Instrument, was integrated into the test bench to quantify N95 FFR leaks and was used as a reference. In the near future, this test bench will enable the development of methods to locate and quantify N95 FFR leaks, which will subsequently be applied to human subjects.

Development of multiphysics models for the study of airflow and thermal effects during the use of filtering facepiece respirators

Barthelemy Topilko et al. — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 12:12:40 -0700

To provide good protection, a Filtering Facepice Respirator (FFR) must be properly adjusted to ensure a satisfactory seal against the external working environment. None of the tests currently in use can accurately locate potential air leaks and determine a fit factor. T he aim o f t he project is to develop an analysis station for assessing these quantities using infrared imaging methods. The development of a multiphysics model of the different situation will become a tool for better understanding phenomena by simulating situations that are difficult t o verify experimentally. This paper proposes the development of multiple multiphysics models using COMSOL Multiphysics® Software to simulate the thermal effects of air leaks during the use of FFR. The construction of various geometries, transitioning from a simple 2D model to a 3D model closely resembling real-life situations, is detailed as follows. The implementation of diverse physics and meshing techniques related to the problem, including thermal dynamics and fluid mechanics h as been thoroughly studied. A pivotal aspect considered in this context is the respiratory cycle. The preliminary results show that 1) the impact of humidity on heat exchange is low and negligible to a first approximation, 2) the variation of the flow rate at the leak is linked to its size, and, in particular, 3) the temperature evolution in zones proximate to the leaks as calculated by the model are compared with the experimental results obtained with an infrared camera. As part of a broader project, these models will be instrumental in comparing and validating forthcoming experimental results. The simulation results obtained will also be used to feed a database that will be used in artificial intelligence model asp art o f t he development of the analysis station.