Patterns and Predictors of Personal Protection Compliance and Workplace Hygiene Behaviors Among Workers with Elevated Blood Lead Levels in New York State

Details

• Personal Author:
  Bauer, M. ; Fletcher AM ; Nwudu V
• Description:
  Despite increasing awareness and significant progress in reducing lead exposure among workers, elevated blood lead levels (BLLs) continue to be an occupational health problem. Little is currently known about the extent of personal protective equipment (PPE) use among lead-exposed workers. We examined the patterns and predictors of consistent PPE use and workplace hygiene behaviors among workers with elevated BLLs using a survey of 1,459 workers with an occupational lead exposure in New York State (NYS). Routine availability of respirators was commonplace, however only approximately half of workers consistently wore PPE while working with lead. Regular access to showers was reported by 41% of workers, but less than a quarter took showers and subsequently changed into clean clothing before leaving work site. Significant predictors of consistent PPE use and good hygiene behaviors were identified. The findings highlight the need for further educational and policy interventions for lead-exposed employees. Increased employer efforts are also required to provide workplace structures and a culture that supports compliance. These include the provision of routine training and hazard communication, provision of appropriate PPE and hygiene facilities, and enforcing its use where necessary. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Behavior Education Environmental Exposure Hazardous Substances Lead Occupational Health Personal Protective Equipment Respiratory Protective Devices Risk Assessment Risk Factors Safety Staff Development Workplace

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• Keywords:
  Author Keywords: Employee Hygiene Compliance Exposure Levels Hazard Communication Heavy Metal Intervention Lead Compounds Lead Exposed OSHA Personal Protective Equipment Policy PPE PPE Compliance Respirators Risk Factors Training Work Environment Workers

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• ISSN:
  1545-9624
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Journal Article
• Place as Subject:
  New York ; OSHA Region 2
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• Volume:
  15
• Issue:
  9
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20053058
• Citation:
  J Occup Environ Hyg 2018 Sep; 15(9):654-663
• Contact Point Address:
  Vivian Nwudu, New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Occupational Health and Injury Prevention, Corning Tower, Room 1325, Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12237
• Email:
  Vivian.Nwudu@health.ny.gov
• CAS Registry Number:
  Lead (CAS RN 7439-92-1)
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2018
• Performing Organization:
  New York State Department of Health/Health Research Incorporated
• Peer Reviewed:
  True
• Start Date:
  20050701
• Source Full Name:
  Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
• End Date:
  20260630
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:a80691e8bc2ce7f642e9cfc6d293e1719c511084e7ec75731b623da87027dd161a35b47329cd6c351fa839a7423843a76a5182d818792b6474144910094a5aeb
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/215908/cdc_215908_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 1.45 MB ]