Illness Pattern Analysis

In addition to the required OSHA log, are careful records kept of first aid injuries and illnesses that might not immediately appear to be work related Is there any periodic, written analysis of the patterns of near-misses, injuries, and illnesses that may show, over time, previously unrecognized connections between incidents that indicate unrecognized hazards need correction or control  

Looking at the OSHA 200 log and, where applicable, first aid logs, are there patterns of illness or injury that should have been analyzed for previously undetected hazards Is there an occupational nurse or doctor on the woiksite Are employees suffering from ordinary illnesses encouraged to see a nearby healthcare provider Are the records of those visits analyzed for clusters of illness that might be woik related  

Do employees mention illnesses or injuries that seem woik related to them, but that have not been analyzed for previously undetected hazards  

---

Injury and illness records analysis Since there must be enough information for patterns to emerge, small sites may require a review of 3-5 years of records. Larger sites may find useful trends yearly, quarterly, or monthly. When analyzing injury and illness records, look for similar injuries and illnesses. These generally indicate a lack of hazard controls. Look for where the injury or illness occurred, what type of work was being done, time of day, or type of equipment. 

FIGURE 12.39 The proposed secondary structure for E. coli 16S rRNA, based on comparative sequence analysis in which the folding pattern is assumed to be conserved across different species. The molecule can be subdivided into four domains—I, II, III, and IV—on the basis of contiguous stretches of the chain that are closed by long-range base-pairing interactions. I, the 5 -domain, includes nucleotides 27 through 556. II, the central domain, runs from nucleotide 564 to 912. Two domains comprise the 3 -end of the molecule. Ill, the major one, comprises nucleotides 923 to 1391. IV, the 3 -terminal domain, covers residues 1392 to 1541. 

Figure 7.3 UV versus LIF detection of the CE separation of a 53 base pair RT-PCR product from the RNA of the polio virus vaccine, Sabin 3. An Hae Ill-digested d>X174 DNA marker was coinjected with the PCR product for size determination—note the 72 bp fragment. The same Sabin 3 concentration was used for each analysis, whereas the marker total DNA concentration varied from 200 mg/mL for UV analysis, to 20 mg/mL for LIF analysis. Note the unambiguous pattern observed with LIF for the Sabin 3 fragment compared to UV detection of the same fragment. Full scale UV detection, 0.005 absorbance unit (AU) LIF detection, 10 relative fluorescence units (RFU). [Reproduced with permission from Schwartz et al., J Capillary Electrophor 1 36 (1994). Copyright ISC Technical Publications, Inc.]...

Data analysis methodologies that identify unusual temporal or spatial patterns of illness to identify these patterns, the system must have at least a year of historical data for comparison. The historical data must include models that identify normal temporal (e.g., seasonal) variations as well as changes in population density, hospital market areas and health care referral relationships (11)... 

Worksite analysis involves examining the workplace for existing and potential hazards. Comprehensive baseline and periodic safety and health surveys should be conducted. Job hazard analysis, accident, and near-miss investigations should also be held. Workers should be able to report unsafe conditions without fear of reprisal. Trends of illness and injury should be studied over time to identify patterns and prevent problems from recurring. 

All accidents and near-miss incidents should be investigated to determine causes, and means for their prevention identified. Analysis of injury and illness trends over time should be undertaken so that patterns with common causes can be identified and prevented. 

Fanner, B., Larson, B.T., Fulgoni, V.L., Rainville, A.J., and Liepa, G.U., 2011. A vegetarian dietary pattern as a nutrient-dense approach to weight management an analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999-2004. Journal of the American Diet Association. Ill 819-827. 

Analysis, if possible, of injury and illness trends over extended periods to identify patterns and prevent problems. 

Amino acid levels in body fluids are influenced by a number of factors, such as age, physiological changes, nutritional status, illness and disease, medications and toxins. It is notable that medications can cause artifacts that interfere with the analysis or can disrupt the body s metabolism of amino acids, leading to an abnormal amino acid pattern which, although suggestive of an inborn error, is actually an acquired condition. These factors are discussed below. 

Worksite hazard identification and analysis identifies existing hazards and conditions, operations and situations that create or contribute to hazards, and areas where hazards may develop. This includes close scrutiny and tracking of injury or illness and incident records to identify patterns that may indicate causes of aggressive behavior and assaults. The objectives of worksite hazard identification and analyses are to recognize, identify, and plan to correct security hazards. Analysis uses existing records and worksite evaluations should include record review and identification of security hazards. 

---