Biomechanical, chemical, and psychosocial exposure profiles among workers in the ARPEGE sample of the GAZEL cohort

Introduction: Given the wide range of occupational exposures, the objective is to determine whether there are exposure profiles that combine biomechanical, chemical, and psychosocial exposures. Method: A subsample of the GAZEL cohort of EDF GDF employees included 1,786 men aged 46 to 50. Exposure was measured using a lifetime self-report questionnaire for biomechanical exposures, a standardized self-report questionnaire for psychosocial hazards, and an occupation-exposure matrix for chemical hazards. Occupation and social category (PCS) were determined according to the company’s classification system. Principal component analysis, variable classification, and automatic classification were employed. Results: For managers, profiles of non-exposed individuals consistent with the PCS were identified. The profiles of those exposed to biomechanical stressors are more complex: low, moderate, and high exposures; working at heights; working at a keyboard; working with support; and working with hand tools. The identified chemical exposure profiles concern exposure to pitch, benzene, petroleum and chlorinated solvents, and hydrazine. Psychosocial exposures are common, with a gradient from managers, who are less exposed, toward employees. The number of exposed workers and technical supervisors is higher than expected. Some employees are significantly exposed because employee status is a means of reclassifying workers at EDF GDF. Discussion: The limitations of this study include the choice of population and the methods used to measure exposure. Nevertheless, these techniques could be applied to other populations. (R.A.)

Author(s): Mediouni Z, Leclerc A, Cyr D, Gueguen A, Carton M, Bonnaud S, Gourmelen J, Imbernon E, Zins M, Descatha A

Publishing year: 2014

Pages: S42

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