Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority

<strong class="journal-contentHeaderColor">Abstract.</strong> This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of eleven operational dust forecast models and a multi-model ensemble in predicting ground-level Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), with a focus on Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Ground-based observations from regional background stations support model performance assessment across different PM fractions (PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and coarse particles), using established statistical metrics (correlation coefficient, R, Mean Bias, MB, and Root Mean Square Error, RMSE). The results reveal substantial variability in accuracy, with R values ranging from &minus;0.24 to 0.91 depending on site and event subset. NASA-GEOS consistently achieves the highest correlation (R = 0.71 at Cyprus), indicating accurate representation of dust transport. In contrast, SILAM and EMA-REG4 perform poorly, with low correlations (R = 0.10 and &minus;0.24, respectively) and significant estimation errors (MB = &minus;90.34 &micro;g/m&sup3; for EMA-REG4). The NOA-WRF model effectively captures extreme dust events, with R = 0.91 during the 95th percentile of PM concentrations in Greece. Most models perform better for coarse PM, with the BOOT methodology indicating reduced scatter and bias during dust storm days. However, no model performs optimally across all sites and conditions, highlighting the need for location-specific tuning and evaluation. The study underscores the importance of refining model configurations and improving parameterizations to enhance forecast accuracy. Future efforts should incorporate localized data and further develop region-specific models to improve the operational use of these systems in early warning protocols for mitigating public health impacts.

Metamaterial absorbers have demonstrated significant potential in stealth technologies due to their adaptability and capability to suppress the backscattering of electromagnetic (EM) waves. Developing high - performance absorbers for efficient wave capture and attenuation at terahertz (THz) frequencies remains a complex challenge, requiring innovative material and structural designs. This study presents a THz metamaterial absorber integrating a composite cross with corner cavities frequency-selective surface (FSS) structure, enhancing absorption efficiency. The proposed -10 dB dual-band broadband absorber at 5.96 THz and 10.1 THz is designed using graphene, silicon, and copper materials with a substrate thickness of 1.2 μm, The design achieves near-total absorption (approaching 100%) at resonant frequencies of 5.96 THz and 10.1 THz, with its absorption characteristics exhibiting high sensitivity to variations in structural parameters due to coupling effects within the Composite Cross with Corner Cavities patterns. Additionally, the frequency-dependent effective permittivity, permeability, and impedance are extracted from reflection data to elucidate the underlying operational principles. The development of metamaterials with near-perfect absorption is essential for applications demanding high absorption efficiency and minimal reflectivity, such as antennas, stealth technologies, and THz sensing.

Abstract. This study provides the first comprehensive assessment of eleven operational dust forecast models and a multi-model ensemble in predicting ground-level Particulate Matter (PM) concentrations in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), with a focus on Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Ground-based observations from regional background stations support model performance assessment across different PM fractions (PM10, PM2.5, and coarse particles), using established statistical metrics (correlation coefficient, R, Mean Bias, MB, and Root Mean Square Error, RMSE). The results reveal substantial variability in accuracy, with R values ranging from −0.24 to 0.91 depending on site and event subset. NASA-GEOS consistently achieves the highest correlation (R = 0.71 at Cyprus), indicating accurate representation of dust transport. In contrast, SILAM and EMA-REG4 perform poorly, with low correlations (R = 0.10 and −0.24, respectively) and significant estimation errors (MB = −90.34 µg/m³ for EMA-REG4). The NOA-WRF model effectively captures extreme dust events, with R = 0.91 during the 95th percentile of PM concentrations in Greece. Most models perform better for coarse PM, with the BOOT methodology indicating reduced scatter and bias during dust storm days. However, no model performs optimally across all sites and conditions, highlighting the need for location-specific tuning and evaluation. The study underscores the importance of refining model configurations and improving parameterizations to enhance forecast accuracy. Future efforts should incorporate localized data and further develop region-specific models to improve the operational use of these systems in early warning protocols for mitigating public health impacts.

Abstract Migrant workers in Europe, constituting 24% of the global migrant workforce, faced heightened vulnerability during the COVID-19 pandemic due to their concentration in low-skill, high-risk jobs. These sectors, include among other jobs in cleaning, construction, restaurants and transportation that exposed them to a higher risk of infection. Multiple studies revealed that these migrant-worker-dense, high-risk sectors experienced elevated COVID-19 infection rates, yet there remains a lack of comprehensive epidemiological data due to limited research and policy attention. Spain and Italy, with substantial migrant populations, were primary locations for researching occupational injuries among migrants, with other European nations reporting similar trends. Factors contributing to increased injury risks included fragmented work arrangements, sector over-representation, employer non-compliance, and language and cultural barriers. Epidemiological studies, primarily focusing on agriculture and construction, confirmed the pre-pandemic trend of heightened injury risks among migrant workers, linked to subcontractor use, tenuous safety standards, and pressure to disregard regulations. The pandemic exacerbated the precarious situation of migrant workers in essential services due to resource constraints, time pressures, precarious work conditions, and quarantine measures. While conclusive data on pandemic-induced injuries or illnesses among migrant workers in Europe is limited, the cumulative impact of existing risk factors, compounded by pandemic challenges, indicates a significant risk. Additional epidemiological data may emerge as Europe transitions from the pandemic to a post-pandemic era revealing the true extent of injuries among migrant workers.

The study aimed to create decision-making content for workplace work environment development, followed by a limited evaluation to determine the perception of the importance of the identified content in different sectors. Enforcement/administrative orders in workplace inspection reports were used as empirical infor-mation on workplaces. This information was used to design decision ladders, which form the second phase of cognitive work analysis, the activity analysis. The decision ladders, which support decision-making, cov-ered work functions identified in an earlier work domain analysis study, i.e., exposure prevention, organisa-tional management, competence realisation, workers’ empowerment, psychosocial work environment man-agement, and administration. Specified content of decision ladders for each function was used to prepare a questionnaire for evaluating the content validity for work environment development.&#x0D; Altogether, 29 items were identified as the content for work environment development. Statistical analysis of the limited evaluation showed no significant difference between the different sectors in their perceptions of the importance of the content in developing work environments. Similar sectoral perceptions' trends support the content utility and validity in work environment development.&#x0D; The procedure formulation step of the decision ladders, with the phrase “What steps are needed to...” applied preceding the identified content constructs, provides practical activities regarded as essential for work environment development.&#x0D; Using enforcement inspection reports as the basis for work environment development is a novel approach to addressing workplace safety and health management challenges. Further, the universal utility of the content allows for its implementation across sectors, allowing for workplace-specific decision-making on management measures.

Introduction Doctors in Norway report work-related diseases to the Labour Inspection Authority as required by the Working Environment Act. These reports make the basis for the labour inspectorates registry for work-related diseases (RAS). The purpose of this study is to highlight the lack of reliable data with regards to work-related diseases among Norwegian farmers which hinders our preventive efforts. Methods Data as they concern the occupation ‘farmers’ were extracted from RAS for the period 2005–2017. The data among others included variables pertaining to demographics, occupational exposures, diagnosis, year of reporting, and the type of doctor who reported the disease. We performed descriptive analysis on the extracted data to obtain frequency, and percentage distribution of the data. We plan to calculate incidence rates; however, it has been difficult to find a reliable denominator for such computations. Result In the period 2005–2017, 616 cases of work-related diseases among farmers were reported. On average 44 reports of work-related disease among farmers were reported to the Labour Inspectorate annually. 95% of the reported cases were farmers under the age of 67 years. Hearing loss made up about 60% (n=368) of all the cases followed by respiratory diseases that make up 19% (n=116) of all cases. Only a few cases are attributed to other diagnosis groups like skin diseases, musculoskeletal- and psychological disorders. Discussion The doctors report on work-related diseases among farmer’s reveal that hearing loss is still a major challenge. Some of these data are being applied for preventive actions. Having said that, we know from research studies and self-reported data that farmers are exposed to among others dust, gas, pesticides, infectious materials. They work long hours in difficult postures. However, RAS data is missing a large number work-related diseases among the Norwegian farmers which is hindering effective prevention.

This study updates information on mortality and cancer morbidity in a cohort of Norwegian talc workers. Follow-up was extended with 24 years, covering 1953-2011. Comparisons were made with the general population and between subgroups within the cohort. Standardized mortality ratio for non-malignant respiratory disease (NMRD) was 0.38 (95%CI: 0.18, 0.69) and for diseases of the circulatory system (CVD) 0.98 (95%CI: 0.82, 1.16). A non-significantly increased NMRD risk was observed at high dust exposures. There were no deaths from pneumoconiosis. With the clear limitations of a small cohort, our results do hint at an effect of talc dust on mortality from NMRD other than pneumoconiosis, covered by a strong and persisting healthy worker effect. Also, an effect on CVD mortality, masked by a healthy worker selection into the cohort cannot be ruled out. Excess mortality from pneumoconiosis seen in other studies, may reflect exposure to quartz and, possibly, bias due to comparability problems.

BackgroundAfter an explosion and fire in two tanks containing contaminated oil and sulphur products in a Norwegian industrial harbour in 2007, the surrounding area was polluted. This caused an intense smell, lasting until the waste was removed two years later. The present study reports examinations of tear film break up time among the population. The examinations were carried out because many of the people in the area complained of sore eyes. The purpose of the study was to assess the relationship between living or working close to the polluted area and tear film stability one and a half years after the explosion.MethodsAll persons working or living in an area less than six kilometres from the explosion site were invited to take part in the study together with a similar number of persons matched for age and gender living more than 20 kilometres away. Three groups were established: workers in the explosion area and inhabitants near the explosion area (but not working there) were considered to have been exposed, and inhabitants far away (who did not work in the explosion area) were considered to be unexposed. A total of 734 people were examined, and the response rate was 76 percent. Tear film stability was studied by assessing non-invasive break-up time (NIBUT) using ocular microscopy. In addition Self-reported Break Up Time (SBUT) was assessed by recording the time the subject could keep his or hers eyes open without blinking when watching a fixed point on a wall. Background information was obtained using a questionnaire. Non-parametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney-tests with exact p-values and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsBoth NIBUT and SBUT were shorter among the male exposed workers than among the inhabitants both near and far away from the explosion area. This was also found for SBUT among males in a multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusting for age and smoking.ConclusionsReduced tear film stability was found among workers in an area where an explosion accident had occurred.