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

In relation to

Our latest news

news

Call for Applications for the Renewal of the Editorial Board of the Weekly...

news

Launch of the “Heating, Health, Buildings, and Urban Planning” Network:...

news

2026 “Sexual Behavior” Survey (ERAS) for men who have sex with men