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Domestic Well Water Quality in Alberta - Trace Elements

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or... More ≫

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or federal governments. The Government of Alberta along with Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides water chemistry testing of private well water and information and advice on safe water for domestic purposes; however, it is the responsibility of well owners to ensure the quality and safety of their water supply. Water quality may be impacted by contamination from natural sources or human activities and cause noticeable aesthetic issues or potential health concerns. Water samples are collected and submitted by well owners through local AHS sites for analysis of routine chemistry and trace element parameters. Routine chemistry testing focuses on the suitability of the water for drinking and household use with two health-related parameters. For trace elements, testing used to be conducted only when...

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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Assessing the impact of an established peer support model on the mental health of public safety personnel

Description

Presents findings of a study conducted to assess the impact of providing a high-fidelity implementation of a specific model of structured peer support for individuals in four integrated fire and... More ≫

Description

Presents findings of a study conducted to assess the impact of providing a high-fidelity implementation of a specific model of structured peer support for individuals in four integrated fire and emergency medical services departments. Public safety personnel who had previously participated in peer support reported greater perceived peer support skills and greater perceived value of peer support than those with no previous peer support participation. The evidence for peer support appears promising for supporting the mental health of public safety personnel.

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POWERPLAY : building employee health and safety through prevention

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Presents results of a project to evaluate a workplace health program called POWERPLAY. The program was designed to promote physical activity and mental wellness in male-dominated industries in... More ≫

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Presents results of a project to evaluate a workplace health program called POWERPLAY. The program was designed to promote physical activity and mental wellness in male-dominated industries in Alberta. The researcher also aimed to develop and test new modules for the program focused on sleep. The results of this research will generate important learnings to further the understanding of how employees in male-dominated industries can be supported to be more physically active, mentally resilient, and achieve healthy sleep.

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Sun exposure in outdoor workers : measurements and monitoring

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Presents findings of a research study on outdoor workers health as it relates to their exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. The study involved two distinct sub-projects: a quantitative... More ≫

Description

Presents findings of a research study on outdoor workers health as it relates to their exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation. The study involved two distinct sub-projects: a quantitative assessment of exposure to solar UVR in outdoor workers in Alberta, and a qualitative assessment of the best way to design a surveillance program for the occupational health of outdoor workers.

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Ergonomics evaluation of exoskeletons in agriculture

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Presents findings of a study conducted to investigate both directly-measured exposure to risk factors and farmer-reported usability experience of a commercially-available exoskeleton during work... More ≫

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Presents findings of a study conducted to investigate both directly-measured exposure to risk factors and farmer-reported usability experience of a commercially-available exoskeleton during work tasks in the agricultural sector. The research aimed to understand potential facilitators for, and barriers to, farmers' adoption of exoskeletons and to better understand how the use of an exoskeleton may assist farmers during work tasks and potentially reduce back pain and related disability. Funding for the study was provided by a grant from the OHS Futures Research Funding Program.

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Improving the health and working conditions of long-haul truck drivers in Alberta

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Presents results of a project to collect data on long-haul truck drivers in Alberta. The project had three main objectives: to describe the health, lifestyle practices, working conditions, quality... More ≫

Description

Presents results of a project to collect data on long-haul truck drivers in Alberta. The project had three main objectives: to describe the health, lifestyle practices, working conditions, quality of life and job satisfaction of truck drivers; to identify correlates and predictors of poor health, accidents, quality of life and worker compensation claims; and to describe the truck stop environment, such as healthy food options, resources for physical activities, and access to health information.

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Fentanyl-related occupational health risks for police officers

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Presents findings of a survey conducted with members of the Edmonton Police Service and the Calgary Police Service to better understand the physical and psychological effects that responding to... More ≫

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Presents findings of a survey conducted with members of the Edmonton Police Service and the Calgary Police Service to better understand the physical and psychological effects that responding to calls for service related to the opiate crisis may be having on police officers. Researchers assessed how aware police officers are of opioid-related training and the emergency services available to them, and how officers believe those services might be improved. Funding for the study was provided by the OHS Futures Research Funding Program.

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The surveillance for antineoplastic exposures (SurFACEs) study

Description

Antineoplastic drugs (AD) used in treatment of cancer can present an occupational health hazard to healthcare workers causing adverse reproductive effects and increasing their risk of cancer. This... More ≫

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Antineoplastic drugs (AD) used in treatment of cancer can present an occupational health hazard to healthcare workers causing adverse reproductive effects and increasing their risk of cancer. This report presents the findings of a large-scale exposure assessment study which focused on wipe-sampling of hard surfaces to determine the presence and level of AD residues in six representative cancer care facilities in Alberta and three in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Glucose monitoring technologies for the management of insulin-dependent diabetes

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Presents the findings and conclusions of a provincial health technology assessment on the clinical effectiveness and patient perspectives of using glucose monitors to help manage glucose levels in... More ≫

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Presents the findings and conclusions of a provincial health technology assessment on the clinical effectiveness and patient perspectives of using glucose monitors to help manage glucose levels in patients with insulin-dependent Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. The technologies included in this review are self monitoring of blood glucose (e.g., finger sticks), continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), flash glucose monitors (FGMs), closed loop systems (CL), and sensor augmented pumps (SAP).

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