Papers by Bernard Fontaine
Over the past several weeks, there have been reports of employees working in and around lithium ... more Over the past several weeks, there have been reports of employees working in and around lithium ion batteries (LIBs) being manufactured or stored suffered catastrophic loss. Forensic and other experts combed through the charred ruins of a factory building near South Korea’s capital to find the cause of a devastating fire that killed 23 people, mostly Chinese migrant workers, in one of the country’s deadliest blazes in years, according to the Associated Press..1
Eighteen victims were Chinese, two were South Korean and one was Laotian. Many Chinese people, including ethnic Koreans, have migrated to South Korea to find jobs since China and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1992. Like other migrant laborers from Southeast Asian
countries, they often work in factories, construction sites and restaurants, engaging in the so called “difficult, dangerous and dirty” jobs that are shunned by more affluent South Koreans. Most of the dead workers were daily laborers so they were not likely familiar with the building’s internal
structure.
More than 100 people were working at the factory in Hwaseong City, just south of Seoul, when the fire tore through it. Security cameras showed smoke engulfing the second-floor worksite of the factory soon after sparks were detected from a site where LIBs were stored.
Rechargeable LIBs are ubiquitous in many different consumer goods from laptops to cellphones. They can overheat if damaged, defective or packaged improperly, leading to metal-induced fires and explosions, and making them a health and safety hazard for shipment and storage.
In another case, police in northern Sweden are looking into the unexplained deaths of three men who had died within a short period after working at an Li-ion battery (LIB) plant in the Arctic. They want to find out whether the deaths are linked, whether a crime has been committed, or if they are a string of accidental workplace fatalities. This paper looks into the potential occupational health exposures in LIBs and could any of the potential hazards cause these illnesss and deaths.
Mercury Exposure to Archaeologists, Cultural Specialists, and Historians, 2024
Several archaeological digs have uncovered substantial amounts of liquid mercury in tombs and sub... more Several archaeological digs have uncovered substantial amounts of liquid mercury in tombs and subterranean burial grounds in Mexico, Central America and China for examples. Archaeologists, cultural resource specialists and historians may be exposed to elevated levels of elemental mercury in air, soil, sediment and rock formations. This research helps those who wish to investigate the digs and protect themselves from exposure. It also highlights the needed for specialized training and personal protective equipment, monitors, medical surveillance and screening, and other safety considerations such as trenching hazards and confined space entry.
Widespread catastrophes, such as river overflow, flash flooding, and hurricanes, can lead to buil... more Widespread catastrophes, such as river overflow, flash flooding, and hurricanes, can lead to building owners and property managers seeking quick resolution to an enormous water intrusion problem. While these events cause extensive property and structural damage, stakeholders seek innovative and forward-thinking approaches to minimize catastrophic financial loss and return business operations or lifestyle back to normal. This case study symbolizes the anticipated performance outcome based on communication between property owner, construction management firm and the recovery service contractor on the design specifications, science behind the RSD process, building configuration, operational and logistical constraints, understanding of the health and safety issues, and an authoritative benchmark for successful completion of the project. Information presented herein and real-world insight will aid remediation contractors, building and property owners, and independent third-party consultants better understand the requirements for drying out a basement using the RSD process.
This is a case study of an unoccupied tenant space that was rented as commercial office space. So... more This is a case study of an unoccupied tenant space that was rented as commercial office space. Soon thereafter, workers complained about a variety of physical ailments including an identified rash. Workers complained so much that the area manager relocated the employees to another facility but the problem was not solved. An entomologist found the black particles found in the carpet dust were not insects but building debris. Further investigation by the remediation contractor revealed that excess fiberglass batting was discarded inside the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) ducts during initial construction. It became dislodged over time. Pieces of the fiberglass batting were shredded by the fan blades and distributed into the indoor air within the tenant space. Initial air samples failed to identify any airborne fiberglass dust but several surface samples did confirm the present of fiberglass. A remediation contractor cleaned the HVAC system along with all of the building surfaces in the office. Post-remediation tests confirmed the office spaces were clean and the employees could reoccupy the tenant space.
Occupational Exposure and Health Effects Associated with Magnetite (Black Oxide) Exposure
Mining and processing of magnetite (black oxide) ore has occurred across the globe over several m... more Mining and processing of magnetite (black oxide) ore has occurred across the globe over several millennium. Miners and workers who extract and process the ore are exposed to particulate matter (i. e., respirable dust) in the air they breathe. Few controls are used to reduce the workplace airborne concentrations and little is known about the health hazards associated with magnetite ore. Several studies have shown that almost all igneous and metamorphic rocks and sedimentary deposits contain significant amounts of crystalline silica, amosite asbestos, and heavy metals like inorganic arsenic, mercury, cobalt, inorganic lead, hexavalent chromium, copper and nickel. Miners have been known to be exposed to radon daughters. The evidence shows that worker have a higher incidence of lung cancer, which may be attributed to the crystalline silica dust along with contributions from amosite asbestos, radon, hexavalent chromium, and arsenic More advanced engineering and administrative controls are needed to reduce the risk of disease and illnesses associated with occupational exposure to these hazardous substances.
Earth's temperature was off the charts this year, and scientists just confirmed what much of plan... more Earth's temperature was off the charts this year, and scientists just confirmed what much of planet already felt coming: 2023 will officially be the hottest year on record. The analysis from the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service found this year's global temperature will be more than 1.4 degrees Celsius (°C) warmer than pre-industrial levels-close to the 1.5degree threshold in the Paris climate agreement, and beyond which scientists say humans and ecosystems will struggle to adapt. Besides work, people are exposed to excess heat from heat islands and heat domes in urban environments. This scoping review looks at the impact of heat stress on workers in hot environments both indoors and outdoors who are exposed to the environmental events. For marginalized and vulnerable populations, there is little or no reprieve from the heat during heat waves. The elderly, young children, and people with underlying or overt medical conditions (coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, and respiratory ailments) are more sensitive to extreme heat. Pregnant women and women with babies, as breastfeeding is extremely dehydrating. These are only a few public health threats that affect vulnerable populations. People in poor health, including people with chronic conditions, disabilities, mobility constraints, and those taking certain medications are of concern. Exposure to hot environments over time can affect both cognitive skills like memory, knowledge, attention, reasoning, problem solving, and comprehension and scientific evidence linking extreme heat, suicide and aggression. Cities seek sustainable answers to reduce the heat load and cool urban environments to protect these cohorts. Research shows that engineering and administrative controls can reduce the heat load from elevated air temperatures, high relative humidity levels, solar radiation and little wind speed or direction.
Occupational and Environmental Health Exposures to Military Personnel, 2023
About 821,0183 personnel (2023) currently serve in the United States (U.S.) armed forces at home ... more About 821,0183 personnel (2023) currently serve in the United States (U.S.) armed forces at home and across the world in various capacities. Most members of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) serve in the Army (active duty, national guard, and reserves) but many serve in the Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force. Another 39,736 Coast Guard personnel (2023) serve in a non-DoD capacity to protect America's coastline and waterways. Military personnel around worldwide are exposed to both occupational and environmental pollutants that can cause a variety of diseases depending the duration and frequency of exposure. Many military personnel are exposed during active service that are very different from those for industry workers and for the general population.
Environmental Injustice of Inmates and Prison Staff Exposed to Hazardous Chemical Substances, Physical and Biological Agents, 2023
Whether they are called penitentiaries, prisons, jails or correctional facilities, there has been... more Whether they are called penitentiaries, prisons, jails or correctional facilities, there has been a quiet secrecy about the abhorred occupational and environmental health and safety living and working conditions and the unacceptable exposure risk to both working female and male inmates. Within the isolated walls of United States correctional facilities employ about 729,000 staff and administrators, 1-2 in more than 7,000 correctional institutions (1,833 state prisons, 110 federal prisons, 1,772 juvenile correctional facilities, 3,134 local jails, 218 immigration detention facilities, and 80 Indian Country jails). 3 Their most fundamental goal is to provide a healthy, safe and orderly living and work environment for 2.3 million incarcerated people who work in a variety of roles. 4
Allergies to Cannabis Dust in Growers, Cultivators, Handlers and Dispensaries, 2023
Cannabis is the most widely used recreational drug in the world. It is estimated that about 192 m... more Cannabis is the most widely used recreational drug in the world. It is estimated that about 192 million people, 3.9% of the global population use Cannabis sativa (C. sativa) for either medical and/or recreational purposes. C. sativa, Cannabis indica (C. indica) and to a lesser extent Cannabis ruderalis (C. ruderalis) are the most common botanical varieties and they have been selectively bred to develop their psychoactive properties. C. sativa alone contains more than 400 compounds, including more than 60 cannabinoids. Cannabis can provoke both Type 1 and Type 4 allergic reactions. Officially recognized allergens include a pathogenesis-related class 10 allergen, profilin, and a nonspecific lipid transfer protein. Other allergens may also be relevant, and recognition as allergens may vary between countries and continents. 1
Toxic Emissions from Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) and Wildland Fires, 2023
As rural areas sprawl across the United States and other parts of the world. Firefighters and eme... more As rural areas sprawl across the United States and other parts of the world. Firefighters and emergency responders are exposed to toxic chemical emissions from pyrolysis of burining structures. With the advent of the NIOSH Firefighter Cancer Register, it's important to educate firefighters and emergency responders about the occupational and environmental hazards that may include asbestos, gases and vapors in air. No longer can firefighters consider themselves "smoke eaters" because of the danager from airborne and surface contamination from house and wildfires.
Asbestos Exposures in Structural and Wildland Firefighters and Fire Inspectors
Firefighters and fire inspectors may be exposed to asbestos fibers during the course of their wor... more Firefighters and fire inspectors may be exposed to asbestos fibers during the course of their work. Asbestos may become airborne in the smoke plume which exposed firefighters and contaminated building materials that expose fire inspectors seeking to find the origin or determine if was arson. Many older properties - industrial, commercial and residential structures may have asbestos which may not be known at the time of the incident. Greater knowledge and controls are need to protect both structural and wildland firefighters and fire inspectors across the country.
Occupational Health and Safety Hazards Making Glass Bangles in India, 2023
Bangle bracelets have been a popular fashion accessory for centuries, with jewelry historians tra... more Bangle bracelets have been a popular fashion accessory for centuries, with jewelry historians tracing their origins back to ancient civilizations. The earliest known bangle bracelet dates back to 2,600 BC, with archaeological evidence suggesting they were worn by the Sumerian and Babylonian cultures. The bangle bracelet was found in ancient Mayan, Mauryan, Roman and Indian ruins. But it wasn't until the mid-19th century that bangle bracelets were fashionable again for women. In the 1840s, glass bangle bracelets gained popularity in India, Africa, Southeast Asian Middle Eastern countries, along with Europe and the United States. Figure 1-Bangle Manufacturing Process By the 1920s, bangle bracelets were a symbol of glamour and sophistication, and they remain a staple in the fashion industry today. The bangle is an important item of wedding jewelry for many
Using both empirical and numerical ensemble approaches this study focuses on the Mediterranean / ... more Using both empirical and numerical ensemble approaches this study focuses on the Mediterranean / West African relationship in northern summer. Statistical analyses utilize skin temperature, sea surface temperature, in situ and satellite rainfall, Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) observations and reanalyzed data winds and specific humidity on isobaric surfaces. Numerical investigations are based on a large set of sensitivity experiments performed on four Atmospheric General Circulation Models (AGCM): ARPEGE-Climat3, ECHAM4, LMDZ4 and UCLA7.3. Model outputs are compared to observations, discussed model by model and with an ensemble (multi-model) approach. As in previous studies the anomalous Mediterranean warm events are associated with specific impacts over the African monsoon region, i.e., a more intense monsoon, enhanced flux convergence and ascendances around the ITCZ, a strengthening of low level moisture advection and a more northward location of ascending motion in West Africa...
Country Profiles of Economy, OEHS and Labor
What is known about international imports, exports, trade, commodities, occupational and environm... more What is known about international imports, exports, trade, commodities, occupational and environmental health and safety to protect workers, public and environment? These country profiles help answer the most important questions and provide insight into the future of the world including labor relations including immigrants and migrant workers and child labor issue.
azardous Dust Exposures from Earthquake Building Collapse and Cleanup, 2023
Hazardous dust exposures from asbestos, respirable crystalline silica, and metals like lead and h... more Hazardous dust exposures from asbestos, respirable crystalline silica, and metals like lead and hexavalent chromium affects rescue and recovery workers, emergency responders like fire and police, nearby residents, and construction workers demolitioning building structures. Most people are unaware of the potential health hazards and the precautions needed to protect themselves and focus on the emergency. This article aims to address some of the concerns and the protection needed to reduce risk.
Cognitive and behaviroal psychology can be useful tools to examine the way workers feel, think, a... more Cognitive and behaviroal psychology can be useful tools to examine the way workers feel, think, and react to their work environment. There are many facets to work beyond the technical skills. This area of psychology goes beyond the traditional scope of understanding empathy and feelings of workers. It takes a closer look at the worker and how that person engages with the world.
Some workers have more or less feelings about certain matters, which can drive actions and behaviors that are either customary or concerning. A person’s thoughts mood, habits, feelings, expectations are all intertwined in how the work gets done. Considerations may include a worker’s background, education, personal and professional experiences that drive their instinct to follow organizational policy, programs and procedures to protect themselves from harm by using available engineering controls, respirators and personal protective equipment and clothing, and many other precautions. On the other hand, lacking these essential educational or professional skills can lead to operational disfunction and chaos.
Visual literacy applies to what we see, feel and understand. The original work was based from art... more Visual literacy applies to what we see, feel and understand. The original work was based from artists capturing multiple images but the application spreads to occupational health and safety. When inspections, surveys and audits are performed, what does the person see when doing this work. There are often missed hazards because of the time spent conducting the field work and bias associated with previous knowledge of the work tasks, operation or process. This article attempts to show how taking time to conduct a proper risk assesment can lead to identifying more hazards than originally found. Students and early career professionals who are unfamiliar with industry hazards or work will perform better than seasoned professionals. Workers who are trained in this technique can help identify hazards before a mishap occurs.
Respirable Crystalline Silica in Dust Storms, Sandstorms and Haboobs, 2023
If you believe that Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is just an occupational health hazard, th... more If you believe that Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is just an occupational health hazard, think again. Silica dust is made up of small particles that become airborne from materials that contain crystalline silica. The evidence shows that environmental RCS exposures can affect a variety of outdoor workers including emergency responders, cleanup workers, military warfighters, gardeners, aboveground miners, mariners, agricultural, quarry and construction workers as well as the general public during and after a dust storm, sandstorm and haboob. RCS is a common mineral found in the earth's crust. Respirable silica dust in air can cause silicosis with repeated exposures, which is one of the major occupational lung diseases worldwide. Besides being an occupational hazard, it's a significant public health threat to people living with respiratory diseases like asthma, bronchitis and emphysema, cardiovascular and heart disease, and kidney disease and workers exposed to outdoor dust clouds containing RCS.
Better Ways to Improve Occupational Health and Safety for Small to Mid-size Business (SMEs), 2023
The strengthening United States (US) economy in recent years has nurtured many opportunities for ... more The strengthening United States (US) economy in recent years has nurtured many opportunities for ambitious entrepreneurs based on the rising number of small to midsize enterprises (SMEs). In 2022, the number of small businesses in the US reached 33.2 million, making up nearly all (99.9 percent) of all US businesses. The increase in the number of small businesses in the US is representative of the sustained growth as it marks a 2.2 percent increase from the previous year and an overall growth of 12.2 percent from 2017 to 2022. The numbers exclude the selfemployed workers who work as delivery and transport drivers; seasonal, temporary, contract and casual work; street vendors; private home healthcare workers; legal and financial services, etc. Midsized businesses typically have less than 500 workers with revenues between $10 million and $1 billion. Using a 2021 database of 30 million profiles, Zippia estimated the demographics and statistics for business owners throughout the United States. 1 The estimates were verified against the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Census data, and other data for accuracy. After extensive research and analysis, Zappa's data science shows:
Chemical Risk Assessment Using the CHAP, NIOSH, USEPA, and ILO e-Tools and Other Exposure Information, 2022
Chemical safety in the workplace is important. However, understanding the danger of hazardous dif... more Chemical safety in the workplace is important. However, understanding the danger of hazardous different can be difficult, especially if exposure guidelines are lacking. Small and medium-sized workplaces often get much of their information on chemicals from the Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) supplied with each product. Chemical manufacturers, suppliers or distributers are required to provide information on chemical hazard and the correct use and application of the chemical or product. While only the most recent version of the SDS should be used for an exposure risk assessment, evaluating the occupational exposure can be difficult. Additional chemical information can be found in the
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Papers by Bernard Fontaine
Eighteen victims were Chinese, two were South Korean and one was Laotian. Many Chinese people, including ethnic Koreans, have migrated to South Korea to find jobs since China and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1992. Like other migrant laborers from Southeast Asian
countries, they often work in factories, construction sites and restaurants, engaging in the so called “difficult, dangerous and dirty” jobs that are shunned by more affluent South Koreans. Most of the dead workers were daily laborers so they were not likely familiar with the building’s internal
structure.
More than 100 people were working at the factory in Hwaseong City, just south of Seoul, when the fire tore through it. Security cameras showed smoke engulfing the second-floor worksite of the factory soon after sparks were detected from a site where LIBs were stored.
Rechargeable LIBs are ubiquitous in many different consumer goods from laptops to cellphones. They can overheat if damaged, defective or packaged improperly, leading to metal-induced fires and explosions, and making them a health and safety hazard for shipment and storage.
In another case, police in northern Sweden are looking into the unexplained deaths of three men who had died within a short period after working at an Li-ion battery (LIB) plant in the Arctic. They want to find out whether the deaths are linked, whether a crime has been committed, or if they are a string of accidental workplace fatalities. This paper looks into the potential occupational health exposures in LIBs and could any of the potential hazards cause these illnesss and deaths.
Some workers have more or less feelings about certain matters, which can drive actions and behaviors that are either customary or concerning. A person’s thoughts mood, habits, feelings, expectations are all intertwined in how the work gets done. Considerations may include a worker’s background, education, personal and professional experiences that drive their instinct to follow organizational policy, programs and procedures to protect themselves from harm by using available engineering controls, respirators and personal protective equipment and clothing, and many other precautions. On the other hand, lacking these essential educational or professional skills can lead to operational disfunction and chaos.
Eighteen victims were Chinese, two were South Korean and one was Laotian. Many Chinese people, including ethnic Koreans, have migrated to South Korea to find jobs since China and South Korea established diplomatic ties in 1992. Like other migrant laborers from Southeast Asian
countries, they often work in factories, construction sites and restaurants, engaging in the so called “difficult, dangerous and dirty” jobs that are shunned by more affluent South Koreans. Most of the dead workers were daily laborers so they were not likely familiar with the building’s internal
structure.
More than 100 people were working at the factory in Hwaseong City, just south of Seoul, when the fire tore through it. Security cameras showed smoke engulfing the second-floor worksite of the factory soon after sparks were detected from a site where LIBs were stored.
Rechargeable LIBs are ubiquitous in many different consumer goods from laptops to cellphones. They can overheat if damaged, defective or packaged improperly, leading to metal-induced fires and explosions, and making them a health and safety hazard for shipment and storage.
In another case, police in northern Sweden are looking into the unexplained deaths of three men who had died within a short period after working at an Li-ion battery (LIB) plant in the Arctic. They want to find out whether the deaths are linked, whether a crime has been committed, or if they are a string of accidental workplace fatalities. This paper looks into the potential occupational health exposures in LIBs and could any of the potential hazards cause these illnesss and deaths.
Some workers have more or less feelings about certain matters, which can drive actions and behaviors that are either customary or concerning. A person’s thoughts mood, habits, feelings, expectations are all intertwined in how the work gets done. Considerations may include a worker’s background, education, personal and professional experiences that drive their instinct to follow organizational policy, programs and procedures to protect themselves from harm by using available engineering controls, respirators and personal protective equipment and clothing, and many other precautions. On the other hand, lacking these essential educational or professional skills can lead to operational disfunction and chaos.
Most of these issues could be easily solved with a comprehensive health and safety policy, written programs, standard operating procedures, and performance training. Companies would rather take a risk that nothing will ever happen rather than use the cost savings to hire new workers, purchase new machinery and equipment, expand the business into new markets and locations, and promote innovation and technology for growth and prosperity. This presentation describes some of the cost associated with injuries and illness and the amount of resources needed to offset expenditures. Using this business case, all senior managers and leaders should re-examine their gaps in human performance, productivity, and overall prosperity to make management changes while improving morale and culture both on- and off-the-job.