per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 1 9 article Roya Shafiei r.shafiei106@gmail.com 1 Farshid Ghorbani Shahna fghorbani4@gmail.com 2 Erfan Ayubi aubi65@gmail.com 3 Ebrahim Nadi nadi@umsha.ac.ir 4 Sajjad Farhadi sajadfarhadi@ymail.com 5 Mahmoud Gholyaf sinapezeshk.ir@gmail.com 6 Ali Poormohammadi apoormohammadi000@yahoo.com 7 Student Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran  Iron ore extraction and concentrate factories and mines are among the occupations where personnel are exposed to varying levels of free crystalline silica, making the exposure of workers to respirable free crystalline silica a significant occupational health concern. In this study, 132 personnel from an iron concentrate factory in Hamadan province, Iran, who had exposure to free crystalline silica were selected, and their exposure to silica pollutants in each specific occupational group were measured. For this purpose, occupational units were classified according to the measured exposure level in coded groups from 0 to 5. The results showed that in general, with increasing work experience of personnel in units with exposure to silica, no increase was observed in their urinary crystals. Furthermore, no significant relationship was seen between work experience and the number of urinary crystals in exposed personnel. In addition, within-group comparisons in terms of exposure levels of groups with higher exposure to groups with lower exposures indicated that there is no significant difference in the rate of excretion of urinary amorphous urate crystals between occupational groups. The rate of urinary crystals, particularly amorphous urate, was significantly higher in the exposed group compared to the control group (a working group of employees in a food industry without any exposure to silica). Based on the results of this study, more complementary studies are required to determine the exact relationship between occupational exposure to free crystalline silica and urinary parameters, especially urinary crystals. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-975-en.pdf Amorphous urate Hamadan Iron concentrate Silica Urinary parameters per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 10 20 article mehri Keshvari Shad keshvari98@gmail.com 1 Vajihe Ramezani-Doroh vajihe.r@gmail.com 2 Yadollah Hamidi y_hamidi@yahoo.com 3 Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Department of Health Management and Economics, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran  Background and Objective: This study aimed to determine the preferences of Social Security Organization (SSO) insured individuals for a disability insurance package in Hamadan, Iran. Materials and Methods: This descriptive-analytical study involved 402 insured individuals under the SSO. They were selected through a non-random sampling method. Attributes related to disability insurance selection were identified through a literature review and expert opinions in the field of social security. Using a fractional factorial design, a questionnaire was developed that included questions related to disability insurance preferences. Data were analyzed using a conditional logit regression model. Results: Based on the findings, 42% of the study participants were between 20 and 40 years old, 67.7% were male, and 47.5% had a high school diploma or less. The characteristics of insurer support in the event of disability or illness at the beginning of the insurance period (OR: 1.887) and the percentage of treatment costs covered (OR: 1.016) were significantly associated with the probability of selecting an insurance package (P < 0.001). The variables of individual monthly premium paid (OR: 0.998), percentage of disability covered by insurance (OR: 0.092), and replacing the job with a suitable job based on the insured individual's current situation (OR: 0.148) were not significant. Conclusion: Offering disability insurance that includes insurer support in cases of disability or illness at the beginning of the insurance period, and covers a higher percentage of the insured's treatment expenses, can increase the likelihood of the insurance package being selected by the insured individuals. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-980-en.pdf Preferences Occupational health Disability insurance Social security organization Discrete choice experiments Iran per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 21 33 article Amir Namaei amnamaei2001@gmail.com 1 Jamshid Jamali jamalij@mums.ac.ir 2 seifollah Gharib seif.gharib@gmail.com 3 Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran Department of Statistics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Background and Objective: With the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies in smart cars, the development of an instrument to assess driver–vehicle cooperation appears increasingly necessary. This study was conducted to determine the validity, reliability, and cultural adaptation of the Persian version of the Human-Machine Interaction and Interdependence Questionnaire for measuring the degree of interaction between drivers and vehicles in Iran. Materials and Methods: After obtaining permission from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, conceptual translation and examination of face and content validity, repeatability, and internal consistency were evaluated by 30 experts. Construct validity was subsequently assessed through confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses conducted on data obtained from 312 Iranian drivers. Results: The final structure of the questionnaire was extracted as consisting of 28 items across seven primary dimensions with acceptable validity and reliability (α=0.73 and ICC=0.87). These dimensions were: Conflict, Power, Mutual Dependence during decision-making, Mutual Dependence in the decision outcome, Information Certainty: System to Human, Information Certainty: Human to System, and Future Interdependence. The mean impact score, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) were 3.77, 0.88, and 0.95, respectively. Conclusion: The Persian version of the Human-Machine Interaction and Interdependence Questionnaire demonstrated acceptable validity and reliability, and its multidimensional structure effectively reflects the dimensions of the mutual interdependence theory. It indicates the developed tool can serve as a valid instrument for assessing the interaction and cooperation between drivers and smart vehicles in future studies. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-976-en.pdf Human Interaction and Interdependence Questionnaire Reliability Smart Vehicle Validity per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 34 44 article Abotaleb Eftekhari Moghadam talebeftekhari1369@gmail.com 1 Mitra Hannani Hannani_m@yahoo.com 2 Ali Asghar Khajeh Vandi khajehvandi.asghar2008@gmail.com 3 Fatemmeh Askarian fatisadat@yahoo.com 4 Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Social Determinants of Health (SDH) Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran Background and Objective: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with a significant increase in anxiety and psychological distress across the population. Although mindfulness and coping strategies can reduce stress and negative emotions, death anxiety is often overlooked as one of the essential psychological consequences of this pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between death anxiety and safe behaviors in employees of an agricultural and livestock company in Yasuj, Iran, in 2022. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022. Data collection tools included demographic questionnaires, the Templar Death Anxiety Scale, and the Safe Behaviors Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS (version 26) through Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and univariate and multivariate regression. Results: The mean (±SD) age and work experience of the participants were 37.9 ± 9.45 and 9.65 ± 7 years, respectively. The mean (±SD) scores for death anxiety and safety behaviors were 56 ± 7.95 and 4.06 ± 0.47, respectively. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that safety behaviors, age, work experience, frequency of COVID-19 infection, and the death of a first-degree relative collectively explained 42% of the variance in death anxiety (adjusted R²=0.42). Conclusion: Death anxiety levels among employees were high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Employees who reported safer behaviors, greater age, and work experience, and increased exposure to COVID-19-related stressors experienced higher levels of death anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted psychological interventions alongside the promotion of safety behaviors in workplace settings. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-988-en.pdf COVID-19 Death Anxiety Employees Preventive Behaviors Safety Behaviors per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 45 57 article Ahmad Mehri mehri.a@medilam.ac.ir 1 Seyed Hojat Mousavi Kordmiri hojatmk66@yahoo.com 2 Ali Ansari Moghadam Ansarimoghadam.ali@gmail.com 3 Fatemeh Sadat Dolatabadi dowlatabadifatemeh881@gmail.com 4 Donya Mostaghimi donyamostaghimi02@gmail.com 5 Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, Student Research Committee, Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Esfarayen, Iran Department of Health, Safety, and Environment Management, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran. Background and Objective: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common occupational health problems, with whole-body vibration (WBV) recognized as a significant contributing factor. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between WBV exposure and musculoskeletal discomfort among operators of construction machinery. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 150 construction machinery operators were evaluated. The Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire (CMDQ) was used to assess discomfort levels, and WBV was measured using the SV106D device in accordance with ISO 2631 standards. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression tests. Results: The mean vibration acceleration was measured at 0.54 ± 0.37 m/s², which was below the national 8-hour exposure limit. Nevertheless, 65.3% of the participants reported moderate discomfort and 2% reported severe discomfort. The neck, lower back, and shoulders showed the highest levels of discomfort. A positive and significant correlation was observed between musculoskeletal discomfort scores and WBV (r=0.521, P<0.001), work experience (r=0.410, P<0.001), and age (r=0.271, P=0.001). In the multiple regression model, WBV alone predicted 27.8% of the variance in musculoskeletal discomfort scores, which increased to 42% after adding work experience and age. Conclusion: Even exposure to WBV below permissible limits, if prolonged and under poor ergonomic conditions, can lead to considerable musculoskeletal discomfort. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-989-en.pdf Construction Industries Musculoskeletal Diseases Occupational Exposure Vibration per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 58 72 article Hassan Khajeh hassankhajeh2011@gmail.com 1 Javad Moghri Moghrij@mums.ac.ir 2 Mohammad Nurmohammadi Nurmohammadim@mums.ac.ir 3 seifollah Gharib seif.gharib@gmail.com 4 Department of Occupational Health and Safety Engineering, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Department of Management Sciences and Health Economics, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Department of Health, Safety, and Environment Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Department of Health, Safety, and Environment Management, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran Background and Objective: Hospital treatment groups are frequently exposed to harmful ergonomic factors. This study aimed to identify and prioritize comprehensive ergonomic components across three key areas: physical, cognitive, and organizational ergonomics. Materials and Methods: This study used a descriptive-analytical approach. A literature review was conducted to establish the theoretical foundation, and a researcher-developed questionnaire was distributed to a panel of ergonomics experts. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 21) and Excel (2016). Results: The study revealed that experts rated physical and cognitive ergonomic components as significantly more important than organizational ergonomics in hospital ergonomics assessment, with average importance scores of 7.1 and 6.3, respectively. A more in-depth analysis identified posture during work (µ=8.3), anthropometry (µ=7.2), manual load carrying (µ=7), job stress (µ=8), job burnout (µ=7.5), and workload (µ=7.3) as the most critical ergonomic risk factors in hospitals. Experts recommended the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method for evaluating posture; expert judgment for anthropometry; the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for manual handling; Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) for job stress; Maslach for job burnout; and NASA-TLX for workload assessments. Conclusion: The results of this study provide a comprehensive roadmap for improving ergonomic standards within hospitals' accreditation systems. Based on this research's findings, scientific, evidence-based measures can be implemented to enhance ergonomic evaluation and control systems in hospitals. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-992-en.pdf Ergonomic component Evaluation Hospital Prioritization per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 73 86 article mostafa vagharimoghaddam sepino598@gmail.com 1 farhad tabatabaei Ghomsheh habibkavari@gmail.com 2 reza osqueizadeh karchany@yahoo.com 3 parvin ahmadinezhad p.ahmadinezhad@gmail.com 4 alireza khammar karchany@gmail.com 5 mohsen poursadeghiyan poursadeghiyan@gmail.com 6 Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Department of Occupational Health Engineering, School of Health, zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran Department of Ergonomics, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran Background and Objective: One of the workplace hazards is poor ergonomics, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. The present research aims to study musculoskeletal disorders and the ergonomic design of the separation unit workstation in a tile factory. Materials and Methods: This study used a descriptive-analytical approach. In this study, various activities that collectively constitute the job were first identified using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) method. Using the body map questionnaire and the stress index, the pain pattern and workload focused on the employees’ hands were determined. In addition, using the RULA method, posture was assessed for the workers, and their RULA scores were determined. Finally, based on the results, ergonomic suggestions were developed and presented. Results: The study showed that most people experienced pain in the lower and upper back, which significantly affected their work capacity. The final score for the RULA posture assessment was 7, indicating a serious need for corrective measures. The highest SI was in the left hand with an average of 3.67 ± 0.73. Conclusion: Musculoskeletal disorders are aggravated by factors such as inappropriate workstations. Using the body map questionnaire, stress index, pain pattern, and RULA assessment method, the situation can be examined and suggested solutions provided. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-968-en.pdf Ergonomic redesign Musculoskeletal disorders RULA Stress index per Hamedan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Occupational Hygiene Engineering 2383-336x 2383-3378 2025-05 12 1 87 92 article Farshid Ghorbani Shahna fghorbani4@gmail.com 1 Ali Poormohammadi apoormohammadi000@yahoo.com 2 Ghasem Azarian ghaazarian@gmail.com 3 Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Center of Excellence for Occupational Health, Occupational Health and Safety Research Center, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Research Center for Health Sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran Exposure to crystalline silica can lead to obstructive airway and parenchymal lung diseases, the most important of which is silicosis. Silicosis is primarily an occupational disease caused by long-term exposure to free crystalline silica in silica-related work environments. Environmental exposure to silica may also occur through ambient air, which is particularly important in cities and villages near workshops and factories that emit silica due to their operations. Several studies in recent years have reported exposure to free crystalline silica in the open air around factories and related silica-related industries. This study emphasizes the importance and necessity of developing standards for the release of free crystalline silica into the open air around associated industries, as an environmental pollutant. http://johe.umsha.ac.ir/article-1-979-en.pdf Environmental pollutant Free crystalline silica Non-occupational exposure Silicosis