Analytical platform for creating risk groups for development of occupational diseases and analyzing effectiveness of preventive measures

Introduction of digital solutions contributes to achieving the state's strategic priorities, including health promotion and extension of working life, which are implemented as part of the national program ‘Digital Economy of the Russian Federation’. Therefore, one of the current tasks is to digitalize creation of risk groups per likelihood of occupational diseases and management of such health risks. However, due to existence of multiple methodological approaches, this task has not yet been resolved at the federal level.

The aim of the study was to create risk groups for development of occupational diseases according to hygienic and biomedical criteria and to assess effectiveness of preventive measures in people with early signs of occupational diseases.

In this study, a risk of developing occupational diseases means the probability of any developing occupational diseases, taking into account exposures, occupational factors and medical and biological indicators of workers’ health status.

We analyzed the results obtained by periodic medical examinations before and after preventive measures. The study included data on 546 workers employed at metal ore mines (9.34 %) and in the transport sector (90.66 %).

Risk groups for development of occupational diseases were created according to the methodology for risk group formation based on results of periodic medical examinations; it was developed as an update of the main provisions stipulated in the Guide R 2.2.3969-23. Risk groups were formed for the following types of occupational diseases: sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), vibration disease, and radiculopathy.

The analysis showed that most workers exposed to noise were classified into risk groups III (medium risk) (43.85 %) and IV (high risk) (49.72 %); when exposed to vibration, 58.68 % to group III; with increased work hardness, 51.27 % also to risk group III.

Effectiveness of preventive measures (rehabilitation, spa treatment) was assessed using indicators of individual and average total risk of occupational diseases. The most common chronic diseases and effective methods of prevention have been identified. The study also involved developing effectiveness criteria and algorithms for their assessment using the information platform.