The World Health Organization has identified a worldwide shortage of occupational health professionals, but evidence suggests that the work and education of these professionals vary across countries. This survey examined the professional development of occupational physicians, occupational nurses, industrial hygienists, and ergonomists in terms of practice competencies and academic curriculum. Of 89 countries that received the survey, 48 (54%) responded. Important differences in competencies and curricula were identified for all groups. More competencies were identified more frequently in developed countries. Academic programs existed more often in developed countries, but curriculum contents varied. The study provides a concrete reference point for discussion and development of competencies and curriculum.

Some of the hazards encountered by process plant operators involve the operation of in-line valves to control, start, and to stopflow. Torque required to operate valves may vary according to valve wheel size, in-line pressure, and valve flange position (open/closed). This study determined how valve wheel size, in-line pressure and valve position (open/closed) affect torque required to actuate a valve. Data were gathered with each combination of size, pressure and position for 336 valves in an operating petrochemical process facility. The results indicate that the main effects of valve wheel size, the in-line pressure, and open/closed valve position significantly affect operational torque requirements. I n addition, the interaction between position and pressure was significant for operational torque. The implication of these results is that operators are eqosed to operational torque requirements that exceed maximum acceptable capabilities that have been determined in previous studies. PROCESS OPERATOR INJURY TRENDSData searches were conducted for downstream facilities (refining and petrochemical) for Phillips Petroleum Com-

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