Applying Translational Science Approaches to Protect Workers Exposed to Nanomaterials.

Area of Science:

• Occupational safety and health
• Translational science
• Nanotechnology risk management

Background:

• Translational science is a transdisciplinary field focused on applying scientific knowledge to real-world settings.
• Occupational safety and health (OSH) translational science bridges laboratory findings to workplace practices for worker protection.
• The application of translational science to occupational exposure to nanomaterials involves multiple research phases (T0-T4).

Purpose of the Study:

• To illustrate the translational research continuum for occupational exposure to nanomaterials.
• To discuss opportunities for applying dissemination and implementation (D&I) science in this field.
• To enhance the effectiveness, uptake, integration, sustainability, and impact of interventions for nanotechnology workers.

Main Methods:

• Conceptualizing translational research in OSH along a continuum from discovery (T0) to population-level outcomes (T4).
• Highlighting the importance of T2 (effectiveness) and T3 (dissemination and implementation) phases for nanomaterial exposure.
• Emphasizing the need for D&I research to address barriers and facilitators in complex workplaces.

Main Results:

• The translational research continuum provides a framework for understanding OSH research for nanomaterials.
• Dissemination and implementation (D&I) research is vital for translating findings into workplace practices.
• Stakeholder engagement is critical across all translational research phases.

Conclusions:

• Applying D&I science can significantly improve the adoption and impact of OSH interventions for nanotechnology workers.
• Further research is needed to identify and overcome multilevel barriers to implementing nanotechnology risk controls.
• Effective translational research, including D&I, is essential for improving worker safety, health, and wellbeing in the nanotechnology sector.