scholarly journals Lack of workplace risk assessment as a predictor of adverse health effects for teleworkers - results from the survey on Life with COVID-19 in Latvia

2022 ◽  
Vol 131 ◽  
pp. 01006
Author(s):  
Linda Matisane ◽  
Linda Paegle ◽  
Ivars Vanadzins ◽  
Asnate Anna Linde
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Sampling Method ◽  
Musculoskeletal Diseases ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Gender And Age ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Reported Health

Workplace risk assessment is one of the key tools for improving occupational safety and health conditions. However, providing risk assessment for teleworkplaces in the COVID-19 pandemic-related restrictions has been a challenge for employers. The objective of this study was to identify the frequency of implementation of workplace risk assessment for teleworkplaces and the association between it and self-reported health complaints among teleworkers during the 1st emergency state of the COVID-19 pandemic in Latvia. Teleworkers were recruited using a non-probability sampling (snowball sampling) method and social media advertisements. To obtain data that is representative of the demographic profile of the working population in Latvia, the sample was weighed based on gender and age. Out of 447 teleworking respondents included in our analysis, only 20.3% have mentioned that their employer had assessed the teleworking conditions (additional 8.1% reported partial assessment). Workers who have reported lack of risk assessment more often have health related complaints – e.g., pain longer than three days (26.9% with risk assessment versus 73.1% with no risk assessment), sore eyes (24.4% versus 75.6%) and anxiety (21.8% versus 78.2%) (p < 0.001 in all cases, except for pain). Increased incidence of occupational musculoskeletal diseases and burnout can be predicted in coming years in Latvia. Good practise examples should be gathered and promoted; guidelines for labour inspection should be developed in order to cover supervision of teleworking workplaces.

scholarly journals Biological risk assessment: A challenge for occupational health and safety practitioners during the COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Pandemic

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Carlos Carvalhais ◽  
Micaela Querido ◽  
Cristiana C. Pereira ◽  
Joana Santos
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Biological Risk ◽  
Occupational Risks ◽  
Qualitative Risk Assessment ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Medium Risk

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 global pandemic brought several challenges to occupational safety and health practice. One of these is the need to (re)assess the occupational risks, particularly, biological risks. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work is to promote guidance to occupational safety and health practitioners when conducting a biological risk assessment in this context. METHODS: The main steps of the biological risk assessment are explained with some inputs regarding the novelty posed by SARS-CoV-2 and an example of a qualitative risk assessment method is presented. Also, its application to two different activities was exemplified. RESULTS: In both cases, the assessment considered that vulnerable workers were working from home or in medical leave. The results showed low or medium risk level for the assessed tasks. For medium risk level, additional controls are advised, such maintain social distancing, sanitize instruments/equipment before use, use proper and well-maintained PPE (when applicable), and promote awareness sessions to spread good practices at work. Employers must be aware of their obligations regarding biological risk assessment and OSH practitioners must be prepared to screen and link the abundance of scientific evidence generated following the outbreak, with the technical practice. CONCLUSIONS: This paper could be an important contribution to OSH practice since it highlights the need to (re)assess occupational risks, especially biological risk, to ensure a safe return to work, providing technical guidance.

scholarly journals Integral risk assessment to optimize expenses for occupational safety measures at a machine-building enterprise

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 10-22
Author(s):  
Vitalii Bezsonnyi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Machine Building ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Safety Measures ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Building Enterprise ◽  
Integral Assessment ◽  
Industrial Risks

In the absence of uniform and unified requirements for the assessment of industrial risks at an enterprise, the system approach remains the only tool for a comprehensive assessment of the workplace safety. Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) system involves identifying, analyzing and reducing risks at the workplace. The purpose of the article is to calculate the minimum expenses for occupational safety measures and minimize production risks identified through the developed procedure for analyzing the hazards of the machine-building enterprise. The research methodology is based on the integrated use of qualitative and quantitative approaches to risk assessment, namely, structured assessment and integral assessment using the “rucksack problem” optimization model. The study identifies the risks that are most common and the most serious ones. The procedure of risk reduction is proposed, which is to determine the minimum costs for achieving each of the integral assessments for the machine-building enterprise. The practical value of work consists in the ability to directly apply the developed methodology for risk assessment at the enterprises of the machine-building industry, and to easily adapt the risk assessment procedure to other conditions.

The Occupational Safety and Health of Pornography Performers

2021 ◽  
pp. 187-208
Author(s):  
Emily F. Rothman
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Health Hazards ◽  
Independent Contractors ◽  
Sexually Transmitted ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Health Related

This chapter focuses on the work-related hazards faced by pornography performers and other laborers in the adult entertainment industry workforce. The chapter reviews demographics and characteristics of pornography performers, what health-related and other challenges those in the industry face because of their work, which organized groups support their collective health and safety on the job, and what policies have been drafted that seek to address pornography performers’ health and safety. The chapter details health hazards, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), violence on set, stigma, the challenges of working as independent contractors, and lack of wage transparency in the industry. The chapter emphasizes that occupational safety and health hazards faced by performers are undoubtedly compounded when performers are Black, Latinx, transgender, or identify as belonging to another marginalized group. Public health advocates should focus on promoting the well-being of those who work in the pornography industry by establishing meaningful, long-term, trusting partnerships with those presently working in the industry.

scholarly journals ANALYSIS OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT ON THE INDONESIAN NAVY SHIP PROJECT USING HAZARD IDENTIFICATION, RISK ASSESSMENT AND RISK CONTROL

JOURNAL ASRO ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 124
Author(s):  
Sukmo Hadi Nugroho ◽  
Bambang Suharjo ◽  
Adi Bandono ◽  
Agus Tri Haryanto
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Risk Control ◽  
Hazard Identification ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Work Activity ◽  
Risk Ranking ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Workplace Accidents ◽  
Health Risk Management

Indonesian Navy ships (KAL) is one element of the Integrated Fleet Weapon System (SSAT), which plays an important role in carrying out tasks in the defense field. So, we need an optimal KAL readiness to support the passage of the operation to be carried out successfully and smoothly. One of the ways used to prepare KAL is to carry out routine maintenance through the docking process. However, in practice there are accidents  suffered by workers.This research was conducted using the HIRARC method. HIRARC is a method of hazard identification, risk assessment and risk control measures that are used for this method is considered moreappropriate and more accurately where the dangers that arise in the process described docking of any work activity. In this method also provides appropriate control measures for each hazard. Based on the results of the HIRARC analysis, each suction work activity of docking based Risk Ranking will be sorted according to the level of Risk Matrix and will be discussed further against high risks and implemented controls. Then the resulting draft recommendation to minimize workplace accidents in the docking process is by way of elimination, Administration Control and Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).Keywords: HIRARC method, Docking process, KAL.

scholarly journals Metalworking Fluid Exposure and Consequences on Skin Health in a Metal Machining Factory: Review Article

2018 ◽  
pp. 27-35
Author(s):  
Mohammed Abdulrazzaq Jabbar
Keyword(s):  
Health Effects ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Skin Diseases ◽  
Epidemiological Survey ◽  
Metalworking Fluids ◽  
Machining Processes ◽  
Adverse Health Effects ◽  
Skin Contact ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Metal Machining

Metalworking fluids (MWFs) are a variety of substances can be used during machining of metals such as cutting, turning, grinding, milling and drilling. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in United States of America has stated that MWFs available in different forms such as straight oil (neat oil), soluble oil (emulsifiable oil), semisynthetic MWFs, and synthetic MWFs and during the machining processes worker can be exposed to MWFs through skin contact and inhalation. MWFs in machining factory allow significant bacterial growth in the fluids and aerosols which cause dermatological and respiratory adverse health effects among exposed workers. skin diseases that MWF exposure can cause various morphology of skin disorders such as skin scaling or dryness. Semi-quantitative dermal exposure assessment methods (DREAM) in both occupational and epidemiological survey. The prevention of the health effects of MWF on skin systems would probably by enhancing the awareness of the workers towards the health effects of MWF and the appropriate safety methods need to apply regularly all along their working time.

scholarly journals Descriptive Study of Safety and Health Training Content in Iranian Universities and Higher Education Institutes

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
MASOOMEH VAHABI ◽  
MOSTAFA POUYAKIAN ◽  
ZAHRA MOHAMMADI ◽  
GHASEM HESAM ◽  
HOSSEIN AFIFEHZADEH KASHANI
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
General View ◽  
University Graduates ◽  
Safety And Health ◽  
Health Related

The root cause of many workplace incidents is the lack of knowledge on occupational safety and health principles. Despite the safety and health authorities in organizations, safety and health is the general responsibility of all other experts working in an organization. Experts and managers are expected to think, decide and work safely in workplaces. However, we don’t have enough information about the level of safety and health-related education when they were in universities. In addition, there is not too much reliable published reports on the academic teaching of safety and health courses and syllabus in higher education in Iran. Therefore, the current study was aimed to provide a general view of the status of occupational safety and health teaching subjects in different academic disciplines (excluding specialized fields in occupational safety and health) in the Iranian higher educational system. Firstly, the latest edition of the entire program (curricula) of all academic disciplines held in Iranian universities was downloaded. Secondly, the required information, including discipline title, program’s degree, number of required (core) and elective (non-core) courses, and program’s date of approval, were recorded in an Excel sheet. Every course’s title and syllabus were then studied to find out any safety and health-related topics. Finally, data were analyzed and reported. 251 academic disciplines in the Ministry of Health and Medical Education (MOHME) and 771 disciplines in the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (MSRT) were investigated. Most of the curriculums have been revised by both ministries since 2011. Results showed that 20 percent of the MOHME‎ ‎disciplines and 10.4 percent of MSRT‎ disciplines were included in the occupational safety and health courses. The number of courses with health and safety content (syllabus outline) in the MOHME ‎‎and the MSRT‎ were 168 and 173. Most health and safety courses presented in the MOHME academic majors were in the basic medical sciences category of disciplines. A majority of MSRT covered academic safety and health courses and topics were presented in the engineering category of disciplines. Presenting lessons with health and safety content at the MOHME ‎was more practical than that of the MSRT. The quality and quantity of teaching on safety and health topic were not at satisfactory levels. Revising the course syllabus of the academic disciplines and adding theoretical and practical courses related to each field's specific health and safety curriculum can make a significant contribution in improving the general knowledge of the safety and health of the university graduates. In turn, it improves future workplace safety and health conditions, managers’ insights and decision-makers on the importance of safety and health at work. It protects the people's life and the property of the organization.

scholarly journals Development of risk assessment tool using damaging energy and argumentation theory for evaluating construction occupational safety and health risks

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nor Haslinda Abas ◽  
Nick Blismas ◽  
Helen Lingard
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Damage Model ◽  
Argumentation Theory ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Risk Assessment Model ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Safety And Health

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a risk assessment model to assess the occupational safety and health (OSH) risks presented by different construction approaches, namely traditional and industrialised building system (IBS). The development process applies the concept of argumentation theory, which helps construction designers integrate the management of OSH risk into the design process. In addition, an energy damage model is used as an underpinning framework for developing the model.Design/methodology/approachDevelopment of the model was achieved through two phases. Phase I involved collection of data on the activities involved in the construction process and their associated OSH risks, derived from five different case studies, field observation and interviews. Knowledge of design aspects that have the potential to impact on OSH was obtained from document analysis. Using the knowledge obtained in phase I, a model was developed in the form of argument trees (Phase II), which represent a reasoning template with regard to options available to designers when they make judgements about aspects of their designs. Inferences from these aspects eventually determined the magnitude of the damaging energies for every activity involved. Finally, the model was validated by panels of experts, and revisions and amendments were made to the model accordingly.FindingsThe risk assessment model development revealed that the concept of argumentation theory and energy damage model is suitable to represent design safety risk knowledge and effectively address the designer's role in making decisions in their designs and further illuminate the level of OSH risk their designs pose.Practical implicationsThe developed model provides best-practice reasoning support for construction designers, which help them to understand the impact of their designs decisions on worker's safety and health, and thereby assist them to further mitigate the risk to an acceptable level.Originality/valueThis study departs from the existing tool in that the model was developed based upon the combination of argumentation theory and energy damage model. The significance of the model is discussed.

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