scholarly journals Operations social practices in safety and health at work

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 119-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonardo Caixeta de Castro Maia ◽  
Daniel Masini Espindola ◽  
Cristiano Henrique Antonelli da Veiga

Purpose Studying the gap between improvements in operational performance of a manufacturing organization does not necessarily represent the existent of safe and healthy work. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap validating a scale about social practices. Design/methodology/approach The literature was studied; data analysis instrument and the scale validated by Q-sort. The reliability and validity of research instrument indicators were drawing from the analysis of judges. The data were assessed by convergence matrix. Findings It was validated five social practices factors. It was enabled the adequacy of the name of the constructs and establishment which indicators better convergence to the constructs. Research limitations/implications The judge´s number that answered the research was low. The level of convergence related of two factors was above 50 percent. Practical implications It is possible to achieve better levels of performance through social practices. Organizations must rethink the management and the routine of the workers to implement the operational practices. Social implications The practices need to have with well-defined rules, as well as action to drive compliance. This vision also needs to be expanded to suppliers, customers and society. Originality/value Highlight five points: technology is the main factor for analyzes and decisions; the search for quality leads organizations to seek practices that improve workers’ well-being, health and safety; the activities of the worker are carried out on the factory, or in the work environment; Should not to belittle the local community; culture is an essential factor to continuous improvement.

2021 ◽  
pp. 036168432110134
Author(s):  
Alessandra Costa Pereira Junqueira ◽  
Tracy L. Tylka ◽  
Sebastião de Sousa Almeida ◽  
Telma Maria Braga Costa ◽  
Maria Fernanda Laus

In many countries, women are socialized to adopt a narrow definition of beauty. Research has revealed that, in the United States and China, the ability to broadly conceptualize beauty (perceive beauty in diverse body sizes, shapes, and appearances) is linked to women’s lower anti-fat attitudes, higher body appreciation, and higher well-being. In this study, we translated an existing measure of this construct, the Broad Conceptualization of Beauty Scale (BCBS), into Brazilian Portuguese and evaluated the factor structure and reliability and validity of its scores with a diverse sample of 563 Portuguese women. Findings revealed that the Brazilian Portuguese BCBS contains two factors—external/appearance features of beauty (BCBS-E) and internal features of beauty (BCBS-I)—contrary to the unidimensional factor structure found in previous studies. Support for internal consistency and 3-week test–retest reliability was garnered. Total BCBS and BCBS-E scores evidenced convergent, discriminant, and incremental validity, whereas the BCBS-I did not accrue substantial convergent or incremental validity support beyond its inverse bivariate association with anti-fat attitudes. We recommend the use of the Brazilian Portuguese BCBS in body image research programs as well as clinical practice and prevention programs with Brazilian women seeking support for body dissatisfaction and disordered eating.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktoriia Gorbunova ◽  
Natalia Gusak ◽  
Vitalii Klymchuk ◽  
Valeriia Palii ◽  
Vitalina Ustenko ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine in relation to such social circles as the extended family, the Romani local community and the whole Ukrainian society. The main research interest is focused on situations and factors that make people feel powerless or empowered. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted using a semi-structured interview method via telephone. Romani NGO experts approved the interview content. Trained Roma-facilitators were interviewers. Every interview was transcribed for further thematic analysis. Findings The most prominent empowerment factors for Romani people are located within their families and local communities, while the bigger society (Ukrainians themselves and Ukrainian public institutions) is a main source of powerlessness. At the same time, the rigid role of family and community expectations is seen as detrimental for both males and females. Originality/value The paper is original in terms of its topic (senses of powerlessness and empowerment among Romani in Ukraine as social determinants of mental well-being) and research strategy (engagement of Roma-facilitators as interviewers).


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David John Edwards ◽  
Igor Martek ◽  
Obuks Ejohwomu ◽  
Clinton Aigbavboa ◽  
M. Reza Hosseini

PurposeHuman vibration exposure from hand-operated equipment emissions can lead to irreparable and debilitating hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). While work-place health and well-being (H&WB) policies, strategies and procedures have been extensively researched and documented, little has been done to develop a specific strategic framework tailored to the management of hand-arm vibration (HAV). This study fills that gap.Design/methodology/approachA mixed philosophical approach of interpretivism and critical realism is adopted within a case study of a utilities contractor. Within this overarching epistemological design, action research approach is implemented via a three-stage investigation, namely, relevant company H&WB documents and procedures were examined, leading to the formulation of semi-structured interview questioning of the H&WB team. Their responses informed the next line of questions, delivered to middle-management responsible for overseeing H&S.FindingsThe findings are instructive in revealing that while substantial documentation management (augmented with protocols and checks) was in place, the system fell short of implementation within the workforce and thus failed to preserve worker H&WB. The investigation generated recommendations for shoring up H&WB deficiencies observed and developed a theoretical model to represent these. Though these recommendations were developed in response to a specific case, they form the core of a HAV operational H&WB strategy framework with applicability over a broader context.Originality/valueThis research provides unique insight into contemporary industry practices employed to manage HAV in the workplace and represents an invaluable opportunity to learn from prevailing practices and rectify deficiencies observed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noreen Tehrani ◽  
Ian Hesketh

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the role that psychological screening and surveillance can take in improving the delivery of psychological support to emergency service responders (ESRs) at a time of increasing demands and complexity. Design/methodology/approach The study aims to present and discuss the use of psychological screening and surveillance of trauma exposed emergency service workers. Findings The evidence supports the use of psychological screening and surveillance using appropriate validated questionnaires and surveys. Research limitations/implications The findings suggest that emergency services should be using psychological screening and surveillance of ESRs in roles where there is high exposure to traumatic stress. Originality/value These findings will help emergency service organisations to recognise how psychological screening and surveillance can be used as part of a wider programme of well-being support. This approach can also help them meet their legal health and safety obligations to protect the psychological health and well-being of their ESRs.


2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 168-182 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rachel Swann ◽  
Alison Green ◽  
Nick Johns ◽  
Luke Sloan

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the work of the Street Pastors, a Christian organisation offering support to people in the night time economy (NTE), through the perceptions of students. The role played by this organisation is becoming more important as a shift from policing “by”, “through” and “beyond” to policing from “below” occurs (Jones and Lister, 2015). While the Street Pastors would not regard themselves as “police agents” there is undoubtedly a close connection albeit with geographical variation (Johns et al., 2009b). An evaluation of their activities and of public attitudes particularly around issues of trust is therefore important. Design/methodology/approach – An online survey using the university’s student “portal” invited students to participate. A small incentive was offered, in the form of a prize draw for £50 worth of shopping vouchers. The survey took place during the first part of the Spring term during 2012 (January and February). The study analyses the 361 responses in reference to their knowledge of the Street Pastors, whether they had any “interactions” with them and whether they were regular users of the NTE. Findings – Overwhelmingly respondents were either positive or completely ambivalent about the Street Pastors. The responses to the attitude statements indicated that the Street Pastors are seen as “independent” of police officers. The links between Street Pastors and crime reduction are not clear, however, respondents agreed that the Street Pastors did contribute to safety in the city. Research limitations/implications – There are more than 20,000 students in the city and the findings can therefore be seen as tentative and indicative rather than generalisable to the entire student population. With the increasing emphasis on community involvement in “policing”, the findings from the research does suggest that the street pastor’s voluntary patrols are beneficial in terms of enhancing perceptions of safety. Practical implications – Street Pastors do have an important role in the policing of the NTE, from handing out water and flip flops to comforting those who are in distress. Within the broader “police family” their role can then make a positive contribution to the practical challenges associated with a volatile environment. Social implications – The NTE is associated with considerable public health and safety issues and the contribution of a voluntary group to easing some of these problems is significant. Whilst their presence is not entirely unproblematic, particularly in raising questions of accountability, their activities could be argued to contribute to the well-being of revellers. Originality/value – Research on policing “below” the level of the state is street pastors is an under-explored area. Street pastors have attracted very little attention despite their being a large organisation that are a feature of NTEs throughout the UK.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongguang Zou ◽  
Rob I. Mawby

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to address four questions: Firstly, how do tourists perceive safety from crime, specifically from robbery or violence, alongside other safety concerns? Secondly, are those who are concerned about crime also concerned about other threats to their well-being? Thirdly, how are their perceptions of safety affected by their perceptions of the local community? Finally, how are their perceptions affected by their personal and touristic characteristics? Design/methodology/approach Findings Firstly, tourists did not generally see crime, specifically robbery or violence, as a problem; secondly, there was only a weak relationship between concern about crime and concern about other threats to their well-being; thirdly, in contrast, their perceptions of safety were strongly affected by their perceptions of the local community; and finally, their perceptions were affected by their personal and touristic characteristics, but not necessarily in the ways suggested by earlier research. Research limitations/implications The research sample was small and the questionnaire short. Only English-speaking visitors were included. Practical implications The tourism sector needs to appreciate role of local people in engendering feelings of safety. Social implications The attitude of the local community and their relationship with tourists is fundamental to helping visitors feel safe. Originality/value This is the first criminological paper to compare fear of crime with the other safety issues confronting tourists and to relate these concerns to relationships with host community.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ferika Ozer Sari ◽  
Murat Nazli

PurposeThe purpose of this research is to explore and understand the effects of excessive tourism growth on public health, local people and the ecosystem. The secondary purpose of the study is to link excessive tourism growth to social exchange theory, in terms of interchanging key resources of tourism destinations.Design/methodology/approachThis is an exploratory study where qualitative research methods are employed. Telephone interview technique is used to obtain data from academicians who work at various universities in Turkey. Content analysis and thematic analysis with an inductive approach are made by use of MAXQDA software program.FindingsFindings reveal that the satisfaction of local people is an important gain in terms of the economy, but the destruction of the ecosystem due to the excessive crowd, in a sense, overtourism, garbage and too much waste is striking disadvantage based on the responses. Risk of contagious disease, effects on the natural environment and wastes are stated to have huge impacts on the public health and ecosystem.Practical implicationsThe study identifies some implications in terms of imbalance and unfairness among the locals who face with excessive crowds. Managing the effects of excessive tourism growth on vulnerable destinations and local people, controlling the carrying capacity in destinations with anxiety, fear, depression, health problems and low living standards should be taken under consideration. Additionally, finding ways to get rid of infectious diseases (such as increasing health checkpoints at borders, investigating the carrying capacity of destinations) is important for tourism spots.Originality/valueAs a major theoretical contribution, this study links excessive tourism growth to social exchange theory and reveals that the degree of exchanging valuable resources in the destination and the level of interaction between locals and tourists are the most critical points for the well-being of the local community and ecosystem.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 337-348
Author(s):  
Louise Ritchie ◽  
Anna Jack-Waugh ◽  
Elsa Sanatombi Devi ◽  
Binil V ◽  
Anice George ◽  
...  

PurposeMany individual and family hardships are associated with poorly understood palliative care needs arising from advanced dementia within India. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of people in India affected by advanced dementia and to shape educational approaches for practitioners and the local community.Design/methodology/approachThree focus groups with family carers of people (n = 27) with advanced dementia were undertaken with local communities in South India. One focus group was carried out in English and two in the local language (Kannada) and translated to English.FindingsThe findings of the focus groups are presented in four themes, conditions of caring, intersecting vulnerabilities, desperate acts of care and awareness of education and training needs. These themes highlight the challenges faced by family carers of people with advanced dementia and describe the potential harm, abuse and poor mental well-being facing both the person with dementia and the family carer as a result of their situation.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a need to explore ways to ensure inclusivity and sensitivity in the research process and enable equal participation from all participants.Practical implicationsThe findings highlight a lack of support for family carers of people with advanced dementia and demonstrate the need for dementia-specific integrated and palliative care approaches in India.Originality/valueThis paper provides insight into the experiences and challenges facing family caregivers of people living with advanced dementia in India to shape practitioner education in a way that will underpin effective dementia-specific palliation and integrated services.


2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (5) ◽  
pp. 376-390 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuija Muhonen ◽  
Sandra Jönsson ◽  
Martin Bäckström

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore health- and work-related outcomes of cyberbullying behaviour and the potential mediating role of social organisational climate, social support from colleagues and social support from superiors. Design/methodology/approach Altogether 3,371 respondents participated in a questionnaire study. Findings The results of this study indicate that social organisational climate can have a mediating role in the relationship between cyberbullying behaviour and health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit. Contrary to earlier face-to-face bullying research, the current study showed that cyberbullying behaviour had stronger indirect than direct relationships to health, well-being, work engagement and intention to quit. Practical implications Communication through digital devices in work life is becoming more prevalent, which in turn increases the risk for cyberbullying behaviour. Organisations need therefore to develop occupational health and safety policies concerning the use of digital communication and social media in order to prevent cyberbullying behaviour and its negative consequences. Originality/value Cyberbullying behaviour among working adults is a relatively unexplored phenomenon and therefore this study makes valuable contribution to the research field.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bárbara Castillo-Abdul ◽  
Ana Pérez-Escoda ◽  
Sabina Civila

Purpose This paper aims to increase the understanding of luxury brands’ branded content strategies concerning follower's engagement generated or not by happiness and well-being feelings spread in their branded content. Design/methodology/approach This study sample was composed of three of the most relevant luxury brands nowadays: Manolo Blahnik, Loewe, y Balenciaga. To address this research, an exploratory-correlational quantitative methodology was chosen; hypotheses were contrasted using ANOVA analysis with the SPSS software. Although the study can be considered quantitative, the first step of qualitative analysis was applied for content analysis with NVivo QSR software, categorizing all posts (N = 192) into three categories. Findings The dissemination of branded content and corporate social responsibility, despite being different in each case, show in general an interaction and affective commitment with their stakeholders. In the specific case of Manolo Blahnik and Loewe, they have prioritized their content, in the context of the pandemic, in posts related to social welfare, happiness, mental and physical health care. There are significant differences in the interaction with their audience, which respond very favorably to both “Happiness” and “Health and safety” content. Originality/value This study reveals how corporate social responsibility can be achieved using efficient communications in social networks. In this way, the perception of the image of the sector and the reputation can be improved – both sectoral and organizational – which unquestionably translates into economic gains for the brands.


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