scholarly journals O8B.3 Heat and injury in the workplace: perspectives from health and safety representatives

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A72.2-A72
Author(s):  
Blesson Varghese ◽  
Alana Hansen ◽  
Susan Williams ◽  
Peng Bi ◽  
Dino Pisaniello
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Adequate Ventilation ◽  
Outdoor Workers ◽  
Hot Weather

IntroductionHot weather poses occupational health and safety concerns for outdoor workers or those in non-cooled indoor environments. The risk of occupational injuries increases during hot weather, however limited understanding exists on underlying factors associated with this increase in risk. While recommendations and guidelines for preventing heat-related health impacts include hydration, cooling practices, adequate ventilation and rescheduling work, the extent to which these recommendations are adopted in workplaces is currently unknown.MethodsA national online survey was conducted among health and safety representatives (HSRs) to better understand the nature of heat-related injuries. Responses relating to risk factors and preventive measures associated with reported injuries in workplaces were identified using log-poisson regression models.ResultsIn total, 222 HSRs completed the survey. Overall, more than a third (43%) of HSRs reported that injuries or incidents caused by hot/very humid weather occur sometimes/often in their workplace.Factors found to be positively associated with reported injuries included ‘the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE)’, ‘inadequate resources and facilities’ and ‘new workers’.For outdoor workers, the most frequently adopted preventive measures were provision of PPE, sunscreen and access to cool drinking water. HSRs reported more injuries if certain preventive measures (rescheduling work to cooler times and shaded rest/work areas) were adopted never/rarely/sometimes compared to often/always.Access to cool drinking water and provision of PPE were the most frequently adopted preventive measures for indoor workers. For this group, HSRs reported more injuries if certain preventive measures (self-pacing, shielding of heat sources and adequate ventilation) were adopted never/rarely/sometimes.ConclusionFindings indicate that organisational issues, workplace hazards, personal factors and preventive measures, are all determinants of heat-related injuries in Australian workplaces. Wider adoption of prevention measures such as work rescheduling, self-pacing, provision of shade and adequate ventilation could reduce incidence of heat-related injuries in outdoor and indoor workplaces.

scholarly journals O8B.4 Exploring occupational injury experiences during hot weather: a national survey of health and safety professionals

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. A72.3-A73
Author(s):  
Blesson Varghese ◽  
Dino Pisaniello ◽  
Alana Hansen ◽  
Susan Williams ◽  
Peng Bi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Injury Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Productivity Loss ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Hot Weather

IntroductionExposure to extreme heat can lead to adverse health effects and contribute to work-related injuries. However, there is limited understanding of how physical injuries arise in hot weather. A study of the perspectives of stakeholders such as occupational health and safety professionals (HSPs) on injury risk factors during hot weather may assist in informing injury prevention efforts.MethodsA national online survey of HSPs was undertaken. Collected data included perspectives on injury experiences, current preventive measures, training, policies and guidelines, and barriers for prevention. Results were analyzed descriptively and a log-poisson regression was used to identify risk factors associated with reported injuries during hot weather at workplaces the HSPs visited/managed.ResultsIn total there were 307 respondents, the majority of who acknowledged the potential for increased risk of occupational injuries in hot weather. A variety of injury types and mechanisms were reported, including manual handling injuries, hand injuries, wounds or lacerations and loss of control of power tools.Work factors significantly associated with reported injuries included problems with personal protective equipment; lack of shade; inadequate hydration and rest breaks, and problems with supervision.Less than half (42%) of HSPs stated the availability of adequate heat training for staff and 54% reported the provision for outdoor work to cease if temperatures are extreme as a preventive measure in workplaces they visited/managed. HSPs recommended ‘heat stress training’ as the most important preventive measure for outdoor and indoor workers. Reported barriers for prevention include: lack of awareness by workers and supervisors of injury risks, and management concerns about productivity loss and/or deadlines.ConclusionThese findings point to a range of modifiable work and organisational risk factors for injury during hot weather. More attention to these factors, in conjunction with traditional interventions for heat-induced illness, could enhance injury prevention in the workplace.

scholarly journals Factors associated with adherence to COVID-19 prevention measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC): results of an online survey

BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e043356 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Dinanga Ditekemena ◽  
Dalau Mukadi Nkamba ◽  
Hypolite Mavoko Muhindo ◽  
Joseph Nelson Fodjo Siewe ◽  
Christophe Luhata ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Poor Adherence ◽  
Secondary Outcome ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Republic Of The Congo

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess the level of adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to identify factors associated with non-adherence.DesignA cross-sectional population-based online survey.SettingsThe study was conducted in 22 provinces of the DRC. Five provinces with a satisfactory number of respondents were included in the analysis: Haut Katanga, Kasaï-Central, Kasaï-Oriental, Kinshasa and North Kivu.ParticipantsThe participants were people aged ≥18 years, living in the DRC. A total of 3268 participants were included in the study analysis.InterventionsBoth convenience sampling (surveyors themselves contacted potential participants in different districts) and snowball sampling (the participants were requested to share the link of the questionnaire with their contacts) methods were used.Primary and secondary outcome measuresWe computed adherence scores using responses to 10 questions concerning COVID-19 preventive measures recommended by the WHO and the DRC Ministry of Health. We used logistic regression analysis with generalised estimating equations to identify factors of poor adherence. We also asked about the presence or absence of flu-like symptoms during the preceding 14 days, whether a COVID-19 test was done and the test result.ResultsData from 3268 participants were analysed. Face masks were not used by 1789 (54.7%) participants. Non-adherence to physical distancing was reported by 1364 (41.7%) participants. 501 (15.3%) participants did not observe regular handwashing. Five variables were associated with poor adherence: lower education level, living with other people at home, being jobless/students, living with a partner and not being a healthcare worker.ConclusionDespite compulsory restrictions imposed by the government, only about half of the respondents adhered to COVID-19 preventive measures in the DRC. Disparities across the provinces are remarkable. There is an urgent need to further explore the reasons for these disparities and factors associated with non-adherence.

Graft detachments in endothelial keratoplasty

2021 ◽  
pp. bjophthalmol-2020-318092
Author(s):  
Rashmi Deshmukh ◽  
Sridevi Nair ◽  
Darren Shu Jeng Ting ◽  
Tushar Agarwal ◽  
Jacqueline Beltz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Endothelial Keratoplasty ◽  
Common Complication ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Descemet Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty ◽  
Secondary Interventions ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Incidence Risk ◽  
Donor Graft

Graft detachment is the most common complication of endothelial keratoplasty. With the ongoing advancements in the field of endothelial keratoplasty, our understanding of risk factors of graft detachments and its management has been evolving. Various prevention measures have been described in literature including presoaking the donor graft, anterior chamber tamponade, venting incisions, sutures to prevent dislocation of graft. Management of a detached graft involves secondary interventions such as rebubbling, suturing and regrafts. In this review, we discuss graft detachment in different types of endothelial keratoplasty techniques including Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty, Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty and Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty; with emphasis on incidence, risk factors, preventive measures and their management.

A Global Perspective on Occupational Health and Safety

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jorma H. Rantanen
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Psychosocial Problems ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
High Income ◽  
Global Perspective ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Informal Workers

Occupational hazards as well as occupational injuries and diseases are frequent and serious problems not only in industrialized high-income countries, but also in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In high-income countries, the occurrence of occupational injuries and chemically-related disorders has decreased while psychosocial problems and issues for disabled, aging, and other vulnerable workers have increased. In the LMICs, “traditional” occupational hazards and related injuries and diseases are still a major concern. Globalization, while providing some benefits to workers, has presented many negative effects, such as transfer of hazardous technologies and substances to LMICs, widening of income gaps, and worsening of working conditions and worker income, especially for agricultural workers, those with little education, and informal workers. The chapter provides a global overview of work and workers as well occupational health and safety hazards and related challenges.

scholarly journals COVID-19 Preventive Behaviours in Cameroon: A Six-Month Online National Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2554
Author(s):  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Leonard Ngarka ◽  
Wepnyu Y. Njamnshi ◽  
Leonard N. Nfor ◽  
Michel K. Mengnjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Regression Models ◽  
Health Personnel ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Face Mask ◽  
Logistic Regression Models ◽  
Adherence Score ◽  
Preventive Behaviour ◽  
Predictors Of Adherence

Since March 2020, the Cameroonian government implemented nationwide measures to stall COVID-19 transmission. However, little is known about how well these unprecedented measures are being observed as the pandemic evolves. We conducted a six-month online survey to assess the preventive behaviour of Cameroonian adults during the COVID-19 outbreak. A five-point adherence score was constructed based on self-reported observance of the following preventive measures: physical distancing, face mask use, hand hygiene, not touching one’s face, and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. Predictors of adherence were investigated using ordinal logistic regression models. Of the 7381 responses received from all ten regions, 73.3% were from male respondents and overall mean age was 32.8 ± 10.8 years. Overall mean adherence score was 3.96 ± 1.11 on a scale of 0–5. Mean weekly adherence scores were initially high, but gradually decreased over time accompanied by increasing incidence of COVID-19 during the last study weeks. Predictors for higher adherence included higher age, receiving COVID-19 information from health personnel, and agreeing with the necessity of lockdown measures. Meanwhile, experiencing flu-like symptoms was associated with poor adherence. Continuous observance of preventive measures should be encouraged among Cameroonians in the medium- to long-term to avoid a resurgence in COVID-19 infections.

scholarly journals Polarized nature of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan: associations with population age structure and behaviours

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junko Okumura
Keyword(s):  
Age Structure ◽  
Public Transportation ◽  
Perceived Risk ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Cumulative Number ◽  
Population Age Structure ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Drinking Places

Abstract Background Although the scale of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic was relatively small in Japan compared with the rest of the world, the polarisation of areas into high- and low-COVID-19-incidence areas was observed among the 47 prefectures. The aims of this study were not only identifying the factors associated with the polarised COVID-19 pandemic in Japan but also discussing effective preventive measures. Methods This was an ecological study using online survey data which was cross-sectionally conducted by the author. A total of 6000 respondents who resided in 10 low- and 10 high-COVID-19 incidence prefectures, with a wide gap in terms of COVID-19 incidence, in Japan were recruited. Data on COVID-19 cases and geodemographic information were obtained from official government sites. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare variables between the two areas and age groups. Results This study revealed that that age influenced people’s behaviours and perceptions, except one behaviour of ‘wearing facemasks’. The major factors significantly associated with the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases per 100,000 people were ‘commuting by private automobile’ (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.444; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.394–0.501), ‘commuting by public transportation’ (AOR, 6.813; 95% CI, 5.567–8.336), ‘washing hands’ (AOR, 1.233; 95% CI, 1.005–1.511), ‘opening windows regularly’ (AOR, 1.248; 95% CI, 1.104–1.412), ‘avoiding crowded places (AOR, 0.757; 95% CI, 0.641–0.893), ‘non-scheduled visits to drinking places’ (AOR, 1.212; 95% CI, 1.054–1.392) and ‘perceived risk of contracting COVID-19’ (AOR, 1.380; 95% CI, 1.180–1.612). These factors were strongly associated with age groups. Conclusions Effective preventive measures for COVID-19 transmission can be developed by understanding the characteristics of populated areas, such as public transportation infrastructure and younger people’s movements and behaviours in relation to the population age structure to contain the current epidemic and protect the most vulnerable elderly people.

scholarly journals Well-Being of Healthcare Workers and the General Public during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Vietnam: An Online Survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 4737
Author(s):  
Tuyen Dinh Hoang ◽  
Robert Colebunders ◽  
Joseph Nelson Siewe Fodjo ◽  
Nhan Phuc Thanh Nguyen ◽  
Trung Dinh Tran ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Multivariate Logistic Regression Model ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Restrictive Measures

The COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictive measures implemented may considerably affect people’s lives. This study aimed to assess the well-being of Vietnamese people after COVID-19 lockdown measures were lifted and life gradually returned to normal. An online survey was organized from 21 to 25 April 2020 among Vietnamese residents aged 18 and over. The survey was launched by the Hue University of Medicine and Pharmacy. The WHO-5 Well-Being Index (scored 0–25) was used to score participants’ well-being. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to determine the predictors of well-being. A total of 1922 responses were analyzed (mean age: 31 years; 30.5% male; 88.2% health professionals or students in the health sector). The mean well-being score was 17.35 ± 4.97. Determinants of a high well-being score (≥13) included older age, eating healthy food, practicing physical exercise, working from home, and adhering to the COVID-19 preventive measures. Female participants, persons worried about their relatives’ health, and smokers were more likely to have a low well-being score. In conclusion, after the lockdown measures were lifted, the Vietnamese have people continued to follow COVID-19 preventive measures, and most of them scored high on the well-being scale. Waiting to achieve large-scale COVID-19 vaccine coverage, promoting preventive COVID-19 measures remains important, together with strategies to guarantee the well-being of the Vietnamese people.

Occupational injuries in underground coal mining in Serbia: A case study

Work ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Ivana Ilić Krstić ◽  
Danijela Avramović ◽  
Snežana Živković
Keyword(s):  
Coal Mining ◽  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Underground Coal Mining ◽  
Health Records ◽  
Employee Safety ◽  
Injury Data ◽  
Safety And Health

BACKGROUND: Mining, especially underground coal mining, has always been a hazardous occupation. Injuries, including those that are fatal, are a major occupational risk that all miners have to face. OBJECTIVE: Despite the fact that all workers are aware of the risks, efforts must be made to increase their safety through the implementation of preventive measures. METHODS: This retrospective study includes injury data from all nine Serbian coal mines over a 16-year period, from 2000 to 2016. All injury data were collected from employee safety and health records. RESULTS: In the analyzed period, a total of 9,273 occupational injuries were recorded at Resavica. The highest number of occupational injuries (over 600) were recorded in 2008 (669), 2004 (651), and 2005 (603). The data shows that almost one fifth of the total number of occupational injuries, or 20.74%, occurred during the said three years. On average, 493.06 minor, 51.12 severe, and 1.29 fatal injuries occurred each year. Every day there were 1.29 minor occupational injuries and every seven days there was one severe injury. CONCLUSIONS: Despite indications that there is a connection between some of the variables and the number of injuries, the general conclusion is that injuries are accidental and unpredictable. The high percentages of injuries are due to the organization of work and the age or qualification structure of the staff and, of course, are the consequence of likelihood –the greater the number of workers, the greater the likelihood of injury. However, the present study showed that some measures can be taken to increase occupational safety and reduce the number of injuries.

Money laundering through cryptocurrencies - analysis of the phenomenon and appropriate prevention measures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christoph Wronka
Keyword(s):  
Money Laundering ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Prevention Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Blockchain Technology ◽  
Cryptographic Keys ◽  
Electronic Storage ◽  
Patterns Of Abuse ◽  
Theoretical Foundations

Purpose The aim of this paper is to assess the relevance of cryptocurrencies with regard to the money laundering risk on the market and to present widespread money laundering techniques and recognizable patterns of abuse. In addition, this paper aims to find an answer to the question to what extent the measures of the fifth EU Anti-Money Laundering Directive (AMLD) as well as other appropriate preventive measures are sufficient to reduce the money laundering risk in the area of virtual currencies (VC). Design/methodology/approach Firstly, the analysis requires a consideration of the theoretical foundations of money laundering methods, as well as a presentation of the technical foundations of cryptocurrencies and their ecosystem. Secondly, it is discussed to what extent VC are suitable for money laundering, which characteristics enable them to launder money and which new money laundering techniques result from this. In addition, a comparison of different money laundering risk classification is done in relation to VC from the perspective of different actors in the financial market. Findings Owing to their simple electronic storage and transferability, crypto assets pose a concrete risk of money laundering. Their inclusion in the fifth AMLD was therefore a necessary step by the European legislator. However, the question arises to whether the directive and the further preventive measures presented in this paper sufficiently fulfil the objective of reducing the money laundering risk in relation to VC. One positive aspect is the inclusion of the crypto custody business as a financial service in the German Banking Act. According to the definition in Section 1 (1a) sentence 2 no. 6, the offering of wallets is subject to authorization and the offering party becomes an obligated party within the meaning of the Germany Money Laundering Act. From a supervisory point of view, the new licensing requirement is very much welcomed, as the custody of private cryptographic keys entails considerable risks. However, non-custodian wallet providers who do not store the private keys of their users, are not covered. A closer analysis of the amending directive to the fourth EU AMLD reveals that other relevant players in the crypto market, such as mixer and tumbler services, are also not covered. Originality/value It is quite clear that cryptocurrencies and the blockchain technology will continue to accompany one in the coming years. Further credit institutions arising in the market exposed to the described risks will be seen. The paper will therefore present and evaluate possible risk reduction/options for anti-money laundering for new and existing financial institutions.

scholarly journals Responsiveness of Occupational Health Risk and Preventive Measures Practice by the Workers Employed in Tannery Occupation in Kanpur, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyan Chandra Kashyap ◽  
Praveen Chokhandre ◽  
Shri Kant Singh
Keyword(s):  
Health Status ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Work Environment ◽  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
School Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Respiratory Problems ◽  
Strong Focus ◽  
Tannery Workers

Occupational health covers all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards. The objective of the study was to understand the extent of awareness about occupational health risks involved in tannery occupation and adopted preventive measures by the tannery workers of Kanpur, India. Information for the present research was strained from a cross-sectional household study of tannery workers in the Jajmau area of Kanpur. The survey was piloted through the period January–June 2015, and 284 samples were collected. The prevalence of awareness of tannery work is very hazardous in nature varies from 73–93% among the tannery workers. Tannery workers having a middle-school level of education were 3.01 times more likely to be aware of the hazards as compared to the illiterate workers. Tannery workers aged 36 and above were less likely to aware of a hazardous work environment. Further, tannery workers who belong to the younger cohort (16–24 years) reported a higher awareness of respiratory problems (38%), skin complaints (59%), and gastrointestinal issues (21%) than those aged 36 years and above. About one-third of Beam house workers (33%) and over a quarter (26%) of the wet finishing had moderate to high dermal contact with the chemicals. The study’s outcomes give a clear indication of the effect of the workstation environment on the health status of workers and require the use of adequate measures to improve the facilities and thereby the health status of tannery workers.

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