scholarly journals Effectiveness of Health and Safety Training in Reducing Occupational Injuries Among Harvesting Forestry Contractors in KwaZulu-Natal

2018 ◽  
Vol 66 (10) ◽  
pp. 499-507 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hloni Nkomo ◽  
Ivan Niranjan ◽  
Poovendhree Reddy
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Adequate Knowledge ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Forestry work is generally characterized by a combination of personal and environmental risks in health and safety. Employers need to ensure intensive and continuous safety training to mitigate these risks; however, the efficacy of this training is seldom evaluated. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of health and safety training in reducing injuries and improving knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions toward safety among forestry workers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 300 harvesting contract workers employed at a forestry company in KZN. A questionnaire to assess the efficiency of health and safety training was administered. In addition, a retrospective review of the injury register and medical records of employees who sustained work-related injuries from 2009 to 2013 was completed. The company injury data for harvesting contractors reported 68 lost-time injuries during postcommencement of training. Slip, trip, and fall injuries were the most reported cause of injuries, particularly among manual harvesters. Respondents who were male, younger in age, and with less experience had an increased risk of occupational injury. Most participants displayed adequate knowledge of safety and were able to translate training into practice. The health and safety training initiative was successful in reducing injuries and increasing workers’ awareness of, and responsibility for, health and safety issues.

scholarly journals Occupational risk factors associated with respiratory symptoms among tannery workers in Mojo town, Southeast Ethiopia, 2018: a comparative cross-sectional study

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Innawu Dalju ◽  
Awrajaw Dessie ◽  
Laekemariame Bogale ◽  
Tesfaye Hambisa Mekonnen
Keyword(s):  
Personal Protective Equipment ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Tannery Workers

Introduction: Work-related respiratory diseases (WRDs) account for 10–20% of all chronic respiratory illnesses affecting hundreds of millions of people of all ages. Tannery industries are often associated with hazardous working conditions favourable for respiratory conditions. However, information about the prevalence and occupational factors that predispose to respiratory symptoms is meagre in Ethiopia. This study aimed to investigate the magnitude and risk factors associated with work-related respiratory symptoms among tannery industry workers in Mojo town, Ethiopia. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2018. A total of 602 (299 exposed to tannery factories) and 303 unexposed (civil servants) were included using the stratified sampling method. The British Medical Research Council (BMRC) questionnaire was pretested and interviewer-administered for data collection. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the factors associated with respiratory symptoms. The significance of associations was ascertained at a < 0.05 p and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% CI was computed to evaluate the strength of associations. Results: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms among exposed workers was 27.1% [95% CI (21.7, 32.1)] and 8.3% [95% CI (5.3, 11.6)] among unexposed workers in the previous 12 months and the prevalence was significantly different (X2 = 36.82; p < 0. 00001). The odds of developing respiratory symptoms was 3.37 times higher among tannery workers than unexposed workers [AOR: 3.37; 95% CI (1.71, 6.46)]. Female sex [AOR:1.80; 95% CI (1.24, 3.34)], temporarily workers [AOR = 3.43; 95% CI (2.63, 7.95)], working in a poorly ventilated working unit [AOR = 1.88; 95% CI (1.22, 3.98)], absence of occupational health and safety training [AOR = 2.37; 95% CI (1.14, 4.92)], and not using personal protective equipment [AOR = 2.30; 95% CI (1.25, 3.46)] were significant factors. Conclusion: The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was higher among exposed workers compared to unexposed ones. Sex, employment status, ventilation of working units, absence of occupational health and safety training, and not using personal protective equipment were the factors associated with occupational-related respiratory symptoms. Strategies targeting health and safety training, creating awareness on the use of personal protective equipment, and improving workplace conditions, like the provision of adequate ventilation are useful means for assuaging the condition.

scholarly journals Chronotype, Sleep Characteristics, and Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Hospital Nurses

2017 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuan Zhang ◽  
Jeanne F. Duffy ◽  
Elizabeth Ronan de Castillero ◽  
Kefang Wang
Keyword(s):  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Poor Sleep ◽  
Sleep Onset Latency ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) persist as the leading occupational injury, accounting for nearly half of nurses’ total occupational injuries. Musculoskeletal pain is a known cause of sleep disruption, and individuals with WMSDs that interfere with sleep often report more pain. Evening chronotype has been associated with poor sleep among nurses. However, the associations among chronotype, sleep, and WMSDs are still unclear, and were explored in the present study. A cross-sectional survey was administered to 397 nurses, with 47.4% reporting WMSDs. Robust Poisson regression modeling suggested that evening type (PR = 1.32, p < .05), prolonged sleep onset latency (PR = 1.37, p < .05), and using sleep-promoting substances (PR = 1.35, p < .01) were associated with increased risk of WMSDs among nurses, after adjusting for shift work, regular exercise, body mass index, and other covariates. This study suggests that well-designed evidence-based nonpharmacological interventions to improve sleep may reduce the risk of WMSDs among nurses.

scholarly journals Prevalence and injury patterns among electronic waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 185-192 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chimere May Ohajinwa ◽  
Peter M van Bodegom ◽  
Martina G Vijver ◽  
Adesola O Olumide ◽  
Oladele Osibanjo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Informal Sector ◽  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Electronic Waste ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Multistage Sampling

BackgroundDespite the large volume of e-waste recycled informally, the prevalence of work-related injuries among e-waste workers is unknown. Therefore, this study assessed the prevalence, patterns and factors associated with occupational injuries among e-waste workers in the informal sector in Nigeria.MethodsThis cross-sectional study adopted a multistage sampling method to select 279 respondents from three cities (Ibadan, Lagos and Aba) in Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on sociodemographics, work practices and injury occurrences from the respondents in 2015. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics and standard logistic regression.ResultsWe found high injury prevalence of 38% and 68% in 1–2 weeks and 6 months preceding the study, respectively. The most common injuries were cuts (59%). Injuries were mainly caused by sharp objects (77%). The majority (82%) of the injuries occurred on the hands/fingers. Despite the high occurrence of injury, only 18% of the workers use personal protective equipment (PPE) and 51% of those that use PPE got at least an injury in 1–2 weeks and 88% got at least an injury in 6 months preceding the study. The factors associated with injury in 1–2 weeks were job designation and the geographical location, while the factors associated with injury in 6 months were job designation, geographical location and age.ConclusionsThere is a high prevalence of injury and low use of PPE among the e-waste workers in Nigeria. Occupational injury can be reduced through health education and safety promotion programmes for e-waste workers.

scholarly journals Identifying Safety Training Resource Needs in the Cattle Feeding Industry in the Midwestern United States

Safety ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Athena Ramos ◽  
Ellen Duysen ◽  
Aaron Yoder
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Phase 1 ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Risk Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Certification ◽  
Cattle Feeding ◽  
Resource Needs

Cattle feedyards are a high-risk environment. They are characterized by high rates of occupational injuries and illnesses. As such, there is a clear need to address the health and safety of cattle feedyard workers. Therefore, the purpose of this cross-sectional study was to explore safety training practices and preferences in the cattle feeding industry. A survey of feedyard managers, feedyard safety trainers, and feedyard operators was conducted (n = 28). We found that only half of respondents had dedicated safety personnel; however, there was interest in a safety training program, conducted through short hands-on and in-person methods with materials available in English and Spanish. The majority of participants were also interested in a feedyard safety certification program. Participants reaffirmed the importance of partnering with industry and other stakeholders when conducting these types of programs. The results of this Phase 1-type translational research study will be used to guide the development of feedyard safety trainings and a corresponding recognition program for feedyards and feedyard workers as part of the “Improving Safety and Health of Cattle Feedyard Workers” project.

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Asymmetric Playing Postures of the Upper Extremity and Back in Music Teachers: A Pilot Study

2009 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 113-118
Author(s):  
Cecilia Wahlström Edling ◽  
Anncristine Fjellman-Wiklund
Keyword(s):  
Upper Extremity ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Music Teachers ◽  
Musical Instrument ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Physical Workload ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Playing Time

To play a musical instrument, such as the violin or flute, requires controlled, adequate movements performed by the arm, hand, and fingers in an asymmetric playing posture. The movements are monotonous and often of long duration, involving static and repetitive muscle work of the upper extremity and neck-shoulder muscles. This situation may lead to an increased risk of contracting musculoskeletal problems. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between physical workload, defined as playing posture and playing time per week, and musculoskeletal disorders in music teachers. A questionnaire was distributed, with items based on work-related musculoskeletal disorders and physical working conditions. The study population consisted of music teachers employed at a Swedish municipal music school. Out of 61 music teachers, 47 (77%) agreed to participate, including 28 women and 19 men. The study group was divided into two groups depending on if they had an asymmetric or symmetric upper extremity/back playing position. Of the total participants, 77% reported musculoskeletal disorders during the preceding 12 months. Female teachers reported significantly more symptoms in the neck, shoulders, and upper back than male teachers. Music teachers with an asymmetric playing posture had significantly more musculoskeletal disorders than music teachers with a symmetric playing posture. This study demonstrates that an asymmetric playing position may affect the amount of musculoskeletal disorders in the upper extremity and back.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Prevalence and Risk Factors of Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Technicians of Surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 199-208
Author(s):  
Seyyedeh Haniyeh Mousavibaghi ◽  
◽  
Kamran Ezzati ◽  
Mahmood Abedinzade ◽  
Sadegh MoshtaghiKoojel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Body Regions ◽  
Check Method ◽  
One Year

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders are among the prevalent occupational injuries and disabilities in developing countries. Objectives: The current study was conducted to determine the prevalence and risk factors of musculoskeletal disorders among surgery technicians. Materials & Methods: samples (n=179) of this analytical and cross-sectional study were selected using a census method among the surgical technicians who had at least one year of work experience. The disorders of different parts of their bodies were evaluated by Nordic questionnaire, and the risk of catching the musculoskeletal disorders was assessed using quick exposure check method. Statistical analyses were done in SPSS V. 16. Results: According to the Nordic questionnaire, the most prevalent work-related disorders in the past year were found in the back (71.5%), neck (57%), wrist (50.8%), and shoulder (49.7%) of the study subjects. The quick exposure check results showed that the level of exposure to musculoskeletal risks was in action level one for 32.4% of the surgery technicians, and action level three for 33% of them. This study showed associations between the prevalence of work-related symptoms in different body regions and some individual and occupational characteristics (P<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) is high among surgical technicians and lumbar disorders are the most common types. Risk factors for MSDs include undesirable physical posture, weight, time spent for shifting loads, excessive force applied by one or both hands at work, working speed, and staff stress levels. among near half of the studied surgical technicians, there were high and very high risks for injury, indicating the vulnerable condition and environment of this job.

scholarly journals The Relationship Between Reporting Occupational Injuries, Job Control, and Safety Citizenship Sub-dimensions of Action

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clint Pinion
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Occupational Injuries ◽  
Research Question ◽  
The United States ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Job Control ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ordinal Logistic Regression Analysis ◽  
Injury Reporting ◽  
The Relationship

More than five thousand workers lost their lives in 2018 due to occupational incidents. Research suggests that increased job control and safety citizenship can help mitigate occupational incidents. This study aims to answer the following research question: Does a relationship exist between the behavior of reporting occupational injuries and both job control and safety citizenship? This exploratory cross-sectional study used an employee perception questionnaire to examine the behavior of reporting occupational injuries, employee job control, and six safety citizenship sub-dimensions of action (i.e. stewardship, civic virtue, whistleblowing, initiating safety-related change, voice, and helping) at two companies in the Midwestern region of the United States. The survey consisted of 34 items and used a 5-point Likert Scale to quantify the data gathered along with other demographic variables. An ordinal logistic regression analysis to investigate the relationship between the behavior of reporting occupational injuries, job control, and the six sub-dimensions of safety citizenship was conducted. Results indicate that job control ( X2 = 8.512, df = 1, p < 0.05) and whistleblowing (X2 = 4.836, df = 1, p < 0.05) predict the behavior of occupational injury reporting.

Health and safety issues among construction workers in Bangladesh

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-18
Author(s):  
Firoz Ahmed Mamin ◽  
Ganesh Dey ◽  
Shazal Kumar Das
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Safety Equipment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Work Related ◽  
History Of ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Health And Safety Issues

Background: Bangladesh is a rapidly developing country. Lots of infrastructures are set up every year. A large number of people are working in the construction industry.  Work related injuries and deaths of construction workers are common. The aim of this study was to find the health and safety awareness of informal construction workers. Methodology: This study was a cross sectional study by using a preset questionnaire among the construction workers in Bangladesh. Results: Participants of this study had lower income and education. About 87% of participants did not receive any health and safety training and did not wear safety equipment when they were working. About 57% of the participants had a history of injury. This study also found that the main reasons for the non-use of safety equipment were lack of safety equipment, motivation and training. Conclusion: Construction workers are not adequately aware about health and safety issues that relate to them.

scholarly journals Magnitude and Characteristics of Occupational injury in Kombolcha textile factory, North East Ethiopia

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Serkalem S Yessuf ◽  
Haimanot Gebrehiwot Moges ◽  
Ansha N Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Textile Industry ◽  
Occupational Injury ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
North East ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Textile Factory ◽  
Safety Procedures

Background: Working environment is one of the factors which can determine public health conditions as many workers spend a large portion of their time at work.Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the magnitude and characteristics of occupational injury among workers in Kombolcha textile factory, North East Ethiopia.Methods: Institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted from April1-15, 2013 among 455 randomly selected workers after stratification by working departments. A structured questionnaire based interview, review of records of injury report and walk through survey using work environment observation checklist were used to support the self-reported information. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis using SPSS version 20.Results: The overall occupational injury prevalence rate was 36.9%. Puncture, abrasion/laceration, fracture, cut and back pain were the most common types of injury. Most of the sources of injury were due to machinery, lifting heavy objects, splinters, fall and hand tools.Conclusion: The magnitude of occupational injury at Kombolcha textile industry showed a high prevalence that indicates the need to work on integrated injury prevention by mainstreaming occupational health and safety procedures in all working  departments of the factory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v3i2.8381 

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