scholarly journals Working hours organization impact mechanism upon work-related accidents on microeconomic level

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 32-40
Author(s):  
M. Titopoulou ◽  
E. Titopoulos ◽  
J. Staykova
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Statistical Processing ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Working Time ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Economic Sectors ◽  
Impact Mechanism ◽  
Work Related

Work organizations rapidly change, triggering the need for a dynamic approach regarding the occupational health and safety and accident prevention. The objective of this research is to examine the influence of the factor 'organisation of the working time' upon the occupational accidents in enterprises as well as to suggest a model of an impact mechanism of working time organization on the occurrence and prevention of accidents/near accidents, using a representative Bulgarian sample. The research is based on a survey conducted in 2016 among 410 employees (52.9% women; 47.1% men) from all economic sectors. Statistical processing and analysis are performed by SPSS/PSPP and statistical modeling by EViews/Gretl. Results show that approximately every fifth employee works longer than the standard weekly occupation of 40 hours; 17.1% of all suffered work-related accident(s); 36.2% work overtime and 41.1% recognize the presence of work-related health problems (most common are total fatigue, back pain, stress and headache). Among those respondents claiming to have work-related health problems, accidents at work occur most frequently when working over 40 h/week. The suggested 3-stage impact mechanism of the working time organization on the occurrence and prevention of occupational accidents allows us to track the chain effects of existing practices in enterprises with regard to working time organization, employees' well-being and the occurrence of work accidents. Prevention strategies should consider changes in scheduling practices, job redesign, and health protection programmes.

scholarly journals Overtime: Re-Interpreting the opt-out derogation

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-42
Author(s):  
Sharona Aharoni-Goldenberg
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Working Time ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Member States ◽  
Industrial Plants ◽  
Opt Out ◽  
Working Time Directive ◽  
Economic Considerations

The 2003/88/EC Working Time Directive limits maximum weekly working time to 48 hours per week and establishes minimum daily rest periods of 11 hours. Article 22 thereof allows Member States to opt-out of the 48-hours limitation, thus limiting daily working hours to 13, subject to the respect of the general principles of the protection of the health and safety of workers and to employees’ consent. This article attaches great weight to Member States’ obligations to respect the General Principles, which include, inter alia, the protection of workers’ health and safety; workers’ right to reasonable working hours and to dignity; and the notion of adapting work to workers. It refers to empirical research exposing the distinctly negative implications of work lasting more the 12 daily hours on both workers’ health and safety. It suggests that the limitation of working hours should be treated as equivalent to the supplying of employees in industrial plants with protective equipment. It regards employers’ duty to adapt work to workers as having double meaning: first, longitude of hours worked should fit the physical and mental limitations characterising the human body; second, workload should be adapted to employees’ physical and psychological limitations vis-à-vis work hours. The article concludes that it is doubtful whether allowing regular working hours of up to 13 hours complies with the General Principles; proposes to interpret the derogation as limiting regular daily working hours to 12; and to amend the derogation accordingly. It further concludes that the Directive rightly prioritises workers’ health and safety over economic considerations. Indeed, workers are not a means to achieve employers’ goals; rather, they are human beings whose physical and psychological well-being must be respected in the context of working hours and must prevail over commercial interests. Further, commercial interests actually call for the limitation of working hours to up to 12 on a regular basis. The derogation is also subject to workers’ consent and thus reflects their rights to autonomy in the workplace and to free choice of occupation. Hence, employees should be treated as (part) authors of their own work environments and should therefore have the power to shape the length of their overtime. However, their right to autonomy may be hindered by direct or indirect pressures, especially as they have little bargaining powers and alternatives. In order to achieve actual autonomy in the workplace, this article suggests that: employers inform employees as to their freedom to choose whether or not to opt-out and of the risks to health and safety emanating from overtime; consent be written; and that overtime performed beyond 48 weekly hours without free and informed consent be regarded as unconsenting and deserving of reparation.

scholarly journals Risk Perception and Occupational Accidents among a Group of Egyptian Construction Workers in a Construction Company in Cairo

QJM ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M M I Ellaban ◽  
M H Rady ◽  
H M S Gabal ◽  
N S Mostafa
Keyword(s):  
Risk Perception ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Safety Training ◽  
Construction Workers ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Risk Category ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Work Related

Abstract Background Construction sector is one of the main pillars of the global economy, even though it is a risky business in which fatal and non-fatal occupational injuries occur frequently. Information about workers’ awareness about health and safety hazards, risk perception and safe work practices can help to understand where to apply prevention strategies. Unfortunately, construction sites are workplaces with limited access for research; studies at work level represent 2.28% of all available research. Objectives To estimate the perception of construction workers to the occupational hazards, to identify types of common occupational accidents involving construction workers in an Egyptian company and to identify the workers’ personal and work related characteristics determinants on their risk perception. Material and Methods A cross sectional study was conducted among construction workers in one of the projects in Cairo. During the period from January to August 2018; a sample of 104 workers were interviewed using a structured questionnaire inquiring about socio-demographic characteristics, work related variables together with assessment of workers’ risk perception. Results the majority of the workers had low risk perception for falls, contact with chemicals, struck by objects, sharp objects, manual lifting, repetitive movements and heat stress, while the noise was reported as “ no or acceptable risk category”. The study identified age, health and safety training, working hours and the use of PPEs as significantly related factors to risk perception. Conclusion risk perception among studied workers in average is low. Older age, prolonged working hours, lack of training and not wearing PPEs are significant risk factors shaping workers’ perception. Recommendation safety training and change of work environment may improve workers’ perception toward occupational accidents and subsequently reduce the risk of injuries.

scholarly journals THE IMPLEMENTATION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY FOR PREGNANT WORKERS IN VARIOUS WORKPLACES

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-41
Author(s):  
Aditira Dwi Hanani
Keyword(s):  
Women Workers ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Maternity Leave ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Safety Programs ◽  
Special Protection ◽  
Health And Safety Programs

Pregnant workers have more health risks for health problems than other workers. There are different potential hazards in different workplaces. Occupational Health and Safety Programs need to be implemented for pregnant workers in order to avoid work related diseases in various workplaces. This study aims to determine the the implementation of occupational health and safety for pregnant workers in various workplaces. This study uses a qualitative method by conducting FGD (Focus Group Discussion) with pregnant women workers from various workplaces and in-depth interviews with occupational health and safety experts. Occupational health and safety programs have been implemented for pregnant workers such as the right to maternity leave, working hours arrangements, health insurance, and special protection for pregnant workers. However, there are some workplaces that still do not provide special protection for pregnant workers. Every workplace should pay more attention to the health and safety of pregnant workers as an effort to prevent occupational accidents and work related diseases

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.

Inpatient Data of Occupational Burn Injuries Treated at a Tertiary Burn Center

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 398-401
Author(s):  
Abdulkadir Basaran ◽  
Ozer Ozlu
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Burn Injury ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Burn Injuries ◽  
Occupational Accidents ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Burn Center ◽  
Electrical Burns

Abstract Occupational burns are among the important causes of work-related injuries. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and reasons of occupational burns and thereby to emphasize preventive measures. Between January 2017 and December 2018, the data of major occupational burn injury patients admitted to our burn center were evaluated in this cross-sectional retrospective study. During the study period 342 patients older than 16 years were admitted to the burn center. Among them 80 patients with occupational burns (23.4%) were identified. The mean age of the patients was 34.73 ± 12.3 years. Seventy-eight patients (97.5%) were male. Electrical burns and flame burns were the two leading type of occupational burns. The most common occupation of our patients was construction work. Dangerous behavior, carelessness, lack of protective equipment, and failure to follow instructions were causes of injury. Only 14 patients (17.5%) experienced unavoidable accident. Thirty-seven patients (46.3%) worked on temporary basis. Occupational experience was under 5 years in majority of the cases (62.5%). For the occupational burns the percentage of burned TBSA was 17.08 ± 14.5 (1–60) and the length of hospital stay was 23.94 ± 21.9 days (2–106). There were no significant differences between occupational and nonoccupational burn injuries considering TBSA, total length of hospital stay, and complications (P > .05). Occupational burn injuries are common in less experienced and younger workers. Therefore, recognition of the problem and maintaining awareness is important. In order to prevent occupational accidents and burns, occupational health and safety rules must be obeyed.

Managing Workplace Safety and Health

2013 ◽  
pp. 512-536
Author(s):  
Thomas Kniesner ◽  
John D. Leeth
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Workplace Safety ◽  
Economic Incentive ◽  
Occupational Safety And Health ◽  
Market Forces ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Worker Health ◽  
Safety And Health

This entry explicates how market forces incent managers to be concerned with worker health and safety. It also notes how supplementing market forces are government actions intended to improve work-related health and safety. These include the legal system under tort laws, states’ workers’ compensation insurance Programs, research into the causes of health hazards at the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the federal government’s workplace regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA). An important empirical conclusion emerging is that the labor market, via the additional compensation workers require for exposure to health and safety risks, provides the largest economic incentive for managers making workplace decisions involving worker health-related well being.

scholarly journals Beyond accident: A model for the compensation of work-related harm in New Zealand

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Dawn Duncan
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Work Stress ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Labour Law ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Work Health ◽  
Legislative Reforms ◽  
Complex Relationships ◽  
Coverage Problems

<p>This thesis examines the compensation of work-related injuries and illnesses under the Accident Compensation Act 2001 (ACA). It proposes a set of legislative reforms to enable fairer and more equitable access to compensation for workers and improvements to work health and safety. This thesis approaches the development of a model for reform as an endeavour within labour law (rather than welfare or insurance law) and adopts a labour law theoretical framework for analysis.  This thesis argues that the current coverage problems are a product of the scheme’s unique political history, and starts by outlining the historical origins of the scheme and the political compromises, theoretical tensions, and ideological shifts that have led to the current ACA. It also examines the challenges posed by changes in the nature of work, the workforce, and the ways workers are engaged to perform work. This thesis focusses on the cover of chronic work-related health problems, and, in particular, the complex relationships of causation in work-stress related depression, cardiovascular disease and musculoskeletal conditions. While particular attention is paid to the complexities associated with work-stress-related illness the model proposed is intended to improve the cover of, and data collection on, all work-related health problems in New Zealand.  This thesis proposes a new Act to replace the ACA, with a new structure, new purpose section and definitions, new cover test, and the creation of a new work-health review panel. The reform proposal is intended to achieve fairer coverage of work-related health problems, and contribute to improvements in work health and safety in New Zealand, ensuring compensation, treatment and rehabilitation is available to the increasing numbers of workers affected, and making those conditions more visible within the workplace injury and illness statistics.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring the Mental Health and Wellbeing Needs of Workers in the UK Automotive Industry

2019 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-23
Author(s):  
Samantha Gellatly
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Automotive Sector ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Health And Wellbeing ◽  
Employee Wellbeing ◽  
The Uk

The purpose of this research was to explore the mental health and wellbeing needs of employees in the automotive sector, to understand the types of initiatives these employees would appreciate and how to promote them effectively. The research was approached with an exploratory, qualitative design. The collection of employee knowledge and opinion was undertaken utilising in-depth and semi structured interviews with a small cross-sectional group of employees. The main findings from the research showed that mental health presenteeism and leaveism are commonly occurring. It was found that individual understanding of well-being differed due to conflicting terminology and that where the company excelled in the areas of health and safety employees experienced unhappiness with working hours, work life balance and pay and reward. Research of this scope was original to the company and the automotive sector thus providing great insight. These employees showed there was less need for complex well-being programmes and that there was a keenness for mental health to be recognised and discussed more to help diminish the attached stigma. This research also questions: who is really best suited to support employee wellbeing? Whilst research highlights the importance of managers in this process, it also confirms, as with this study, that they are the employees with the worst wellbeing and therefore unlikely to be those best suited to provide this support. If managers wellbeing is not boosted it is unlikely that they can bring about desired improvements and bridging this gap requires future consideration.

scholarly journals Determinant Factors of Work-Related Complaints

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
Qoni Mulia Sagita ◽  
Yuliani Setyaningsih ◽  
Sulistiyani Sulistiyani
Keyword(s):  
Medical History ◽  
Ventilation System ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Working Hours ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Work Related ◽  
Shoe Industry ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Home Workers

Home-based workers of Footwear industries in Semarang Regency are all womans. The employment status of home-based workers usually unrecognized or unregulated by the employer or their itermediaries so that they did not paid close attention about HWBs’s working condition. They often work on inadequate working environment such as poor ventilation system, bad lighting, humid working space (damp wall and floor), and also poor layout of furnitures and work equipments. That condition exaberated by lack of HWBs’s knowledge and awareness regarding their health and safety at work. In addition HBWs often with little to none education, work on long extended working hours and working under intensive labor.This research was aimed to determine the relationship between respondent characteristics, medical history, and use of PPE with work-related complaints on home workers of shoe industry in Semarang regency. This was an observational analytic study using cross sectional approach. Population in this study was 80 home workers of shoe industry in Semarang regency. The samples are 66 home workers were taken using stratified random sampling method. Data were analyzed using frequency distribution and Chi-Square test. The results of this study showed that there were some variables that have significant association with work-related complaints (p≤ 0.05) including, length of work, duration of work, personal protective equipment (PPE). While the variables of age, body mass index (BMI), and medical history did not show significant association with work-related complaints (p&gt; 0.05). Multivariate analysis using logistic regression showed the duration of work had the most powerful influence to the work-related complaints. The conclusion of this study was important for home workers to maintain health condition by doing exercise to avoid work-related complaints. Home workers that have long duration of work should increase the use of PPE such as masks and gloves.

scholarly journals Knowledge on occupational health hazard and safety practices among the municipal solid waste handler

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 56-72
Author(s):  
Sujan B Marahatta ◽  
D Katuwl ◽  
S Adhikari ◽  
K Rijal
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Solid Waste ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Safety Practices ◽  
Work Related

Background: All over the world nearly 860,000 people are injured every day and 2.3 million deaths occur annually due to occupational accidents and work-related diseases.There are limited studies that specifically determine the knowledge of waste handlers on occupational health problems and associated factors of occupational health problems and injuries in waste handlersin context of Nepal. Therefore, this studyaimed to assess the knowledge of waste handlers on occupational health and safety practices and its association with utilization of PPEs along with the condition of occupational health problems and injuries and factors associated with them among the waste handlers of Kathmandu Metropolitan City.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among selected 355 solid waste collectors by using semi-structured questionnaire and observation checklist, which was completed from March 2016 to May 2016. The data was entered into SPSS 20 version for analysis and a chi-square test was performed to see the presence of the association between the dependent and selected independent variables.Results: Among total respondents (355) surveyed 51.5% had got knowledge on occupational health hazard, 16.1 %  had got the knowledge to prevent from work-related health risks, 29% had got knowledge about PPEs and  31.5% had got knowledge about PPEs utilization. About 45.8% of the study participants had practices of the utilization of PPEs. Majority of the respondents i.e. 63.7% reported that they were suffering from occupational health problems. The evidence of the occupational health injuries was found to be low i.e. 25.4%. Similarly, variables which had significant influence on the occupational health problems were knowledge on occupational health hazard (p=0.016), work experience (p=0.021), health checkup (p=0.042) and for the occupational health injuries were monthly income(p=0.036), knowledge to prevent from health risk (p=0.001), gender (p=0.02), and knowledge of occupational health hazard (p=0.011), work experience (p= 0.025), work type (p=0.001), knowledge on PPEs ( p=0.034) and knowledge on work-related health risks (p= 0.027).Conclusion: Based on this study, its recommended to improve occupational health and safety practices. Awareness programs need to be focused to increase the knowledge on Occupational health hazards and safety practices to improve the utilization of PPEs..Journal of Manmohan Memorial Institute of Health SciencesVol. 3, No. 1, 2017, page: 56-72

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document