scholarly journals Important Difference between Occupational Hazard Exposure among Shift Workers and Other Workers; Comparing Workplace before and after 1980

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (20) ◽  
pp. 7495
Author(s):  
Maud Miguet ◽  
Gull Rukh ◽  
Olga E. Titova ◽  
Helgi B. Schiöth
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Prevalence Ratio ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Workplace Hazards ◽  
Shift Workers ◽  
Hazard Exposure ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

Improving health and safety at work has been an important issue for the European Union since the 1980s. The existing literature supports that shift work is associated with multiple indicators of poor health but frequently neglects the potential impact of occupational hazards. This study aims at describing and comparing the exposure to different workplace hazards among shift and other workers before and after 1980. Exposure to different workplace hazards (noise, dust, pollutant, and other physical stressors) were analyzed among 119,413 participants from the UK Biobank cohort. After stratifying the analyses before and after 1980, exposure was compared between shift and other workers. Potential confounding variables (sex, age, ethnicity, education level, occupational category, and neuroticism) were adjusted for in the log-binomial regression. Shift workers had a higher prevalence ratio (PR) than other workers of being exposed to almost all identified hazards both before or after 1980. They were also more likely to be exposed to multiple hazards compared to other workers, both before 1980 (PR: 1.25; 95% CI: 1.21–1.30) and after 1980 (PR: 1.34; 95% CI: 1.30–1.38). The prevalence of all measured risk factors was higher after 1980 than before 1980 among shift workers. Of note, the work environment has improved overall for other workers. Our findings suggest that changes at the workplace have benefited other workers more than shift workers as they are still more exposed to all occupational hazards.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in the UK and Occupational Health and Safety: Predictable not Inevitable Failures by Government, and Trade Union and Nongovernmental Organization Responses

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 86-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Watterson
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Occupational Health ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Personal Protection Equipment ◽  
International Agencies ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
The Uk

This commentary examines the occupational health and safety issues faced by the UK workers in the COVID-19 pandemic, against the background of government cuts in health care and in occupational health and safety budgets, and a deregulatory climate. The UK government has been obsessed, blinkered, and distracted by the desire to leave the European Union (Brexit). The state of knowledge about the virus, especially from international agencies that identified pandemic threats and strategies to combat it, is outlined. UK politicians, government bodies, medical and scientific advisors, and employers periodically ignored or abused that knowledge. Regulatory and ministerial inaction and errors on the workplace virus risks emerged. In contrast, several trade unions, health professional bodies, and nongovernmental organizations identified COVID-19 threats from poor personal protection equipment, working practices, and knowledge gaps and offered solutions for health care workers, social care workers, production workers, and service workers in “essential” occupations.

scholarly journals High-skilled labour mobility in Europe before and after the 2004 enlargement

2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (128) ◽  
pp. 20170030 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander M. Petersen ◽  
Michelangelo Puliga
Keyword(s):  
Labour Force ◽  
Bipartite Networks ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Global Knowledge ◽  
Technical Science ◽  
Skilled Labour ◽  
Quantitative Evidence ◽  
Before And After ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Eu

The extent to which international high-skilled mobility channels are forming is a question of great importance in an increasingly global knowledge-based economy. One factor facilitating the growth of high-skilled labour markets is the standardization of certifiable degrees meriting international recognition. Within this context, we analysed an extensive high-skilled mobility database comprising roughly 382 000 individuals from five broad profession groups (Medical, Education, Technical, Science & Engineering and Business & Legal) over the period 1997–2014, using the 13-country expansion of the European Union (EU) to provide insight into labour market integration. We compare the periods before and after the 2004 enlargement, showing the emergence of a new east–west migration channel between the 13 mostly eastern EU entrants (E) and the rest of the western European countries (W). Indeed, we observe a net directional loss of human capital from E → W, representing 29% of the total mobility after 2004. Nevertheless, the counter-migration from W → E is 7% of the total mobility over the same period, signalling the emergence of brain circulation within the EU. Our analysis of the country–country mobility networks and the country–profession bipartite networks provides timely quantitative evidence for the convergent integration of the EU, and highlights the central role of the UK and Germany as high-skilled labour hubs. We conclude with two data-driven models to explore the structural dynamics of the mobility networks. First, we develop a reconfiguration model to explore the potential ramifications of Brexit and the degree to which redirection of high-skilled labourers away from the UK may impact the integration of the rest of the European mobility network. Second, we use a panel regression model to explain empirical high-skilled mobility rates in terms of various economic ‘push–pull’ factors, the results of which show that government expenditure on education, per capita wealth, geographical proximity and labour force size are significant attractive features of destination countries.

scholarly journals Occupational health and safety management in “small size” enterprises, with particular emphasis on hazards identification

2020 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 195-201
Author(s):  
Marta Niciejewska ◽  
Olga Kiriliuk
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Health ◽  
Safety Management ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Occupational Health And Safety ◽  
Small Enterprises ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Preventive Actions ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe article presents the element of occupational health and safety management in enterprises, with particular emphasis on the identification of occupational hazards. The factors that may be a source of occupational hazards have been classified and divided. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of occupational hazards on work safety in the opinion of employees of micro and small enterprises. The research was carried out using the proprietary questionnaire. The results were verified by means of a direct interview with elements of observation. The research was compared with the trends prevailing in the enterprises of the European Union countries according to the results of the research conducted by EU-OSHA. Polish respondents considered physical and psychophysical factors to be the main occupational hazards. The results turned out to be very similar to those presented by EU-OSHA in its publicly available reports. The basic principle of occupational health and safety management, i.e. identification of occupational hazards, is reliability and correctness. Identification of occupational hazards gives the opportunity to take correct and effective corrective and preventive actions reducing occupational risk, for example through the effective use of personal protective equipment, or a more detailed treatment of both introductory and instructional training. The article also highlights the migration of individual occupational hazards, which depends on many factors, both professional and non-professional.

scholarly journals Extensive and Unregulated Use of On-Pack Promotional Claims in Commercially Available Baby Foods in the UK

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 1268-1268
Author(s):  
Rebekah Menon ◽  
Ada Garcia ◽  
Alison Parrett
Keyword(s):  
Health Claims ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Added Sugar ◽  
Baby Foods ◽  
Nutrition Claims ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Health And Nutrition ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Infants And Young Children

Abstract Objectives The number, variety and use of commercially available complementary baby foods (CACF) in the UK is increasing. There are growing concerns about the nutritional quality and promotion of these products. We aimed to explore the use of on-pack claims and categorize the nature of promotional claims in CACF. Methods We surveyed all CACF available from online UK supermarkets and Amazon in 2020. CACF were classified according to product type (e.g., puree, snack). On-pack promotional claims were recorded and classified as marketing, composition, health (e.g., supports the nervous system) and nutrient claims (e.g., added iron). Claims which encouraged the use of CACF but did not refer to health or nutrient qualities were defined as marketing claims (e.g., 2-of 5-a-day). Claims emphasizing the presence or absence of ingredient/s were defined as composition claims (e.g., low salt). The WHO Nutrient Profile Model draft for infants and young children and the European Union regulation on Health and Nutrition claims informed the classification. Results A total of 6265 claims were identified in 724 surveyed products. Marketing (99%,720) and composition claims (98%,713) were found on almost all CACF, compared with nutrient (35%,254) and health claims (6%,41). The median (Q1, Q3) number of total claims per product was 9 (7,10), marketing claims 5 (3,6) composition 3 (2,4), nutrient 0 (0,1) and 0 (0,0) health. The main marketing claims were texture related (e.g., super smooth, chunky bits) on 83% of the products (602) and taste related (e.g., flavours for tiny taste buds, first tastes) on 70% (506) of products. Claims mentioning fruit and veg (e.g., hidden veggies, perfect fruit & veg snack) were used on 42% of the products (307). The main composition claims were organic (62%,452), nothing artificial (58%, 426) and no added sugar (58%, 422). Baby led weaning claims (BLW) (e.g., encourages self-feeding, ideal finger food) were found on 72% of snacks. Snacks had significantly higher (P < 0.01) number of BLW claims (99%, 209), compared to the rest of products with BLW claims (i.e., purees, meals, cereals, deserts, sauces, stock cubes, dry ingredients). Conclusions Promotional claims on CACF packaging are extensively used. CACF are promoted using “healthy halo” connotations that might confuse parents. Regulations on their use should be implemented to avoid inappropriate marketing. Funding Sources None.

scholarly journals Exit strategy of COVID-19 crisis and pathways of Vaccination

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Indrani Roy
Keyword(s):  
Dominant Role ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Mass Vaccination ◽  
Exit Strategy ◽  
Current Crisis ◽  
Common People ◽  
Safety Issues ◽  
Seasonal Flu ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Almost All

There is a strong coordinated effort by vaccination groups all over the world to put an end to the current crisis of COVID-19. The Mass vaccination first started in the UK on 8th December 2020 and soon afterward covered all of the globe. Now sufficient data are available to analyse and compare some results to explore many aftereffects of vaccination. Some influence variables on transmissions of the disease were discussed e.g., mass vaccination, lockdown and seasonality. To address seasonality, similarities between COVID-19 and seasonal Flu are discussed to gain useful insight. Like Flu, seasonality was shown to play a dominant role in transmissions of COVID-19 in the Eu-rope and US. In terms of mass vaccination, adverse reactions after vaccination received attention, as health and safety issues of the general public are of prime importance. Apart from direct side effects, the secondary effect of mass vaccination needs attention too. After the initiation of vaccination programme , almost all countries experienced a sudden surge of transmission and most countries had to impose strict lockdown measures. Many countries, those showed a low prevalence of the disease, suddenly showed a steep jump after the onset of mass vaccination. Some countries even followed a synchronized pattern between the rate of transmissions and the variation of vaccine doses; the pattern seemed distinct with the sudden steep rise/fall in vaccine doses (e.g., countries India, Indonesia among others). In that context, fast mutation of the virus and new variants after mass vaccination and possible mechanisms/consequences were discussed. Balanced discussion, critical and open analyses are desperately needed in the current crucial stage. Debating, questioning and criticism are always the foundation of good science and the main pillars to its progress. Following that objective, it is an effort to explore pragmatically, areas relating to the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine and the exit strategy via the pathway of vaccination. Policymakers, academics, patients and common people will be greatly benefitted from such critical, transparent and balanced analyses.

scholarly journals “Global Britain”: from Idea to Implementation

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32
Author(s):  
Elena Khakhalkina ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Policy ◽  
Policy Agenda ◽  
The European Union ◽  
British Foreign Policy ◽  
Before And After ◽  
New Ideas ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Over Time ◽  
The Eu

The article explores a new British foreign policy agenda under the catchy slogan of “Global Britain”. Over time, the thesis of Global Britain has been viewed by the British leadership as a matrix for a new foreign policy. This slogan is still being filled with various conceptual elements and real political, trade and economic steps. The concept of Global Britain is analyzed through UK-US relations, the Commonwealth and cooperation with the EU in the period before and after Brexit. It is concluded that ideologically, Global Britain is not a set of fundamentally new ideas; rather, it is a reformatting with different accents of the previous foreign policy provisions (the well-known concept of the “Three Majestic Circles” by W. Churchill) and taking into account reducing its opportunities and leverage in the European Union and the European region as a whole and attempts to reorient the economy, trade and financial relations towards the dynamically developing countries of Asia and other regions. It is highlighted that the difficult and protracted negotiations on Britain‟s withdrawal from the EU and UK snap elections in 2019 slowed down the filling of the concept with real content. At present, the future of the British foreign policy largely depends on the course of the new US President, the UK-EU cooperation, and the impact of pandemic on British economy.

International Obligations and The Human Rights Act

2021 ◽  
pp. 260-288
Author(s):  
Peter Reading
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Human Rights ◽  
United Nations ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Human Rights Law ◽  
Council Of Europe ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Human Rights Act ◽  
The Uk ◽  
The Eu

This chapter explains how the Equality Act 2010 has a direct relationship with the UK’s international human rights obligations at regional and global levels in the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe, and the United Nations (UN). It is thus vital to the understanding, interpretation, and application of the Act to appreciate how it interacts with: EU equality and human rights law, before and after the UK ceasing its membership of the European Union (Brexit); the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA) which implements the ECHR; and the key United Nations Conventions which relate to issues of equality of particular groups. The UK’s membership of the EU ended on 31 January 2020. This will have a fundamental effect on the application of EU equality and human rights law to the Act. It should be noted, however, that the UK’s departure from the EU does not in any way affect its membership of the Council of Europe, or being a party to the ECHR. The ECHR has been implemented into the UK’s domestic law by the enactment of the HRA.

Policy interventions in health and safety: What works and when--Evidence from the UK

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Hollis ◽  
Stavroula Leka ◽  
Aditya Jain ◽  
Nicholas J. A. Andreou ◽  
Gerard Zwetsloot
Keyword(s):  
Health And Safety ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
What Works ◽  
The Uk

IFRS IMPLEMENTATION AS ONE OF THE FACTORS FOR IMPROVING THE INVESTMENT CLIMATE IN UKRAINE

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kateryna Sova ◽  
◽  
Natalia Yatsenko ◽  
Denys Zagirniak ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Direct Investment ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Investment Climate ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Economic Activities ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

The article is devoted to the study of the impact of the introduction of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on changes in the investment climate in Ukraine. The relevance of the topic is that improving the practice of applying IFRS as a tool for exchanging financial information is one of the key conditions for improving the investment climate in Ukraine. The authors have created the generalized scheme that illustrates the chronological list of enterprises that are required by law to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS. It was noted that in 2018, in accordance with Part 2 of Article 12 of the law on accounting and financial reporting in Ukraine and resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 547 from 11.07.2018, the criteria of enterprises that are required to prepare financial statements in accordance with IFRS were updated. This step significantly increased the level of application of international standards due to the adoption of such a decision at the legislative level. The dynamics of the number of IFRS enterprises in Ukraine was analyzed. The analysis showed that over the past three years, the number of almost all enterprises that must apply international standards has been growing. The advantages of using IFRS for different users of financial statements were determined. It was determined that the priority users of IFRS financial statements are investors. At the same time, it was noted that the main advantage for other users of financial statements prepared in accordance with international standards is the improvement of the investment climate. The dynamics of the Investment Attractiveness Index of Ukraine based on the Likert scale in the period from 2016 to 2020 was analyzed. The direct investment receipts to Ukraine from the European Union countries were studied. The dynamics of direct investment in the Ukrainian economy was analyzed for two types of economic activities that should form financial statements in accordance with IFRS, namely, the extractive industry and quarrying, as well as financial and insurance activities.

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.

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