Research on the Working Environment and Personal Protective Equipment of Korean Native Cattle Raising Farmers

This study was aimed at identifying hazards through risk assessment and risk control by using HIRARC method in the warehouse of Company XYZ (a pharmaceutical company). Data was collected through direct observations, documentations, and interviews. The study found that Company XYZ identified 104 hazards in the year 2017, which were caused by poor working environment, worker attitudes, manual work, tools and machinery. This study revealed 57% of the total risks fall in medium category, 38% high, 5% low, and none of them are categorized under extreme risk. To control the risk, the company has been taking proactive actions through the elimination of risks, engineering, administration and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Download Full-text

Occupational Health Problems, Workplace Environment and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Welders of Banepa Municipality, Nepal

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health ◽

10.3126/ijosh.v10i2.29757 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 100-107

Author(s):

Manisha Joshi ◽

Gita Dhakal Chalise ◽

Sarala Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Occupational Health ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Health Problems ◽

Vital Role ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Workplace Environment ◽

Safety Guidelines

Background: Welding is a hazardous occupation where welders expose to a variety of work-related hazards. These hazards might cause occupational health problems. Safe working environment and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) play a vital role in preventing problems and promoting their health, safety and wellbeing. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of occupational health problems, workplace environment and utilization of personal protective equipment among welders. Methodology: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was used. Data was collected from 130 welders of 35 metal workshops in Banepa Municipality using semi-structured interview schedule in 2019. An observational checklist was used to collect information on the workplace environment of selected metal workshops. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20 and described by using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: The most prevalent problems experienced by welders were accidents and injuries (99.2%) and eye and ear problems (98.4%). The most available PPE in 35 metal workshops were protective goggles (100%) and insulated gloves (71.4%). Similarly, 90.6% welders always used safety goggles, 41% sometimes used facemasks and 65.4% never used helmets while working. Only 25.6% workshops had first aid kits available with no expired products and 11.4% had kept fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations. Almost all (97.1%) workshops did not have safety guidelines for their workers. Conclusion: Welders who work in metal workshops experience different types of occupational health problems (OHP) and do not use all types of PPE for their protection. Hence, metal workshops should develop safety guidelines for their workers and strictly implement it to prevent OHP.

Download Full-text

Técnicos de enfermagem: condições laborais e acidentes em hospital escola

Revista de Enfermagem UFPE on line ◽

10.5205/1981-8963.2019.242224 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 13 ◽

Author(s):

Katia Maria Rosa Vieira ◽

Francisco Ubaldo Vieira Junior ◽

Zélia Zilda Lourenço de Camargo Bittencourt

Keyword(s):

Working Conditions ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Biological Material ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Public Hospitals ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Work Processes ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Occupational Risks

Objetivo: analisar as condições de trabalho percebidas por técnicos de Enfermagem e sua relação com acidentes envolvendo material biológico. Método: trata-se de um estudo misto, descritivo, transversal, realizado em um hospital público. Elencaram-se 275 profissionais que responderam a um questionário com perguntas relacionadas ao número de acidentes, percepção das condições de trabalho e sugestões para minimizá-los. Detalha-se que a pesquisa foi do tipo probabilística aleatória simples, com distribuição proporcional nas unidades e turnos de trabalho e os resultados apresentados a partir de relatos e tabelas. Resultados: declarou-se, por 210 técnicos, ter sofrido acidente de trabalho. Revela-se que as variáveis ritmo de trabalho estressante, monotonia e influência do trabalho na saúde tiveram significância estatística, e o uso de equipamentos de proteção individual e diminuição da sobrecarga foram as medidas mais indicadas pelos respondentes. Conclusão: indicou-se, pela análise, relação positiva entre sobrecarga de trabalho e acidentes com material biológico. Percebe-se que, apesar de a instituição disponibilizar equipamentos de proteção individual aos trabalhadores, há forte indício do não uso ou uso parcial. Podem-se subsidiar, pelo instrumento utilizado nesta pesquisa, ações gerenciais para readequações dos processos de trabalho. Descritores: Riscos Ocupacionais; Acidentes de Trabalho; Hospitais Públicos; Ambiente de Trabalho; Condições de Trabalho; Enfermagem. ABSTRACTObjective: to analyze the working conditions perceived by nursing technicians and their relationship with accidents involving biological material. Method: this is a mixed, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted in a public hospital. 275 professionals answered a questionnaire with questions related to the number of accidents, perception of working conditions and suggestions to minimize them. It is noted that the research was of simple random probability type, with proportional distribution in units and work shifts and the results presented from reports and tables. Results: 210 technicians claimed to have suffered an accident at work. It is revealed that the variables stressful work rhythm, monotony and influence of work on health were statistically significant, and the use of personal protective equipment and decreased overload were the measures most indicated by respondents. Conclusion: the analysis indicated a positive relationship between work overload and accidents with biological material. Although the institution makes personal protective equipment available to workers, there is strong evidence of non-use or partial use. It can be subsidized, by the instrument used in this research, managerial actions to readjust the work processes. Descriptors: Occupational Risks; Occupational Acidentes; Public Hospitals; Workplace; Working Environment; Nursing. RESUMENObjetivo: analizar las condiciones de trabajo percibidas por los técnicos de Enfermería y su relación con los accidentes que involucran material biológico. Método: este es un estudio mixto, descriptivo, transversal realizado en un hospital público. Fueron listados 275 profesionales respondieron un cuestionario con preguntas relacionadas con el número de accidentes, la percepción de las condiciones de trabajo y sugerencias para minimizarlos. Se observa que la investigación fue de tipo de probabilidad aleatoria simple, con distribución proporcional en unidades y turnos de trabajo y los resultados presentados a partir de relatos y tablas. Resultados: 210 técnicos afirmaron haber sufrido un accidente en el trabajo. Se revela que las variables ritmo de trabajo estresante, monotonía e influencia del trabajo en la salud fueron estadísticamente significativas, y el uso de equipo de protección personal y la disminución de la sobrecarga fueron las medidas más indicadas por los encuestados. Conclusión: el análisis indicó una relación positiva entre sobrecarga de trabajo y accidentes con material biológico. Si bien la institución pone a disposición de los trabajadores equipos de protección personal, existe una fuerte evidencia de falta de uso o uso parcial. Puede ser subsidiado, por el instrumento utilizado en esta investigación, acciones de gestión para reajustes de los procesos de trabajo. Descriptores: Riesgos Laborales; Accidentes de Trabajo; Hospitales Públicos; Ambiente de Trabajo; Condiciones de Trabajo; Enfermería.

Download Full-text

Development of Personal Protective Clothing for Reducing Exposure to Insecticides in Pesticide Applicators

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph17093303 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 17 (9) ◽

pp. 3303

Author(s):

Manoch Naksata ◽

Anucha Watcharapasorn ◽

Surat Hongsibsong ◽

Ratana Sapbamrer

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Protective Clothing ◽

Cotton Fabrics ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Closed Chamber ◽

Protection Efficiency ◽

Gum Rosin ◽

Pesticide Applicators ◽

Water Repellence

Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment during the application of pesticides is one method of reducing dermal exposure to pesticides. Thus, the aim of this research is to develop personal protective clothing (PPC) coated with gum rosin and investigate the efficiency of its level of protection against chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin. Comparison of the protection efficiency of each PPC with Tychem® C coveralls was also investigated. Five commercially available cotton fabrics were chosen for tailoring the PPC, and then, the PPC was coated with a gum rosin finish to provide water repellence. The efficiency of the level of protection of the gum rosin-coated PPC against insecticides was tested in a laboratory (closed chamber). The remarkable findings were that the % protection efficiencies for all the PPC, with the exception of one, were not significantly different to those for Tychem® C coveralls. The protection efficiencies ranged from 99.85% to 99.97% against chlorpyrifos and 99.11% to 99.89% against cypermethrin. Therefore, our results suggest that gum rosin-coated clothing provided satisfactory levels of protection against insecticides and could be considered as suitable protective clothing for pesticide applicators. Choice of an appropriate fabric for coating with gum rosin also needs to be considered. A further study in field conditions is warranted to confirm the protection efficiency in a working environment.

Download Full-text

A Survey of Psychiatric Healthcare Workers' Perception of Working Environment and Possibility to Recover Before and After the First Wave of COVID-19 in Sweden

Frontiers in Psychiatry ◽

10.3389/fpsyt.2021.770955 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 12 ◽

Author(s):

Eirini Alexiou ◽

Steinn Steingrimsson ◽

Magnus Akerstrom ◽

Ingibjörg H. Jonsdottir ◽

Linda Ahlstrom ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Healthcare Workers ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Working Environment ◽

University Hospital ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Web Based ◽

Before And After ◽

Survey Responses ◽

The Impact

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the impact of the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived working environment, including the possibility to recover, among psychiatric healthcare workers (PHCWs) in comparison with pre-pandemic measures.Method: A link to an anonymous, web-based COVID-19 related survey was sent via email to all PHCWs at a university hospital in Sweden (n = 1,618) in September 2020. The response rate was 38% (566 of 1,507 eligible participants). Working environment survey responses collected in 2019 were used as pre-pandemic comparators. Statistical analyses were performed to assess overall impact over time on work demands, support, motivation, and recovery, stratified by professional role, and considering variables such as access to personal protective equipment.Results: The percentage of individuals responding negatively to statements about working environment increased significantly for most items after the first wave. Similarly, the increase of five of the investigated factors indicated a more negative perception of recovery during the pandemic. Registered nurses reported a greater negative impact of the pandemic on perceived working conditions and ability to recover than other professional groups. PHCWs working with patients with COVID-19 (35%) who reported being worried about becoming infected (12%) or infecting others (17%), or lacking adequate personal protective equipment (22%) were more negatively impacted regarding work environment-related items than those who did not.Conclusions: PHCWs' working environment and possibility for recovery were impacted by the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses being most affected. Although psychiatric services do not directly care for patients with severe COVID-19 infection, the results from this study suggests that mental health services should also prepare for future pandemics.

Download Full-text

Comparative physiological and hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment properties in various configurations from power frequency electric field

Russian Journal of Occupational Health and Industrial Ecology ◽

10.31089/1026-9428-2020-60-9-600-604 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 60 (9) ◽

pp. 600-604

Author(s):

Olga V. Burmistrova ◽

Sergey Yu. Perov ◽

Tatyana A. Konshina

Keyword(s):

Electric Field ◽

Working Conditions ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Thermal Load ◽

The Body ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Protective Properties ◽

Power Frequency ◽

Frequency Electric Field

Modern working conditions of employees can be characterized by the presence of harmful factors of the working environment, including physical factors that often have a complex effect on the human body during the working shift. One of the main harmful factors of the working environment for electrical personnel is the electric field of industrial frequency, which is protected by personal protective equipment (shielding kits), which exerts an additional thermal load on the body of personnel when working outdoors in the summer. The aim of the study was a comprehensive assessment of personal protective equipment of various configurations and their impact on the thermal state of a person in a heating environment to select the optimal configuration. The objects of study were screening suits consisted of overalls, jacket and trousers, jacket and semi-overall. For screening suits protective properties test the possible working conditions were simulated power frequency electric field levels from 5 to 80 kV/m (grounding) and 10-100 kV/m (on wire potential). The physiological and hygienic assessment of personal protective equipment involved 3 male volunteers. Their body constitution was selected according to typical differences of workers. Volunteers dressed in screening suit had physical activity at air temperature 34.8±0.3°C, relative humidity 48.0±3.0% and air mobility 0.15 m/s. Before and during the study parameters were recorded: skin temperature on 11 parts of body surface, clothes temperature, heart rate, body temperature in the ear canal, points of heat and moisture sensation and moisture loss was determined after the study. Before physical activity and after recovery period volunteers were measured blood pressure. Studies of the protective properties of three sets of personal protective equipment have shown that the best protective characteristics in comparison with the other sets have a jacket and half - overalls, the worst - a jacket and trousers. The results of the physiological and hygienic evaluation of screening kits showed individual differences in the thermoregulatory reactions of all volunteers when using different sets of personal protective equipment. At the same time, large amounts of heat accumulation in the body, a high heart rate and its change, as well as a higher moisture perception score were observed during the operation of the jumpsuit. As a result of research, the optimal configuration was chosen jacket and half-overalls, which has a moderate thermal load on the human body and has the best protective characteristics. From the point of view of the lowest voltage of thermoregulation reactions, it can be recommended to use a shielding kit as part of jacket and trousers.

Download Full-text

Assessment of the Biosafety and Biosecurity in the Reference Veterinary Laboratory of Parakou in Benin

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease ◽

10.3390/tropicalmed6030146 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 146

Author(s):

Vincent Dossou Sodjinou ◽

Paul Ahoumènou Ayelo ◽

Agué Germain Aïndé Achade ◽

Dissou Affolabi ◽

Dona Edgard-Marius Ouendo

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Group Discussion ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Emerging Pathogens ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Health Security ◽

Mapping Tool ◽

Food And Agriculture ◽

Veterinary Laboratory

Optimal biosafety and biosecurity are major requirements of global health security. This study assessed the biorisk management in the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou (Benin). The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and evaluative. The non-probability sampling method with the reasoned choice was used. The Food and Agriculture Organization laboratory mapping tool-safety was used to collect information from the laboratory team. Group discussion, working environment observation, and document exploitation were the data collection techniques. The biorisk management was rated good if the average indicator of the laboratory reached at least 80%. Otherwise, the biorisk management was rated insufficient. The overall laboratory biosafety and biosecurity score was insufficient (42.4%). Per area, the scores were 26.7% for engineering, 33.3% for administration, 53.8% for personal protective equipment, and 62.3% for the operational. There was no area or category score that reached 80%. Containment, waste disposal, and personal protective equipment disposal were the best performing categories with a score above 60%. The laboratory has no biosafety and accident prevention program. Its premises require renovation. The standard operating procedures for biosafety are not yet finalized, and the training mechanism is not optimal. Therefore, strong advocacy and implementation of a biorisk management improvement plan appear as urgent corrective actions which are required to help the reference veterinary laboratory of Parakou in its task to protect the livestock and, ultimately, the people of Benin from dangerous diseases and emerging pathogens.

Download Full-text

The Impact of Inpatient Telemedicine on Personal Protective Equipment Savings During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28845 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Reem Halabi ◽

Geoffrey Smith ◽

Marc Sylwestrzak ◽

Brian Clay ◽

Christopher A Longhurst ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Medical Center ◽

Academic Medical Center ◽

Working Environment ◽

Teaching Hospitals ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Academic Medical ◽

Telemedicine Technology ◽

The Impact

UNSTRUCTURED With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic and shortage of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE), hospitals implemented inpatient telemedicine measures to ensure operational readiness and a safe working environment for clinicians. The utility and sustainability of inpatient telemedicine initiatives need to be evaluated as the number of COVID-19 inpatients is expected to continue declining. In this viewpoint, we describe the use of a rapidly deployed inpatient telemedicine workflow at a large academic medical center and discuss the potential impact on PPE savings. In early 2020, videoconferencing software was installed on patient bedside iPads at two academic medical center teaching hospitals. An internal website allowed providers to initiate video calls with patients in any patient room with an activated iPad, including both COVID-19 and non–COVID-19 patients. Patients were encouraged to use telemedicine technology to connect with loved ones via native apps or videoconferencing software. We evaluated the use of telemedicine technology on patients’ bedside iPads by monitoring traffic to the internal website. Between May 2020 and March 2021, there were a total of 1240 active users of the Video Visits website (mean 112.7, SD 49.0 connection events per month). Of these, 133 (10.7%) connections were made. Patients initiated 63 (47.4%) video calls with family or friends and sent 37 (27.8%) emails with videoconference connection instructions. Providers initiated a total of 33 (24.8%) video calls with the majority of calls initiated in August (n=22, 67%). There was a low level of adoption of inpatient telemedicine capability by providers and patients. With sufficient availability of PPE, inpatient providers did not find a frequent need to use the bedside telemedicine technology, despite a high census of patients with COVID-19. Compared to providers, patients used videoconferencing capabilities more frequently in September and October 2020. We did not find savings of PPE associated with the use of inpatient telemedicine.

Download Full-text

Occupational Health Problems, Workplace Environment and Utilization of Personal Protective Equipment among Welders of Banepa Municipality

International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health ◽

10.3126/ijosh.v10i2.30175 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (2) ◽

pp. 100-7

Author(s):

Manisha Joshi ◽

Gita Dhakal ◽

Sarala Shrestha

Keyword(s):

Occupational Health ◽

Personal Protective Equipment ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Health Problems ◽

Vital Role ◽

Working Environment ◽

Protective Equipment ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Workplace Environment ◽

Safety Guidelines

Introduction: Welding is a hazardous occupation where welders expose to a variety of work-related hazards. These hazards might cause occupational health problems. Safe working environment and utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) play a vital role in preventing problems and promoting their health, safety and wellbeing. Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of occupational health problems, workplace environment and utilization of personal protective equipment among welders.Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional study design was used for the study. Data was collected from purposively selected 130 welders of 35 metal workshops in Banepa Municipality. By using semi-structured interview schedule, face to face interview was taken with each of them in May-June, 2019. An observational checklist was used to collect information on the workplace environment of selected metal workshops. Data was analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and described by using descriptive and inferential statistical methods.Results: The study identified that 129 welders (99.2%) experienced accidents and injuries followed by eye and ear problems (128, 98.4%). Amongst all personal protective equipment, protective goggles was available in all 35 metal workshops and insulated gloves in 25 workshops (71.4%). Similarly, 118 welders (90.6%) always used safety goggles, 53 (41%) sometimes used facemasks and 85 (65.4%) never used helmets while working. Only 9 workshops (25.7%) had first aid kits available with no expired products and 4 (11.4%) had kept fire extinguishers in easily accessible locations. Among 35, 34 workshops (97.1%) did not have safety guidelines for their workers.Conclusion: Welders who work in metal workshops experience different types of occupational health problems (OHP) and do not use all types of PPE for their protection. Hence, metal workshops should develop safety guidelines for their workers and strictly implement it to prevent OHP.

Download Full-text