The Effects of Nurses' Personal and Professional Characteristics on Needle Stick Injuries

Background: Nurses face many professional dangers such as needle stick injuries. This study investigated the effects of nurses' personal and professional characteristics on needle stick injuries. Methods: The present cross-sectional study was performed on 200 nursing staff in a hospital. The sampling method was the classified method. Participants were asked to complete a researcher-made questionnaire on personal characteristics (age, work experience, gender, marital status, and educational level) and job (work department, number of shifts per month, and type of work shift). Also, the number of their needle stick events was extracted from their medical records. Results: The prevalence of needle sticks was 45.5%. Based on individual characteristics, the mean age and work experience of people with a history of needle stick are significantly lower than people without a history of needle stick (P <0.03). There was a significant relationship between needle stick history and educational level (P <0.00). However, there was no significant difference between the two groups without and with a history of needle stick in terms of marital status (P = 0.11) and gender (P = 0.13). Based on job characteristics, there were significant relationships between the history of needle stick with the variables of type of work shift (P = 0.00) and the number of shifts per month (P <0.00). Conclusion: Some personal and professional characteristics effective in needle sticking were identified. These findings can be used as a guide to prioritize individuals to take precautionary measures against needle sticking.

INVESTIGATION OF THE USE OF MOTOR SAWS WITH AN ELECTRIC DRIVE IN THE TECHNOLOGICAL PROCESS OF INTENSIVE FORESTRY

Проведены экспериментальные исследования оценки производительности чистого пиления в зимний период в условиях учебно-опытного лесхоза УГKТУ в пос. Северка. Производительность чистого пиления определялась в процессе раскряжевки осиновых образцов с помощью аккумуляторной пилы STIHL MSA 220 со съемным аккумулятором AP 300S. В соответствии с планированием эксперимента были получены данные о среднем времени пропила tср с фиксацией среднего диаметра пропила Dср. После обработки результатов эксперимента были найдены значения средней производительности чистого пиления Пчп. В качестве источника питания применялся аккумулятор AP 300S. В результате расчетов для бесперебойной работы при 7-часовой рабочей смене рабочему потребуется 4 заряженных аккумулятора. Для более эффективной работы предлагается использовать современные ранцевые аккумуляторы, которые устанавливаются в специальном ортопедическом жилете с наплечной и поясной фиксацией на спине работника. На основе результатов собственных исследований авторами предложен альтернативный источник электрического тока в условиях лесного мастерского участка. В качестве приоритетных для условий Урала можно рекомендовать солнечные панели или термогенераторы, работающие на основе принципа Пельтье. Наиболее эффективным зарядным устройством для восстановления работоспособности аккумуляторных батарей может быть рекомендована энергетическая тепловая колонна, оснащенная электронными термогенераторами. The performance of clean sawing was determined during the bucking of aspen samples using a STIHL MSA 220 battery saw with a removable AP 300S battery. In accordance with the planning of the experiment, data were obtained on the average time of cutting tsr with the fixation of the average diameter of the cut Dsr. After processing the results of the experiment, the values of the average productivity of pure sawn Ppp were obtained. The AP 300S battery was used as a power source. As a result of calculations, for uninterrupted operation during a 7-hour work shift, the worker will need 4 charged batteries. For more efficient work, it is proposed to use modern backpack batteries, which are installed in a special orthopedic vest with shoulder and waist fixation on the employee’s back. Based on the results of their own research, the authors proposed an alternative source of electric current in the conditions of a forest workshop site. As a priority for the conditions of the Urals, we can recommend solar panels or thermal generators operating on the basis of the Peltier principle. An energy heat column equipped with electronic thermogenerators can be recommended as the most effective charger for restoring the operability of batteries.

Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome in Military Police Officers of São Paulo City: The Health Promotion in Military Police (HPMP) Study

We determined the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) among military police officers (MPOs) from the radio patrol program of the Military Police of Sao Paulo State (PMESP). Towards this goal, we analyzed the following characteristics: shift duty (daytime or nighttime patrol), service length in the PMESP, education level attained, weekly alcohol consumption, smoking, and physical activity of 93 MPOs. The MPO groups were created based on work shift [daytime (n=48) or nighttime (n=45)], and years of MPO experience [≤3 years (n=48) or ≥10 years (n=45)]. The overall prevalence of MetS among the 93 MPOs was 43%. There was a higher prevalence of MetS in the group with ≥ten years (53.3%) than that with ≤three years (33.3%); so, 1,6 times higher. The more prevalent MetS indicators (n=93) included waist circumference (76.3%), hypertension (55.9%), reduced plasma HDL-cholesterol levels (44%), hypertriglyceridemia (32.2%), and hyperglycemia (20.4%). Greater waist circumference, hypertension, hypertriglyceridemia, higher glycated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, and MetS itself were associated with the service length (i.e., ≥ten years). The work shift was not associated with any MetS indicator. Those who were overweight or obese were 2.2. times more likely to develop MetS. Hypertriglyceridemia, the best indicator of the MetS, increased the chance of developing MetS by 16 times. Conclusion: MPOs exhibit a high prevalence of MetS, associated with the years of service and age.

Pengaruh Shift Kerja, Pengalaman Kerja Dan Lingkungan Kerja Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Bagian Produksi PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti

This study discusses human resource management regarding the effect of work shifts, work experience, and work environment, on the performance of employees in the production division of PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti. This study uses a quantitative approach, the sampling technique is saturated sampling with a sample of 35 employees. The analytical technique used is validity test, reliability test, classical assumption test, multiple linear regression analysis, coefficient of determination test, t test, F test. The results of the study found that partially there is a positive and significant effect between work shifts on the performance of employees in the production division of PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti, this can be seen from the significant value of t of 0.000 &lt;0.05. Work experience partially has a positive and significant impact on the performance of employees in the production division of PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti, this can be seen from the significant value of t of 0.019 &lt;0.05. The work environment partially has a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of the production division of PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti, this can be seen from the significant value of t of 0.031 &lt; 0.05. Work shift work experience and work environment simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees in the production division of PT. Alasindo Perdana Sakti, this can be seen from the significant F value of 0.000 &lt;0.05.

Effective disinfecting of protective devices used in the course of treating SARS-CoV2–positive patients

Background: Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) was widely used in Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Ensuring a sustained supply of clean and reusable PAPR masks for frontline medical team is an immediate challenge. The Central Sterile Supplies Unit (CSSU) adopts existing disinfection methods and technology for the reprocessing of reusable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as PAPR masks and goggles. Objective: To determine an effective disinfecting method for protective devices used in the course of treating SARS-CoV2–positive patients. Method: A comparison on surface disinfection and modified thermal disinfection outcome was conducted on 30 PAPR masks through detecting the presence of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by swab following both disinfecting methods. Results: The modified thermal cycles emerged as the recommended disinfection method. Discussion: The outcome of this study has enhanced understanding on the risk imposed on frontline healthcare personnel who perform surface disinfecting on masks for reuse during the work shift. Leveraging on the current expertise from existing instrument logistics, CSSU takes charge of the processing and stock management of SKH’s PAPR masks. An additional workflow is needed to establish reprocessing methods for other reusable PPEs such as face shields or overalls.

The Causes of Work Incident According to Work Shift System on Operator of a Woven Bag Company, Sidoarjo

Introduction: In the recent years, woven bag companies have taken a step forward from traditional labor intensive work practices to technological assistance which is operated by workers. Nevertheless, the increased production capability and capacity with assistance of the machineries has been known to cause significant Occupational Safety and Health concerns as having been reported in various previous studies. Therefore, this research aimed to determine the relationship between perception of exposure to hazards and OSH incidents taking into consideration the work shift of the operators. Methods: This research was an analytical observational study with cross-sectional design. There was a total of 67 operators being the population of this study, 53 of whom were recruited as respondents using simple random sampling. The instruments that were used in this research were questionnaires about individual characterization, perception of work environment and work incidents. Variable testing was performed using contingency coefficient. Results: There was a relationship between the complaint towards the noise and the work incident in the morning and afternoon shift. Based on the measurement of the noise, the value was high in the morning of 100dBA, while in the afternoon the value was 91dBA and at night the value was 92 dBA. For the variable of dry temperature, there was a relationship between the complaint towards the dry temperature and the work incident, which showed that in the morning, the dry temperature was 33.1oC. Conclusion: High noise and dry temperature exposure value had a relationship with the work incident on the operators of a Woven Bag Company.Keywords: dry temperature, noise, shift worker, work incident

Guiding Principles For Determining Work Shift Duration And Addressing The Effects Of Work Shift Duration On Performance, Safety, And Health

Risks associated with fatigue that accumulates during work shifts have historically been managed through working time arrangements that specify fixed maximum durations of work shifts and minimum durations of time off. By themselves, such arrangements are not sufficient to curb risks to performance, safety, and health caused by misalignment between work schedules and the biological regulation of waking alertness and sleep. Science-based approaches for determining shift duration and mitigating associated risks, while addressing operational needs, require: 1) a recognition of the factors contributing to fatigue and fatigue-related risks; 2) an understanding of evidence-based countermeasures that may reduce fatigue and/or fatigue-related risks; and 3) an informed approach to selecting workplace-specific strategies for managing work hours. We propose a series of guiding principles to assist stakeholders with designing a shift duration decision-making process that effectively balances the need to meet operational demands with the need to manage fatigue-related risks.

Association of Work Stress Level with Sleep Quality in Nurses and Medical Social Workers at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Wardha District

BACKGROUND Nurses and medical social workers’ (MSW’s) stress has an impact on health, which ultimately has an effect on quality care of the patients. Stress problems are one of the leading causes of sleep disturbance. We wanted to evaluate the association of quality and pattern of sleep with work stress levels in nurses and medico-social workers in this study. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on nurses and MSW’s of Tertiary Care Hospitals of Wardha city using questionnaire, containing 24 questions. A total of 513 Nurses and 36 MSW’s of Tertiary Care Hospitals were taken in this study, sampling was done by simple random sampling method. The stress was evaluated using 10 items “Global perceived stress scale” (GPSS) and for sleep quality “Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index” (PSQI) of total 14 items was used. The variables were compared in unpaired t test and Pearson correlation test to know the level of significance of determinacy which was set at less than 0.05. RESULTS The overall PSS scores in nurses (12.57 ± 3.7) and MSWs (12.87 ± 3.1) were almost similar and were statistically significant. Subjective sleep quality score of MSWs (2.19 ± 0.66) was higher than that of nurses (2.00 ± 0.19) and was statistically insignificant according to the specialization. The statistically relevant sleep duration was greater in MSWs (13.50 ± 03.56) than in nurses (12.16 ± 02.73). Moderate positive correlation between perceived stress severity and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was observed. CONCLUSIONS Certain characteristics of work shift among nurses and MSW’s is directly affected by the stress and sleep quality and indirectly affects the patient care and treatment. The study indicates that work characteristics may influence sleep quality and stress among nurses and MSW’s. We needed to improve work shift schedule in order to provide good health and well-being of nurses and MSW’s which would further improve the quality of patient care. KEY WORDS Nurses, MSW’s, Sleep Quality, Stress

Effect of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) Organic Solvent Exposure on Incidence of Neurotoxicity in Shoe Manufacturing Workers

Background: Shoe manufacturing factory workers in developing countries are daily exposed to complex mixtures of organic solvents. Chemical exposure occurs through inhalation / respiration and skin which can affect many physiological systems. The main chemical exposure to organic solvents in shoe manufacturing comes from the process of gluing and cleaning process by using organic solvents on footwear in the assembling section. Methyl ethyl ketone is one type of organic solvent which, when entering into the body through inhalation routes can cause irritation of the nose, throat, lungs and chest becomes congested. Acute neurotoxicity is a collection of symptoms in the central nervous system (central nervous system depression, psychomotor disorders, narcosis, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, dyspepsia, and nausea). Method: The research design was a prospective cohort research consisting of 45 people for each high MEK exposed group and low exposed to MEK. Data collection was done by interview, physical examination, MEK level measurement of pre-shift urine and end-shift work, and filling out questionnaires Form Acute symptoms rating questionnaire at the beginning of work shift (07.00), 2 hours after work (09.00), break (12.00), 2 hours after break (15.00), and end of work shift (16.00). Result: The incidence of acute neurotoxicity symptoms in the MEK-high exposed group based on the Acute Symptoms questionnaire was 51.1%. Age factor with symptoms of acute neurotoxicity in workers at PT. X with p value = 0.432, gender factor with p value = 0.162, education factor with p value = 0.897, nutritional status factor with p value = 0.865, alcohol habit factor with p value = 0.181, coffee drinking habit factor with p value = 0.265, and smoking habit factor with p value = 0.968, work duration factor with symptoms of acute neurotoxicity at worker in PT. X with p value = 0.533, and the use factor of personal protective equipment (PPE) with p value = 0.470. In this research, symptoms of acute neurotoxicity were dominant are fatigue (80%), headache (77.8%), nausea (71.1%), dizziness (66.7%), and feeling of intoxication (53.3%). Conclusion: There are no subject and occupational factors that have a significant effect to the symptoms of acute neurotoxicity. Conducting isolation of other work areas for workers exposed to chemicals that because of high potential to harm other workers in the vicinity. Reassessing the hazard risk of using MEK substitutes with other chemicals that are of lower risk or replace with water-based solvents. Provide PPE eligible to all workers exposed to chemicals and workers around them. A PPE fit test is used for workers to feel comfortable while wearing it, giving strict sanctions to workers who do not consistently use personal protective equipment.