Search

• Electrocutions, falls, and woodchipper incidents were among the leading causes of fatal injuries involving landscaping and tree care workers. • Many fatalities involved younger workers, those of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity and less than one year on the job. • FACE reports reveal significant risk factors for preventable incidents. • Educational initiatives, such as regular toolbox safety talks and fostering a strong safety culture are essential for protecting workers and reducing workplace hazards. Context: A comprehensive assessment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and State-based Fatal Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) investigative reports involving landscaping and tree worker fatalities have not been fully examined. Methods: Narrative text from 93 FACE reports from 1987 to 2023 involving landscaping and tree care workers were reviewed, manually coded and analyzed on major variables. Univariate analyses was conducted to summarize results of decedent workers and workplace characteristics. Results: Among the total number of worker fatalities (n = 95), the most commonly reported incidents were, electrocutions from power lines (18.3%), falls from trees (16.1%), and incidents involving a worker being either caught, pulled, or dragged into wood-chipping machine (12.9%). More than 66.0% of fatal incidents occurred among tree care workers that had been on the job for one year or less. Among reports, 60.2% of employers lacked a written safety plan, and 34.4% did not provide job training to their workers. Conclusions: FACE case reports alone are not a valid measure of workplace fatalities. Nevertheless, the codification and descriptive summary of more than three decades of case reports increases understanding of circumstances and contributing risk factors associated with these tragic, and yet largely preventable incidents. A comprehensive approach is urgently needed that includes: (a) taking immediate action to reduce occupational risks while cultivating a robust safety culture across the industry, and (b) increasing research to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and prevention measures. Practical Application: The interconnectedness of safety challenges requires a multi-faceted approach that includes addressing issues related to new and diverse workers, employer commitments to the implementation of safety plans, and comprehensive training and mentorship programs. Intervention strategies and implementation measures are essential to diminishing fatalities in these high-risk jobs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Results: Worker representation: significantly linked to a reduction in electrical fatalities. • Electrical fatalities: less likely for unionized electricians and power installers. • Practical Applications: Training: emphasize the identification of electrical hazards. • Training: highlight risks of contact with overhead power lines and energized equipment. • Practice: ensure strict adherence to minimum approaching distances. Objective: To evaluate the association between worker unionization and risk factors linked to fatalities in electrical trades due to contact with electricity. Methods: Layered cross-tabulation was used to assess the association between electrical fatalities and selected accident factors grouped by union status using inspection data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) between 1998 and 2018. Analyses were examined by the Pearson chi-square test of independence and the Phi correlation coefficient. Results: The odds of electrical fatalities in organizations with representation for electrical workers were significantly less than in non-unionized environments. Electrical fatalities were significantly less probable in unionized environments for both electricians and electrical power installers/repairers. Accident factors such as electrical event, fatality cause, and accident location were negatively correlated with electrical fatalities in unionized environments. Conclusions: Worker representation displays a statistically significant association with a reduction in electrical fatalities. Practical applications: Electrical unions should continue to promote safer working conditions, compliance with safety regulations, and comprehensive training in electrical safety emphasizing the identification of electrical hazards, including the risks of contact with overhead power lines and energized equipment, as well as accident prevention practices that comprise strict adherence to minimum approaching distances, lockout-tagout procedures, and the proper execution of de-energizing, testing, grounding, tagging, and flagging procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of socio-economic factors on national AI strategies in India, Bangladesh, Germany, UAE, Egypt, and the USA through quantitative content analysis. The analysis explores the correlation between GDP per capita, the share of manufacturing, and the frequency of risk-related terms in AI strategy documents. It is found that wealthier nations emphasize AI risks more, correlating with deeper technological integration into their societal structures. Conversely, the emphasis on AI risks shows a weak correlation with the share of manufacturing, indicating broader AI impacts in service-oriented sectors. Lower-middle-income countries appear more optimistic, focusing on AI's economic benefits. The study underscores the need for balanced AI strategies that promote innovation while ensuring worker well-being, advocating for adaptive governance frameworks that enhance workplace safety and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epoxy adhesives possess excellent mechanical properties, durability, and stability in harsh environments, making them suitable for producing engineering materials. This study selects four commercially available epoxy adhesives in Saudi Arabia: Epotec YD 128; Sikadur®-52 LP; Sikadur®-31 CF; and Sikadur®-42 MP Slow. Firstly, a comparison of their storage, application, and service temperatures was made, detailing the hazard identification and prevention measures established in accordance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) guidelines. Subsequently, test samples of the four adhesives were produced, and tensile, compressive, and shear tests were conducted to compare their fundamental mechanical properties. Finally, a gas analyzer assessed the major harmful gases emitted by these epoxy adhesives 120 min after mixing the epoxy resins and curing agents. The results show that Sika 42 exhibits the highest tensile and compressive strengths among other types of adhesives, reaching 75.7 MPa and 133.8 MPa, respectively. It also has the longest pot life of 48 min at elevated temperatures (40 °C), making it suitable for the climatic conditions in Saudi Arabia. However, as a three-component adhesive, its application is complex and associated with the most identified hazards. Sika 31 presents a tensile modulus of up to 10.4 GPa, at least 3.8 times higher than the other adhesives, making it practical for controlling tensile deformation. Additionally, its ultimate shear strain reaches 10.7%, at least 6.6 times higher than the other samples, highlighting its suitability for constructing ductile bonds. After mixing of epoxy resins with curing agents, the presence of NO2 and SO2 were detected. However, no harmful gases were detected after 120 min, possibly due to the complete curing of the adhesives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accidents in the workplace are critical issues that necessitate attention from environmental safety and health perspectives to enhance operational safety. The elevated rate of workplace accidents in Turkey underscores deficiencies in reliability analysis studies. Effective planning of preventive measures, considering factors such as location and timing, is pivotal in accident prevention. Sociological and regional disparities, alongside technical factors such as service type, working hours, and age, contribute significantly to accident causation. Reliability analysis studies aim to identify potential causes of accidents, enabling early detection of hazardous situations and combinations. This proactive approach allows responsible personnel to implement measures that mitigate or eliminate specific types of accidents, thereby safeguarding both lives and business assets. This study utilizes Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to forecast potential occupational accidents in the shipbuilding industry before they occur. Analyzing data from 146 occupational accidents involving ship electricians between 2012 and 2016, out of a total of 1165 occupational accidents in the industry, the study estimates potential accidents for 2017. The results demonstrate that ANN achieves high accuracy in predicting occupational accidents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Today, the problem of improving working conditions and improving their organization is quite urgent, in particular, the issue of working conditions for workers with non-standard forms of employment, in particular remote employment, which is gaining importance today, needs to be resolved. The purpose of the article is to study the peculiarities of working conditions for employees with remote employment, to identify problems and to propose ways to eliminate them. It is noted that with the appearance of non-typical (non-traditional) forms of employment on the domestic labor market, both practitioners and scientists are increasingly questioning the employer’s ability to fulfill the duty assigned to him to guarantee employees whose work does not fit into the traditional framework of labor relations, safe and healthy working conditions. Therefore, the employer using this type of employment should also take care of additional protection of employees, in particular, in matters of occupational health and safety, especially today, when the danger is different, external, military. At the same time, analyzing the current labor legislation, it was established that the employer is responsible only for “the safety and proper technical condition of the equipment and means of production, which are transferred to the employee to perform remote work”, and he does not have the obligation to ensure safe and harmless working conditions for the employee. Therefore, supporting other researchers of this issue, it is suggested that among the special conditions of the labor contract on remote work, there should also be a condition on ensuring labor safety, in order to oblige the employer to ensure the safety of the work of employees of the remote form of employment, in particular, to make sure that the assigned work can be performed safely at home by such an employee, has appropriate equipment and tools for safe work at home, received appropriate information, instructions and training (including in the event of an emergency), and also took measures to ensure the physical and psychological well-being of employees. Since remote work should not entail any restrictions on the scope of labor rights of employees, that is, a remote worker should have the same rights and obligations as other employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Sinonasal carcinomas (SNC) constitute about 3% of all head and neck carcinomas, squamous cell carcinoma being the most common histologic subtype. Some geographical patterns in incidence are observed, as occupational exposure to wood dust is associated with intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC). Aims This study aims to describe the prevalence and characteristics of sinonasal ITAC cases in a region of northern Portugal with a robust wood industry. Methods A retrospective study of all sinonasal malignancies diagnosed over 5 years, in a tertiary hospital, primarily focused on ITAC subtypes. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected through electronic medical records and telephonic assessments. Results Of all 33 cases, 85% were ITAC. ITAC predominantly affected males (96%) with a mean age of 66.2 years. Most patients diagnosed with sinonasal ITAC had occupational wood dust exposure (96%), particularly to hardwoods. Initial symptoms included unilateral nasal obstruction (75%) and epistaxis (71%). Despite a median time of 3 months from symptoms to consultation, 50% presented at an advanced stage, with a 29% mortality rate. Conclusions Sinonasal ITAC is an occupational hazard of woodworkers and represents the vast majority of SNC in the region. This study advocates for targeted community interventions, emphasizing occupational safety measures and healthcare awareness to reduce morbimortality associated with this occupational cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluates bushfire smoke as a workplace hazard for firefighters by characterising its chemical composition and potential health risks in Western Australia. Portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was used to measure airborne chemical concentrations at prescribed burns across five regions, including peat (acid sulphate) fire events. Samples were collected during both flaming and smouldering phases, as well as in perceived "clear" air resting zones. Results indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) was the dominant gas, reaching concentrations of 205 ppm at the fire front, followed by nitrogen monoxide (26 ppm) and methane (19 ppm). Peat fires produced distinct profiles, with ammonia (21.5 ppm) and sulphur dioxide (9.5 ppm) concentrations higher than those observed in typical bushfires. Smouldering phases emitted higher chemical concentrations than flaming phases 75% of the time. Even clear air zones contained measurable chemicals, with CO levels averaging 18 ppm, suggesting that firefighters are not free from exposure during rest periods. These findings highlight the need for fit-for-purpose respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and improved rest protocols to minimise exposure. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive health monitoring programs for firefighters to mitigate long-term health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Social & Technology / Jurnal Sosial dan Teknologi (SOSTECH) is the property of Green Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: The aim of the article is to identify and assess the impact of modern technologies on risk management in the area of occupational safety within the context of Agriculture 4.0. Design/methodology/approach: Critical Literature Review. Analysis of international literature from major databases and Polish literature related to the researched topic. Findings: Occupational Health and Safety Management in the context of Agriculture 4.0 requires the integration of advanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data, the Internet of Things (IoT), nanotechnology, drones, and biotechnology, which can significantly increase production efficiency and improve workplace safety. However, the implementation of these innovations faces challenges, including high investment costs, the need for employee training, and the adaptation of occupational health and safety regulations to new technologies. A comprehensive approach to risk management is crucial to optimally harness the potential of these technologies while ensuring an appropriate level of safety. Current safety regulations are insufficient for new, automated systems. Originality/value: An innovative approach to occupational health and safety management in the context of Agriculture 4.0. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By passing three key laws of Occupational Safety that along with a number of others prescriptions still in force from the field (regulations and other) a solid base is established for its practical application, expansion and improvement of that activity in the present Croatia, but also within the international community that is in this review quite summarily but also thoroughly illustrated. lt is useful both for the specialists in this field and, more or less, for any other individual in connection with labour in general as well. After a short introduction a summarized development of safety and in particular in Croatia is given; then its concept, scope, and presumptions for safe work: responsibility for their violation and restitution of damage if thus caused. All that is supported by corresponding prescriptions and available literature sa that it can have a practical use for further and more detailed educational and theoretical elaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scientific and professional jorunal “Sigurnost” is the oldest and only journal in Croatia, as well as in Southwestern and Southeastern Europe, dedicated to topics of occupational safety, fire protection, traffic safety, environmental protection and occupational medicine. It has been in print since 1959, and this year marks the 65th anniversary of its continuous publication. On this occasion, this paper provides a historical overview of the field of protection and safety at work; it describes the journey the journal has taken from its inception to the present day, when it has become internationally visible in the multidisciplinary bibliographic and citation database Scopus, and offers an analysis of citation rates of papers as a measure of the scientific productivity of authors and the journal's status in the international scientific community. Papers published in the journal “Sigurnost” undergo a double-blind peer review – an essential procedure in the manuscript selection process that ensures the quality and relevance of the content. The significant importance of this journal to the scientific community lies in the fact that the full texts of the papers are in open access through the Portal of Scientific Journals of the Republic of Croatia [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the effectiveness of Convolutional Autoencoder (CAE) and Variational Autoencoder (VAE) models in detecting anomalies within occupational accident data from the Mining of Coal and Lignite (NACE05), Manufacture of Other Transport Equipment (NACE30), and Manufacture of Basic Metals (NACE24) sectors. By applying fractional dimension methods—Box Counting, Hall–Wood, Genton, and Wavelet—we aim to uncover hidden risks and complex patterns that traditional time series analyses often overlook. The results demonstrate that the VAE model consistently detects a broader range of anomalies, particularly in sectors with complex operational processes like NACE05 and NACE30. In contrast, the CAE model tends to focus on more specific, moderate anomalies. Among the fractional dimension methods, Genton and Hall–Wood reveal the most significant differences in anomaly detection performance between the models, while Box Counting and Wavelet yield more consistent outcomes across sectors. These findings suggest that integrating VAE models with appropriate fractional dimension methods can significantly enhance proactive risk management in high-risk industries by identifying a wider spectrum of safety-related anomalies. This approach offers practical insights for improving safety monitoring systems and contributes to the advancement of data-driven occupational safety practices. By enabling earlier detection of potential hazards, the study supports the development of more effective safety policies, and could lead to substantial improvements in workplace safety outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to provide a review of the existing literature regarding the use of extended reality technologies and the metaverse focusing on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR) in safety training. Based on the outcomes, VR was predominantly used in the context of safety training with immersive VR yielding the best outcomes. In comparison, only recently has AR been introduced in safety training but with positive outcomes. Both AR and VR can be effectively adopted and integrated in safety training and render the learning experiences and environments more realistic, secure, intense, interactive, and personalized, which are crucial aspects to ensure high-quality safety training. Their ability to provide safe virtual learning environments in which individuals can practice and develop their skills and knowledge in real-life simulated working settings that do not involve any risks emerged as one of the main benefits. Their ability to support social and collaborative learning and offer experiential learning significantly contributed to the learning outcomes. Therefore, it was concluded that VR and AR emerged as effective tools that can support and enrich safety training and, in turn, increase occupational health and safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Administrative Sciences / Yonetim Bilimleri Dergisi is the property of Canakkale Onsekiz Mart Universitesi, Terzioglu Kampusu and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Exact Sciences is the property of Master Editora and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Many construction organizations still employ workers without regard to the application of accident risk, although a focus on safety is predicted to improve worker performance. This study aims to examine the effect of occupational safety and health and incentive factors on worker performance in housing construction projects. This study used a quantitative approach and was tested using the SEM-PLS method with a sample of 72 respondents. The results showed that well-implemented occupational safety and health significantly improved worker performance, by reducing the risk of injury and improving worker welfare. In addition, high work motivation plays a role in increasing project productivity and efficiency. Emphasis on safety, health, and work motivation was shown to have a positive impact on achieving better project performance. The implications of this research provide important insights for construction managers and policy makers in optimizing project success through the implementation of effective safety protocols, wellness programs, and appropriate motivation strategies. Thus, this study highlights the importance of integrating occupational safety and motivation as key factors in achieving superior project performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on developing an industrial and occupational safety management system for enterprises that contain chemically hazardous sites. The methodology, based on an expert approach, enabled the authors to design the structure of the risk management system at such enterprises. It also facilitated the identification of clusters and their descriptors, along with their roles in evaluating the state of the safety management system. The proposed methodology features a flexible and universal structure, making it applicable for assessing industrial and occupational safety across different enterprises, taking into account the specific technological aspects of production processes. In this case study, the authors examined the accident rates, injury hazards, and health risks associated with chemically hazardous sites in enterprises located in the Republic of Kazakhstan. The findings of this study provide a methodological approach that industrial enterprises can use to evaluate the effectiveness of their safety management systems. This allows for the development of measures aimed at preventing chemical accidents and reducing their impacts.

Background Cleaning workers face many workplace risk factors and may experience many health problems. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the musculoskeletal disorders, the health status of hospital cleaning workers, and the working conditions and risk factors affecting the workplace environment. Material and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in a university hospital of Turkey. All the cleaning workers who have been working for ≥1 year were participants. The participants’ socio-demographic and occupational characteristics, health complaints, workplace risk factors, occupational accidents, and ergonomic nonconformities were observed and questioned. Results Four hundred thirty-eight cleaning employees participated in the study. In the past year, 19.6% of participants had an occupational accident. Of those, 24.4% did not report it, and 30.2% were absent from work. No pre-employment examination was reported by 36.8% of the participants, and periodic medical examinations were never undergone by 98.4%. Low back pain was experienced by 42.0% of the participants, while 29.5% reported shoulder pain and 28.8% knee pain. While working, 83.1% of the participants bent frequently, 82.2% repeated the same movement, and 73.2% stood for a long time. Chemical substances were the most common workplace risk factors. There were significant differences according to age and gender in almost all musculoskeletal disorders. Gender differences were observed also in various health outcomes and occupational complaints. Repeated bending and prolonged standing were associated with hip/leg and foot/ankle pains; heavy lifting with low back, back, wrist/hand, and ankle/foot pains; and failure to the breaks with shoulder, knee and hip/leg pains. Conclusions This research investigated the health issues and occupational safety challenges faced by hospital cleaning personnel. Specifically, it examined musculoskeletal disorders and work-related accidents, emphasizing gaps in regular health screenings for these workers. The findings underscore gender variations in these challenges and propose strategies to mitigate ergonomic risks encountered by cleaning staff. Med Pr Work Health Saf. 2024;75(5):397–413

Farmworkers in the U.S. experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection and mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their workplace may have been a significant place of exposure to the novel coronavirus. Using political economy of health theory, this study sought to understand how organizational aspects of the agricultural industry and broader socioeconomic and political conditions shaped farmworkers COVID-19 workplace safety during the pandemic. Between July 2020 and April 2021, we conducted and analyzed fourteen in-depth, semi-structured phone interviews with Latinx farmworkers in California. Findings show that regulatory oversight reinforced COVID-19 workplace safety. In the absence of regulatory oversight, the organization of the agricultural industry produced COVID-19 workplace risks for farmworkers; it normalized unsafe working conditions and the worker-rather than employer-responsibility for workplace safety. Under these conditions, farmworkers enacted personal COVID-19 preventative practices but were limited by financial hardships that were exacerbated by the precarious nature of agricultural employment and legal status exclusions from pandemic-related aid. Unsafe workplace conditions negatively impacted workplace camaraderie. Study findings have implications for farmworkers individual and collective agency to achieve safe working conditions. Occupational safety interventions must address the organizational aspects that produce workplace health and safety inequities and disempower farmworkers in the workplace.

Wearing a safety helmet and a reflective vest is essential for ensuring worker safety. While YOLO-based object detectors have demonstrated significant accuracy in detecting dress code violations, they often struggle with detecting small targets and maintaining a global focus. To address these challenges, we propose MSCG-YOLO, a novel algorithm based on YOLO networks for worker detection. Our approach integrates multi-head self-attention (MHSA) into the backbone network and neck connections, enhancing the model’s global field of view and its ability to detect small and obscured targets. To further improve small target detection, we designed a new neck structure called consolidative informative systematic neck (CISNeck), which includes additional layers and an enhanced detection head. We also developed the superficial feature fusion module (SFFM) to optimize the high-resolution features of the fourth detection head. Generalized intersection over union (GIoU) was used as the loss function. Experimental results on custom datasets show that MSCG-YOLO outperforms existing methods, achieving AP and AP50 values of 52% and 91.6% on the validation set, and 53.6% and 91% on the test set. Compared to YOLOv8n, MSCG-YOLO improves AP50 scores by 3.4% on the validation set and 2.7% on the test set. In conclusion, this study effectively addresses the practical needs of dress code detection in construction scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TARGET. The purpose of this work is to develop a standard design of an installation for testing personal protective equipment. According to the standard design, the installation should be more functional and cheaper than existing analogues, while its design should fully comply with the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation (Rules for the installation of electrical installations, Rules of labor protection when working in electrical installations).METHODS. According to the developed standard design, it implies the use of АИИ-70 test devices, which have been put into storage as a result of equipping electrical laboratories with more mobile modern analogues. The secondary use of test devices freed fromthe operational load makes it possible to eliminate the cost of purchasing a high-voltage source included in its design, thereby reducing the total cost of the project. The project provides that the products from which the installation is assembled include products from the retail range of electrical products.RESULTS. The installation, assembled according to the developed project, provides the opportunity to conduct the largest number of types of tests among analogues. The cost of installation assembled according to the developed project is several times lower than analogues. Full compliance of the installation with the requirements of regulatory and technical documentation ensures the safety of high-voltage tests and allows it to be registered with supervisory authorities.CONCLUSION. A stationary installation for testing personal protective equipment has been assembled at the Kazan State Energy University. Testing it during tests of dielectric gloves and a high voltage indicator proves the operability of the installation assembled according to the developed project.

The success of the warship repair industry is inseparable from occupational safety and health factors. This study aims to identify and analyze the factors influencing the Warship Repair Industry at the Indonesian Navy Second Fleet Command, analyze the implementation of safety and health measures in warship repairs, and examine strategies to enhance worker awareness of occupational safety and health factors at the Indonesian Navy Second Fleet Command. This research utilizes a mixed-method approach, combining qualitative and quantitative methods, with the research subjects being work units and providers involved in warship maintenance and repair. Sampling was conducted purposively, with data collection techniques including observation, questionnaires, and in-depth interviews. Internal and external factor analysis was then carried out using the SWOT method. The study focused on work units and providers involved in warship repair at Koarmada II, such as the Warship Maintenance and Repair Department of Indonesian Navy Second Fleet Command (Disharkap Koarmada II), the Material and Supply Department of Indonesian Navy Second Fleet Command (Dismatbek Koarmada II), the Maintenance and Repair Facilities in Surabaya (Fasharkan Surabaya), the East Region Material Maintenance Unit (Satharmattim), and the East Region Material Readiness Unit (Satlaikmattim), as well as providers who won the warship repair tenders. Issues regarding work outcomes and completion times can be resolved by prioritizing strategies that emphasize occupational safety and health.

Abstract Background Workforce health is one of the primary and challenging issues, especially in industrialized countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability to predict accident-proneness among Saveh Industry workers in Iran, based on an extended Health Belief Model, that included the construct of spiritual health. Method This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022 on 384 workers in Saveh, Iran. The study aimed to explore relationships between accident proneness behavior, spiritual health, and health beliefs. The accident-proneness questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part included demographic questions, and the second part comprised 9 sections covering personality traits, workplace harmful factors, miscellaneous factors, musculoskeletal disorders, safety culture, safety attitudes, job stress, organization interest, and degree of risk-taking. The Health Belief Model included 31 questions, while spiritual health was measured with the 20-question Paloutzian and Ellison questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results In terms of accident proneness, 229 (59.6%), exhibited high levels, 148 (38.5%) had medium levels, and 7 (1.8%) showed low levels of accident-proneness. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that in the first model, variables of perceived self-efficacy, vulnerability, and severity independently predicted workers accident proneness, explaining a total of 43% of variance in accident proneness behavior. In the second step, perceived self-efficacy (β = 34%), perceived sensitivity (β = 27%), spiritual health (β = 16%), and perceived severity (β = 12%) were included, respectively, which explained a total of 46% of the variance of accident-prone behavior of workers. Conclusion Given the high rate of accident proneness observed in this study, there is a critical need for policymakers and health planners to design policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with occupational accidents. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of integrating spiritual health into the Health Belief Model, as a conceptual framework for planning effective intervention programs to enhance workplace safety.

When analyzing occupational safety factors, a human factor is associated with 80–90% of incidents and accidents that occur. Controlling this factor is essential when it comes to creating healthy and safe organizations. Personality traits have shown great relevance when understanding the behavior of safety or self-protection in the workplace, affecting the motivation of subjects and, therefore, their behavior. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the extraversion trait on compliance with safety rules and behaviors, while evaluating the mediating effect of motivation for safety in health professionals. The sample is composed of 183 nurses and wardens of a hospital in Spain. The obtained results confirm the hypotheses raised, validating the negative influences of extraversion on motivation for security and compliance with norms, behaviors, and security, while verifying the effect of the total mediation of motivation for security in the influence of extraversion on security compliance. This confirms the effect of this personality trait on employees’ safety behaviors, and the possibility of reducing this influence by controlling personal motivations with interventions from the organization.

Cruise machinists operate in dynamic and physically demanding environments where improper posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, adversely affecting their health and work efficiency. Current ergonomic assessments in such settings are often generic and not tailored to the unique challenges of maritime operations. This paper presents a novel application of artificial intelligence tools for real-time posture estimation specifically designed for cruise machinists. The primary aim is to enhance occupational health and safety by providing precise, real-time feedback on ergonomic practices. We developed a dataset by capturing video recordings of cruise machinists at work, which were processed to extract skeletal outlines using advanced computer vision techniques. This dataset was used to train deep neural networks, optimizing them for accuracy in diverse and constrained shipboard environments. The networks were tested across various computational platforms to ensure robustness and adaptability. The AI model demonstrated high efficacy in recognizing both correct and incorrect postures under real-world conditions aboard ships. The system significantly outperformed traditional ergonomic assessment tools in terms of speed, accuracy, and the ability to provide instant feedback. The findings suggest that AI-enhanced ergonomic assessments could be a transformative approach for occupational health across various industries.

Abstract Objective This study evaluates the level of radiation safety awareness and adherence to protective practices among pregnant female radiographers in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to identify gaps and develop targeted interventions for enhancing occupational safety. Methods Employing a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 133 female radiographers using a self-developed questionnaire covering demographics, awareness and knowledge, workplace practices, communication, and satisfaction. Results The survey showed high awareness among radiographers, with 97% acknowledging radiation risks during pregnancy, although 42.9% had not received formal training. Concerns over long-term health effects were significant, with 66.2% of participants worried about potential impacts. Despite these concerns, 83.5% had been informed about radiation risks and protective measures, indicating active information provision in many workplaces. However, inconsistencies in information dissemination across different work settings were noted. Conclusions The findings highlight the need for standardized radiation safety protocols for pregnant radiographers. The variability in safety training and information dissemination suggests the importance of establishing uniform safety practices. Recommendations include developing comprehensive education and training programs for pregnant radiographers, ensuring open communication for radiation safety and pregnancy-related concerns, and enforcing clear guidelines for workplace accommodations.

Objectives To enhance occupational safety for medical practitioners involved in acupuncture procedures within the field of Chinese medicine, it is imperative to thoroughly investigate and analyze the current incidence of accidental punctures. Subsequently, effective strategies can be proposed to prevent such occurrences. Methods Through retrospective analysis, this study investigates the occupational exposure data of a tertiary hospital specializing in traditional Chinese medicine from 2020 to 2022. The demographic characteristics (age and gender), professional experience, occupational category, pre-service training, type of acupuncture tools used, puncture session details, and exposure sources of the individuals involved are collected and organized for analyzing the risk factors associated with accidental needlestick injuries. Corresponding preventive measures are proposed accordingly. Results In this survey, a total of 5 069 medical staff from 12 clinical departments were included, among whom 63 experienced accidental puncture with an incidence rate of 1.24% (63/5 069). The likelihood of puncture was found to be significantly higher in individuals aged between 25 ~ 30 years compared to those under the age of 25 (OR = 18.556, P < 0.05). Similarly, the probability of puncture was also higher in individuals aged over 30 years compared to those under the age of 25 (OR = 14.311, P < 0.05). Conversely, individuals with at least three years of experience had a lower probability of experiencing punctures compared to those with less than three years (OR = 0.025, P < 0.05). Furthermore, interns exhibited a higher likelihood of puncture incidents compared to physicians (OR = 2.212, P < 0.05). Regarding the puncture session, the highest probability of occurrence is 58.73% at the time of needle removal (?2 = 106.222, P < 0.05). Regarding the type of acupuncture tools, acupuncture needles have the highest probability of occurrence at 41.27% (?2 = 45.095, P < 0.05). Concerning the exposure source, "unknown exposure source" has the highest preva- lence at 42.86% (?2 = 57.476, P < 0.05), while "exposure source is hepatitis B patient" accounts for 20.63% (?2 = 57.476, P < 0.05). Regarding pre-service training, individuals who have received pre-service training exhibit a higher likelihood of puncture incidents (69.84%) (?2 = 38.000, P < 0.05). Conclusions The serological status of patients should be obtained in advance, and strict adherence to infection prevention control measures such as "standard precautions" and "contact isolation" is necessary. Effective pre-service training must be implemented, with particular attention given to the risk of puncture when using specialized acupuncture tools for occupational safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the helicopter to ship transfer operation is rarely applied in ports around the world, some of the hub ports have encouraged it. The operational process poses challenges to safety due to the nature of the work to be completed by the ship crew. This article performs a systematic human error prediction to ensure safe helicopter to ship transfer operations under different circumstances since the human factor is becoming a significant contributor to maritime accidents. To accomplish this, the article addresses a cognitive reliability and error analysis method (CREAM) under the evidential reasoning (ER) approach. In the proposed approach, the CREAM provides a comprehensive human error prediction tool and ER is capable of supporting experts’ judgment in decision-making. The findings of the research show that ‘Secure the loose objects within or adjacent to the operating area’ poses a high human error probability (4.50E–02) during helicopter to ship transfer operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Mortuary attendants in Ghana face various occupational health and safety hazards, including ergonomic and psychosocial factors, which can impact both their well-being and the quality of service provided. However, there is limited knowledge about the specific ergonomic hazards they encounter. This study aims to investigate and understand these ergonomic hazards at selected hospital mortuaries in Ghana. Methods. The study used a qualitative approach to investigate the experiences of 19 mortuary attendants, selected through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and recorded digitally, and focused on participants’ demographics, work experiences, challenges and coping strategies. The collected data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results. The study found that mortuary attendants face ergonomic hazards, leading to physical discomfort, sleep problems and the need for sick leave and self-medication. Poor working conditions were a major risk factor. Conclusion. The study recommends the immediate inclusion of fundamental occupational health and safety practices into the informal apprenticeship training for mortuary attendants. Additionally, the study underscores the importance of providing necessary equipment to mortuary attendants to reduce or eliminate ergonomic hazards in their work environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workforce health is one of the primary and challenging issues, especially in industrialized countries. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability to predict accident-proneness among Saveh Industry workers in Iran, based on an extended Health Belief Model, that included the construct of spiritual health. Method: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted in 2022 on 384 workers in Saveh, Iran. The study aimed to explore relationships between accident proneness behavior, spiritual health, and health beliefs. The accident-proneness questionnaire consisted of two parts: the first part included demographic questions, and the second part comprised 9 sections covering personality traits, workplace harmful factors, miscellaneous factors, musculoskeletal disorders, safety culture, safety attitudes, job stress, organization interest, and degree of risk-taking. The Health Belief Model included 31 questions, while spiritual health was measured with the 20-question Paloutzian and Ellison questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 26 software. Results: In terms of accident proneness, 229 (59.6%), exhibited high levels, 148 (38.5%) had medium levels, and 7 (1.8%) showed low levels of accident-proneness. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that in the first model, variables of perceived self-efficacy, vulnerability, and severity independently predicted workers accident proneness, explaining a total of 43% of variance in accident proneness behavior. In the second step, perceived self-efficacy (β = 34%), perceived sensitivity (β = 27%), spiritual health (β = 16%), and perceived severity (β = 12%) were included, respectively, which explained a total of 46% of the variance of accident-prone behavior of workers. Conclusion: Given the high rate of accident proneness observed in this study, there is a critical need for policymakers and health planners to design policies aimed at mitigating the risks associated with occupational accidents. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential of integrating spiritual health into the Health Belief Model, as a conceptual framework for planning effective intervention programs to enhance workplace safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inhalation exposure to iron oxide occurs in many workplaces and respirable aerosols occur during thermal processes (e.g. welding, casting) or during abrasion of iron and steel products (e.g. cutting, grinding, machining, polishing, sanding) or during handling of iron oxide pigments. There is limited evidence of adverse effects in humans specifically linked to inhalation of iron oxides. This contrasts to oxides of other metals used to alloy or for coating of steel and iron of which several have been classified as being hazardous by international and national agencies. Such metal oxides are often present in the air at workplaces. In general, iron oxides might therefore be regarded as low-toxicity, low-solubility (LTLS) particles, and are often considered to be nontoxic even if very high and prolonged inhalation exposures might result in diseases. In animal studies, such exposures lead to cancer, fibrosis and other diseases. Our hypothesis was that pulmonary-workplace exposure during manufacture and handling of SPION preparations might be harmful. We therefore conducted a systematic review of the relevant literature to understand how iron oxides deposited in the lung are related to acute and subchronic pulmonary inflammation. We included one human and several in vivo animal studies published up to February 2023. We found 25 relevant studies that were useful for deriving occupational exposure limits (OEL) for iron oxides based on an inflammatory reaction. Our review of the scientific literature indicates that lowering of health-based occupational exposure limits might be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cruise machinists operate in dynamic and physically demanding environments where improper posture can lead to musculoskeletal disorders, adversely affecting their health and work efficiency. Current ergonomic assessments in such settings are often generic and not tailored to the unique challenges of maritime operations. This paper presents a novel application of artificial intelligence tools for real-time posture estimation specifically designed for cruise machinists. The primary aim is to enhance occupational health and safety by providing precise, real-time feedback on ergonomic practices. We developed a dataset by capturing video recordings of cruise machinists at work, which were processed to extract skeletal outlines using advanced computer vision techniques. This dataset was used to train deep neural networks, optimizing them for accuracy in diverse and constrained shipboard environments. The networks were tested across various computational platforms to ensure robustness and adaptability. The AI model demonstrated high efficacy in recognizing both correct and incorrect postures under real-world conditions aboard ships. The system significantly outperformed traditional ergonomic assessment tools in terms of speed, accuracy, and the ability to provide instant feedback. The findings suggest that AI-enhanced ergonomic assessments could be a transformative approach for occupational health across various industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of medical care innovations and the use of newer technologies have resulted in a significant rise in the quantity of waste produced per patient within health care facilities. Biomedical waste in particular has emerged as a pressing concern due to its inherent propensity to pose health hazards and cause environmental harm. The World Health Organization has identified a lack of knowledge and training as primary factors contributing to the failure of Biomedical waste management (BMWM). Thus, our study sought to examine the relationship between BMWM level of knowledge and prior training among health care professionals (HCPs) in 4 different regions in Saudi Arabia. Our study used a cross-sectional design to investigate the BMWM level of knowledge and prior training among HCPs in 4 different regions in Saudi Arabia. Multiple linear and logistic regression was used to assess if Biomedical waste management (MBWM) knowledge and prior tanning are significantly associated with the demographics and professional characteristics of HCPs. 501 HCPs participated in the study. More than half were male, the majority fell within the age range of 24 to 36 years and held a bachelor's degree. The level of BMWM knowledge among HCPs was moderate (M = 31.14, SD = 4.89) and positively associated with HCPs' prior training in BMWM, workplace environment, and overall experience in the field. Only 26% of the HCPs had received prior BMWM training, and it varied considerably by sex, geographic location, and professional experience. Our study demonstrates a moderate knowledge and lack of training in BMWM among HCPs in Saudi Arabia. Thus, we recommend a national strategy for incorporating infection prevention and control methods associated with BMWM into all health care programs. Furthermore, it is imperative for health officials to enact prompt and efficient surveillance measures, as well as conduct frequent training sessions for HCPs and support personnel. • We examined the relationship between BMWM knowledge and training among health care professionals (HCPs) in 4 different regions in Saudi Arabia. • The study was the first to examine HCPs' knowledge and prior training of BMWM across different regions in Saudi Arabia. • The level of BMWM knowledge was associated with HCPs' prior training in BMWM, their workplace environment, and their overall experience in the field. • Prior training of HCPs in BMWM varied considerably by sex, geographic location, and professional experience. • We recommend a national strategy for incorporating infection prevention and control methods associated with BMWM into all health care programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heat poses a major environmental risk to occupational safety, necessitating timely insights into associated risks to safeguard workers. In June 2022, the National Weather Service (NWS) initiated operational wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) forecasts, offering valuable information for heat risk management. This study evaluates the effectiveness of NWS WBGT forecasts, aiming to identify potential areas of caution and improvements for their application for occupational safety management. To this end, the study examines 1.3 million hourly historical NWS WBGT forecast data, comparing it with observed data from 252 weather stations across the US during the summer of 2023. The results offer key insights, revealing that: (1) the accuracy of NWS WBGT forecasts is influenced more by the times of interest than by the forecast horizons; (2) NWS WBGT forecast accuracy varies across different climates in the US, with air temperature bias being the most influential factor in this inaccuracy; and (3) while NWS WBGT forecasts accurately identify the lowest heat risks (i.e. no heat risk), their performance decreases at higher risk levels, emphasizing the importance of careful interpretation in safety management. These insights offer guidance for more cautious interpretations of NWS WBGT forecasts and lay the foundation for future studies on leveraging operational weather forecasting services in effective heat mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Working conditions at factories, especially today, require planned and radical changes, renewal, because there is a general interest in favorable working conditions as the main factor in preserving health and ensuring the economy of production - the most important components of human life conditions. The purpose of the article is to study one of the important rights of employees - the right to transparent and predictable working conditions, which was enshrined in Directive No. 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, and today is the subject of research by scientists in sphere of work. Summarizing the conducted research, it was concluded that the right of employees to transparent and predictable working conditions, in particular, an updated approach to understanding improved working conditions of employees based on the principles and principles of international norms and standards is provided for in Directive No. 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union dated June 20, 2019, adopted by the European Parliament and the Council. It has been established that the implementation of the norms of Directive No. 2019/1152 on transparent and predictable working conditions in the European Union is already provided for in some legislative acts of Ukraine, in particular in the new version of Article 29 of the Code of Labor Laws of Ukraine and the Law of Ukraine "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine on the optimization of labor relations" dated 01.07.2022, which somewhat expanded and detailed the list of information with which the employer is obliged to acquaint the employee before starting work. At the same time, the right of employees to transparent and predictable working conditions must be formed both at the level of legislative norms, legislative requirements for working conditions, labor protection, compliance with sanitary, epidemic and other requirements, as well as on the employer's understanding of the need to implement such protection precisely from the point of view morals, traditions and customs, understanding that a person is the highest social value, and therefore should be protected and really feel such protection from both the state and the employer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When analyzing occupational safety factors, a human factor is associated with 80–90% of incidents and accidents that occur. Controlling this factor is essential when it comes to creating healthy and safe organizations. Personality traits have shown great relevance when understanding the behavior of safety or self-protection in the workplace, affecting the motivation of subjects and, therefore, their behavior. The objective of this study is to analyze the influence of the extraversion trait on compliance with safety rules and behaviors, while evaluating the mediating effect of motivation for safety in health professionals. The sample is composed of 183 nurses and wardens of a hospital in Spain. The obtained results confirm the hypotheses raised, validating the negative influences of extraversion on motivation for security and compliance with norms, behaviors, and security, while verifying the effect of the total mediation of motivation for security in the influence of extraversion on security compliance. This confirms the effect of this personality trait on employees' safety behaviors, and the possibility of reducing this influence by controlling personal motivations with interventions from the organization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the concept and results of a study on the effects of organizational trust on the safety level in an enterprise. The research results presented provide valid and reliable statistical evidence that employees' trust in management is an important factor that significantly affects safety in a company. In particular, the research findings prove that employees' trust in management affects safety outcomes indirectly (full mediation), due to the improvement in their engagement in safety citizenship behaviour (SCB); but also that better engagement in SCB should directly or indirectly contribute to the reduction of accident event occurrence through improvement in employees' health and safety (H&S) regulation compliance (partial mediation). Moreover, the research findings prove that improvement in perceived management commitment in H&S will additionally strengthen positive relationships between trust in management and SCB engagement (interaction effect). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. Although some studies have shown role stressors can lead to unsafe behaviors, it is unclear how role stressors induce delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. We found that delivery riders suffered from tremendous role stressors during the delivery process and had to conduct frequent smartphone interactions. This study aimed to explore the effects of role stressors and smartphone interactions on delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Methods. First, a questionnaire survey (N = 326) was used to collect data, and correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between role stressors, smartphone interaction frequency and delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Second, a scenario survey (N = 35) was conducted, and comparative analysis was used to further explore how smartphone interactions affect delivery riders' unsafe behaviors. Results. The questionnaire survey revealed that role stressors, smartphone interaction frequency and delivery riders' unsafe behaviors were positively correlated. In addition, the role stressors forced delivery riders to conduct necessary and unnecessary smartphone interactions. The scenario survey found that smartphone interactions reduced delivery riders' motion speed and motion ability, and increased their psychology, so they had a risk-taking mentality, which led to an increase in unsafe behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study evaluates the level of radiation safety awareness and adherence to protective practices among pregnant female radiographers in the United Arab Emirates, aiming to identify gaps and develop targeted interventions for enhancing occupational safety. Methods: Employing a cross-sectional design, the study surveyed 133 female radiographers using a self-developed questionnaire covering demographics, awareness and knowledge, workplace practices, communication, and satisfaction. Results: The survey showed high awareness among radiographers, with 97% acknowledging radiation risks during pregnancy, although 42.9% had not received formal training. Concerns over long-term health effects were significant, with 66.2% of participants worried about potential impacts. Despite these concerns, 83.5% had been informed about radiation risks and protective measures, indicating active information provision in many workplaces. However, inconsistencies in information dissemination across different work settings were noted. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for standardized radiation safety protocols for pregnant radiographers. The variability in safety training and information dissemination suggests the importance of establishing uniform safety practices. Recommendations include developing comprehensive education and training programs for pregnant radiographers, ensuring open communication for radiation safety and pregnancy-related concerns, and enforcing clear guidelines for workplace accommodations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the construction industry, most safety culture studies are limited to a single country, with minimal attention to cross-country studies. This limits creating a foundation for a robust framework and reliable safety culture scale. This study addresses this gap by studying safety culture in 10 countries, including those without previous studies. The survey instrument, completed by 311 construction employees, identified seven key factors measuring safety culture, with content and construct validity ensuring the reliability and validity of survey findings. Results indicated that work experience, education level and employment status have significant impacts on employees’ safety culture. Additionally, similarities and differences in these factors across countries were investigated, and the fatalism and optimism factor and the work pressure and priority factor are the most significant contributors to the weakening of safety culture in the construction industry. This research allows industry practitioners to systematically assess on-site safety culture, oversee practices and improve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study explores the implementation of IoT Monitoring Systems to improve occupational safety in Costa Rica. It focuses on how these technologies can prevent occupational hazards and promote a safe working environment. Research Question/Objectives: To evaluate the challenges in occupational safety in Costa Rica and how the implementation of IoT systems can offer effective solutions. It aims to understand the impact of these technologies in preventing accidents and promoting safe work practices. Methodology: A qualitative approach was used, integrating theories and practices in the analysis of IoT monitoring systems. Interviews and case studies were conducted, complemented by real-time analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of IoT systems in occupational safety. This methodology allows for a detailed understanding of the interaction between technology and safety measures. Results: The research reveals that the adoption of IoT monitoring systems significantly improves occupational safety in Costa Rica, reducing the risks and costs associated with workplace accidents. These findings are supported by the applied methodology and the analyzed case studies. Final Considerations: The qualitative methodology used highlights the importance of linking theories and practices to address occupational safety through IoT technology. The results demonstrate that an integrated strategy, combining advanced technology with existing safety practices, can substantially improve working conditions. This study underscores the need for a coherent methodological approach to effectively integrate technological solutions into occupational safety, thus contributing to a safer and more technologically advanced work environment in Costa Rica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Ampoules are widely used in medical settings worldwide. However, there is a lack of research comparing the safety and efficiency of various ampoule-opening methods. This exploratory study aimed to compare several parameters regarding the safety and efficiency of an innovative ampoule opener with two other methods for opening ampoules. Methods: Six participants were recruited from a university and a medical center in Eastern Taiwan. They were instructed to open ampoules of three different capacities (2 mL, 5 mL, and 20 mL) in duplicates using three distinct methods: by hand, with scissors, and with an innovative ampoule opener. This led to a total of 18 ampoules being opened per participant. Results: Analysis with Generalized Estimating Equations revealed significant risks associated with using scissors, especially for larger ampoules, resulting in more spikes, indentations, and glass shards. Moreover, opening a 2 mL ampoule with scissors took significantly longer than doing so by hand. Conversely, the correct use of ampoule openers was found to result in fewer spikes and glass shards. Conclusion: This exploratory study showed the importance of using ampoule openers and providing adequate training in their use to improve safety for healthcare workers and patients. Our findings also serve as a preliminary guide for future research to help in developing comprehensive safe-opening guidelines and inform best practices in healthcare settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although fatigue is commonly experienced in many highly demanding occupations (e.g., military, first responders, etc.), it is poorly defined. Fatigue can strongly affect occupational performance by negatively influencing the ability to interact with the world by altering the capacity to think, Manifestamove, feel, see, and speak. The first step in fatigue risk management strategies is to establish a context. The context of this narrative review is to specifically describe and discuss the 6 overarching types of occupational fatigue: cognitive, physical, burnout, emotional, visual, and vocal fatigue, and how each affects varying occupations. Furthermore, fatigue type can be influenced by several intrinsic factors, such as sleep deprivation, circadian alignment, ultradian process, sleep homeostasis, and health factors. Similarly, extrinsic factors influence fatigue, such as workload, shift work, and environmental issues. Under-Orgastanding the types and contributors to occupational fatigue may help clarify perfor the context of occupational fatigue and serve to guide future occupational fatigue management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research highlights the safety of work in civil construction in the state of Roraima, with the objective of analyzing the safety practices adopted in the sector, identifying the main risks faced and assessing the effectiveness of implemented preventive measures. The methodology was based on the analysis of regulatory standards, local case studies and workers’ perception. The results showed that Roraima’s climate and geographical particularities impose additional security challenges, highlighting the importance of adapted practices and effective risk management. The conclusion points to the need to strengthen security culture in companies, with emphasis on workers’ education and training, as a way to reduce accidents and improve working conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Air quality issues, exacerbated by wildfire smoke and excessive ozone that is worsened by climate change, pose significant health risks to outdoor workers, who are often overlooked in regulatory protection and communication efforts. This study examined how outdoor worker demographics, risk perceptions, and efficacy beliefs predict air quality protective actions and information seeking. Additionally, it investigates the sources of information that this population relies on for understanding air quality. A survey was conducted with 256 outdoor workers in Colorado, a state regularly affected by wildfire smoke and ozone. Measures included demographics, perceived risk, efficacy beliefs, air quality actions, and information seeking behavior. Both perceived risk and efficacy beliefs influenced health-protective actions during poor air quality events. Interestingly, efficacy beliefs were found to be a more reliable predictor of air quality information seeking than perceived risk. The top sources of air quality information among outdoor workers were local news media, The Weather Channel, mobile apps, state public health authorities, and the National Weather Service. These findings enhance our understanding of how perceived risk and efficacy beliefs promote health-protective behaviors among outdoor workers. They lay the groundwork for future research and initiatives to improve air quality communication and promote health-protective actions for this population group. Promoting the efficacy of health-protective actions and seeking information are important components of air quality communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Land grant universities in the Northeast (e.g. Delaware, Maryland, New York) have seen changes in their faculty or Extension level positions: Agricultural safety specialist positions have been left vacant or have been merged with another position with other responsibilities, which reduces the amount of time available to address safety. In response to the resulting support gap, Penn State Ag Safety and Health and the Northeast Center for Occupational Health and Safety (NEC) launched the Northeast Agricultural Safety and Health Coalition (NEASHC) in 2014. NEASHC provides extension staff and other individuals interested in safety trainings (e.g. insurers, Farm Bureau staff) with opportunities to network and learn about best practices in agricultural health and safety training. Recognizing the importance of NEASHC's role in filling this service gap in the Northeast, the NEC included support for NEASHC in its last 5-year grant cycle (2016–2022) and has continued its support for the Coalition in their current five-year center grant (2022–2027). The NEC center grant is funded by National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH) Grant #2 U54OH007542. NEASHC is an important component of the NEC's unified approach to worker health and safety, which is based in part on G. Sorensen's conceptual model for integrated approaches to the protection and promotion of worker safety.1 The goals for NEASHC through 2027 are as follows: expand the Coalition's reach by adding states and members; provide professional development to members; (3) offer mini-grants for outreach projects and activities; (4) develop and disseminate new resources; and (5) provide occupational safety and health (OSH) updates for agricultural populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Increased industrialization and aging infrastructure have resulted in leaks of hazardous chemicals, such as CO. Leak modeling is crucial to developing emergency response strategies. Therefore, we simulated the time to criticality (TTC), which is the time to reach the threshold limit for occupational exposure, of a CO leak. The basis of the study is a fire dynamics simulator, a computational fluid dynamics model that was used to investigate the movement of CO in various scenarios, including using different building layouts and areas, temperatures, and leak diameters. Multiple regression analysis was performed to obtain regression equations for the TTC as a function of the independent variables. Ultimately, we found that the type of dispersion varies with respect to the temperature-dependent density of CO, and, among the independent variables, the leak diameter had the strongest effect on the TTC. The regression equations with logarithmic conversion were validated and found to have higher accuracy than those without logarithmic conversion. The findings provide useful information for developing emergency response plans regarding leak size in the case of hazardous chemical leakage. However, empirical studies of different gas types and leakage scenarios are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Forestry Society of Croatia / Sumarski List Hrvatskoga Sumarskoga Drustva is the property of Forestry Society of Croatia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)