Assessment Of Occupational Hazards Research Articles

Assessment of occupational hazards and associated risks in fuzzy environment: A case study of a university chemical laboratory

ABSTRACTUniversity laboratories involve various occupational hazards during the research and course activities, which might affect health and safety of both researchers and students, including chemical, physical, electrical, mechanical, as well as ergonomic and psychosocial risk factors. There are many aspects open to improvements in Occupational Health and Safety management of laboratories, and it is required to deal with risks, reduce them in an acceptable level, and implement control measures. In this study, a risk assessment approach is proposed for the university laboratory operations. The proposed approach incorporates 5S methodology, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), interval type-two fuzzy sets (IT2FSs), analytic hierarchy process (AHP), and the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR). AHP is injected into IT2FSs in the phase of evaluation and weighting of severity (S), occurrence (O), and detectability (D) parameters of FMEA. By applying IT2FVIKOR, it is aimed at prioritizing the emerged hazards in the chemical laboratory of the observed university. The proposed approach reveals the important hazards and suggests control measures for managing them. The study methodologically contributes to risk assessment in the knowledge, while a case study in a chemical laboratory of a newly established university offers an insight into education industry in safety improvement.

Occupational health hazards in the Sukari Gold Mine, Egypt

Mining industry is generally classified as the most hazardous industrial sector. Mining activities usually emit physical and chemical hazards in the workplaces and impose negative effects on the workers' health. Sukari Gold Mine (SGM) is located in the south of Eastern Desert in Egypt and is considered as the largest and modernized gold mine in the country. Occupational exposure and health risk assessment were evaluated in SGM by measuring the hazardous substances in different workplaces of the project. Noise, Particulate Matters (PM10), harmful gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), and ammonia (NH3) were measured in workplaces and ambient environment. Maximum noise levels were 112 dBA and 103.5 dBA in the two power generators. Values of PM10 in the most working sites were less than the permissible levels (3 mg/m3) except in underground access, which recorded 4.9 mg/m3. Measurements of chemical gases in the workplaces showed that most of the concentrations are less than the permissible limits except hydrogen cyanide. HCN recorded high levels in Carbon In Leach Tanks with a value of 10 ppm. Risk assessment of occupational health hazards of the SGM was applied in this study using Hazard Index and a simple modified model. The two methods enhanced each other and gave same results that two workplaces have High Risk, five cases have Moderate Risk and the rest places are Low Risk on the workers' Health. The study concluded that the modern mining and extraction methods applied in SGM have reduced the severity of occupational exposure to physical and chemical hazards in workplaces.

STATIC AND ROVING SENSOR DATA FUSION FOR SPATIO-TEMPORAL HAZARD MAPPING WITH APPLICATION TO OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE ASSESSMENT.

Rapid technological advances have drastically improved the data collection capacity in occupational exposure assessment. However, advanced statistical methods for analyzing such data and drawing proper inference remain limited. The objectives of this paper are (1) to provide new spatio-temporal methodology that combines data from both roving and static sensors for data processing and hazard mapping across space and over time in an indoor environment, and (2) to compare the new method with the current industry practice, demonstrating the distinct advantages of the new method and the impact on occupational hazard assessment and future policy making in environmental health as well as occupational health. A novel spatio-temporal model with a continuous index in both space and time is proposed, and a profile likelihood-based model fitting procedure is developed that allows fusion of the two types of data. To account for potential differences between the static and roving sensors, we extend the model to have nonhomogenous measurement error variances. Our methodology is applied to a case study conducted in an engine test facility, and dynamic hazard maps are drawn to show features in the data that would have been missed by existing approaches, but are captured by the new method.

Occupational Health Hazards in Municipal Solid Waste Collecting Workers of Chandrapur City, Central India

Solid waste management has important occupational health issues associated with it. Out of 204 solid waste collecting workers of Chandrapur Municipal Corporation, 20 workers were selected (10% of the population) as sample size (15 female and 5 male) and 10 individuals as control group (5 female and 5 male). The study was carried out from November 2015 to January 2016. Peak Expiratory Flow Rate analysis was carried out through Breath-o meter and identification and assessment of other occupational health hazards through interview schedule specially designed and developed for this study. The results of the study showed that, Peak Expiratory Flow Rate values were lower in exposed workers as compared with control group. These workers were exposed to a number of environmental and occupational hazards leading to musculoskeletal disorders (100%), respiratory problems (90%), headache (90%), dermatological problems (25%) and gastrointestinal problems (15%) during work. It was further observed that these workers were suffering from allergies (100%), stomach pain (50%), asthma and bronchitis lungs (45%), cough and cold (25%), vomiting (25%), hearing disorder (20%), fever (15%), typhoid (10%), malaria (5%) etc. after completion of work.INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENT, Volume-6, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2016/17, page: 46-57

Comparison of competency priorities between UK occupational physicians and occupational health nurses

ObjectivesThe competencies required of occupational physicians (OPs) and occupational health nurses (OHNs) separately have been studied in various countries but little research has made direct comparisons between these two key...

Assessment of occupational safety, hazards and related health problems among quarry workers at work places in India

Assessment of occupational safety, hazards and related health problems among quarry workers at work places in India

Fuzzy probabilistic expert system for occupational hazard assessment in construction

Considering the extensive growth of the construction industry in developing countries, the trend of occupational accidents in this sector is growing in recent years. In this regard, developing a hazard management process with a proactive vision makes it possible to identify and prioritize risky points in construction sites and apply preventive measures. Hence, in this paper, a fuzzy probabilistic rule-based expert system is developed for occupational hazard assessment. A fuzzy probabilistic system permits us to model uncertainties related to accident databases and the randomness due to environmental, natural, or time changes. Merging randomness into the occupational risk assessment problem in the construction industry enables the authorities to manage hazards proactively and brings about some practical benefits. The proposed fuzzy probabilistic model benefits from a rule base generated based on fuzzy risk-based statistical and data mining analyses of accident database along with a comprehensive literature review and interviews with experts. This model is tested on four major construction case studies. Through an intensive validation process, the model was successfully analyzed and ranked the risks of different types. The results are encouraging and the model can be implemented in different construction projects.

Identifying chemicals of concern in hydraulic fracturing fluids used for oil production

Chemical additives used for hydraulic fracturing and matrix acidizing of oil reservoirs were reviewed and priority chemicals of concern needing further environmental risk assessment, treatment demonstration, or evaluation of occupational hazards were identified. We evaluated chemical additives used for well stimulation in California, the third largest oil producing state in the USA, by the mass and frequency of use, as well as toxicity. The most frequently used chemical additives in oil development were gelling agents, cross-linkers, breakers, clay control agents, iron and scale control agents, corrosion inhibitors, biocides, and various impurities and product stabilizers used as part of commercial mixtures. Hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids, used for matrix acidizing and other purposes, were reported infrequently. A large number and mass of solvents and surface active agents were used, including quaternary ammonia compounds (QACs) and nonionic surfactants. Acute toxicity was evaluated and many chemicals with low hazard to mammals were identified as potentially hazardous to aquatic environments. Based on an analysis of quantities used, toxicity, and lack of adequate hazard evaluation, QACs, biocides, and corrosion inhibitors were identified as priority chemicals of concern that deserve further investigation.

Core competencies for UK occupational health nurses: a Delphi study.

BackgroundOccupational health nurses (OHNs) play a pivotal role in the delivery of occupational health (OH) services. Specific competency guidance has been developed in a number of countries, including the UK. While it is acknowledged that UK OHN practice has evolved in recent years, there has been no formal research to capture these developments to ensure that training and curricula remain up-to-date and reflect current practice.AimsTo identify current priorities among UK OHNs of the competencies required for OH practice.MethodsA modified Delphi study undertaken among representative OHN networks in the UK. This formed part of a larger study including UK and international occupational physicians. The study was conducted in two rounds using a questionnaire based on available guidance on training competencies for OH practice, the published literature, expert panel reviews and conference discussions.ResultsConsensus among OHNs was high with 7 out of the 12 domains scoring 100% in rating. ‘Good clinical care’ was the principal domain ranked most important, followed by ‘general principles of assessment & management of occupational hazards to health’. ‘Research methods’ and ‘teaching & educational supervision’ were considered least important.ConclusionsThis study has established UK OHNs’ current priorities on the competencies required for OH practice. The timing of this paper is opportune with the formal launch of the Faculty of Occupational Health Nursing planned in 2018 and should inform the development of competency requirements as part of the Faculty’s goals for standard setting in OHN education and training.

International perspective on common core competencies for occupational physicians: a modified Delphi study

ObjectivesThe competencies required of occupational physicians (OPs) have been the subject of peer-reviewed research in Europe and individual countries around the world. In the European Union (EU), there has been...

Оценка профессионального риска с учетом сочетанного воздействия неблагоприятных факторов на горно-металлургических предприятиях

Оценка профессионального риска с учетом сочетанного воздействия неблагоприятных факторов на горно-металлургических предприятиях

Assessment of Occupational Hazards Contributing to Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder of Filipino Pedicab Drivers

Pedicab is a composite of bicycle and side car. Pedicab has a high potential of being used as a sustainable transportation to improve air quality and congestion management in the city. Hence, improving the conditions of pedicab is vital. While there had been ergonomic improvements on the passenger sidecar, there had been none for the driver. Pedicab drivers usually come from below poverty-line families. The physical, physiological and psychological exertions of pedicab drivers pose as occupational hazards that develop certain risk of musculoskeletal disorders. Hence, the focus of the study was to assess occupational hazards causing work-related musculoskeletal disorder for pedicab drivers. The study was based on the results of a survey based on the standardized Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ). Thirty-five side car drivers were interviewed. All respondents were male around 40 years old; all work every day for 11.5hours a day for around 9 years. Majority of the respondents (62.9%) claimed that given the opportunity, they would work other jobs. While the working area of the side car drivers were established as flood-prone, uneven, and uphill; around 54.3% of the respondents stated that their working condition was tolerable but the rest admitted they hated it. It was found out that 45.7% of the respondents were already experiencing back pain. There had been several occurrences of head ache (8.57%), neck pain (14.3%), leg cramps (8.57%), elbow/forearm (2.86%), thigh (2.86%) and legs numbness (2.86%). The data indicated that the posture poses a very high risk and change must be implemented immediately.

Practical tool and procedure for workplace risk assessment: Evidence from SMEs in Estonia

This study focuses on a successful risk assessment procedure in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) where occupational health and safety resources may be less accessible than in larger companies with more labour force, time, knowledge and technology. An original approach is offered for an easy and unambiguous assessment of occupational hazards (physical, chemical and biological) and evidence from 18 industrial SMEs from different branches of industries are presented. In order to evaluate employers’ and employees’ attitudes and perceptions towards health and safety, safety interviews in eight enterprises were conducted. The results showed that in most cases participants’ attitudes in the enterprises towards contributing to safety were overall positive: developing safety procedures and practices, written work procedures and safety instructions, providing personal protective equipment, etc. The study identified important safety deficiencies such as the absence of a safety policy; insufficient safety training and unrealistic daily required work load. The measurement results showed that conditions of the working environment varied between companies as well as between the branches of industries. The main identified hazards which exceeded occupational exposure limits were: wood dust in wood processing industry, chemicals and noise in wood processing and mechanical industry, and lighting in mechanical, plastic and printing industry. The authors’ developed flexible risk assessment tool was successfully implemented in all investigated SMEs and received positive feedback from the enterprises as an applicable and suitable tool for SME’s, where skills and resources are limited.

A comparison of three methods to identify chemicals hazards in French research laboratories

ObjectivesConsensus methods are increasingly used as alternatives to traditional assessment methods, because of their low cost and high efficiency. The objective of our study was to investigate whether the assessment of occupational hazards linked to the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic chemicals differed when done by two consensus methods, the nominal group method (based on a face-to-face group meeting) and the Delphi method (a questionnaire-based method) in comparison to direct observation. The CMR’s have been chosen due to the specificity of substances used in the laboratories and due also to the lack of prevention practices. Methods119 professionals from 13 French research laboratories were randomly allocated to use either the Delphi or nominal group methods. Direct observation of the presence and use of chemicals was done by an external occupational hygienist who used a standardized protocol. After data collection, chemicals identified by consensus methods but not by observation were checked by local hygiene and safety correspondents. The final combined list of the present and used chemicals was defined as the reference. Sensitivities (Se) and specificities (Sp) were estimated to assess the performance of the three methods to identify the presence, and the actual use of chemicals. Characteristics associated with performance were assessed using logistic regression models. ResultsThe total number of chemicals listed in the initial lists was 360. Observation identified 50 additional chemicals, and consensus methods another two, which were neither on the lists nor observed. Performance of the nominal group (Se presence 0.57; Se use 0.86; Sp presence 0.65; Sp use 0.74) and Delphi method (Se presence 0.59; Se use 0.83; Sp presence 0.57; Sp use 0.57) was similar. Higher seniority of the participants was the main characteristic related to better performance. ConclusionsPerformance of both consensus methods was low. Because of their advantages over observation (local collective involvement and lower workload), these methods might be useful before and after a valid assessment based on observation, therefore contributing at presumably affordable cost to maintain accuracy of the list, as well as team awareness and prevention commitment.Even if the observations are more burdensome to carry out, they make it possible to understand the complexity of the compromises made by operators when they face risks. In that perspective they can unearth accounts of incidents and strategies that would be otherwise difficult to verbalise through other methods. What is more, such observation methods can also help involve workers in a bottom-up approach and turn them into active stakeholders in the prevention process. It may thus be possible and relevant to develop an articulation between consensus methods and those centred on ergonomics observations.

Assessing Hmong farmers' safety and health.

This pilot project investigated agricultural-related safety and health issues among Hmong refugees working on family-operated farms. Novel approaches, namely participatory rural appraisal and photovoice, were used to conduct a qualitative occupational hazard assessment with a group of Hmong farmers in Washington State. These two methods were useful in gathering participants' own perspectives about priority concerns. Several identified problems were related to musculoskeletal disorders, handling and operating heavy machinery, heat and cold stress, respiratory exposures, pest management, and socioeconomic and language concerns. Findings from this study provide insight into the work-related challenges that Hmong refugee farmers encounter and can serve as a basis for occupational health professionals to develop interventions to assist this underserved group.

Assessing Hmong Farmers’ Safety and Health

This pilot project investigated agricultural-related safety and health issues among Hmong refugees working on family-operated farms. Novel approaches, namely participatory rural appraisal and photovoice, were used to conduct a qualitative occupational hazard assessment with a group of Hmong farmers in Washington State. These two methods were useful in gathering participants' own perspectives about priority concerns. Several identified problems were related to musculoskeletal disorders, handling and operating heavy machinery, heat and cold stress, respiratory exposures, pest management, and socioeconomic and language concerns. Findings from this study provide insight into the work-related challenges that Hmong refugee farmers encounter and can serve as a basis for occupational health professionals to develop interventions to assist this underserved group.

English

  In present study, an extensive health survey of 573 lime kiln workers of Maihar and Jhukehi region of Madhya Pradesh was done for impact assessment of occupational and environmental health hazards’ exposure on their health behavior. Various physical and physiological disorders of workers were screened with the cooperation of physicians and consultants. Among the observed health anomalies, eye disorders with 39.08% were ranked the highest, followed by respiratory disorders (20.06%), cardiovascular disorders (17.44%), skin disorders (15.70%), and gastrointestinal disorders (7.64%). Health illness was observed to increase with aging and length of hazard exposure.   Key words: Lime kilns, respiratory disorder, skin disorder, respiratory disorder, cardiovascular disorder

Study on induced radioactivity of China Spallation Neutron Source

China Spallation Neutron Source (CSNS) is the first High Energy Intense Proton Accelerator planned to be constructed in China during the State Eleventh Five-Year Plan period, whose induced radioactivity is very important for occupational disease hazard assessment and environmental impact assessment. Adopting the FLUKA code, the authors have constructed a cylinder-tunnel geometric model and a line-source sampling physical model, deduced proper formulas to calculate air activation, and analyzed various issues with regard to the activation of different tunnel parts. The results show that the environmental impact resulting from induced activation is negligible, whereas the residual radiation in the tunnels has a great influence on maintenance personnel, so strict measures should be adopted.

An assessment of occupational hazards and ergonomics risk factors on young male workers in Malaysia

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are one of the occupational safety and health problems reported at the Driveshaft Assembly Line of an automotive manufacturer. During the study session, more than 20...

Job Hazards Analysis Among A Group Of Surgeons At Zagazig University Hospitals: A Risk Management Approach

Background: Innovative trail used qualitative job hazard analysis model as a part of hospital wide safety program. Methods: A cross section study was don upon a random sample of surgeons working at Zagazig University teaching hospitals evaluated to their job hazards using quantitative hazard assessment questionnaire and calculating job steps total hazards score by standardized risk assessment score followed by expert panel discussion and proposal to reduce hazards score by correction action plan. Total hazards score percentage of change was used to evaluate of corrective action plan. Results: Total hazards mean score was high concerning; needle sticks and stab injuries 38.63±27.6, inhalation of anesthetic gases 38.6±21.19, exposure to scattered radiation 38.63± and highest score was for biological contamination 52.61±9.61. All these score should be decreased by applying corrective plan with expected change of previous hazards total score by; 82%, 90%, 90% and 75% respectively. Conclusion: Job hazards analysis model was effective in assessment, evaluation and management of occupational hazards concerning surgeons and should considered as part of hospital wide quality and safety program. Key Words: Job Hazard Analysis, Risk Management, occupational Health Safety.