Causes Of Workplace Accidents Research Articles

Improving Workplace Safety and Health Through a Rapid Ergonomic Risk Assessment Methodology Enhanced by an Artificial Intelligence System

The comfort of a worker while performing any activity is extremely important. If that activity extends beyond a person’s capacity to withstand physical and psychological stress, the worker may suffer from both physical and mental ailments. Over time, if the stress persists, these conditions can become chronic diseases and can even be the cause of workplace accidents. In this research, a methodology was developed for the rapid assessment of ergonomic risks and for calculating the level of ergonomic comfort in the workplace. This methodology uses artificial intelligence through a specific algorithm and takes into account a number of factors that, when combined, can have a significant impact on workers. To achieve a more accurate simulation of a work situation or to evaluate an ongoing work situation, and to significantly correlate these parameters, we used logarithmic calculation formulas. To streamline the process, we developed software that performs these calculations, conducts a rapid assessment of ergonomic risks, estimates a comfort level, and proposes possible measures to mitigate the risks and effects on workers. To assist in diagnosing the work situation, we used a neural network with five neurons in the input layer, one hidden layer, and two neurons in the output layer. As a result, most work situations, in any industrial field, can be quickly analyzed and evaluated using this methodology. The use of this new analysis and diagnosis tool, implemented through this new research technology, is beneficial for employers and workers. Moreover, through further developments of this methodology, achieved by increasing the number of relevant input parameters for ergonomics and integrating advanced artificial intelligence systems, we aim to provide high precision in assessing ergonomic risk and calculating the level of ergonomic comfort.

Hazard Identification Using Task Risk Assessment Method and Bowtie Analysis (Case Study: PT. Varia Usaha Beton)

PT. Varia Usaha Beton is a subsidiary of PT. Semen Indonesia Beton, which produces various types of products. PT Varia Usaha Beton (BSP Purwokerto) has an open work area where there are potential hazards such as physical factors, chemical factors and ergonomic factors. The aim of this research is to identify hazards, assess risks and control risks in the production process of ready-mixed concrete so that workplace accidents can be minimized. The methods used in this research are task risk assessment and bowtie analysis. Based on the research results, it was found that 1 risk belonged to the low category, 27 risks belonged to the medium category, and 11 risks belonged to the high category. Based on the bow-tie method, the major risks are exposure to fly ash and cement dust, risk of diesel spills, and risk of electric shock. The main causes of workplace accidents are pipe leaks and improper diesel filling. The main risk effects of workplace accidents are worker injury, and fire. The bowtie analysis method determines that the risk of electric shock is due to a damaged cable and the existing protective barrier is intended to replace the damaged cable. This risk has consequences, namely injuries to workers.

ANALISIS KECELAKAAN KERJA PADA STRUKTUR BAWAH BLENDING SILO PROYEK “EPC TALAVERA” TUBAN MENGGUNAKAN METODE BOWTIE

The "EPC Talavera" Tuban Project is one of the major projects located in Tuban. Given that the construction of the Blending Silo is being built at a considerable height and certainly requires a large foundation structure, the construction of the Blending Silo carries a relatively high risk of workplace accidents. The purpose of this research is to identify workplace accident risks and evaluate the causes, impacts, and risk responses to accidents during the construction of the substructure of the Blending Silo in the "EPC Talavera" project. To determine the dominant workplace accident risks, risk assessment is performed using probability and severity calculations based on the Risk Management Standard AS/NZ 4360:1999, resulting in an Importance Index value. The method used to evaluate the causes, impacts, and risk responses to workplace accidents is the Bowtie Analysis Method. The results of this research indicate that the most dominant workplace accident risks are the risk of workers being pierced by sharp equipment, the risk of fingers getting caught in the bar bender machine, and the risk of workers being shocked/electrocuted by electrical currents. Based on the bowtie method, the most dominant causes of workplace accidents are scattered sharp equipment, careless/inattentive/unhealthy workers, inadequate equipment, poor bar bender machine conditions, bar bender machine operating methods, exposed welding tool cables, rainy/extreme weather conditions, and electrical current leaks in welding tool bodies. The most dominant impacts of workplace accidents are minor injuries, serious injuries/death, fires, and damage to the bar bender machine. Using the bowtie method, risk responses or controls for the most dominant workplace accident risks are also analyzed, along with an analysis of escalation factors and their controls.

Investigating patterns of workplace fatal fall injuries: Case study of Malaysia

Introduction: Falling from heights can be a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard. In Malaysia, falls from heights are one of the leading causes of workplace accidents and fatalities. The Malaysian Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) reported that the year 2021 recorded an alarmingly high number of fatalities, of which the majority of the injuries were due to falls from heights. Objective: The purpose of this study is to understand the relationship between the different variables associated with fatal falls from heights, which will help identify potential areas to work on to prevent these types of injuries. Methods: The study analyzed 3,321 fatal falls from height accidents from 2010 to 2020 DOSH data. Data were cleaned and normalized to extract relevant information for analysis, with agreement on variables and reliability achieved through independent sampling. Results: This study found that general workers were the most vulnerable category to fatal falls, with a 32% yearly average, whereas supervisors were the least vulnerable, with 4%. Roofers recorded a yearly fatal falls average of 15.5%, followed by electricians with 12%. Cramer’s V results ranged from negligible, weak, and strong correlations; strong to moderate correlation between the dates of injuries and the factors used in this study, whereas the direct and root causes recorded a weak to negligible correlation with the rest of the variables. Conclusions: This study provided a better understanding of the working conditions of the Malaysian construction industry. By analyzing fall injury patterns and uncovering the factors, direct and root causes relationship with other variables, it was clear how severe the Malaysian workplace conditions were. Practical Applications: This study will help better understand fatal fall injuries in the Malaysian construction industry and help develop prevention measures based on the uncovered patterns and associations.

Mineworkers’ perspective of fatigue: A study of the Ghanaian mining industry

Accident research has shown that the leading causes of workplace accidents are organisational and human factors related in contrast to technical failure. Therefore, uncovering those organisational/human accident causal factors is important, as it could improve workplace health and safety conditions. Fatigue has been recognised as a major human factor contributor to accidents. In Ghanaian mines, fatigue is associated with over 50% of its accidents, indicating that fatigue remains an important issue confronting the industry. However, empirical research on fatigue within the mining industry is limited and completely lacking in Ghanaian mines. This research was therefore formulated to understand the fatigue experiences of mineworkers to identify improvement opportunities. A survey was conducted among 1131 workers in five large-scale gold mines in Ghana. One-way ANOVA showed that the mines had statistically significant differences in their fatigue score and low-fatigue mines were distinguished from high-fatigue mines. Similarly, one-way ANOVA test also showed that the fatigue causal factors differed significantly across the mines. It was found that the low-fatigue mines scored better on the causal factors than the high-fatigue mines, indicating that the low-fatigue mines offer some lessons for the high-fatigue mines. Overall, the study observed that some mineworkers have higher predispositions to fatigue than others and fatigue management interventions should target priority areas. Some of these priority areas have been identified, including mining operations and contractor workers, to support the prioritisation of fatigue management interventions. The study presents some basis for the development of a fatigue management system in the industry.

A hazard identification digital simulation game developed based on the extended authentic learning framework

AbstractBackgroundPrevious research has shown that the inability to identify hazards is the leading cause of workplace accidents and fatalities. The lack of competency in hazard identification implies a crucial need to improve the teaching and learning approaches in construction safety training and education.Purpose/HypothesisThis study developed the extended authentic learning framework (EALF) to design a digital simulation game (DSG) called SafeSim Hazards and tested students' perception of its effectiveness in workplace safety and health (WSH) education.Design/MethodsUndergraduates majoring in Project and Facilities Management (PFM) used SafeSim Hazards to learn about hazard identification. A questionnaire was used to collect student perceptions of the game and its effectiveness. In addition, random forest analyses were used to identify critical factors that affect the perceived achievement of learning outcomes.ResultsGuidance is the most influential authentic learning factor, and game interaction is an essential design factor in influencing the perceived achievement of learning outcomes. Notably, participants reported high acceptance toward SafeSim Hazards with an average rating of 3.36 out of 4.ConclusionsThe key contributions of this study are threefold: (1) An EALF is developed to facilitate the development of construction hazard identification DSG. (2) It is demonstrated that the DSG developed based on EALF is well received by students with minimum construction experience. (3) It is recommended that future construction hazard identification DSG for inexperienced trainees should emphasize guidance and game interactions.

Development of Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) for Safety Planning on Tunneling Work Projects Based on Risk

Purpose: Along with advance era and technology, tunnel construction is the alternative infrastructure that can be used as an option, especially in difficult terrain conditions. The tunnel work project is a series of very complex activities. Work activities that are not supervised, causing the risk of these activities neglected. This has become one of the causes of workplace accidents. The risk of work accidents can be prevented by early identification and analysis of potential hazards in each of the activities listed in the project WBS. Therefore, the existence of WBS is needed in presenting a risk assessment, probability and impact arising from the work accidents. The aim of this study is to develop a standardized WBS for safety planning on tunnel construction work based on risk. The standardized WBS will be a main input for identify potential hazard risks and producing risk responses. Methodology: The method that will be used in this research is a qualitative approach with a survey and deep interview to experts. Results: The results of this study are standardized WBS, potential hazard risks and the developed of WBS standard for safety planning, as a step to prevent work accidents in tunneling work projects. Applications/Originality/Value: The implementation of this research is for the contractors who are required to make safety plan, especially in tunneling work projects.

Using new digital technologies in employee training to avoid occupational accidents in the industry

The most frequent workplace accidents in the industry are most of the times caused by the employer’s failure to fulfill their obligation to provide appropriate on-the-job training. Starting from this state of affairs, this paper analyzes the main cause of workplace accidents in the industry, which is the lack of training, or incomplete or inadequate training of employees, a situation indicated by the latest studies and the latest activity report of Labor Inspectorate. The solution identified by most employers was to use the online environment, this being the only way that allows the achievement of both of the aforementioned objectives at the same time. In this context, the paper identifies and proposes the use of the online environment, especially in the process of distance training of workers, giving them the opportunity to receive training documents, to analyze them, to electronically sign them and send them to the employer in electronic format. This proposal of supplementing the current legislation with the possibility of using the online environment in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS) also takes into account other categories of benefits that this solution brings, such as streamlining OHS and optimizing costs incurred in fulfilling these legal obligations.

A REVIEW ON HUMAN ERROR IN MALAYSIA MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES

Human error is a serious concern in manufacturing industries. It affects product error and liability and even leads to workplace injuries or fatalities. Malaysia has recorded a worrying figure of workplace accidents and injuries. In 2018 alone, there were more than 2700 workplace accidents which led to disabilities and death. A workplace accident would result in a no-win situation for a company. Manufacturing sectors in Malaysia make the highest claims from the total cost of accidents and injuries. The Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) in Malaysia also imposes a fine for companies who breach safety and health regulations in the workplace. Inspections are carried out to ensure that manufacturers obey the rules of occupational safety and health (OSH), and fined for being errant employers. However, these penalisations are often due to the negligence and lack of awareness among employers and employees. Hence, it is of interest for researchers to identify the root causes of human error among manufacturing industries in Malaysia. This review highlights the common causes of workplace accidents and injuries in manufacturing through observation. Several well-known human error models since 1983 are also investigated. The potential outcome of this review is to improve OSH awareness among manufacturers for a more sustainable future in their business, employment, and social well-being.

Nursing Students’ Occupational Health and Safety Problems in Surgical Clinical Practice

Student nurses are exposed to hazards in terms of occupational health and safety (OHS) problems in Turkey. Researching these problems in the clinical setting, improving the health and safety of student nurses is an issue that needs to be investigated. The aim of this study is to present OHS-related impressions and OHS experiences of nursing students in relation to the risk assessment process and from an educational perspective. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 140 students at a nursing school. The study indicated that almost all of the students’ OHS knowledge and awareness level were low, were exposed to contact with blood and body fluids as most dangerous situations, have difficulties in the provision of personnel protective equipment (PPE), were subjected to verbal assault, and experienced anxiety and irritability. They encountered dangerous situations applying treatment in the clinic, preparing drugs, following vital signs, giving general care, and during the intervention in the emergency room, and experienced back pain, headache, increased tendency to sleep, fatigue, and forearm, wrist, hand, and finger injuries. Because of contact with hand antiseptic/latex, skin irritation, and burning eyes, nose, and throat, allergy symptoms were detected. Carelessness and intensive work tempo were the most common causes of workplace accidents. The clinical practice areas are limited in terms of OHS; students are exposed to physical, psychological, and chemical risks with respect to OHS, and they are most psychologically affected by experiencing anxiety and irritability, as well as physiologically, and have symptoms similar to burnout syndrome; they are at risk of getting burnout syndrome.

Estimation of human error rate in underground coal mines through retrospective analysis of mining accident reports and some error reduction strategies

Human error is one of the leading causes of workplace accidents and a pressing threat to system safety. The management and control of human errors need their identification in the system activities and prioritisation of errors. Knowledge of error rates or probabilities is essential for their prioritisation and is a prerequisite for designing control measures of human error to enhance system safety. Traditional approaches estimate the human error rate based on experts’ opinion, which suffers from the inherent uncertainty of human judgments. This research proposes a methodology for estimation of human error rate from a retrospective analysis of accident reports using fuzzy mathematical concepts. The proposed approach uses accident reports of underground coal mines for assessing the human error rates of essential mining activities, identifying the critical activities and error types. It also suggests some error reduction strategies for devising an intervention to accidents.

Analysis of Knowledge, Attitude, Employee Action in the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) with Work Accidents

One of the causes of workplace accidents is the lack of awareness of the use of personal protective equipment for workers in the workplace. One of the ways to prevent workplace accidents is to require personal protective equipment (PPE) that meets the requirements, namely: comfort in use, does not hinder the work process, and provides effective protection against types of hazards. The objective of this research was to analyze the knowledge, attitudes, actions of employees in the use of personal protective equipment with work accidents at PT. Bisi International, Tbk., Tulungrejo Pare Kediri. The design of this research was quantitative method of correlation(correlation study) and approach cross sectional. The sampling technique was use Proportionate Stratified Random Sampling with a sample of 96 respondents, the processing unit and engineering unit at PT. Bisi International, Tbk., Tulungrejo Pare Kediri. The results of the research data were analyzed by ordinal regression test. The results of statistical analysis with ordinal regression showed that there was no relationship between knowledge, attitudes, actions of employees in the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) with the occurrence of work accidents at PT. Bisi International, Tbk., Tulungrejo Pare Kediri. The company must play an active role in giving awareness to employees about the importance of adhering to procedures and complying with the regulations in the use of personal protective equipment while working

Statistical Analysis of Workplace Accidents in Polish Mining Industry

The publication presents a statistical analysis of workplace accidents in Polish mining in 2009-2017. Collecting and studying information on accidents at work is essential element necessary to improve the organization of work and to introduce preventive activities that will reduce the probability of the workplace accident. The analysis was based on the data of the Statistics Poland and the State Mining Authority. Based on the collected data, it has been shown that the number of workplace accidents and persons injured in these accidents in the studied years decreased and amount to 30% (according to the Statistics Poland) less in 2017 than in 2009. Whereas, the incidence rate of accidents at work (defined as the number of injured people per 1000 persons employed) in Polish mining ranges from 13.97 (in 2013) to 17.82 (in 2010) and is twice higher than the incidence rate of workplace accidents for all industries in Poland. The accidents at workplace in the mining industry in the analysed period occured on average every 137.88-223.43 thousand Mg of mined minerals. Additionally, the causes of workplace accidents and the number of persons injured were analysed depending on the age of the persons injured, length of work seniority, specific physical activities performed by the persons injured at the moment of workplace accident and the type of injuries. The highest number of accidents at workplace is related to inappropriate behaviour of a person at work and workplace accidents were most often suffered by persons injured aged 20-49 years (89.47%), who performed different activities at the moment of an accident at workplace: movement (31.46% persons injured), handling of objects (20.22% persons injured), carrying by hand (19.91% persons injured) and working with hand-held tools (13.26% persons injured). The most frequent types of injuries suffered by persons injured at the moment of accident are wounds and wounds and superficial injuries (34.05%), fractures of bones (30.12%) and dislocations, sprains and strains (20.91%).

HUBUNGAN ANTARA FAKTOR EKSTERNAL DENGAN PERILAKU TIDAK AMAN DALAM PENGOPERASIAN OVERHEAD CRANE

Unsafe behavior is a major cause of workplace accidents. Environmental or external factor is dominant factor that can influence a behavior. The present research was conducted at PT. Bangun Sarana Baja (BSB) Gresik which is one of steel industry in construction sector. The purpose of this study was to analyze the corellation between external factor and unsafe behavior of workers in overhead crane operation at PT. Bangun Sarana Baja Gresik. This research was an observational analytic and used cross-sectional design. Population in this research was all of workshop worker that operates overhead crane (OHC) at PT. Bangun Sarana Baja (BSB) Gresik. The samples were 80 people, taken randomly by simple random sampling method. Data which had obtained then was analyzed statistically using correlation of contingency. The results showed that between variables of external factor more of them has a correlation with unsafe behavior in overhead crane operation. They are supervision (p = 0.004) and training (p = 0.000). The result of this study can be concluded that rather good supervision and unparticipated training by workers can influence their unsafe behavior. So if the value of the both variables improved to be better then it will be able to decrease the unsafe behavior in overhead crane operation.Keywords: external factor, overhead crane, unsafe behavior

Human mistake among the causes of production injuries

The article considers the role of the human factor among the causes of the emergence of dangerous situations. The analysis of statistical data on the number of industrial accidents, as well as the accidents with fatal consequences in the period from 2005 to 2017 is conducted. It is established that the level of total injuries is decreasing, but the costs connected with the elimination of the consequences of accidents are increasing. The level of traumatism with fatal consequences has almost not changed in recent years. Our studies have shown that a human factor can be the cause of workplace accidents, but it is also the key to finding out how other aspects of the labour process are influenced by workers' actions. The aim of the work is to evaluate the influence of the human factor during the organization of the labor process, in terms of its importance in the prevention of occupational injuries and the creation of safe working conditions. On the base of well-known models on emergency situation rising, we propose the approaches on which the methods of practical implementation of preventive measures are based. Employees must realize that an important element in increasing the level of safety of production is the formation of safety culture, a positive attitude to safety issues, respect, and active interaction in preventing the implementation of risks in the workplace. Only joint efforts of employers, employees, and public authorities can solve the issue of labor safety at every workplace.

HUBUNGAN ANTARA GAYA KEPEMIMPINAN PATH GOAL SUPERVISOR PABRIK BAJA DENGAN TINGKAT KEPATUHAN SOP (STANDARD OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE) PEKERJA

ABSTRACTEmployee ignorance on Standard Operational Procedures (SOP) is one of the main causes of workplace accidents. This study was conducted to analyze the correlation between path goal leadership implemented by Gresik steel factory supervisors and employee obedience on company SOP. This study applied quantitative approach and cross-sectional research design. The data were collected through observation and interview on 52 respondents consisting of employees working led by 4 different supervisors. Systematic random sampling is used for sampling method. In-depth interviews were conducted to gain more information regarding the variables analyzed in this study. The independent variables analyzed in this study were path goal leadership style implemented by the supervisors and the dependent one is SOP obedience. This study found that employee obedience level on company SOP of each working units is 86% for drilling unit; 78.57% for marking and cutting unit; 100% for assembly unit; and 41.67% on painting unit. The results of Spearman correlation test indicated that path goal leadership style implemented by the supervisors significantly correlated with obedience level of the employees on company SOP with p < 0.05. there were positive correlation among the variables with correlation coefficient 0.416 (p = 0.001). Based on these findings, it could be concluded that the better path goal leadership style implementation made by the supervisors the higher employee obedience level on company SOP.Keywords: leadership style, Path Goal Theory, SOP obedience, occupational safety

FAKTOR-FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PERILAKU BERBAHAYA (UNSAFE ACTION) PADA BAGIAN UNIT INTAKE PT.INDONESIA POWER UNIT BISNIS PEMBANGKITAN (UBP) SEMARANG 2011

Background: The main causes of workplace accidents are unsafe action 80% and the rest is unsafe condition. There are three phases that can lead to unsafe action namely management phase, working environment phase, and individual phase from the workers themselves. The result to unsafe action in workplace is the occurrence of workplace accidents that could effect the company and the workers themselves. The aim of this research is to examine some factors related to unsafe action on intake unit in PT. Indonesia Power UBP Semarang. Method: This is an analytical research by using survey method and cross sectional study approach. The numbers of samples are 30 employees at the Intake Unit. The statistic analysis used Pearson Product Moment and Rank Spearmen, to examine correlation between independent variables and dependent variables. Result: Statistical analysis result found that there are no relations between age (p value 0,135), education degree (p value 0,051), convenience in wearing personal protective equipment (p value 0,416) and experience of working accidents (p value 0,559) with unsafe action and there are relations between occupational health and safety knowledge (p value 0,000), attitude toward personal protective equipments (p value 0,001) and working group norm (p value 0,025) with unsafe action. The company should to prevent unsafe action by provide counseling and training on occupational accidents, safe behavior in the workplace and the importance of the use of personal protective equipment in the workplace. Keywords : unsafe action, workplace

Investigating factors that influence individual safety behavior at work

Introduction: A qualitative study was conducted to investigate the factors that influence individual safety behavior at work. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants from a variety of occupations. Results: The analysis revealed several organizational and social factors that explain why individuals engage in unsafe work practices. Conclusions: The influence of organizational/social factors on safety behavior were discussed. The results suggest that important organizational factors, in addition to job design and engineering systems, may be overlooked when identifying the causes of workplace accidents. Such factors include early socialization, and the need to portray a positive image. Impact on Industry: The implications for management and industry are discussed.

Predicting safe employee behavior in the steel industry: Development and test of a sociotechnical model

AbstractIndustrial safety is an important issue for operations managers — it has implications for cost, delivery, quality, and social responsibility. Minor accidents can interfere with production in a variety of ways, and a serious accident can shut down an entire operation. In this context, questions about the causes of workplace accidents are highly relevant. There is a popular notion that employees' unsafe acts are the primary causes of workplace accidents, but a number of authors suggest a perspective that highlights influences from operating and social systems. The study described herein addresses this subject by assessing steelworkers' responses to a survey about social, technical, and personal factors related to safe work behaviors. Results provide evidence that a chain reaction of technical and social constructs operate through employees to influence safe behaviors. These results demonstrate that safety hazards, safety culture, and production pressures can influence safety efficacy and cavalier attitudes, on a path leading to safe or unsafe work behaviors. Based on these results, we conclude with prescriptions for operations managers and others who play roles in the causal sequence.