Current Safety Practices Research Articles

Employee’s Security and Health Augmentation in the Hotel Sector

The vibrant and quick-paced environment that defines the hotel sector is defined by a strong emphasis on employee welfare. This study examines the various aspects of worker health and safety in the context of the hospitality sector with the goal of identifying problems, prevalent behaviors, and appropriate remedial measures. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative analysis of safety event data with qualitative interviews with important industry players. In-depth interviews with hotel managers, staff members, and safety specialists are conducted as part of the qualitative component to elucidate the myriad difficulties faced by hotel staff in upholding their health and safety. The effects of irregular work schedules and sleep patterns, workplace stress, and ergonomic considerations all emerge as major themes. The study also examines how well the current training and safety practices work, looking for flaws and potential improvement areas. The study examines historical safety event data from a wide range of hotels on the quantitative front. The goal of this analysis is to spot trends, prevalent accident causes, and geographic regions with a higher prevalence of safety concerns. The results offer a data-driven framework for creating focused interventions and preventive actions. The research also examines how technology can support initiatives to increase employee safety in hotels. We investigate the possibilities for real-time monitoring systems, wearable technology, and enhanced training simulations to improve safety awareness and reactivity. A series of suggestions for enhancing employee health and safety in the hotel business are provided as part of the study's conclusion. The incorporation of technical solutions, specialized training programs, and changes to policy are all included in these suggestions. The hotel business may cultivate a safer and healthier work environment by resolving the issues mentioned, enhancing overall employee well-being and assisting in the industry's long-term success.

Assessment of Safety Culture in Recreational Scuba Diving Course among Selected Chinese Colleges: Basis for Enhanced Safety Management System

This research assesses the safety culture within recreational scuba diving courses at selected Chinese colleges, aiming to establish a foundation for an enhanced safety management system. The study not only evaluates existing safety practices and attitudes but also examines the underlying cultural factors that influence safety behaviors, aiming to propose targeted improvements that enhance overall safety and effectiveness. Grounded in Edgar Schein’s Organizational Culture Theory, the research explores safety culture through the analysis of Artifacts, Espoused Values, and Underlying Assumptions. A mixed-method approach was employed, with quantitative data collected through surveys from students and teachers and qualitative data gathered via in-depth interviews with experienced scuba diving teachers. The findings revealed significant insights into the safety culture of these courses, including the strengths and weaknesses in current safety practices. Key issues identified include the lack of availability and non-compliance with standard safety requirements for first aid equipment and emergency aid during scuba diving classes, a gap or mismatch between students' theoretical knowledge and practical scuba diving skills, poor equipment management and maintenance. The study concludes with recommendations for improving safety management systems, emphasizing the need for stricter adherence to safety protocols, enhanced teacher training, and the integration of safety culture into the broader educational framework of Chinese colleges. These recommendations aim to reduce accidents and enhance the overall safety and enjoyment of recreational scuba diving, benefiting both students and teachers.

Managing opioids and mitigating opioid risks in patients with cancer: An environmental scan of the attitudes, confidence, and practices of ambulatory, community and hospital pharmacists practicing in Canada.

Canada is in the midst of an overdose crisis. The use of prescription opioids in Canada has increased steadily over the past two decades, with stark increases in opioid-induced respiratory depression and related deaths. Opioids are the mainstay of treatment for cancer-related pain. Patients with cancer are not immune to the risks associated with opioid use but are underrepresented in available literature outlining risk mitigation strategies. Pharmacists are ideally placed to employ opioid risk mitigation practices to support safe and effective opioid use for patients with cancer-related pain. However, the current attitudes, confidence, and safety practices of pharmacists around how to best support these patients are not known. This study was a descriptive environmental scan of pharmacists who provide direct patient care in Canada. An electronic questionnaire was built using the web based Opinio software. It was distributed via email by several provincial and national pharmacy organizations and online platforms. The questionnaire consisted of Likert-scale and open-ended questions and was open to participants for a 6-week period from February 12th to March 23rd, 2020. Analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and qualitative content analysis. Eighty-one responses from pharmacists in nine provinces were included in the analysis. Respondents endorsed limited and varied practices when caring for patients receiving opioids for cancer-related pain. Further, they demonstrated wide ranging confidence and attitudes regarding opioid risk mitigation practices and beliefs. Less than 50% of pharmacists were aware of resources available for their patients with non-medical opioid use, and/or patients at high risk of opioid-induced respiratory depression. Education, resources, and communication were the most commonly reported perceived facilitators and barriers to resource use. Pharmacists in Canada report employing opioid risk mitigation practices with low and varied frequency when caring for patients receiving opioids for cancer-related pain. They endorsed varied confidence and limited awareness of available provider and patient resources. These findings may help inform the development of new education models and evidence-based guidelines. New education models and evidence-based guidelines will support pharmacists in their pharmaceutical care of this vulnerable patient population, ultimately aiming to improve patient outcomes.

Current Safety Practices in the Construction Industry: A Case Study Approach

Current Safety Practices in the Construction Industry: A Case Study Approach

Exploring maritime safety and risk management practices among STIP Jakarta graduates

This qualitative study addresses the urgent need to enhance safety and risk management practices among graduates of the Maritime Institute Jakarta (STIP Jakarta), including deck officers, engine officers, and shipping professionals. The research objectives are to investigate current safety and risk management practices, examine factors influencing safety culture and risk perception, and assess implications for organisational safety and sustainability. The study employs a qualitative approach, utilising semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis. The sample comprises 70 graduates of STIP Jakarta, with data analysed thematically. Results indicate a strong commitment to safety culture and high compliance with IMO-STCW standards. The study highlights the importance of safety culture, regulatory compliance, and professionalism for ensuring the safety, competence, and sustainability of maritime operations. The findings have significant implications for organisational practice, education, and future research in the maritime industry.

A survey of the radiation safety practices of veterinary practitioners during portable equine radiography in Ireland.

Veterinary practitioners and other personnel involved in the examination are exposed to ionizing radiation while performing portable radiographs on horses. An online survey was distributed to all Veterinary Council of Ireland-registered practices where the self-reported practice profile is at least 20% equine work. The survey contained questions relating to radiation safety training, protocols, personal dosimetry and lead protection usage, repeat exposures, sedation, and personnel roles during the examination. The aim of the survey was to document the current radiation safety practices of equine veterinary practitioners during portable radiography. The results showed that although adherence to guidance set out by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reasonably good, compliance rates can be improved. Personal dosemeter usage and repeat rate reduction could particularly benefit from further improvement. This is of the utmost importance in ensuring that occupational radiation exposure to veterinary practitioners is kept to an absolute minimum during their daily practice.

Current Safety and Hygiene Practices and Trends in Primary Schools in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe

The study sought to establish the influence of structured classroom debates on the proficiency of the English language among pupils in selected public primary schools in Mayuge District. A cross-sectional design was used to conduct a study about debate and proficiency in English. The researcher prepared a set of structured questions for teachers in public primary schools. The interview guided interactions between the researcher and each head teacher. Four interview sessions, each not exceeding one hour per primary school, were held with each head teacher. Head teachers were asked to provide documented information about pupil performance. A focus discussion guide was prepared in line with the specific objectives of the study and used to obtain findings from learners. A strong positive statistically significant relationship (r =.478**; P =.000) exists between structured class debating and proficiency in English for primary school pupils in Mayuge District. This find.ing suggests that engaging primary school pupils in structured class debating activities can significantly improve their proficiency in English. The correlation coefficient of 0.478 indicates a moderate strength of the relationship, while the p-value of 0.000 indicates a high level of statistical significance. Therefore, it can be concluded that incorporating debate exercises into the curriculum can be an effective strategy for enhancing English language skills among primary school pupils in Mayuge District. To enhance the influence of structured classroom debating on English proficiency among pupils: Teachers can provide a diverse range of debate topics that cater to different interests and levels of language proficiency

Current Safety and Hygiene Practices and Trends in Primary Schools in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe

The Zimbabwean Primary School Education system in this 21st century caters for the new syllabus which is competence based and requires learners at all levels of education to have an exit profile. This study aims to explore the major challenges that primary school teachers in Zimbabwe face in their classrooms to keep up with Continuous Assessment Learning Areas (CALAs) which are project based. This study is hinged on a qualitative research approach which is interpretive. A case study with five purposively sampled teachers and grounded on a constructivist theory was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis of the questions were used to collect data. Collected data which was analysed inductively, answered the study research question. Findings indicate that although CALAs is an innovative method and an emerging trend in pedagogy that allows learners to have an in-depth understanding, they pose challenges to teachers. Their downside is that they are time consuming and learners without ICT resources fail to cope. Schools and learners’ guardians/parents lack adequate resources to do CALAs which are project based and also embrace the use of technology. Teachers have negative attitudes towards CALAs and they also lack adequate technological pedagogic skills to assist the learners adequately. The study recommends that Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) undertake a massive technological project to assist teachers and schools to have adequate and efficient resources that are compatible with the 21st century demands.

Intelligent Biosensors Promise Smarter Solutions in Food Safety 4.0.

Food safety is closely related to human health. However, the regulation and testing processes for food safety are intricate and resource-intensive. Therefore, it is necessary to address food safety risks using a combination of deep learning, the Internet of Things, smartphones, quick response codes, smart packaging, and other smart technologies. Intelligent designs that combine digital systems and advanced functionalities with biosensors hold great promise for revolutionizing current food safety practices. This review introduces the concept of Food Safety 4.0, and discusses the impact of intelligent biosensors, which offer attractive smarter solutions, including real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, enhanced traceability, and consumer empowerment, helping improve risk management and ensure the highest standards of food safety.

Catalysing Construction Safety: A Comparative Analysis of Technological Advancements across High-Risk Industries

This article presents a comprehensive review of the safety status and technological development in high-risk industries, with a focus on construction, mining, agriculture, transportation, healthcare, and energy sectors. The objective is to analyse and compare the current safety practices, challenges, and advancements in these industries to identify common trends, knowledge gaps, and potential areas for improvement. The review explores the incidence of accidents, associated costs, traditional safety methods, limitations, and emerging technologies employed to enhance safety across multiple industries. This review aims to provide insights and lessons that can be applied to enhance safety practices in the construction industry. The findings highlight the critical role of technological advancements in mitigating risks and fostering a culture of safety across diverse sectors.

Assessment of MRI Safety Awareness and Practice Standards in Bangladesh

Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the current MRI safety knowledge, awareness and practice standards among MRI technologist in Bangladesh and to perceive if the identified safety principles related to MRI management are in line with international standards. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out with consent option among MRI technologist in Bangladesh. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data through email, the questionnaire contained ten parts and 47 questions in all. MRI technologist voluntarily consented and filled out the questionnaire. The questions were to explore knowledge about MRI safety policy and accessories, patient screening, adverse reaction, Infection control, Device labeling, Equipment safety, signage and barriers, access and communication, and MRI safety during pregnancy generally. The collected data were analyzed with the help of Microsoft Excel. Results: Regarding knowledge of MRI equipment, 34% of respondents were unaware of the symbols or signs used to denote the various zones in your MRI suit, and 27% were unaware of the negative effects of quenching magnets. About 45% of respondents, who were asked about emergency/safety accessories’ availability, answered that crash carts and MRI-compatible anesthetic equipment aren’t present in the department. In case of awareness of different zones of the MRI suite, which is crucial for an MRI unit, 46.08% of respondents were unaware in this issue. 50% of respondents do not believe that MRI has any harmful effect to people who are pregnant. This study revealed that many MRI facilities generally are not aware of departmental/equipment safety notices & obstacles. Conclusion: The study showed that awareness about MRI safely and practice standards were not encouraging with many of the MRI technologists due to their insufficient knowledge. They need training along with other supporting staff connected to patient to enhance their knowledge in implementation of safety policy, patient screening tools and exposure of MRI during pregnancy.

Laboratory safety and security concepts for clinical laboratory students and universities staff in Saudi Arabia

A number of accidents with safety implications happen within laboratories due to inadequate regulations, improper execution of safety protocols, or a lack of awareness and adherence to safety measures. Consequently, it is imperative to establish effective regulations and cultivate safe behaviors concerning workplace safety to avert or reduce such incidents. In this context, we are delving into the extent of awareness and to examine the laboratory safety and security concepts that are essential among Clinical Laboratory Sciences students : A descriptive and analytical study about laboratory safety, was directed by researchers on a sample comprising over 100 participants from students, and instructors of both genders from various colleges and scientific centers. A specially designed questionnaire to collect data. The questionnaire consisted of multiple sections, covering topics such as personal information (e.g., gender, qualification, age, experience) and subjects' knowledge of laboratory safety skills, accidents, fires, guidelines, infectious materials, safety protocols, mistakes, research execution rules, laws and regulations, and training. Data collection employed a stratified random sampling method, with over 100 participants exceeding a response rate of 60%. The study provides an overview of the current safety practices in clinical laboratories, identifies common risks and hazards, and explores strategies to enhance safety and security awareness. The results indicated that students had lower knowledge of laboratory safety compared to university staff members. However, overall knowledge of safety and security in chemistry laboratories among the subjects in this study exceeded 80%, possibly due to comprehensive workshops organized in most colleges. The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating safety and security education into the curriculum to ensure the well-being of students, universities staff, and the overall laboratory environment.

Evaluating food safety knowledge and practices among Saudi women in Al-Ahsa Region, Saudi Arabia.

Foodborne illnesses are responsible for about half a million deaths annually, of which 30% occur among kids. This study aimed to assess the current food safety knowledge and practice level of Saudi women in Al-Ahsa region, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was conducted through personal interviews among 239 Saudi women. The questionnaire consisted of close-ended questions covering different aspects of food safety knowledge and practices at home and during shopping. Descriptive analyses were used to identify the level of participant's awareness, and the scores were shown in three categories (good - fair - poor) based on their food safety knowledge and practice awareness. The effect of socio-demographic characteristics and their correlation to food safety knowledge and practices was conducted using Chisquare analysis. The results about food safety knowledge showed that around 50% of participants achieved a good score, and 37.5% achieved a fair score, while 12.5% achieved a poor score. In comparison, the participants achieved 75% good score, whereas 12.5% achieved both fair and poor in food safety practices. The results also highlighted a significant correlation (P<0.05) between level of food safety knowledge, practices of participants and their age, marital status, work status, and educational level, while there's no correlation with their family size and total income. Although, the overall result showed good level in food safety knowledge and slightly less in food safety practices among Saudi women living in Al-Ahsa region, continuous education, training, awareness, and motivation are highly recommended to improve women's knowledge and practices to higher levels.

OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH (OSH) MANAGEMENT PRACTICES OF BUILDING CONTRACTORS IN JOHOR, MALAYSIA

It is believed that some building construction contractors are less aware of the safety and health aspects and are more likely to pursue profits over the safety and health of workers and people living near the construction site. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the implementation of safety and health practices by building contractors in Johor, Malaysia. This study employs a survey method distributing survey instruments to G6 and G7 contractors in Johor. Through this method, respondents need to choose which practices they had implemented at their company, give opinions on the factors that hinder the implementation such practices, and propose solutions to overcome those problems. Through this survey, the level of implementation of safety and health management practices among contractors was obtained. This study has also helped provide a better understanding of the current safety and health management practices implemented by contractors in the state and will provide information on the barriers to the implementation of safety and health management practices as well as solutions to problems faced by contractors in implementing those best practices.

An evaluation of the information literacy of safety professionals

Information literacy has gradually become one of the necessary qualities in current and future safety practices. The calculation and assessment of information literacy of safety professionals is an effective way to understand their information literacy level. This paper, therefore, aims to evaluate the information literacy level of safety management personnel, for improving their ability to comprehend safety language/technology/information. Based on the theory of safety information systems and the characteristics of safety professionals, this study develops an index system to assess the information literacy level of safety professionals. The index system consists of five indexes: safety information demand consciousness, safety information acquisition ability, safety information evaluation ability, safety information utilization ability, and information ethics. According to the analytic hierarchy process method, the weight of the index can be determined. This developed method was implemented to evaluate the safety information literacy level of 40 safety professionals from four different corporations. The quantitative results of the fuzzy evaluation are in good agreement with the qualitative analysis results, indicating that the index system has excellent applicability and can be applied to the evaluation of the information literacy level of safety professionals. Besides, recommendations are put forward to improve the information literacy of safety professionals.

COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Safety Practices among Eye Care Workers in Nigeria

Abstract Objective: To assess safety practices among eye care workers in Nigeria during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods: This research was a cross-sectional study. A structured electronic questionnaire was distributed among eye care workers (ophthalmologists, optometrists, ophthalmic nurses) across the six geographical zones of Nigeria. Information on socio-demographics, COVID-19 infection, current working conditions and safety practices were obtained. Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Inc. Chicago Illinois, USA) for windows, version 22. Results: A total of 236 eye care workers participated in the study; their mean (±SD) age was 37.13 (±8.141) years, 125 (53%) were females, and 145 (61.4%) worked in a tertiary care hospital. All participants described COVID-19 as a viral disease and 98.3% agreed that the disease can affect the eyes. Outpatient clinic consultation was recorded as the highest (77.7%) service provided during the pandemic. Regarding preventive practices, 95% of eye care workers wore facemasks, 82.4% wore gloves during ophthalmic examination and Hazmat suit was the least used protective device (2.5%). About three-quarters (77.5%) reported feeling unsafe in their working environment and 63.9% were dissatisfied with the personal protective device provided by hospitals to eye care workers. Conclusion: COVID-19 pandemic presented an unprecedented challenge for eye care workers; with the practice of ophthalmology posing a high risk of transmission of the virus. Efforts should be made to provide the required personal protective devices needed for optimum protection of eye care workers in healthcare settings.

Impact of different pathogen reduction technologies on the biochemistry, function, and clinical effectiveness of platelet concentrates: An updated view during a pandemic.

Standard platelet concentrates (PCs) stored at 22°C have a limited shelf life of 5 days. Because of the storage temperature, bacterial contamination of PCs can result in life‐threatening infections in transfused patients. The potential of blood components to cause infections through contaminating pathogens or transmitting blood‐borne diseases has always been a concern. The current safety practice to prevent pathogen transmission through blood transfusion starts with a stringent screening of donors and regulated testing of blood samples to ensure that known infections cannot reach transfusion products. Pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs), initially implemented to ensure the safety of plasma products, have been adapted to treat platelet products. In addition to reducing bacterial contamination, PRT applied to PCs can extend their shelf life up to 7 days, alleviating the impact of their shortage, while providing an additional safety layer against emerging blood‐borne infectious diseases. While a deleterious action of PRTs in quantitative and qualitative aspects of plasma is accepted, the impact of PRTs on the quality, function, and clinical efficacy of PCs has been under constant examination. The potential of PRTs to prevent the possibility of new emerging diseases to reach cellular blood components has been considered more hypothetical than real. In 2019, a coronavirus‐related disease (COVID‐19) became a pandemic. This episode should help when reconsidering the possibility of future blood transmissible threats. The following text intends to evaluate the impact of different PRTs on the quality, function, and clinical effectiveness of platelets within the perspective of a developing pandemic.

Safety Performance Assessment of Hazardous Chemical Facilities in Bangladesh Using Indexing Approach

This paper presents evaluation of safety performance of three hazardous facilities based on current safety practice by measuring their safety weighted hazard indices (SWeHI) of multifarious units of chemical process and what can be done to avoid any potential accidents in context of Bangladesh. Assessing hazard potential over safety procuration is a key indicator of how well a facility is prepared to reduce its vulnerability. The risks associated with hazardous facilities are always greater in a country like Bangladesh as the safety issues are not often been prioritized by its key stakeholders. In recent years, there were number of deadly accidents occurred in the chemical industries and storage warehouses which resulted multiple fatalities and significant property damage. The accident could be avoided using proper safety protocols in those facilities. Here safety performance of three facilities was assessed based on survey data. These facilities deal with flammable, explosive and toxic chemicals. This index is on the basis of fire &amp; explosions properties and toxic release properties as well as the safety precautions against it. It helps professionals to identify the overall hazard potential and distinguish less protected units from other well operated units. The paper features on an approximate yet workable assessment of risks at a low cost and based on the current safety practices.&#x0D; Chemical Engineering Research Bulletin 21(2020) 60-68

Perception of risks and safe handling practices of corpses among morticians in Ibadan, Oyo state

Background: It is well known in many Sub-Saharan countries that many morgues that are designed and built to earlier standard are no longer compatible with current occupational health and safety practices. This study therefore aimed to investigate the perception of risks involved and safe handling of corpses among morticians in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study among 42 morticians in Ibadan in 2017 using both quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from morticians. A key informant interview was also conducted with each supervisor of the various facilities.Results: Respondents’ mean age was 42.1±11.4 years, 39 (95.1%) were males, and 14 (35%) had no formal education. The most dangerous communicable diseases that the respondents were aware of included Lassa fever among 38 (95.0%), Ebola among 35 (87.5%), tetanus among 34 (85.0%), tuberculosis among 31 (77.5%), and hepatitis B among 25 (62.5%). In all, 36 (90%) of the respondents had inhaled chemicals during work leading to cough, excessive sneezing and eye irritation. Protective gown was well known among all 42 (100%) respondents. Work-associated injuries such as sharp injury, splash of chemicals, slip, trip and falls were least ranked. Some of the facilities (33%) had written program based on the requirement of the World Health Organization.Conclusions: Government, stakeholders and bodies responsible for managing mortuaries should not only pass law and enforce them but also provide avenues (seminars, lectures, webinars etc.) where knowledge can be shared and modern industry safe practices can be achieved.

Radiation safety and knowledge: an international survey of 708 interventional pain physicians

IntroductionInterventional pain procedures have increased in complexity, often requiring longer radiation exposure times and subsequently higher doses. The practicing physician requires an in-depth knowledge and evidence-based knowledge of radiation safety...