Factory Employees Research Articles

Occupational exposure assessment of heavy metals in human scalp hair among tannery workers in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: Indication of pollution

Ethiopia, is one of the African countries, has immense potential for skins and hides for the leather industries, which will play a crucial role in converting nations into manufacturing-driven economies through industrialization. The chemicals applied in the tanning process are a serious concern for employees and the community if proper safety measures are not taken. The pollution status of employees working in Anbessa and Bahir Dar tannery factories was evaluated by collecting hair samples. After the hair samples washed with acetone, and deionized water, the hair samples were digested with 4 mL of HNO3 and 2 mL of HClO4 for 1:30 h at 250 °C. The levels of metals (Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Cd) were subsequently analyzed using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). The mean concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, and Cr in the Anbessa tannery factory workers were 17.34–22.75, 16.38–35.03, 235.4–369.2, 30.46–67.31, and 97.56–189.18, respectively, in the various working departments of the factory. Similarly, the concentrations of Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cr in the hair of Bahir Dar tannery workers were 30.1–105.9, 17.88–62.20, 216.9–762.1, 0.35–5.21, 33.42–91.42, and 118.5–305.7, respectively. Chromium was found to be the most accumulated metal next to Zn with in both tannery workers that highlighted significant occupational health risks. The principal component analysis (PCA) analysis provide an insights into the interactions between occupational factors and metal exposure. In conclusion, the results of hair analysis from the employees of tannery factories indicates alarming levels of metal exposure, especially for zinc and chromium, which might pose health problems in long time exposure. Thus, it's critical to monitor occupational activities that can harm human health and the environment.

Assessment of Uranium levels in workers urine samples for the Al-Kifl brick factories in Babil Governorate – Iraq

This study aimed to determine the levels of "uranium" in human urine from 72 samples taken in the Babil Governorate of Iraq. The maximum value of uranium concentration (4.171 ± 0.054 ppb) was reached in the urine samples of workers of Al-Kifl brick factories, according to the results obtained with CR-39. The lowest value of uranium concentration was (1.359 ± 0.017 ppb). The average uranium concentration in urine samples taken from employees of Al-Kifl brick factories was (2.81 ± 0.69 ppb). The control group's results indicated that the greatest uranium concentration was (1.429± 0.05 ppb), and the lowest uranium concentration was (0.215± 0.04 ppb). The control group's urine samples had an average uranium concentration of (0.81 ± 0.32 ppb). Ultimately, uranium concentrations were determined using a few parameters. It was discovered that uranium concentrations rise with increasing daily and cumulative working hours, rise in workers who smoke relative to those who do not, and rise with age.

Working towards health: A model of cervical cancer screening and treatment for factory employees in Haiti.

In Haiti, cervical cancer continues to cause high levels of mortality and morbidity due to lack of resources and political unrest. Haitian women employed in factories are especially vulnerable because they are unable to take time away from work to access health resources. We aimed to describe a low-cost intervention which successfully addressed this need. We present a retrospective review of data gathered through a public-private partnership, in which women working in garment factories near Port-au-Prince, Haiti, were offered health education, clinical breast exam, and free human papillomavirus (HPV) self-swab testing at their place of employment. Women testing positive for HPV were subsequently tested using visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) to inform treatment referrals, and treated with mobile thermocoagulation in factory infirmaries. Factory-employed healthcare workers were trained on cancer screening, including VIA and clinical breast exam. A total of 6843 out of 6983 (98%) female factory employees attended free reproductive health education sessions, and 4005 out of 4153 eligible women (97%) were screened using HPV self-swab testing; 5176 women received a clinical breast exam. Of the women screened for HPV, 1001 (25%) tested positive and 905 (90%) of HPV-positive women received VIA testing and thermocoagulation. The intervention had a total cost of US$76 000, over half of which was spent on an HPV testing machine. Innovative approaches to the prevention of cervical cancer are especially necessary in very low-resource, politically unstable environments like Haiti. Self-swab and screen-and-treat programs in the workplace were acceptable to employees and factory owners. This low-cost model was reached vulnerable women through a public-private partnership, and tracked them through screening and treatment. It could be implemented elsewhere or extended to include other health services.

Environmental impacts of cement production in Ewekoro, Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria from 2005 to 2006 on surface water quality, vegetation, and workers' health

ABSTRACT The present study investigated the environmental impacts of cement production on surface water quality and vegetation in the vicinity of the industry. A 2-year study was conducted, covering both wet and dry seasons. Water samples were collected from the Akinbo River, where the cement industry discharges its liquid waste and effluents, and analysed for physical and chemical parameters using standard procedures. The vegetation around the factory was analysed for chlorophyll, plant density, basal areas, and heights of woody species. The study also assessed the health impacts of cement production on the factory employees and the residents living in the vicinity of the factory. The health assessment was based on hospital information obtained from two clinics in the villages near the factory. The water quality results revealed elevated concentrations of Ca and Fe. All the trees sampled around the study area had small basal areas and short heights. There was also a significant reduction in the chlorophyll contents of the vegetation. The health study showed a high incidence of upper-respiratory tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, arthritis, and dermatitis among factory workers. This study suggests a review of the existing dust-suppressing system put in place by the industry, to protect public health.

The influence of stakeholder theory and Islamic faith on employee perception of CSR

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influences of employee perception of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the Readymade Garment Industry (RMG). The RMG industry in Bangladesh has faced constant criticism of their working practices, and following some fatal incidents, the industry was faced with external pressures of implementing CSR practices and policies. Manufacturers invested and initiated CSR in their business and marketing strategy to survive in the global competition. Employees are internal stakeholders that help to implement and disseminate strategies successfully; however, there is not enough knowledge in the area of employee perception of CSR. Design/methodology/approach The paper is an exploratory study using the quantitative data collection method. In total, 128 responses have been collected from participants who are employees of garment factories in Bangladesh to understand their perception of CSR. Regression analysis has been conducted to ascertain the relationships between the factors that influence employee perception. Theories of stakeholder management, organizational citizenship behaviour, social exchange theory and employee engagement have been used to analyse the factors that influence employee perception. Findings The findings show that the factors that influence perception of CSR are not confined to the stakeholder’s initiatives but are significantly dependent on the employees’ direct involvement, engagement and personal values as a beneficiary and an executioner. In addition to the stakeholder’s initiatives that are a key deliverable to the marketing strategy, the employees are influenced by their personal beliefs and practices that can be associated with influences of religion, culture and the wider social landscape. Research limitations/implications The data is limited to a small number of factories located near the capital, Dhaka, this is a small sample compared to the 4,000 factories in Bangladesh. Further research can be conducted based on a larger data set, which could represent a wider range of employee perspectives from different factories relating to size, product category and geographical location. The study does not expand on the factors that influence employee perception specifically. Practical implications The findings of the study can help the employers understand that the organization’s priority and participation are not the only factors that influence the employee’s perceptions. The employees’ assessment of the stakeholder’s intentions of CSR, which are reflected in the organization’s priority, shapes employee perceptions that are influenced by their personal values and beliefs. The awareness of the factors that influence the employees will enable organizations to motivate them and deliver on expectations of the business partners. Social implications It is the practices aimed at the employees that enhance their engagement in CSR that enable them to reciprocate and influence their perception of the organization’s fair and genuine motives. The effectiveness of this aids the macro-marketing aspects of managing social concerns and the impact of businesses. Originality/value The data collected is primary data from employees of garment manufacturers. The hypothesized framework is developed by the authors, and the outcomes of the factors that influence the employee perception of CSR are escalated from the analysis conducted by the authors.

The Influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behavior is Mediated by Safety Motivation in Sugar Factory Employees

The sugar industry has complex production processes and involves various risks, including the high potential for employee accidents. To reduce this risk, the implementation of an effective work safety programme is required. This reserach aims to analyse the effect of safety leadership and safety climate on safety behaviour mediated by safety motivation in sugar factory employees. The method used is quantitative with data collection through questionnaires. The population of this study were all sugar factory employees in Indonesia, with a sample of 100 respondents selected using random sampling technique. Data analysis was carried out using Path Analysis in the SEM-PLS programme. The results showed that Safety Leadership and Safety Climate positively influence the Safety Behaviour of sugar factory employees. In addition, Safety Motivation mediates the influence of Safety Leadership and Safety Climate on Safety Behaviour, which indicates that Safety Motivation can strengthen the influence of these two factors on the safety behaviour of sugar factory employees. This reserach provides important implications for sugar factory management to pay more attention to aspects of motivation and safety climate to improve safety behaviour in the workplace.

Potential challenges of collaborative robot implementation in Vietnamese garment manufacturing

Collaborative robots (cobots) are a new significant technology in the integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Industry 5.0 (I5.0). Working alongside humans in open environments, cobots can boost safety and productivity. However, manufacturers are facing some potential challenges in adopting cobots, such as technological challenges, social problems, cost barriers, and labor issues. Vietnam has a great potential for outsourcing in the top supply chains for many famous fashion brands globally, with thousands of textile and garment factories. The purpose of this study was to explore potential challenges of cobot implementations in the context of Vietnam’s garment factories from factory employees’ perspectives. Data were collected from 29 garment factory managers in Vietnam. Findings revealed a rapid change in fashion trends and many unskilled workers may limit cobots’ flexibility, precision, and innovation. Furthermore, cobot implementation is affected by the cost of cobots, infrastructure upgrades, and risks of possible failure in deployment. Cobot firms, application partners, technology programmers, and manufacturers need to discuss how to maximize cobots’ benefits in diverse aspects of the garment manufacturing setting. These insights could boost the industry’s economy and sustainability.

The Effect of Compensation on the Work Motivation of Palm Oil Factory Employees

The Effect of Compensation on the Work Motivation of Palm Oil Factory Employees

Persepsi Cantik di Kalangan Karyawan Milenial (Analisis AISAS atas Pengaruh Terpaan Iklan Kecantikan di Kalangan Karyawati Pabrik Cikarang Selatan Kabupaten Bekasi Jawa Barat)

The concept of beauty always changes from time to time. One of the main factor determine is the rapid development of the advertising media industry, which led to the perception of beauty in society. This study aims to describe advertisment element exposure of Wardah “Feel the beauty” version and perceptions of beauty among millennial employees and explain the effect of Wardah advertisement elements exposure that formed the perceptions of beauty among factory employees in South Cikarang, Bekasi, West Java.This research uses AISAS theoretical framework that shows Attata, Attention, Interest, and the desire to search (Search), to decide (Action) and finally encourage customers to share (Share). The concept develop by tow theories with indicators of Frekuensi, duration, visual and audio and perception theory involving sensation, attention, expectations, motivation and memory.This study use positvism paradigm with quantitative approach and causal explanatory research design. The data collected by survey conducted for millennial employees who working in the factory area in South Cikarang District Bekasi West Java. About 381 respondent involved as sample of this research that defined using cluster sampling in the industrial area, i.e.: BIIE Hyundai, Delta Silicon, EJIP, and Jababeka II.

The Relationship of Workload and Job Stress with Work Fatigue in Factory Employees

The Relationship of Workload and Job Stress with Work Fatigue in Factory Employees

PENGARUH KOMPENSASI, LINGKUNGAN KERJA DAN BUDAYA KERJA TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN PABRIK GULA ASSEMBAGOES DENGAN KEPUASAN KERJA SEBAGAI VARIABEL INTERVENING

Companies cannot be separated from having quality human resources; this will have an impact on the sustainability of the company's goals, superior, professional and competitivehuman resources which will have a positive impact on the company's success. The aim of this research is to analyze and test the influence of Compensation, Work Environment and Work Culture on the Performance of Assembagoes Sugar Factory Employees with Job Satisfaction as an Intervening Variable. This research is explanatory research. The populations in this study were contract employees of the Assembagoes Sugar Factory. The sampling technique is determined by quota sampling. The data analysis and hypothesis testing in this research used the Structural Equation Model - Partial Least Square (PLS-SEM). The results of the direct influence hypothesis test using the Smart PLS3.0 application, show that Compensation has a positive but not significant effect on Job Satisfaction, Work Environment has a positive and significant effect on Job Satisfaction, Work Culture has a positive and significant effect on Job Satisfaction, Compensation has a positive but not significant effect on Performance, work environment has a positive but not significant effect on performance, work culture has a positive and significant effect on performance.

Evaluating Industrial Dispute Resolution Methods: A Case Study of Bangladesh

Currently, parties involved in the process of industrial dispute resolution prefer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) to the adversarial process which requires an evaluation of ADR to infer how effective it is. Theoretically, the concept of ADR has been originated from the theory of conflict resolution management. Even though ADR has been implemented largely by apparel firms, studies to assess the effectiveness of ADR are scant. To assess the effectiveness of ADR as an industrial dispute resolution method (DRM), the study evaluated seven hypotheses using the Chi-square test and Cramer’s V. Data were gathered from both employers and employees of apparel factories in Bangladesh using two different sets of survey questionnaires. The results showed that employees are more familiar with ADR processes if the companies are run for a long time. It has also been found that the presence of a labor union has been determined to be crucial in the selection of DRMs and workers advocate more for ADR than formal adjudication machinery. The findings of the research are expected to contribute to the dispute resolution process since this study attempted to explore the perceptions of both employees and employers which is instrumental to the amicable settlement of disputes by applying ADR.

Pengaruh Gaya Hidup dan Income terhadap Financial Management Behavior

In this era of increasingly advanced and easily accessible technology, especially information technology which offers comfort, convenience and speed in accessing various information, we are spoiled by the changes it brings, both positive and negative. This is especially seen among young people or the millennial generation, who tend to be more active in using social media. This research aims to determine the influence of lifestyle and income on financial management behavior in case studies of factory employees located in the MM2100 area, either partially or simultaneously. Sampling was carried out using random sampling technique, resulting in 95 respondents. This research collects data using a questionnaire. The data analysis techniques used include multiple linear regression analysis, hypothesis testing (t test and f test), and coefficient of determination. Data processing was carried out using the SPSS version 26 software program. The results of this research show that lifestyle and income partially or simultaneously have a significant influence on the financial management behavior of factory employees in companies located in the MM2100 area. The results of the R-Square determination test of the influence of lifestyle and income variables on financial management behavior were 94.0%. And the remaining 5.1% is influenced by other variables not included in this research.

Development of a Model for Modifying Eating Behaviour among Overweight Working People in Health Region Sixth Ministry of Public Health

This research and development study aimed to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a program designed to modify eating behaviors among overweight working individuals. Phase 1: A draft prototype was synthesized by applying the stages of change model and studying weight loss activities and eating behaviors among 65 overweight factory employees. Phase 2: The prototype was developed in 10 small groups, totaling 36 participants, resulting in three behavioral modification modules: 1. "Well Begun is Half Done" 2. "Win Small, Win Early, Win Often" and 3."I Can Do It". Phase 3: The effectiveness of the prototype was tested among experimental groups, with 39 participants per module, compared to control groups of equal size. Data were analyzed using t-tests. Research Results: 1) The stages of change in the experimental groups improved significantly. 2) The process of behavior change showed statistically significant improvement. 3) Perceptions of the pros of behavior change increased significantly, while perceptions of the cons decreased significantly. 4) Confidence levels increased significantly, while temptation levels decreased significantly. 5) Body mass index, waist circumference, and visceral fat measurements improved significantly.

Designing interaction interface for supportive human-robot collaboration: A co-creation study involving factory employees

Considering social-technical factors during the design and implementation of collaborative robots (cobots) is important to ensure their successful integration into industrial workspaces and the well-being of the operators such as ergonomics. In this work, we present a co-creation study in developing an interaction interface for a human–robot collaboration (HRC) system involving SME factory employees in the Netherlands. Employing a qualitative research method, the co-creation activities in this study sought employees’ input on preferred use cases and collaboration methods with robots. The gathered qualitative data was used to design the HRC interaction interface, aligning it with operators’ needs and preferences. The developed system was fully functional, underwent technical validation, and received feedback from the factory operators. Our study emphasizes the importance of involving employees in the design of HRC interaction interfaces, which can result in HRC systems that meet their needs and preferences. Such customized systems have the potential to enhance the acceptance of robots in industrial settings. The study contributes to the field by demonstrating a participatory approach to designing an HRC interaction interface for a robot in a real industrial setting, where no use cases or interaction modalities were pre-defined.

Effect of exercise given to factory workers with ergonomics training on pain and functionality: A randomized controlled trial.

Exercise and manual therapy are used with pharmacological interventions to manage low back pain and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, the potential benefits of incorporating exercise and ergonomics training for factory workers experiencing low back pain have not been definitively established. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ergonomics training with exercises on pain, functionality, sleep, and fatigue among factory employees experiencing low back pain. This research was conducted as a randomized controlled trial involving workers with back pain employed in a plastic molding factory in Gebze, Kocaeli. Both groups received ergonomics training, but only the experimental group was given exercise training inclusive of stretching and core stabilization exercises. The workers in the experimental group were instructed to perform the exercises regularly for three days a week over a period of eight weeks. The McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ), the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were used for pre-and post-treatment assessment. The ODI, FSS, PSQI, and MPQ scores were significantly reduced in both groups. In the intergroup comparison, the exercise group showed a significantly greater decrease in all test scores compared to the control group. The exercise group showed a statistically significant decrease in ODI, FSS, MPQ, and PSQI scores compared to the control group. This study demonstrated that exercise is a more effective practice than ergonomic training for factory workers suffering from chronic low back pain.

Tiexi Workers’ Village: shaping collective life in socialist China from the 1950s to the 1970s

ABSTRACT Workers’ villages are social housing districts built during the early period of New China for accommodating state-owned factory employees and their families. By borrowing the Soviet collective housing model, workers’ villages triggered significant socialist transformations architecturally and socially – shaping a new collective lifestyle. This article discusses the formation approach and manifestation of collective life in workers’ villages focusing on one case: Tiexi Workers’ Village in Shenyang City during the 1950s–1970s period. The evidence illustrates that through collectivization of living space and coordinating administration structure, a collective life represented by intense organized activities and personal interactions was indeed shaped in this pilot housing project. This paper sheds light on the collectiveness of the spatial pattern on the one hand, and the role it played in moulding everyday life under the socialist political/ideological circumstances of early New China on the other. This article concludes emphasizing the practical significance of this collective living model, which is more than just a historical proof of the past socio-spatiality but is also an important heritage beneficial to contemporary housing and communities.

The Role of Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Enhancing Employee Performance: Systematic Review

This paper seeks to explore the significance of motivation, job satisfaction, and employee performance, with a focus on addressing diverse facets of this issue. The primary challenge at hand pertains to organizations, and institutions, striving to enhance both the productivity and dedication of their workforce. To attain these goals, a multifaceted approach (quantitative and qualitative) was employed, involving comprehensive surveys and interviews conducted among employees in factories, health and educational institutions and companies. The research results demonstrated a robust and positive correlation between motivation and job satisfaction, consistently demonstrating improved performance among highly motivated and contented employees. Key factors influencing this dynamic include equitable compensation, opportunities for skill development, and supportive work environments. Furthermore, it becomes apparent that an all-encompassing approach, which integrates intrinsic and extrinsic motivators, proves more effective in fostering employee engagement. This study underscores the importance of acknowledging the multifaceted nature of employee performance enhancement, offering valuable insights to organizations seeking to cultivate a work environment conducive to maximizing their workforce's potential. The implications of this study are how crucial it is to identify and support job satisfaction and motivational elements in the workplace as major determinants influencing employee performance. Employers stand to gain a great deal by putting tactics into practice that are designed to improve employee motivation, job satisfaction, and work environment. the necessity of customized approaches to accommodate individual differences in motivational demands and work satisfaction preferences as well.

Perencanaan Strategi Pengembangan Usaha Menggunakan Formulasi Matrik SWOT dan Metode QSPM

This study aims to formulate appropriate marketing strategy planning alternatives through analyzing the approach of internal factors and external factors as an effort to face competitors from Aulia Jambi Toothpick Chips. The sampling method in this study was purposive sampling, so that the total sample obtained was 30 respondents consisting of 5 from internal, namely the management of the Aulia Toothpick Chips factory employees and 25 from external, namely consumers. The analysis method used in this research is SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats) through an internal and external factor approach with the calculation of the IFE and EFE matrix table analysis and the QSPM method. The results of IFE internal factors and EFE external factors, obtained a Strength value of 2.08 and Weaknesess of 1.08 while the Opportunities value is 1.92 and Threats is 1.38. Based on the results of the calculation of the analysis quadrant diagram using the IFE and EFE approaches, it can be concluded that the x, y axes are at the Quadrant I point, so the strategy that must be applied in this condition is to support aggressive growth policies (Growth Oriented Strategy). So that the right alternative strategy for Aulia's Toothpick Chips MSME players is the S-O (Strength-Opportunities) strategy. The S-O (Strength-Opportunities) strategy, which is referred to as an aggressive growth strategy, is through the use of digital marketing for the marketing system, providing special offers and maintaining product quality.

Evaluation of absenteeism and presenteeism status of factory employees.

While absenteeism refers to not attending work, presenteeism is defined as not being present at work. These two conditions, which negatively affect employee health, can be indicators of work efficiency, work peace, work safety and work engagement. Several factors were evaluated in this study concerning absenteeism and presenteeism among factory workers. This cross-sectional study was conducted among workers in a factory operating in a heavy industry in southern Turkey in 2021. A survey consisting of 57 questions was applied to 152 factory workers by face-to-face interview method. The participants' behaviour over the last month was evaluated regarding absenteeism and presenteeism. It was reported that 24 (15.8%) of all employees were absent from work in the last month (absenteeism), excluding holidays and sick leave, and that 20 (13.2%) employees engaged in presenteeism, working when they should not have been at the workplace. There was a high absenteeism rate among employees who had an acute illness and were dissatisfied with their jobs. Several factors have been associated with presenteeism, including poor economic conditions, family health problems, previous unemployment, working overtime, job dissatisfaction, poor relationships with colleagues and difficulty finding a replacement, acute illness, sleep problems and fatigue. To increase the productivity and commitment of employees, it may be useful to identify the reasons for absenteeism and present behaviours, to facilitate effective interpersonal communication skills by examining the organisational climate of employees, and to regulate workload based on a comprehensive assessment of the health status of employees.