Improve Working Conditions Research Articles

Working condition and health status of employees of the aviation enterprise

Objective: a hygienic assessment of working conditions and an analysis of the morbidity of aircraft workers.Materials and methods: the study was carried out on the basis of data from the Office of the Federal Service for Supervision of Consumer Rights Protection and Human Well-Being in the Republic of Tatarstan (Tatarstan) and the Center for Occupational Pathology Scientific and Clinical Center for Preventive Medicine of the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology of the Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University.Results: hygienic monitoring of the working conditions of employees of the aviation plant showed a combined effect of harmful factors of the production environment and the labor process, corresponding to classes 3.1–3.2 in a number of professions. Among the diseases identified in employees of the enterprise, diseases of the eye and its accessory apparatus, circulatory organs and hearing predominate. According to the results of the medical examination, 6.4% of the subjects were found to have a suspicion of occupational chronic bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.Conclusions: research results indicate that there is a risk of developing occupational pathology as a result of exposure to physical factors. The employer was given recommendations to improve working conditions and preserve the health of workers.

The Nursing Crisis of the 1960s: Origins and Municipal Crisis Management

Abstract The nursing crisis that developed in West Germany in the 1960s was considered a major social challenge. The causes were complex and lay primarily in the denominational motherhouse system, which gradually began to erode around this time. The problem of a shortage of young staff went in tandem with the dissolution of the old structures and was exacerbated by an expansion of the hospitals, which required more and more personnel. The responses varied greatly from region to region. The example of the city of Stuttgart serves an in-depth examination both of federal policy strategies for solving the problem and of the specific implementation of these strategies within local communities. Measures included advertising for new staff, diversifying training, recruiting foreign nursing staff, and improving working conditions.

Patients and informal caregivers in the lead: a qualitative study on the experiences of patients, informal caregivers, and healthcare professionals with involvement in treatment, e-health and self-management programs

BackgroundA significant proportion of patients and informal caregivers favor an active role in decisions concerning their health. Simultaneously, governments aim to shift treatment from a professional care setting to a community setting, in light of an ageing population, a decreasing number of health workers and allocation of scarce resources. This transition of care solicits patients’ and informal caregivers’ ability to self-manage. Therefore, the Maastricht University Medical Centre + has established the Academy for Patients and Informal caregivers. The aim is to proactively and professionally support patients and their informal caregivers to enhance their self-management. For that, the Academy offers activities in three categories: (1) instruction of nursing techniques, (2) training of e-health competencies and (3) the provision of self-management programs. Both patients with an episodic care need, as well as patients and informal caregivers with chronic illness, are eligible to participate in the Academy’s activities. However, little is known about the experience of these interventions from the perspective of patients, informal caregivers and healthcare professionals.MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 patients, 8 informal caregivers and 19 health care professionals who either participated in, referred to or received patients from the Academy. Topics revolved around self-management and the Quadruple aim, covering topics such as patient experiences, healthcare costs, health and well-being of the population and improving work life for health professionals. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsPatients and caregivers experienced an increase in the ability to manage health needs independently, leading to increased mental well-being and self-efficacy. They felt recognized as partners in care, although managing illness needs came with its own burdens. Health care professionals indicated that they felt assured of the quality, uniformity and availability of activities due to its central organization, with instruction nurses finding greater meaning in their work. On the level of health care systems, participants in this study mentioned a decrease in use of formal healthcare, whilst enabling a more equitable division of care.ConclusionStakeholders’ experiences with the Academy for Patients and Informal caregivers indicate that participation contributes to development of self-management, whilst also improving working conditions, reducing the appeal to formal care and advancing equity in healthcare. The burden for patients and informal caregivers is to be considered in future developments.

Strategies to enhance public health doctor system in South Korea

Background: South Korea’s public health doctor system requires physicians to provide primary healthcare in medically underserved areas, such as rural regions, as an alternative to mandatory military service. Recently, concerns have arisen over the decline in the number of public health doctors available in these underserved areas. This study reviews issues related to the public health doctor system and proposes strategies for enhancing its management.Current Concepts: The annual number of public health doctors has steadily decreased by approximately 46.6%, from 1,962 in 2008 to 1,048 in 2022. According to the survey, the reasons behind this decline include the lengthy service period of 36 months compared to the 18-month military service, poor working conditions, low financial support, unreasonable manpower deployment, and uncertain social status.Discussion and Conclusion: Several recommendations can enhance the effectiveness of the public health doctor system. First, the mandatory service period of 36 months should be shortened, and a military training period of 1–2 months should be incorporated into the overall service duration. Second, ensuring appropriate working hours, including holidays, along with improved working conditions and reasonable financial support and compensation, is essential. Third, the role of public health doctors should shift from solely providing basic primary healthcare to acting as public health managers in local communities. Lastly, a long-term plan should be developed to establish various types of medical institutions in medically underserved regions.

Physical working conditions over time: a repeated cross-sectional study in German employees

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine time trends in physical working conditions across and within occupational groups in Germany between 2006 and 2018.MethodsLogistic regression analyses were conducted using data from the BIBB/BAuA Employment Surveys in 2006, 2012, and 2018, with a total sample size of 59,006 participants. The study investigated changes in various self-reported occupational exposure measures over time, along with demographic shifts in the workforce.ResultsThe results showed overall improvements in most occupational exposure measures during the study period, alongside an aging and upskilling workforce. However, exposure to awkward postures, microorganisms, and, to a lesser extent, noise increased. Substantial variation was observed between occupational groups, with more favourable trends among white-collar high-skilled and blue-collar low-skilled workers, and less favourable trends among white-collar low-skilled and blue-collar high-skilled workers.ConclusionsWhile trends in physical working conditions in Germany are partly promising, some exposures are worsening, and substantial inequalities between occupations persist. As occupational exposures remain common, there is still a need for targeted interventions to improve working conditions, particularly in higher-risk occupations.

Work-related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention.

Previously published analyses of suicide case investigations suggest that work or working conditions contribute to 10%-13% of suicide deaths. Yet, the way in which work may increase suicide risk is an underdeveloped area of epidemiologic research. In this Commentary, we propose a definition of work-related suicide from an occupational health and safety perspective, and review the case investigation-based and epidemiologic evidence on work-related causes of suicide. We identified six broad categories of potential work-related causes of suicide, which are: (1) workplace chemical, physical, and psychosocial exposures; (2) exposure to trauma on the job; (3) access to means of suicide through work; (4) exposure to high-stigma work environments; (5) exposure to normative environments promoting extreme orientation to work; and (6) adverse experiences arising from work-related injury or illness. We summarise current evidence in a schema of potential work-related causes that can also be applied in workplace risk assessment and suicide case investigations. There are numerous implications of these findings for policy and practice. Various principle- and evidence-based workplace intervention strategies for suicide prevention exist, some of which have been shown to improve suicide-prevention literacy, reduce stigma, enhance helping behaviours, and in some instances maybe even reduce suicide rates. Prevailing practice in workplace suicide prevention, however, overly emphasises individual- and illness-directed interventions, with little attention directed to addressing the working conditions that may increase suicide risk. We conclude that a stronger emphasis on improving working conditions will be required for workplace suicide prevention to reach its full preventive potential.

How much (more) is fair to pay? The ethics of merit in assessing poverty wages in organizations

Purpose This study aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of poverty salaries and minimum wage in light of virtue ethics and a new natural law perspective on work. Design/methodology/approach Existing approaches to poverty wages are critically examined, including the nonworseness claim and legal minimalism. This paper introduces a more nuanced framework, taking into account the concepts of merit and participation in light of virtue ethics. Findings We argue that the fairness of minimum wage policies can be assessed as a matter of contributive-distributive justice by considering individual contributions to an organization's outcomes within an approach that provides a robust foundation for reconciling the dignity of work with the operational realities of organizations. Research limitations/implications Empirical research is needed to validate the practical application of the proposed conceptual framework for addressing poverty wages. Practical implications The paper provides better decisional arguments for employers concerned with poverty salaries in their organizations considering the moral dimensions of wage policies and employee well-being, offering guidance for potential adjustments in compensation practices. It also contributes to the discourse on social and economic justice by emphasizing the moral obligations of organizations in fostering a just and dignified work environment without the employee's participation. Originality/value This paper presents a novel approach that blends virtue ethics and new natural law principles, emphasizing the moral responsibilities of employers and organizations in addressing the conditions of the working poor. It also highlights the potential for a “lesser evil” situation, morally acceptable when it serves as a transitional phase aimed at improving working conditions and employee well-being.

Legal security of protection personal data in the field of health care

The paper reveals the role and problems of determining the specifics of legal protection of personal data in the field of health care, which is the most important foundation of development for current and future generations for the level of health and preservation of the gene pool of the people of Ukraine. According to the current legislation, every person has a natural, inalienable and inviolable right to health care. Society and the state are responsible to present and future generations for the level of health and preservation of the gene pool of the people of Ukraine, ensure the priority of health care in the activities of the state, improvement of working conditions, education, living and recreation of the population, solving environmental problems, improving medical care and introduction of a healthy lifestyle. in recent years, a number of systemic shifts and digital transformations have taken place in health care. Basic legislative acts were adopted, in which eHealth and digital tools are defined as essential for the development of the field. The Government of Ukraine has approved a five-year concept for the development of electronic health care, which defines the goal and main directions of the development of electronic health care, the current state of affairs, existing problems and ways to solve them, as well as expected results and issues of resource provision. In our state, conditions have been created for the protection of personal data in the field of health care, which is the most important foundation of development for current and future generations for the level of health and preservation of the gene pool of the people of Ukraine. At the same time, there are difficulties in the implementation of rights in the field of health care, not all aspects of electronic health care work at full capacity, and ensure the priority of health care in the activities of the state, improvement of working conditions, education, living and recreation of the population , solving environmental problems, improving medical care and introducing a healthy lifestyle.

Long-Term Emotional Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Barriers and Facilitators to Digital Mental Health Tools in Long-Term Care Workers: Qualitative Study.

The overall pandemic created enormous pressure on long-term care workers (LTCWs), making them particularly vulnerable to mental disorders. Despite this, most of the available evidence on professional well-being during COVID-19 has exclusively focused on frontline health care workers. This study aimed to identify the long-term psychological needs of LTCWs derived from the COVID-19 pandemic and to explore barriers and facilitators related to digital mental health tools. This is part of a project that seeks to develop a digital mental health intervention to reduce psychological distress in this population group. We performed a qualitative study with a rapid research approach. Participants were LTCWs of the autonomous community of Catalonia. We conducted 30 semistructured interviews between April and September 2022. We used a qualitative content analysis method with an inductive-deductive approach. The period of the pandemic with the highest mental health burden was the COVID-19 outbreak, with almost all workers having experienced some form of emotional distress. Emotional distress persisted over time in more than half of the participants, with fatigue and nervousness being the main emotions expressed at the time of the interview. High workload, the feeling that pandemic times are not over, and poor working conditions that have remained since then have been the most frequently expressed determinants of such emotions. Potential barriers and facilitators to engagement with digital tools were also identified in terms of previous experience and beliefs of the target population, possibilities for the integration of a digital tool into daily life, preferences regarding the level of guidance, the possibility of social connectedness through the tool, and privacy and confidentiality. The identified factors may become especially relevant in the context of the pandemic remission phase. More than 2 years after the pandemic outbreak, emotional distress is still relevant. The persistent burden of psychological distress points to a need for institutions to take action to improve working conditions and promote employees' well-being. Considering factors that act as barriers and facilitators for the use of digital mental health tools, it is important to develop tailored tools that could offer valuable support to this population during and after a pandemic.

Coping Strategies of Women Teachers in Self-Financing Schools of Chengalpet District

Women teachers in self-financing schools in Chengalpet District face numerous challenges on a daily basis, from demanding workloads to issues stemming from gender discrimination. Despite these obstacles, these educators have developed effective coping strategies to navigate through their professional lives with resilience and determination. One key strategy employed by women teachers is the establishment of a strong support network within the school community, where they can seek advice, share experiences, and offer encouragement to one another. This network not only provides emotional support but also serves as a valuable resource for problem-solving and collaboration. The research conducted in Chennai City with 150 respondents aimed to investigate work-related problems in self-financing schools and their impact on women teachers' job satisfaction. Utilizing a well-structured questionnaire, random sampling was employed to gather data. The study explored factors related to work problems and job satisfaction, employing statistical techniques such as factor analysis, Karl Pearson Correlation, The findings from this study can provide valuable insights for educational institutions and policymakers to develop strategies to improve working conditions and job satisfaction for women teachers in self-financing schools.

Non-interference slow tool servo turning method for complex surfaces with large undulation changes

Complex curved surface parts are integral to the mechanical industry, demanding precise machining techniques. Multi-axis slow tool servo turning has emerged as an efficient method due to its high precision and quality. However, the challenge of severe tool flank interference arises, especially on surfaces with large undulation changes. Conventional methods, such as increasing tool clearance angles or adding extra tool axes, detrimentally affect machining precision and stability. To address this, a non-interference toolpath planning method is proposed for complex surfaces with large undulation changes. The approach begins with establishing geometric models of the single-point diamond turning tool and typical complex surfaces, followed by analyzing the mechanism and evolution of tool flank interference. By considering geometric parameters and vector relationships, the practical tool clearance angles are calculated. And then a criterion for subregion division is introduced and the non-cutting stroke is designed, accounting for the maximal acceleration of machine tool axis. Multi-pass toolpaths are generated to navigate different subregions while avoiding interference by transforming spindle rotation direction. Furthermore, a method is proposed to optimize toolpath stitching in practical machining regions, ensuring continuous and smooth transitions while maintaining machining precision and surface quality. Experimental validation, conducted on a hyperbolic paraboloid surface with large undulation changes, demonstrates a significant reduction in surface roughness (Sa) from 380.503 nm to 75.664 nm—a reduction of 80.115 %. The proposed method not only enhances machining precision and surface quality but also extends tool life and improves working conditions. This research offers vital guidance for non-interference toolpath planning in engineering practice.

Perceived inadequate welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria and its influence on service delivery and patients’ safety

This qualitative study examines the perceived inadequate welfare of healthcare professionals in Nigeria and its influence on service delivery and patient wellbeing, focusing on Enugu State. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Data were collected from 12 respondents through oral interviews. The health professionals and patients of three government-owned hospitals in Nsukka LGA formed the study population, where 12 respondents were sampled using purposive and availability sampling techniques. The collected data were analysed thematically. According to the analysis, the welfare of healthcare workers in Nigeria is inadequate. This has a far-reaching impact on the quality of healthcare service delivery and patient’s well-being. The study strongly advocates the need for governmental intervention and collaboration among healthcare professionals to improve working conditions. This study also accentuates the role of social workers in advocating for better healthcare systems and patient safety.

THE EVOLUTION OF NURSING AS A PROFESSION IN HEALTHCARE

Currently, nursing stands as a highly coveted profession drawing significant attention. While its roots can be traced back to ancient times, the formal recognition of nursing as a profession, labeled as such, has only emerged in recent decades. Defined as both a science and an art grounded in evidence, nursing is progressively assuming more significant roles within the healthcare and biomedical realms. The profession’s evolution is intricately linked with advancements in science, technology, and research, which have translated into tangible practices within the healthcare system. Offering both undergraduate and graduate nursing programs elevates the level of responsibility among nurses. However, this advancement lacks proper systematization and acknowledgment of educational standards within the healthcare sector. Future challenges encompass meeting the increasing healthcare demands spurred by longer life expectancies and population growth, alongside facilitating professional mobility within EU nations. Factors such as enhanced financial stability and improved working conditions contribute to the outflow of nurses from the region. Proposed solutions include establishing adaptable mobile teams, prioritizing patient education and preventative measures, integrating LED clinics/facilities, and introducing supportive robotic technologies. Nurses play a pivotal role in delivering care and advocating for health equity, emphasizing the necessity of fostering collaborative partnerships for the future sustainability of healthcare systems.

Assessment of ergonomic risks in car radio manufacturing using the Suzanne Rodgers and NIOSH criteria: a practical application

Companies from Industrial Pole of Manaus look for automation to reduce ergonomic risks, even if the degree of autonomy will depend on organizational technical projects, that is, we visualize two different strands to develop ergonomic actions with the objective of improving working conditions related to health and productivity. Many interests about ergonomics are due to legislation, to adapt the work conditions, it is necessary to measure the ergonomic risks through established criteria. The present study aims to verify the contribution of ergonomic risk assessment instruments in practice, even though the process is quite robust, using the NIOSH and Suzanne Rodgers Criteria we visualize several potential to mitigate the risks inside this manufacturing process. The research was conducted through a literature review, and case study, raising the operative mode of all the workstations, mainly considering the comments of the employees involved, since all the methods present had potential for application, but a standardization of the evaluation for data collection become the main factors in determining the risk factors related to musculoskeletal disorders. According to the knowledge acquired and accumulated during the data collection, observed the ergonomic thermometer of the manufacture, where the moderate risk was evident, even if it is a process with automation, but this study will guide to a more effective work in search of the reduction of the ergonomic risk within the organization by the multifunctional team, in the search for the ergonomically correct process.

Work-related musculoskeletal complaints: risk factors and impact on work productivity among university administrative employees

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a significant workplace problem leading to loss of productivity and disability. Administrative workers perform computer-based tasks for long periods. Consequently, they are at risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders. The objective of this study was to explore the frequency and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal complaints and their impact on work productivity among administrative employees of Suez Canal University, Egypt.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 administrative employees through simple random sampling. Data were collected by an interview questionnaire including sociodemographic, work-related data, ergonomic and psychological risk factors, the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), and the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire (HPQ).ResultsThe frequency of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in at least one anatomical region over the past year was 74.7%. Neck (47.1%), lower back (40.7%), and shoulder (36.3%) were the most reported sites of complaints. Risk factors significantly associated with work-related musculoskeletal complaints were gender, age, physical activity, work experience, workplace stress, sustained body position, awkward posture, and inadequate rest breaks. Logistic regression revealed that older age (OR = 1.039, p = 0.023), being female (OR = 2.175, p = 0.011), and not having adequate rest breaks (OR = 1.979, p = 0.019) were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. The risk factors of absenteeism include gender, age, marital status, educational level, physical activity, BMI, work experience, and musculoskeletal complaints.ConclusionMusculoskeletal problems were highly prevalent among administrative employees. Being female and not having adequate rest breaks were significant predictors for the occurrence of WMSDs. Ergonomic interventions and improvement of working conditions are recommended to reduce WMSDs.

Job-related factors associated with tobacco use among Chinese food delivery riders: A cross-sectional survey.

Food delivery drivers represent a rapidly growing occupational group in China in recent years. Their unique work patterns such as a complex work environment and high time-pressure may subject them to more severe tobacco use issues compared to other professions. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of tobacco use within this group and examine the underlying reasons behind it. A cross-sectional, multistage sampling design was conducted to select 1879 food delivery riders from Guangzhou and Shenzhen. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from August to December 2022. Chi-squared analysis and binary logistic regression analysis, adjusted for factors including gender, education level, type of employment, alcohol use, job-related uncertainty stress, and emotional exhaustion, were used to explore the key factors associated with smoking among this occupational group. Altogether, 65.5% of individuals in this sample were smokers, with 69.5% among males and 26.2% among females. Factors found to be significantly associated with smoking behavior were male sex (AOR=5.48; 95% CI: 3.74-8.02), education level of junior high school or lower (AOR=1.60; 95% CI: 1.21-2.11), education level of senior high school (AOR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.18-1.95), full-time job (AOR=1.39; 95% CI: 1.18-1.80), alcohol use (AOR=3.91; 95% CI: 3.14-4.87), moderate level of job-related uncertainty stress (AOR=0.58; 95% CI: 0.42-0.81), high level of emotional exhaustion (AOR=1.57; 95% CI: 1.17-2.10) and moderate level of emotional exhaustion (AOR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.00-2.30). Demographic factors like gender, education level, job type, and substance use should be considered in designing smoking cessation campaigns for this group. Improving work conditions, reducing emotional exhaustion, and managing stress may also reduce smoking and enhance the well-being of these riders.

Healthcare Leaders’ Interventions to Alleviate Nurse Burnout During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review

Nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic reported increased levels of burnout. Healthcare leaders have the unique role of mitigating burnout and improving working conditions. This article is a systematic review of the literature on how leaders can alleviate burnout among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A systematic review was performed in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The following recommendations from the systematic review include leadership visibility and compassion, provision of clear and timely communication, adequate medical supplies, a manageable workload, adequate training and orientation, psychological support, resilience resources, recognition, and acknowledgment of work.

Reasons for Nurses Leaving the Profession

Nurses are an important part of health systems worldwide, making up nearly 50% of the global health workforce. The world is currently facing a shortage of 5.9 million nurses and midwives, which is expected to increase to a global shortage of 9 million by 2030. The growing shortage of nurses is considered a critical global problem, which is exacerbated by the trend of nurses leaving the profession. Inadequate wages, described by nurses as a negative factor, reinforcing the intention to leave the profession. The desire to leave the profession arises among nurses not only around the world, but also in our republic. The reasons for leaving medical workers with secondary education from the profession working at the primary level, in particular in family medicine centers and at the secondary level, i.e. in a hospital, are considered. Among nurses in the hospital, the main reason for leaving the profession was often high workload, insufficient wages, high professional risks and an unsatisfactory psychological climate in the team. In the nurses of the Family Medicine Centers, the same reasons were also indicated as the main reasons, but with a significantly low frequency. To solve the problem of nurses leaving the profession, a targeted personnel policy is needed, including increasing motivation to work, in particular, raising wages, reducing professional risks, developing mentoring for young professionals, constantly improving working conditions, improving job descriptions, protecting the rights of nurses.

A framework for human–robot collaboration enhanced by preference learning and ergonomics

Industry 5.0 aims to prioritize human operators, focusing on their well-being and capabilities, while promoting collaboration between humans and robots to enhance efficiency and productivity. The integration of collaborative robots must ensure the health and well-being of human operators. Indeed, this paper addresses the need for a human-centered framework proposing a preference-based optimization algorithm in a human–robot collaboration (HRC) scenario with an ergonomics assessment to improve working conditions. The HRC application consists of optimizing a collaborative robot end-effector pose during an object-handling task. The following approach (AmPL-RULA) utilizes an Active multi-Preference Learning (AmPL) algorithm, a preference-based optimization method, where the user is requested to iteratively provide qualitative feedback by expressing pairwise preferences between a couple of candidates. To address physical well-being, an ergonomic performance index, Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA), is combined with the user’s pairwise preferences, so that the optimal setting can be computed. Experimental tests have been conducted to validate the method, involving collaborative assembly during the object handling performed by the robot. Results illustrate that the proposed method can improve the physical workload of the operator while easing the collaborative task.

Experimental design for sustainable tourism: a horizon 2050 paper

Purpose This paper aims to uncover the insights derived from past experimental studies in promoting sustainable tourism. It also advocates for leveraging future experimental designs to position tourism as a catalyst for positive change toward sustainable development goals. Design/methodology/approach A review of previous literature examines the contributions of experimental design in both tourist studies and employee studies within the tourism fields. Findings Previous experimental studies have explored effective methods shaping tourists’ sustainable behaviors and management strategies contributing to employees’ decent work. The importance of integrating digital technology in these interventions is highlighted. A future research agenda encompassing three dimensions – technological progress, theory development and practical implications and research design – is proposed to leverage experimental studies for fostering sustainable development within the tourism industry. Originality/value This study, through a comprehensive review, highlights the significant impacts of previous experimental studies on encouraging responsible consumption among tourists and championing improved working conditions for employees. It underscores the necessity for enhanced experimental design, which should integrate theoretical frameworks and prioritize technological innovations to address real-world challenges. These improvements are crucial for advancing the tourism industry toward greater sustainability.