Improve Worker Safety Research Articles

Role and Impact of Safety Leadership Culture in Promoting Safety Practices in Construction Sector of Pakistan

The construction industry offers employment to about one hundred eighty million people worldwide. The construction sector has grown and evolved to meet the demands of urbanization and industrialization, which are the foundation of the modern economy. Construction is still seen as a risky and difficult industry, with the most hazardous and vulnerable work environment, even with the industry's notable improvements. Pakistan's construction industry is known for its high level of risk, which makes strict safety procedures necessary to protect the health and safety of its workforce. This research seeks to understand the impact of safety leadership on safety practices and identify key factors influencing safety culture. In order to provide comprehensive insights, the research uses a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews. The validity and reliability of the results are ensured by thorough experimentations of the statistical methods such as reliability test, relative importance index (RII), and descriptive analysis tests. In order to effectively promote safety practices, management commitment, employee involvement, safety training, and good communication are essential. An in-depth examination of the relationship between management commitment and safety performance reveals how effective leadership and proactive participation improve safety results. The results shows that safety leadership is crucial to encourage safety procedures in Pakistan's construction sector by 68.81%, success factor for safety management by 65.42%, safety management practices by 64.32%, safety performance by 63.35%, barriers to effective safety management 62.47% and safety culture by 61.46%. Strengthening frameworks for regulations, promoting a safety-first culture, investing more in safety equipment, improving worker safety training, improving monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, fostering communication and collaboration, and addressing cultural barriers are just a few of the recommendations.

Laboratory Management; Challenges and Opportunities in FkipUhamka

This study aims to analyze the management of basic physics laboratories at UniversitasMuhammadiyah Prof DR HAMKA and its impact on user performance and satisfaction. Optimal management of basic physics laboratories is very important to support the learning process and student practicums. This study uses a descriptive method with a quantitative approach, where data is collected through questionnaires distributed to lecturers and students who use the laboratory. The results of the study indicate that the management of basic physics laboratories at UniversitasMuhammadiyah Prof DR HAMKA has been running well, but there are still several aspects that need to be improved, such as equipment maintenance, additional facilities, and improving work safety. Data analysis shows that there is a significant relationship between laboratory management and user performance and satisfaction. Good management will improve the efficiency of laboratory use, which in turn will improve academic performance and user satisfaction. Based on the findings, several suggestions are given for further improvement, including planning for periodic maintenance, adding facilities, improving laboratory technician skills, and regular monitoring and evaluation. The implementation of these suggestions is expected to improve the quality of basic physics laboratory management at UniversitasMuhammadiyah Prof. DR HAMKA.

Comprehensive Analysis of Implementing Robotics in the Indian Construction Industry

Implementing robotics in the Indian construction industry presents a significant opportunity to address longstanding challenges such as labour shortages, project delays, safety concerns, and quality inconsistencies. As India's urbanization accelerates, the demand for faster, safer, and more efficient construction processes is growing. This comprehensive analysis explores the potential benefits, obstacles, and strategies associated with adopting robotics in India’s construction sector. Key drivers include increasing automation trends, government initiatives like "Make in India," and the global shift toward smart infrastructure. However, challenges such as high initial investment, a fragmented industry structure, and the need for skilled operators and technicians could hinder widespread adoption. The analysis also highlights the role of robotics in enhancing productivity, reducing construction costs, and improving worker safety through a cost-benefit analysis, ultimately paving the way for more sustainable and advanced construction methodologies in India.

Management Ergonomics Sector Analysis Oil Palm Plantation

Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer, significantly impacts global crude palm oil (CPO) production. Despite its economic value, manual labor in oil palm plantations often involves non-ergonomic practices, particularly in tasks like loading and unloading, leading to worker fatigue and increased risks of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). This research aims to evaluate ergonomic risks and MSD prevalence among oil palm workers by analyzing body posture during daily tasks. Data were collected using the RULA method, Nordic Body Map, and environmental measurements, supported by interviews and observations. Findings reveal that improper lifting and posture during harvesting contribute to fatigue and MSDs among workers. Recommendations for improvement include regular ergonomic training, adjustments to work posture, and the addition of safety equipment like fire extinguishers. By implementing these changes, the study seeks to improve worker safety, minimize MSD occurrences, and boost productivity in oil palm plantations. These insights are vital for ensuring sustainable practices in the industry and promoting the well-being of plantation workers.

Combined Method Comprising Low Burden Physiological Measurements with Dry Electrodes and Machine Learning for Classification of Visually Induced Motion Sickness in Remote-Controlled Excavator

The construction industry is actively developing remote-controlled excavators to address labor shortages and improve work safety. However, visually induced motion sickness (VIMS) remains a concern in the remote operation of construction machinery. To predict the occurrence and severity of VIMS, we developed a prototype system that acquires multiple physiological signals with different mechanisms under a low burden and detects VIMS from the collected data. Signals during VIMS were recorded from nine healthy adult males operating excavator simulators equipped with multiple displays and a head-mounted display. Light gradient-boosting machine-based VIMS detection binary classification models were constructed using approximately 30,000 s of time-series data, comprising 23 features derived from the physiological signals. These models were validated using leave-one-out cross-validation on seven participants who experienced severe VIMS and evaluated through area under the curve (AUC) scores. The mean receiver operating characteristic curve AUC score was 0.84, and the mean precision–recall curve AUC score was 0.71. All features were incorporated into the models, with saccade frequency and skin conductance response identified as particularly important. These trends aligned with subjective assessments of VIMS severity. This study contributes to advancing the use of remote-controlled machinery by addressing a critical challenge to operator performance and safety.

Perceived Usefulness of Robotic Technology for Patient Fall Prevention.

Technology has the potential to prevent patient falls in healthcare settings and to reduce work-related injuries among healthcare providers. However, the usefulness and acceptability of each technology requires careful evaluation. Framed by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and using the Adaptive Robotic Nursing Assistant (ARNA) to assist with patient ambulation, the present study examined the perceived usefulness of robots in patients' fall prevention with implications for preventing associated work-related injuries among healthcare providers. Employing an experimental design, subjects were undergraduate nursing students (N = 38) and one external subject (not a nursing student) who played the role of the patient. Procedures included subjects ambulating a simulated patient in three ways: (a) following the practice of a nurse assisting a patient to walk with the patient wearing a gait belt; (b) an ARNA-assisted process with the gait belt attached to ARNA; (c) an ARNA-assisted process with a subject walking a patient wearing a harness that is attached to ARNA. Block randomization was used with the following experimental scenarios: Gait Belt (human with a gait belt), "ARNA + Gait Belt" (a robot with a gait belt), and "ARNA + Harness" (a robot with a harness). Descriptive statistics and a multiple regression model were used to analyze the data and compare the outcome described as the Perceived Usefulness (PU) of a robot for patient walking versus a human "nurse assistant" without a robot. The independent variables included the experimental conditions of "Gait Belt," "ARNA + Gait Belt," and "ARNA + Harness," the subject's age, race, and previous videogame playing experience. Results indicated that PU was significantly higher in the Gait Belt + ARNA and Harness + ARNA conditions than in the Gait Belt condition (p-value <.01 for both variables). In examining potential influencing factors, the effects of race (White, African American, and Asian), age, and previous video-playing experience were not statistically significant (p-value >.05). Results demonstrated that using robot technology to assist in walking patients was perceived by subjects as more useful in preventing falls than the gait belt. Patient fall prevention also has implications for preventing associated work-related injuries among healthcare providers. Understanding the effects of a subject's perceptions can guide further development of assistive robots in patient care. Robotic engineers and interdisciplinary teams can design robots to accommodate worker characteristics and individual differences to improve worker safety and reduce work injuries.

Twenty-First Century Competencies; about Competencies for Industry 5.0 and the Opportunities for Emerging Economies

The philosophy of Industry 5.0 recognises the transformative power of the industrial sector to add value to society and employees. Industry 5.0 is distinct from its predecessors because it relies on a tripod of sustainability, human centricity, and resilience. These three thematic principles aim to improve work safety, research, and innovation and strengthen industrial resilience and competitiveness. However, a perfect storm is brewing for the future of work, brought about by the concerning trends of displacement and low skill levels of workers’ competencies in handling the new technologies of Industry 5.0 in emerging economies. This conceptual paper will describe Industry 5.0 and provide historical insights on the importance of acquiring the desired twenty-first-century competencies needed in the workforce for Industry 5.0 and how these competencies can be cultivated. Two research questions guided the study in identifying these twenty-first-century competencies, how these competencies can be cultivated and taught in the education curriculum and policies of emerging economies, and the crucial importance of adapting Industry 5.0 to these emerging economies. The study concluded that emerging economies must play an active role in shaping the future by creating policies that will advance social stability, resource preservation, and climate objectives, which will enable more productive production processes with lower waste and energy usage.

Acquisition of Data on Kinematic Responses to Unpredictable Gait Perturbations: Collection and Quality Assurance of Data for Use in Machine Learning Algorithms for (Near-)Fall Detection.

Slip, trip, and fall (STF) accidents cause high rates of absence from work in many companies. During the 2022 reporting period, the German Social Accident Insurance recorded 165,420 STF accidents, of which 12 were fatal and 2485 led to disability pensions. Particularly in the traffic, transport and logistics sector, STF accidents are the most frequently reported occupational accidents. Therefore, an accurate detection of near-falls is critical to improve worker safety. Efficient detection algorithms are essential for this, but their performance heavily depends on large, well-curated datasets. However, there are drawbacks to current datasets, including small sample sizes, an emphasis on older demographics, and a reliance on simulated rather than real data. In this paper we report the collection of a standardised kinematic STF dataset from real-world STF events affecting parcel delivery workers and steelworkers. We further discuss the use of the data to evaluate dynamic stability control during locomotion for machine learning and build a standardised database. We present the data collection, discuss the classification of the data, present the totality of the data statistically, and compare it with existing databases. A significant research gap is the limited number of participants and focus on older populations in previous studies, as well as the reliance on simulated rather than real-world data. Our study addresses these gaps by providing a larger dataset of real-world STF events from a working population with physically demanding jobs. The population studied included 110 participants, consisting of 55 parcel delivery drivers and 55 steelworkers, both male and female, aged between 19 and 63 years. This diverse participant base allows for a more comprehensive understanding of STF incidents in different working environments.

Application of The Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) Method to Improve Work Safety in The Automotive Spare Parts Industry

This industry consists of companies engaged in metal processing and workmanship. Companies often receive complaints from employees concerning pain or discomfort in their bodies, causing diseases such as low back pain and myalgia. The risk of accidents occurring at work is inseparable from the work done. Work-related accidents can occur due to several factors, including unsafe action. One cause of unsafe actions can be found in various unsafe work postures that workers assume. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the posture of these workers so that it can improve their safety and health. This research was conducted by identifying occupational risks workers face and examining work performed in stamping products. The production section consists of six stations: material handling, stamping, welding, hemming, painting, and packing. The work risks run by workers have been identified using the Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire and interview methods. As for the identification of the type of work carried out by evaluating work postures, the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) method has been employed. The risk level of accidents is also used for the selection of activities to be improved to minimize the level of injury risk caused by work postures that have been assumed, and in order to improve the safety and health of the workers. Improvements made are in engineering, such as manufacturing of assistive devices, and management engineering, such as providing directions that can improve the specific work posture used. Calculations are based on simulations performed with tools conducted with suggested postures by evaluation using the REBA method. Based on the results of REBA calculations, the resulting risk is lower than the one caused by the previously assumed posture, namely medium and low.

A Study on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment among Construction Workers in Türkiye

This study examines the habits and attitudes of construction sector employees in Türkiye regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). A comprehensive face-to-face survey was conducted with 398 randomly selected employees from small- and medium-sized construction companies across various regions of Türkiye. The survey aimed to identify the frequency of PPE usage and the factors influencing its use and to provide actionable suggestions for improving PPE compliance. The results indicate that while a majority of workers recognize the importance of PPE, actual usage rates are inconsistent. Key factors affecting PPE use include the ergonomics and comfort of the equipment as well as worker perceptions and attitudes. Notably, the study found that the discomfort associated with PPE and the belief that it slows down work pace are significant barriers to its regular use. Additionally, the research highlights the need for a robust punishment–reward system to enforce PPE compliance and suggests that more stringent legislative measures are required to enhance occupational health and safety (OHS) standards in the construction industry. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a detailed analysis of PPE usage in the Turkish construction sector and offering practical recommendations for policymakers and industry stakeholders. Implementing these suggestions can lead to improved worker safety and reduced occupational accidents.

Analisis Risiko Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja Menggunakan Metode Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Determining Control (HIRADC) di Pt Bumi Sarana Beton

The background of this research focuses on the importance of OHS in the manufacture field, especially considering the high number of work accidents reported by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan. This research aims to identify and assess the risk of hazards at PT Bumi Sarana Beton using Hazard Identification Risk Assessment Determining Control (HIRADC) and provide solutions to reduce work accidents. The HIRADC method is used to identify hazards, assess risks, and determine appropriate controls in accordance with the AS/NZS 4360: 2004 standard. The results showed that the production work area has several high risks such as pinching, respiratory distress, and slipping. Effective risk control implementation is expected to improve work safety and productivity. These findings have important implications for the management of PT Bumi Sarana Beton to improve OHS policies and provide adequate training and protective equipment for workers. In addition, this research is also expected to be a reference for other industries in implementing OHS optimally to reduce the risk of work accidents and improve workers' welfare

Evaluation of a point-of-use kiosk for improving the fit of N95/P2 respirators in health care settings: A randomized controlled trial

Fit of N95/P2 half-face respirators is critical.No objective ways exist to evaluate their implementation at use. Previously, we showed 26% of health care workers achieve appropriate fit at point of use. 657 quantitative fits were conducted on 166 subjects, using 4 different respirator styles. Randomization was performed; controls employing standard"fit-check"and intervention using a infrared video kiosk. Primary outcome was passing rates of quantitative fit, with secondary outcomes of respirator type, gender, race, and previous experience. Intervention demonstrated significantly higher pass rate (50.6%) compared with controls (30.8%). Odds of passing with kiosk was 2.3 (odds ratios [OR] 2.3, 95%confidence intervals [CI] 1.8-2.9,P<.001). Duckbill style improved the greatest (OR 4.1, 95%CI 2.1-7.9,P<.001), and Tri-fold also showing substantial benefit (OR 2.66, 95%CI 1.4-5.2,P<.001). Gender and race did not influence outcomes when using the kiosk, nor did previous experience. A custom point-of-use kiosk improved odds of achieving a satisfactory fit of common respirator styles, independent of participant demographics. These findings open the door to addressing a gap in respiratory protection programs by providing individual assessment and interventions that improve worker safety at the time of highest risk.

Identification of Potential Hazards in Hazardous Waste Disposal Using Job Safety Analysis (JSA) At Infineon Technologies Batam

Infineon is a manufacturing company that in the production process produces a lot of hazardous waste. This study aims to identify potential hazards and risks using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) method that exist in each work sequence, as well as determine risk criteria, provide risk assessment and risk control. The stages of data processing start from sequencing work steps, identifying hazards and risks, assessing the risk of potential hazards and determining proposals for controlling potential hazards. The results of this study found that the potential hazards that can cause injuries and work accidents in hazardous waste management are mostly related to chemical spillage and manual handling. There are 10 jobs that have a risk value of 6 and 2 jobs that have a risk value of 4. Improving work safety can be done by educating especially to waste operators and equipping PPE cabinets so that they are easily accessible.

Implementacja systemów elektronicznych w szelkach bezpieczeństwa i urządzeniach samohamownych

Implementation of electronic systems in safety harnesses and self-braking devices The aim of this publication is to discusses issues related to the use of electronic systems in equipment protecting against falls from height. They are used both in the form of light and sound modules, as well as in the form of sets of sensors, detectors, data transmission blocks, or even entire complex electronic systems. These systems are used to improve work safety, and personal protective equipment equipped in this way is called intelligent. The aim of the article is also to present the prototype of a self-locking device for the dynamic shortening of the fall path. The electronic-mechanical locking system in the self-locking device, developed at the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute, allows for its dynamic activation, independent of the external energy generated during the fall of a person. Thanks to this construction, it is possible to reduce the free fall path, and thus the forces acting on a person when stopping him, as well as work the self-locking device in a horizontal or close to a horizontal position and use it as a device preventing the start of a fall. The construction and operation of the designed device were shown, and the possibilities of its use were presented in the article. Keywords: work at height, fall protection equipment, control electronic systems, intelligent personal protective equipment

Application of Selected Lean Manufacturing Tools to Improve Work Safety in the Construction Industry

Shaping safe and hygienic working conditions is the basic obligation of the employer. Employers are still looking for methods, tools, and solutions to improve work safety. The study reviews the literature on solutions aimed at improving occupational safety in construction. For this purpose, bibliometric analysis was used, consisting of the exploration and analysis of scientific studies in the field of occupational health and safety, including the possibility of using the LM tool to improve working conditions on construction sites. The study presents the possibility of implementing Lean Manufacturing (LM) tools in the construction industry. Their strengths and weaknesses were identified, and the benefits and possible barriers related to their effective implementation/use were identified. The result of the analyses was a summary of benefits for the construction industry (strengths and opportunities) as well as areas requiring improvement (weaknesses and hazards) regarding the LM tools used. Based on the conducted analyses, it was found that it is possible to use the tools of the LM concept to improve work safety and organize tasks performed on construction sites. The implementation of LM tools, such as 5S/6S, Poka-Yoke, and Standardization, enables risk reduction through a direct impact on the area being analyzed, in which occupational hazards have been identified. It is also noted that there is a need to simultaneously use LM tools (VM, Gemba-Walk, DHM) as solutions aimed at reducing risk.

Implementation Of Occupational Safety And Health At Pt. Bumi Gas Indonesia ( Bgi ) In The Cikande Region, Banten Province, Indonesia

The level of work accidents and threats to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH/OSH/K3) in Indonesia is still high, especially in the last two years with a significant increase in the number of work accidents. In 2022, there will be 114,235 cases which will increase to 177,161 in 2023, and reach 82,000 cases from January to March 2024. PT Bumi Gas Indonesia (PT BGI), a rapidly growing LPG Gas company, recognizes the importance of implementing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH/OSH/K3 ) in the production process. This research aims to evaluate the implementation of OSH/OSH/K3 at PT BGI. The research method used is qualitative with a descriptive approach, relying on secondary data from relevant literature. The research results show that PT BGI has implemented OSH/OSH/K3 well, including providing personal protective equipment, OSH/OSH/K3 training, and placing fire extinguishers in strategic locations. Effective implementation of OSH/OSH/K3 at PT BGI has been proven to be able to improve work safety, reduce the risk of accidents, and increase company efficiency and productivity. However, several obstacles still exist, such as uneven employee awareness and limitations in implementing OSH/OSH/K3 standards. In conclusion, even though PT BGI has implemented OSH/OSH/K3 well, continued efforts are still needed to optimize the implementation of OSH/OSH/K3, especially through increasing socialization and training for all employees.

Implementation of Work Competency Certificates (WCC) for Fisherman Gas Station Construction Project Workers at PT. XYZ

In the era of globalization and intense competition in the construction sector, having a Work Competency Certificate (WCC) is crucial for project workers to meet established work safety and skill standards. This research aims to explore the causes of not having a Work Competency Certificate (WCC) by construction workers and the solution to this problem in the Fuel Filling Station for Fishermen (SPBU Nelayan) project. Qualitative descriptive methods were used in this research by collecting data through field observations, interviews and documentation. Research findings reveal that the main barriers to obtaining WCC include mismatching educational levels, lack of understanding of the importance of WCC, and lack of relevant work experience. The strategies adopted to overcome this problem include training for employee development, increasing awareness about the benefits of WCC, and implementing effective human resource management to support employee professional growth and improve work safety standards. The results of this research emphasize the importance of overcoming barriers to obtaining WCC and implementing holistic strategies in improving employee qualifications, which in turn provides benefits in the form of competitive advantage and increased job security standards.

HARNESSING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR HUMAN RIGHTS PROTECTION: ADVANCING SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC WASTE RECYCLING IN NIGERIA

This paper explores the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies with human rights considerations in plastic waste recycling, focusing on the context of Nigeria. Using an explanatory design and a basic review of the literature, it examines how AI can enhance human rights protection among workers in plastic waste recycling firms. The paper emphasizes the role of government policies and regulations in ensuring human rights protection, the need for ethical guidelines for AI use, and the potential of AI to improve worker safety and reduce environmental pollution in recycling facilities. Key recommendations for future research include enhancing AI capabilities for waste sorting, integrating Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring, and prioritizing ethics in AI development. Collaboration between stakeholders is identified as crucial, with multi-stakeholder partnerships and policy coherence essential for the effective implementation of AI technologies in plastic waste recycling. In conclusion, integrating AI with human rights considerations in plastic waste recycling is pivotal for enhancing efficiency, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable waste management practices. This paper contributes to the growing body of literature on AI and human rights in waste management, offering insights for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and researchers in Nigeria and beyond.

Pendampingan Prosedur Keselamatan Kerja pada UMKM Produksi Furniture CV Rumah Menyala di Kabupaten Batang

The furniture industry is a strategic commodity supporting national foreign exchange. Indonesia has great potential in developing this industry, supported by the availability of raw materials such as wood, rattan, and bamboo and an abundant workforce. However, workplaces in this sector, both formal and informal, have various potential hazards that can affect the health and safety of workers. This research aims to provide stimulus in the form of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and work safety signs to CV Rumah Menyala furniture MSMEs in Tegalsari Village, Kandeman, Batang, to improve worker safety and health. This activity includes the formation of an Occupational Safety and Health Advisory Committee (P2K3), education regarding hazard and risk mapping, and preparing work safety SOP documents. The activity results show increased worker awareness regarding the importance of using PPE and managing work safety. However, ongoing efforts are still needed to implement work safety SOPs with discipline. In this way, it is hoped that the risk of occupational diseases and work accidents can be minimized to increase worker productivity

Equipment design and parameters recommendation of rubber modified 3D printed asphalt in pavement maintenance

As an advanced technology for pavement crack maintenance with high automation level, high precision and high efficiency, 3D asphalt printing technology can effectively improve worker safety and ensure the stability of maintenance quality. In order to optimize the printing parameters of rubber modified 3D printed asphalt (R-3DPA), a three-axis asphalt 3D printer was developed in this study through the design and selection of each component, and it was used for the 3D printing of R-3DPA strips, layers, and structures. Based on the comparison of continuity, uniformity, and width of R-3DPA strips, the recommended extrusion nozzle diameter, printing temperature, and printing speed parameter combinations were superiorly selected. According to the analysis of filling degree, width error and thickness of R-3DPA layers, the optimal printing strip width was recommended. Through the evaluation of integrity, surface characteristics and accuracy of R-3DPA structures, the suitable printing layer thickness was determined. The test results showed that the three-axis asphalt 3D printer can be used to measure the parameters of R-3DPA, and the printing accuracy and scale meet the requirements. The recommended parameters for R-3DPA are an extrusion nozzle diameter of 2 mm, a printing temperature of 180 °C, a printing speed of 20 mm/s, a printing strip width of 2.25 mm and a printing layer thickness of 0.4 mm, resulting in structures with good integrity and precision.