Risk Of Occupational Injury Research Articles

Prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga city, eastern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design

BackgroundSolid waste collectors play an important role in maintaining health and hygiene in cities globally. The risk levels are very high in low-income countries since solid waste collectors have low socio-economic status and are exposed directly, unknowingly, and without adequate personal protection to municipal solid waste that contains hazardous materials. Solid waste collectors in Ethiopia are at high risk of occupational injuries due to the manual collection of hazardous solid waste by hand. In Jigjiga city, so far, there has been no study or published research showing the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among municipal solid waste collectors.ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsAn institutional cross-sectional study was conducted in Jigjiga City, Somali Regional State, involving 247 solid waste collectors. Data was collected through an observational and structured questionnaire and analyzed using Epi Info and STATA software programs. The study used systematic random sampling techniques and bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the statistical association between the outcome variable and independent variables. The significance of the association was tested using the 95% confidence interval and p value (<0.05).ResultsThe overall prevalence of occupational injuries was 54.7% (95% CI: 48.2%, 60.6%). Training on health and safety measures before employment [AOR: 0.43, 95% CI (0.24, 0.80)], sleeping problems [AOR: 3.28, 95% CI (1.86, 5.78)] and Temporary workers [AOR: 2.14, 95% CI (1.16, 3.95)] were significantly associated with occupational injuries.ConclusionThe prevalence rate of occupational injuries among solid waste collectors in Jigjiga City was high. There should be preventive measures, like giving Training on Health and safety before employment, to safeguard the health and safety conditions of the workers.

Workplace mortality risk and social determinants among migrant workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Migrant workers, a population of 170 million, often work in dangerous or unhealthy working environments and are likely to suffer workplace injuries and labour abuses. However, the risk of mortality in migrant workers compared with local workers is unknown. We aim to synthesise global evidence on migrant worker mortality risk and identify social determinants to inform health and safety protections for migrant workers. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed literature to examine mortality outcomes among migrant workers and associated risk factors. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Ovid Global Health for studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Jan 17, 2023, reporting quantitative primary research in English. A broad definition of migrant worker was used, including any worker who is foreign-born (ie, international first-generation migrant workers), either in paid employment or self-employment. Internal migrants, second-generation migrants, and foreign health-care workers were excluded. The primary outcome was any reported mortality, including all-cause mortality, cause-specific mortality, suicide, homicide, and fatal occupational injury. We used meta-analysis to compare outcomes between migrant worker and local worker populations, and a random-effects model to calculate pooled estimates. We used narrative synthesis to develop a data-driven conceptual framework capturing the intersectional social determinants of mortality in migrant workers. The study protocol is registered on PROSPERO, CRD42023372893. Of 11 495 identified records, 44 were included in the systematic review, of which 11 studies were pooled in meta-analyses. Data were from 16 countries, most of which were high-income countries, and included 44 338 migrant worker deaths, including migrants from the agriculture, construction, mining, and service industries. Compared with local workers, migrant workers had a higher risk of fatal occupational injury (pooled relative risk 1·71, 95% CI 1·22-2·38; eight studies; I2=99·4%), and a lower risk of all-cause mortality (0·94, 0·88-0·99; three studies, I2=90·7%). Migrant workers were more likely to die from external causes of death (such as falls or assaults) than internal causes of death (such as respiratory or digestive diseases) compared with local workers, with migrant workers also more likely to die from work-related homicides, especially in the retail and sex industries, with some evidence of higher suicide rates among female migrant workers compared with female local workers. Influential social determinants for poor fatality outcomes include migration-related factors (such as lower language proficiency, undocumented status, and long duration of stay) and labour-related factors (such as precarious employment, labour migration policies, and economic deregulation policies). Migrant workers have a higher risk of workplace fatal injury despite being generally healthier than local workers, which could be explained by structural determinants such as precarious employment and inadequate safety protection. This health inequity must be urgently addressed through future interventions that account for migration-related and labour-related social determinants of health at the structural level, such as extending labour protection laws to migrant workers, and improving occupational health and safety and workplace conditions for this vital and growing workforce. UK Medical Research Council and National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Are migrant workers at greater risk of workplace deaths? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Globally, 170 million individuals migrate for work. Yet, evidence on their mortality risk remains unclear. Our aim was to synthesize global evidence on migrant worker mortality risk compared to local workers and to identify the multiple intersecting social determinants of mortality. Methods We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed literature which reported on mortality outcome of migrant workers. Studies published between 1 Jan 2000 to 17 Jan 2023 in English were searched in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Ovid Global Health. Meta-analysis using random effects model was used to calculate pooled estimates and narrative synthesis was used to develop a data-driven framework on intersectional social determinants. Results Out of 11,495 identified records, 44 were included, of which 11 were pooled in meta-analyses. The combined migrant worker death count was 44,338, with data from 16 countries, including migrants from agriculture, construction, and service industries. Compared to local workers, migrant workers had a higher risk of fatal occupational injury (pooled RR = 1.71, 95%CI: 1.22-2.38, I² = 99.4%), and a lower risk of all-cause mortality (pooled RR = 0.94, 95%CI: 0.88-0.99, I² = 90.7%). Key social determinants associated with increased mortality risk were either migration-related (e.g. lower language proficiency, undocumented status) or labour-related (e.g. precarious employment, labour migration policies) interacting over migrant workers’ life course. Conclusions As the largest evidence synthesis to date, these findings indicate that migrant workers have higher fatal occupational injury rates than local workers, indicating the need for tailored protections for migrant workers. These data confirm that the all-cause mortality advantage observed in migrant populations applies to the working population. Future interventions should be designed to address both migration- and labour-related determinants of migrant worker health. Key messages • Migrant workers have a higher risk of workplace fatality despite being generally healthier than local workers, explained by structural determinants such as precarious employment. • Future interventions must address migration- and labour-related social determinants of health at structural levels, such as extending labour protection laws to migrant workers.

Effects of seatback angle, seat rotation, and impact speed on injury risk of occupants in highly automated vehicles in frontal crashes

Objective The objective of this study is to examine the effects of seatback angle, seat rotation, and impact speed on occupant kinematics and injury risk in highly automated vehicles. Methods The study utilized the Global Human Body Models Consortium midsize male (M50-OS+B) simplified occupant model in a simplified vehicle model (SVM) to simulate frontal crashes. The M50-OS+B model was gravity-settled and belted into the driver and left rear passenger seat. To investigate the effects of seatback angle, seat rotation, and impact speed on occupant kinematics and injury risk in frontal crashes, a design of experiments (DOE) was conducted. The DOE incorporated four seatback angles (13°, 23°, 45°, and 57.5° about vertical), four seat rotation angles (0°, 25°, 45°, and 90°), three impact speeds (25, 35, and 45 kph), and four frontal crash type configurations. All four seatback angles were used with 0° seat rotation, whereas 13° seatback angle was used with the remaining seat rotation configurations because of cabin fit considerations. Injury risks were estimated for the head, neck, shoulder, thorax, pelvis, and lower extremities for both occupants for each simulation (n=588). Results Statistically significant differences between all the groups within each independent variable category were observed based on the analysis of variance. HIC-based head injury risk and chest injury risk decreased and femur force for the driver and tibia force for the passenger increased with an increase in seatback angles. The head injury risk increased with seat rotation. All the injury risks increased with an increase in impact speed. The driver airbag was able to safeguard the driver from head injuries for all seat rotations except at 90° of seat rotation. Conclusion This is the first vehicle modeling study that collectively looked at the effects of seatback angle, seat rotation, and impact speed along with the interaction of occupants on the risk of injury in frontal crashes. The rear passenger experienced higher seatbelt loads than the driver. More reclined seats decreased head and chest injury risk, but increased driver femur injury risk and rear passenger tibia injury risk. Results underscore the necessity for additional anti-submarining mechanisms and driver airbag designs adapted for the anticipated occupant positions.

Impact responses and injury analyses of a three-year-old occupant seating in forward and rearward facing CRSs using different computational models

To investigate the reliability and necessity of utilising a human biomechanical model in automotive safety, the frontal collision simulation test was conducted employing the TUST IBMs 3YO model and the Q3 dummy model. The kinematic and biomechanical injury parameters of the occupants were comparatively analysed. The results indicate consistent trends in acceleration changes between the two computational models. Variations in neck structure resulted in a 25% to 28% difference in the peak values of neck injury parameters. Differences in spine structure and materials made the spine angle change trends of the Q3 model more sensitive to the type of child restraint system (CRS). The human biomechanical model allows for the evaluation of occupant injury risk from multiple perspectives. Therefore, employing an advanced computational model of the human body with higher biofidelity provides a more reliable and effective method for investigating injury mechanisms and developing protective countermeasures for child occupants.

The Relationship of Attitudes to Compliance with the Use of Personal Protective Equipment in the Construction Project of Hermina Hospital, Madiun City

The construction industry is a dynamic field with potential hazards that can affect project quality and performance. Proper implementation of Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) management is essential in construction projects. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is an important aspect of OHS, but compliance among construction workers is still lacking. This study aims to determine the relationship between attitude and compliance with the use of PPE on the Hermina Hospital construction project in Madiun City. This study was a cross-sectional study, and data were collected using a questionnaire. This study involved 93 construction workers. The results showed that 62% of construction workers in Ethiopia did not use PPE while working, mainly due to lack of availability (41.1%), lack of orientation on the use of PPE (21.3%), discomfort (16.3%), and lack of perceived importance (1.3%). In Indonesia, approximately 60% of workers have experienced head injuries due to not wearing a safety helmet, 90% have experienced facial injuries due to not wearing a face shield, 77% have experienced foot injuries due to not wearing safety shoes, and 66% have experienced eye injuries due to not using eye protection. The low compliance with PPE use among construction workers is a significant concern, as this increases the risk of occupational injuries and accidents. Factors such as availability, training, comfort, and perceived importance of PPE should be addressed to improve compliance. Employers and policy makers need to prioritize the implementation of effective OHS management in construction projects to protect workers' health and safety.

Mapping of Latest Methods and Trends in K3 Emergency Response on Toll Roads: Literature Review

As the industrial era develops around the world, the government is rapidly developing infrastructure including toll roads. The construction industry, which provides construction services, plays an important role in this development. Toll roads are dangerous workplaces and the risk of occupational injuries is high. Workplace accidents can result in property loss, death, and delays in the production process. The management of occupational safety and health (OHS) on toll roads is a major concern to prevent industrial accidents and increase productivity. The management of occupational safety and health (OHS) on toll roads is a major concern to prevent industrial accidents and increase productivity. However, in the face of OHS emergencies on toll roads,. However, in dealing with OHS emergencies on toll roads, there is a gap between expectations and the actual situation. This research maps the latest methods and trends in Occupational Safety and Health (OHS) emergency response on toll roads through a literature review. The results show that the application of real-time monitoring technology and predictive analytics significantly improves the effectiveness of OHS emergency response. These technologies enable early detection and rapid response to incidents and help identify potential hazards and assess risks more accurately, allowing for more targeted preventive measures.

Numerical investigation of driver injury risks in car-to-end terminal crashes using a human finite element model

Although the safety performance of guardrail end terminals is tested using crash tests in the U.S., occupant injury risks are evaluated based on the flail-space model. This approach developed in the early 1980s neglects the influence of safety features (e.g. seatbelt, airbags, etc.) installed in late model vehicles. In this study, a vehicle (sedan, 1100 kg), a guardrail end terminal (ET-Plus) and a human body model (Global Human Body Model Consortium, GHBMC) were integrated to simulate car-to-end terminal crashes. Five velocities, two offsets, and two angles were used as pre-impact conditions. In all the 20 simulations, kinematics and kinetic data were recorded in GHBMC and vehicle models to calculate the GHBMC injury probabilities and vehicle-based injury metrics, correspondingly. Pre-impact velocity was observed to have the largest effect on the occupant injury measures. All the body-region and full-body injury risks increased with the increasing velocity. Meanwhile, the angles had a larger effect than offset to the change of full-body injury risk (9.1% vs. 0.3%). All the vehicle-based metrics had good correlations to full-body injury probabilities. Occupant Impact Velocity (OIVx), Acceleration Severity Index (ASI), and Theoretical Head Impact Velocity (THIV) had a good correlation to chest, thigh, upper tibia, and lower tibia injuries. All the other correlations (e.g. brain/head injuries) were not statistically significant. The results pointed out that more vehicle-based metrics (ASI and THIV) could help improve the predictability in terms of occupant injury risks in the tests. Numerical methodology could be used to assess head and brain injury probabilities, which were not predictable by any vehicle-based metrics.

Is precarious employment an occupational hazard? Evidence from Ontario, Canada

ObjectivesTo examine the association between precarious employment and risk of occupational injury or illness in Ontario, Canada.MethodsWe combined accepted lost-time compensation claims from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board with...

Laser powder bed fusion of bio-inspired metamaterials for energy absorption applications: A review

A significant amount of research has been done in the last few decades to reduce the risk of injury for occupants and the structures that are subjected to impact loading. Metamaterials have been proven to be useful in energy-absorbing structures to improve a structure's crashworthiness performance by reducing the negative impacts during collision. The metal additive manufacturing industry, especially Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF), has made it easier to produce complex metamaterials with remarkable mechanical characteristics like lightweight, high specific strength, and effective energy absorption. This review paper investigates the transformative potential of bio-inspired metamaterial designs, which are additively manufactured using LPBF machines, for use in protective energy-absorbing structures. First, biomimicry in engineering is briefly discussed. The review focuses on the energy absorption performance of different designs, like thin-walled structures and different bio-inspired metamaterials. It discusses the effects of base metal, process conditions, and manufacturing defects. Optimization methods to enhance the design and crashworthiness of these bio-inspired energy absorbers are investigated. Various characterization methodologies including experimental techniques and numerical simulations, are highlighted, with a particular emphasis on integrating manufacturing defects into simulations. Finally, possible applications and future trends in aerospace, automotive, construction, and medical applications are reviewed. Despite decades of research into energy absorbers, there remains a lack of a comprehensive review on the use of additively manufactured metamaterials as energy absorbers, particularly those inspired by nature. This review paper addresses this gap by examining recent studies in the field, assessing the effectiveness of various bio-inspired metamaterial designs, their crashworthiness, and the associated characterization methods under different loading scenarios.

Occupational percutaneous injuries and exposures at a dental teaching institution from 2017 to 2023

Background: All dental professionals face the risk of occupational percutaneous injuries and exposures. Previous studies have reported high incidents of percutaneous injuries among dentists. This study examined injury data over six years at a large teaching institution for trends to increase awareness and to design appropriate interventions to reduce injury rates. Method: Study injury data was collected for the department of employee and occupational health. The data was entered into an electronic incident reporting system from 2017-2023. Statistical analysis was performed with Openepi to determine injury trend by year and overall association by activity type. Result: There was a total of 168 injuries reported between 2017 and 2023. A majority of the injuries (54%) were caused by a needle or sutures followed by instruments at 41%. Most of the injuries (44%) occurred during treatment and while cleaning the surgical spaces at 15%. Only 13% of the injuries were attributed to handling or recapping needles. Chi-square test 0.2618 (p>.05) indicated there was no significant difference between years and number of injuries. Overall chi-square p ( < 0 .001) by activity type was significant indicating risk was not equal across all activities. Conclusion: Injuries declined during COVID-19 but soared back up in 2023. Needles, sutures, and instruments were the predominant source of injuries. Injuries occurred during treatment (43%), while cleaning the surgical space (15%) and while recapping or handling needles (13%). This study is the first step in understanding the trend and factors attributing to injuries to implement appropriate corrective actions. Further analysis should be conducted to identify specific procedures or clinical activities exposing employees to Occupational percutaneous injuries.

Определение индивидуального риска травматизма горнорабочих в результате динамического проявления

The article analyses the effect of gas-dynamic manifestations on occupational injuries. It has been established that the most hazardous gas-dynamic manifestation for underground deep mines is a rock burst. As the rock burst is identified by the authors as the most hazardous effect by its manifestations, the authors offer their methodology of identification of occupational injury risk caused by a rock burst for a wider discussion. The main characteristics and causes of rock bursts and their signs and forecasting methods have been described. The statistics of accidents caused by rock bursts have been provided. The article contains statistical information on mild, severe, and lethal injuries caused by rock bursts in coal mines of the Kuznetsk coal basin. Multifunctional safety systems able to obtain information on the condition of rock mass have been analyzed. Special attention has been paid to the system of current control and forecast of rock mass conditions based on the «Mikon-GEO» system. In the majority of cases, based on the problems to solve, such a system is a part of multifunctional safety systems. The authors suggest that the forecast methodology is to be based on the data obtained by such systems operating based on the seismoacoustics principles. The mathematical model using the source data obtained from the «Mikon-GEO» system has been considered. The calculation algorithm enabling the assessment of the rock burst probability has been provided. The algorithm and the results of measurements of rock mass basic parameters are used to determine the individual risk value that is advisable to compare with the average value of occupational risk at production. The results obtained by the authors have been tested in one of the Kuznetsk Basin coal mines. The preliminary results of the forecast methodology use have shown the relevance of the studies and identified certain issues requiring specification and further research.

Рекомендации по оценке уровня рисков опасных и вредных факторов рабочей среды операторов технологических установок нефтеперерабатывающих заводов

The results of research on the urgent problem of reducing the risks of occupational diseases and occupational injuries among operators of technological installations of the main workshops of oil refining industries are presented. For the reliability of the influence of dangerous and harmful factors existing in the workplace, a questionnaire method is proposed, the form of which was developed in the form of questions concerning the nature and content of work, as well as factors of the working environment. The survey respondents were the operators of technological installations of the isomerization shop with the CMC-1 LK-6U unit of «PetroKazakhstan Oil Products» LLP. It was found that the largest number of operators (up to 90%) indicated the risks associated with psychological stress, which correlates with studies on the increase in anxiety and stress conditions in workers due to increased visual information on the operator's monitors during the technological process, constant interaction between shift workers to promptly correct emerging deviations in installations and equipment to prevent accidents and other emergencies. Occupational safety specialists of enterprises need to pay attention to the hazard factors for which an employee cannot give a satisfactory answer, due to the lack of specific data. The results of the survey on the health effects of such factors as various types of radiation showed that 100% of respondents noted that there is no information on them. In this regard, at enterprises in the field of occupational safety and health of person nel, measures are needed to carry out measurements and studies to obtain these data. The results of the survey of operators of technological installations on the influence of dangerous and harmful factors of the working environment in which they carry out their work functions allow the Department of labor Protection to receive correct and reliable information and use it in the development of the Register of Hazards of each workplace to assess the level of risk to the health and safety of workers.

Comprehensive crashworthiness simulation analysis of a large aircraft fuselage barrel section in various crash scenarios

To utilize computational techniques in investigate and evaluate the crashworthiness of typical fuselage section of a large transport aircraft in various crash scenarios, the finite element model of fuselage section was modeled and validated based on the vertical drop test of fuselage section at 6.02 m/s. The crash simulation analysis in various crash scenarios (such as concrete ground, soft soil grounds and water) were further conducted based on the validated model of fuselage section, and the crash response characteristics (deformation and failure mode, acceleration response and occupant injury risk, energy-absorbing characteristics) were analyzed and compared. The results show that the finite element model can accurately simulate the unrolling failure mode (three plastic hinges failure mode) of fuselage section and the failure of the connections of cargo floor crossbeams and fuselage frames, and it is in good agreement with the test results in terms of impact velocity and acceleration response. In the case of various soft soil grounds impact scenarios, the partial impact energy is absorbed by the soft soil ground, resulting in slightly different failure modes of fuselage section and a reduction in the peak acceleration. The water-entry impact failure mode of fuselage section is consistent with the rigid ground impact failure mode, the overall deformation degree of fuselage section decreases, but the degree of bending and upturning of fuselage frames increases with the increasing of the water-entry impact velocities The safety of occupants can be effectively protected in the soft soil ground and water-entry impact scenarios. The unrolling failure mode of fuselage section can be changed to the flattening failure mode (multiple plastic hinges failure mode) through the reasonable design to avoid the rupture of cargo floor crossbeams, and the more crash energy can be absorbed due to the production of more plastic hinges for the flattening failure mode, and the crashworthiness of fuselage section can be significantly improved.

Research on Occupational Risk Assessment for Welder Occupation in Romania

The ever-increasing needs of the working population have led to the development of various branches of industry, an increase in the number of employees, and a rise in the number of work-related accidents. The welder occupation is one of the most sought after occupations in Europe, according to the EURopean Employment Services (EURES) statistics. Taking into account the work system in which welders conduct their activity (uncomfortable working positions, splashes, high temperatures, mechanical factors, gases and fumes, magnetic fields due to electric current), the paper presents the risk factors identified for the welder occupation, based on the occupational injury and illness risk assessments. Following the analysis of 25 risk assessments, carried out by the assessment team that must include qualified evaluators, process specialists, the workers’ representative, occupational health and safety responsible at various industrial economic agents, a total of 70 main risk factors of occupational accidents and diseases were identified for the welder occupation. Risk factors were classified according to four main work components: worker, workload, work environment, and means of production. To reflect the importance of the identified risk factor, the number of organizations that considered that the risk was likely to occur but also the possibility that the risk was above the acceptable limit, calculated using the National Institute for Research and Development for Labor Protection “Alexandru Darabont” (INCDPM) method, a method often used in Romania, was identified from the analyzed assessments. Finally, a prevention and protection plan was drawn up with regard to the risks identified for the welder occupation, the final aim of which was to respectively reduce the probability of occurrence with the severity of the risks identified.

Evaluation of the Level of Psychological Distress in Construction Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Southern Spain.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed a major challenge for construction companies, which were confronted with the need to prevent the enormous negative socio-psychological impact of the pandemic on their employees. The aim of this study was to evaluate the level of psychological distress among construction workers in an advanced phase of the COVID-19 pandemic in Andalusia, southern Spain. For this, a cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using online questionnaires with data on sociodemographic variables and employment situation, COVID-19 pandemic-related data, and Goldberg's General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). A total of 860 questionnaires from all provinces of Andalusia, Spain, were collected between March and May 2022. Descriptive statistical analyses and non-parametric Mann-Whitney U and Chi-squared tests were performed, followed by logistic regression analysis. The incidence of psychological distress was higher among women, individuals under 43 years of age, those with a family income below EUR 1200, participants whose working conditions had been affected by the pandemic, those who had not received adequate means or specific training to protect themselves from infection, those who had experienced symptoms, those who had suffered side effects after vaccination, and those who had been hospitalised. The logistic regression analysis predicted the occurrence of psychological distress in this study by the effect of the pandemic on mental/emotional well-being, the working conditions affected during the pandemic, health-related variables, and the age of the worker. The correctly classified percentage was 75.1%. Assessing psychological distress in construction sectors may allow for the identification of vulnerable groups or even help to reduce the number of errors in daily practice and potential risks of occupational injury or illness.

Are work-related stress and positivity associated with health-related quality of life? Results of an observational study in a transport company in Italy

Abstract Aim The job of a driver, particularly that of a public transportation driver, is a complex activity, requiring the mental and physical integrity of the operator. The presence of altered health status, fatigue related to prolonged driving, and all those conditions that interfere with the worker’s performance contribute to an increased risk of traffic accidents and occupational injuries. The aim of the study is to evaluate in an Italian transportation company how work-related stress and positivity affect the health-related quality of life of employees. Subject and methods A cross-sectional study was carried out from July 2019 to January 2020. Participants filled out a questionnaire divided into four sections (registry and socio-demographic, Karasek’s Job Content Questionnaire, Short Form 12 Survey, Positivity Scale) that aimed to gather information on work stress factors and health-related quality of life and positivity. Results Two hundred eight individuals responded to the questionnaire, including drivers and company staff. Significant differences were observed for the PCS dependent variable: in married participants (p = 0.026), in participants with children (p = 0.002) in the univariate analysis, and bivariate with the MCS variable (p = 0.001). Significant differences were observed for the MCS dependent variable only in the bivariate analysis: PCS (p = 0.001). Conclusion In this transport company, there was a high level of health-related work well-being in each of the activities carried out within it, since positivity was strongly associated with both physical and mental factors and given the homogeneity of the job demand and decision latitude.

Structural Optimization of Occupational Risk Assessment in Romania: Case Study for the Activities Carried Out Within a Hydrotechnical Construction

Abstract After 18 years since the legislative changes in the field of safety and health at work introduced the obligation to assess occupational risks at all workplaces, we note that the indigenous method of the National Research and Development Institute for Labor Protection in Bucharest was quasi-generalized in applicability. Starting from this practical reality, this paper aims to offer a more synthetic and pragmatic version of the application of the method for more complex jobs/activities, in which several socio-professional categories of workers are involved, by structural optimization of the procedure for the implementation of the specific stages and tools, in order to increase the effectiveness of the assessment of occupational injury and illness risks. This finality is achieved through a case study applied to a construction activity carried out within an important hydro-technical project. The main advantages of the approach proposed by the authors are summarized.

Assessment of Emerging Risks – is the INCDPM Method, Appropriate for the Assessment of Emerging Risks?

Abstract The rapid evolution of digital technologies has involved a series of important changes throughout society, in everyday life, but also in the evolution of organizations. Organizations' adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies has also given rise to the emergence of new and emerging risks for worker safety and health. These risks reflect the changes in the work environment driven by automation, extended connectivity and the introduction of cutting-edge technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, artificial intelligence, cloud computing and others into the organization's processes. In order to minimize the impact of these digital technologies on workers, it is essential to carry out the procedure of identifying and assessing potential occupational risks before the implementation /introduction of new digital technologies. Identifying risks, clarifying their nature in detail, identifying potential impact and likelihood of materialization, is an essential process for identifying and effectively implementing risk response strategies, ensuring that organizations manage risks in an adaptive and strategic way. Several tools, methods and work methodologies are available to identify, analyze and assess occupational injury and disease risks to which workers are exposed. The purpose of this study is to carry out a careful analysis of the method for assessing the risks of occupational injury and illness elaborated by the National Research and Development Institute for Labor Protection "Alexandru Darabonț" from Bucharest, Romania - to identify the limitations and disadvantages of the method, for determine whether it is appropriate for assessing new, emerging risks linked to recently introduced processes and technologies in the context of organizations' integration of digital technologies.

Occupational injury prevalence and predictors among small-scale sawmill workers in the Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi, Ghana.

Sawmill workers are at increased risk of occupational injuries due to their exposure to workplace hazards. However, little is known about the burden of occupational injuries among them in Ghana. Understanding its prevalence and associated factors is necessary to design appropriate interventions to improve workers' health and safety. This study sought to determine the prevalence and factors associated with occupational injuries among small-scale sawmill workers at Sokoban Wood Village, Kumasi. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 small-scale sawmill workers from December 2020 to January 2021. Data was collected on demographic and work-related characteristics including age, sex, personal protective equipment (PPE), workspace design, and lighting. The primary outcome was the prevalence of occupational injuries in the 12 months preceding the survey. Logistic regression method was used to assess for independent predictors of occupational injuries, and associations were deemed statistically significant at p < 0.05. Approximately 66.7% of the workers experienced occupational injuries within the 12 months preceding the study. Cuts (69.6%) were the most commonly reported injuries. Injuries were mainly caused by machine parts/sharp objects (47.8%) and being hit by logs/objects (46.8%). Only 40.7% of the workers reported always using PPE while legs (38.0%) and hands (37.0%) were the most common body parts injured. The worker's monthly income, poor workspace design and poor lighting had increased odds of occupational injuries while an increase in age was associated with a 5% decreased odds of occupational injuries. The prevalence of occupational injuries among the sawmill workers at the Sokoban Wood Village was high, and this calls for prioritization of health and safety at the workplace. Essential measures required include improvements in the safety of machine tools, workspace design and lighting.