Rate Of Occupational Accidents Research Articles

Working conditions, psychological/physical symptoms and occupational accidents. Bayesian network models

Each day thousands of workers suffer occupational accidents of varying degrees of severity. Accidents at work render workers incapable of carrying out their day to day activities, either temporarily or permanently, and they also have detrimental effects on family life, the company, and the general public. In order to reduce the occupational accident rate, it is necessary to determine the causes of those accidents. Although there are many different types of accidents, they generally stem from poor working conditions. The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of working conditions on occupational accidents from data gathered in the VI National Survey of Working Conditions (VI NSWCs) in 2007. This survey utilized a random sample of the active population of Spain. The sample comprised 11,054 people (5917 males and 5137 females). In order to carry out the study, a probabilistic model was built using Bayesian networks. The model included the following variables: hygiene conditions, ergonomic conditions, job demands, physical symptoms, psychological symptoms, and occupational accidents. The study demonstrated that there were strong relationships between hygiene conditions and occupational accidents; it has been shown that poor hygienic conditions duplicate the probability of accident. Physical symptoms increased almost 50% due to poor ergonomic conditions. And finally, high job demands almost duplicated the psychological symptoms. The investigation also showed a high degree of interdependence between physical and psychological symptomatologies and the relationship between these and occupational accidents.

A Survey on the Implementation of Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Program in Shipbuilding Industry

Objective: In 2010, the rate of injuries and illnesses in the shipbuilding industry was 1.20, about 1.74 times higher than the average of overall industries(0.69). Musculoskeletal disorders(MSDs) became a major problem since 2000 in shipbuilding industry. The purpose of this study was to provide efficient implementation management through evaluating the economic effectiveness of the Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Program(MDPP). Successfully implementing the MDPP in the workplace may decrease the risk of MSDs and therefore reduce MSDs related costs. Methods: Occupational accident index (frequency rate, severity rate, and frequency severity indicator), estimated direct costs, and total occupational accident occurrence rate were provided by analysis of MSDs, statistical analysis of MDPP decreed companies, and data analysis of implementation. Results: The study shows the number of MSDs for MDPP decreed companies decreased 76.2% from 2,319 in 2004 to 551 in 2008. Above all, the number of MSDs decreased 78.7% in Shipbuilding industries. Forty companies (85.1%) showed a decreasing tendency and 27.7% of those had an R² ＞ 0.7. Similar results were found in severity rate and frequency severity indicator. From these results, it appears there are a number of advantages in implementing the MDPP. Conclusion: MDPP effectiveness was demonstrated by analysing implementation and occupational accident index. A more effective and efficient implementation would take into account business sector, size, policy, and organization of the company.

An evaluation of occupational accidents in the wooden furniture industry – A regional study in South East Asia

Studies on the rate of occupational accidents among workers in the wooden furniture industry is sparse, although the industry is deemed to be highly accident prone. Therefore, the rate of occupational accidents among workers in the wooden furniture industry in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam were studied, in 240 furniture manufacturing factories, using a structured questionnaire. The findings of the study suggest that contract workers are less prone to occupational accidents compared to their permanent counterparts, and hence, are more productive. Further, the results also revealed that the contract workers have a more positive attitude towards the work, and hence, pick up the essentials of safe working practices quickly. It must therefore be recognized that the “production oriented mentality” prevalent in the wooden furniture industry, which has been argued to compromise occupational safety and health standards in the industry may be debatable. In this context, it is essential for the policy makers to re-examine the employment of contract workers for the furniture manufacturing industry, as changing the psycho-economic parameters of the industry may be warranted before the industry is deemed attractive to a permanent workforce.

The Current Status and the Future of Occupational Safety and Health in Korea

From the 1970s to 2000, the occupational accident rate in Korea showed a continuous decline. However, the rate has remained stagnant since 2000 even when the fatal injury rate has decreased 40% from that year. Injuries caused by being caught in objects have decreased while those caused by slips and falls on same level and falls from the height have increased. In 2010, the non-fatal injury rate per 100 employees was 0.63 while the fatal injury rate per 100,000 employees was 9.74. The construction industry accounted for 40.2% of all fatal injuries, and falls from the height caused 54.3% of the fatality. Musculoskeletal diseases accounted for 78.8% of the non-fatal occupational diseases while cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and pneumoconiosis are the two major fatal occupational diseases. Occupational diseases caused by chemical agents have decreased to 0.6% of all cases. However, there were several social disputes related to occupational diseases caused by low level of chemicals such as leukemia in a semiconductor company. Korea planned to reduce the fatal injury rate and total workday loss by 30% by 2015. In order to achieve this goal, the government will focus on vulnerable groups in collaboration with allies such as professional associations or organizations.

Systematic Strategies for the Third Industrial Accident Prevention Plan in Korea

To minimize industrial accidents, it's critical to evaluate a firm's priorities for prevention factors and strategies since such evaluation provides decisive information for preventing industrial accidents and maintaining safety management. Therefore, this paper proposes the evaluation of priorities through statistical testing of prevention factors with a cause analysis in a cause and effect model. A priority matrix criterion is proposed to apply the ranking and for the objectivity of questionnaire results. This paper used regression method (RA), exponential smoothing method (ESM), double exponential smoothing method (DESM), autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model and proposed analytical function method (PAFM) to analyze trends of accident data that will lead to an accurate prediction. This paper standardized the questionnaire results of workers and managers in manufacturing and construction companies with less than 300 employees, located in the central Korean metropolitan areas where fatal accidents have occurred. Finally, a strategy was provided to construct safety management for the third industrial accident prevention plan and a forecasting method for occupational accident rates and fatality rates for occupational accidents per 10,000 people.

Occupational accident rate in olive oil mills

Problem This paper aims at examining the occupational accident rate in Spain in the olive oil mill industry. These mills produce olive oil by physical or mechanical, but not chemical procedures. Although Spain is the leading olive oil producer in the world with 1,200,000 tons/year and over 25% of the world olive farming area, the occupational accident rate in this sector has been little studied in the relevant scientific literature. Method Our study analyses all occupational accidents which occurred during 2004–2009, with or without sick leave, at 90 Andalusian olive oil mills covered by one of the biggest state insurance companies for accidents at work and occupational diseases (within the Spanish Social Security system). Results and discussion Slips or trips are the most frequent cause of occupational accidents in this sector, accounting for 14.86% of the cases. In second position, incorrectly coordinated bodily movements account for almost 13.51% of the accidents. Falls from height, 12.2% of the cases, are also statistically noteworthy. As for the seriousness of the injuries, entrapments are particularly important, since in 2.70% of the cases they result in the traumatic amputation of a part of the body. The analysis of accidents without sick leave reveals that a high number of incidents are caused by contact of the skin and eyes with hazardous substances (20% of the cases) and 10% of them involve superficial injuries. Impact on the industry This paper provides a clear and updated image of the accident rate in Spanish olive oil mills and can be a useful tool for the design and adequate adjustment of the management systems implemented in these plants to guarantee a satisfactory level of occupational health and safety by means of more efficient planning and monitoring of measures intended to reduce professional risks and improve working conditions. Recommendations Given not only the high incidence of falls on the same level and the potential seriousness of falls from different levels, but also the small, round fruit involved, with a high oil content and a hard round stone, it is extremely important to design and implement safe working procedures and specifically train both operatives and managers in charge of the tidiness, cleanliness and regular control of the premises and operations. The analysis of the accidents not requiring sick leave (mostly cases of contact with hazardous substances on the skin or eyes, or superficial injuries) clearly reveals that the use of suitable personal protective equipment and the relevant training are crucial issues.

Migrant Contract Workers and Occupational Accidents in the Furniture Industry

Studies on the rate of occupational accidents among migrant contract workers is sparse, although they are increasingly used in the furniture manufacturing industry in Malaysia. Therefore, the rate of occupational accidents among migrant contract workers in the Malaysian wooden furniture industry were studied in sixty furniture manufacturing factories, using a structured questionnaire. The two-part questionnaire were aimed at collecting data on comparative accidents rates among the foreign workers and local workers, while identifying the main factors that lead to occupational accidents. The findings of the study show conclusively that the migrant contract workers are less prone to occupational accidents compared to their local counterparts and hence, are more productive. Further, the results also revealed that the migrant contract workers have a more positive attitude towards the work and hence, pick up the essentials of safe working quickly. It must therefore be recognized that the production oriented mentality prevalent in the industry which has been argued to compromise occupational safety and health standards in the industry may be debatable. In this context, it is essential for the policy makers to re-examine the employment of migrant contract workers for the furniture manufacturing industry, as changing the psycho-economic parameters of the industry may be warranted before the industry is deemed attractive to the local workforce.

Occupational Injury Statistics in Korea

ObjectivesThe occupational accident rate was officially reported to be 0.77 per 100 workers in 2001 and 0.70 in 2009. The stagnant decrease in accident rate raises a question about the effectiveness of prevention activity because there have been active prevention efforts in the past 10 years. It is also necessary to know the exact status of occupational injuries to direct a prevention strategy.MethodsThe author re-analyzed occupational injury statistics to find the reason for stagnant decreases in occupational injuries. Compensated occupational injuries cases were used to calculate fatal and non-fatal injury rates. Injuries from commuting accidents and sports activities were excluded as well as occupational diseases. The number of workers was adjusted to that of full time equivalent employees.ResultsThe fatal injury rate excluding injuries associated with commuting accidents, sports activities, and occupational diseases decreased from 12.59 in 2001 to 8.20 in 2009. In 2007, 67.5% of accidents that involved being caught in objects, which are mostly caused by machines and equipment, occurred in the manufacturing industry; this type of incident has decreased since 2001. The fatal and non-fatal injury rates in the manufacturing industry have continuously decreased while the rates in the service industry have not changed from 2001 to 2009. Non-fatal injuries might not be reported in many cases. The number of insured workers was underestimated as long working hours were not adjusted for in the reporting system.ConclusionThe occupational fatal injury rate has decreased and the non-fatal injury rate might have decreased during the last 10 years, although the statistics show stagnancy. The decrease of the injury rate was countervailed by various factors. Hence, the current accident rate does not reflect the actual situation of accidents in Korea. Korea needs to develop an improved system to more accurately calculate occupational fatal and non-fatal injury rates.

Work-related accidents and daylight saving time in Finland

Recent research has indicated that transitions into and out of daylight saving time (DST) unbalance the physiological circadian rhythm and may lead to sleep disturbance. Sleep deprivation may have negative effects on motivation, attention and alertness and thus it is possible that transitions into and out of DST may increase accident rates. To explore the impact of DST transitions on the number of occupational accidents in Finland. For the study, we analysed all occupational accidents that happened in Finland 1 week before and 1 week after DST transitions during the years 2002-06. Transitions into and out of DST did not significantly increase the number of occupational accidents. It seems that sleep deprivation after DST transition is not harmful enough to impact on occupational accident rates.

Fatalities and the changing distribution of business types in the United States

AbstractAs businesses in the “Goods Producing” sector moved their operations outside of the United States over the last several decades, relatively higher accident rates went with them. The net result has been a trend towards business types, mostly in the “Service Providing” sector, which have historically lower accident rates. In this article, the author will show that a significant portion of the reductions in fatal occupational accidents over the 16‐year span from 1992 to 2008 in the United States were the result of business trends away from the “Goods Producing” sector towards the “Service Providing” sector. This is not to say that improvements in accident prevention policies and procedures were not a major contributor to reductions in fatal occupational accidents as well. Instead, these policy and program improvements were augmented by the changing distribution of business types in the United States. The net result was a reduction in overall fatal occupational accident rates of ∼ 43.5% with ∼ 23% of this reduction resulting from the changing distribution of business types in the United States. With the limited analysis demonstrated in this article, it is not possible to infer this same effect for other spans of time. It seems likely, however, that any span of years that sees a decrease in the percentage of hours worked in “Goods Producing” sector with a corresponding increase in the percentage of hours worked in “Service Providing” sector would have a decrease in total fatal accidents attributable only to the changing distribution of business types in the United States. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010.

Characteristic analysis of occupational accidents at small construction enterprises

The purpose of this present study is to investigate the characteristic factors responsible for occupational accident occurrence for small construction enterprises in Taiwan, using methodologies of descriptive statistics, correlation coefficient analysis as well as ANOVA. The data used in this study was collected from the Council of Labor Affairs of Taiwan Central Government between years 2000 and 2007. From the results of this study, it was found that the factors influencing occupational accident development for small construction enterprises included the health and safety management skills, employers’ values on the health and safety practices, and the degree of compliance with labor safety laws and regulations. The results also indicated that occupational accidents tend to occur (1) during the worker’s first day at the workplace, (2) when the construction project has an excessively low health and safety management, (3) when employer did not provide personal protection equipments to the workers, (4) when personal protection equipment was not correctly used, and (5) when workers failed to adopt safeguards or ignored hazard warning signs in the workplace. To reduce the overall occurring rate of occupational accidents per 1000 persons in the construction industry, it is important to implement required health and safety practices and training effectively to ensure that all workers acknowledge and follow these requirements regulations when working.

Assessment on the change in the occupational accident rate by means of standards incorporation: a quantitative research

Working, apart from source of life and creativity, constitutes, on a realistic basis, the most important means of survival. Occupational accidents result in the interruption of the professional activity and therefore in depression, financial loss, aberrant behaviour and, in general, have a negative effect on human life with many unpleasant consequences. The universal objective must focus on the drastic decrease in the number of occupational accidents. This article presents the results of a survey that was conducted with the help of the T-test statistical criterion, in seven member states of the International Labour Organization (ILO) and was designed to probe whether and to which extent the standards incorporation of the international organisations affect the decrease of the occupational accident rate. The research showed that the incorporating of similar standards has a positive but not a significant influence on the decrease of the number of the work-related accidents and, for this reason, further research must be conducted.

Social care and changes in occupational accidents and diseases - the situation in Eastern Europe in general and for skin diseases in particular

BackgroundAs a consequence of the disintegration of the state systems and the expansion of the European Union, there have been marked changes in the political and social affiliations of the countries of Eastern Europe. Of the 22 countries in Northeastern, Centraleastern, Southeastern and Eastern Europe, 12 are now members and 10 are "new" neighbours of the European Union. The accident insurance systems and changes in occupational accidents and occupational diseases in eastern European countries are described. Changes since EU and visible differences from non-EU countries are analysed. Special emphasis is given to occupational skin diseases.MethodsThe available data from the European Union (MISSOC and MISSCEEC Studies on the Social Protection Systems), the database "Social Security Worldwide" (SSW) of the International Social Security Association (ISSA), the International Labour Office Database (LABORSTA), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the annual statistical reports of the different countries were analysed with respect to changes in occupational accidents and occupational diseases. To find missing data, 128 ministries and authorities in the 22 countries in eastern Europe were researched and 165 persons contacted.ResultsThe social insurance systems were very different in the different countries and some were better established than others. Moreover, not all data were available. For these reasons, detailed comparison was not always possible. The occupational accident rates are decreasing in more than half the countries. In contrast, the fatal accident rates have increased in half the countries. The number of newly registered occupational diseases is decreasing in more than half the countries. The rates for occupational skin diseases in 2006 were particularly high in the Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia. In half the countries (four out of eight), the number of occupational skin diseases is decreasing. A reliable analysis of any correlation between EU membership and the rates of occupational accidents and occupational diseases was not possible, because of missing current data.ConclusionComparison of the social insurance systems and changes in occupational accidents and occupational diseases in 22 countries in eastern Europe makes it clear that further effort is needed to develop registration and notification procedures. Only then will it be possible to analyse changes, to map successes and problems and perhaps to initiate necessary improvements. Standardisation of the documents must also be improved, to allow international comparisons between the systems.

Knowledge and attitude regarding standard precautions in a Brazilian public emergency service: a cross-sectional study

The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and attitude of health care professionals regarding their use of universal precaution measures at a public emergency service. The study also aimed to assess the rates of occupational accidents involving biological substances among those workers. This study was performed with 238 workers, from June to November 2006, using univariate and multivariate analysis. The chance of not adopting precaution measures was 20.7 (95% CI: 5.68 - 75.14) times greater among drivers compared to physicians. No significant association was found between adopting universal precaution measures. The occupational accident rate was 20.6% (40.8% involving sharp-edged objects). The risk of physicians having an occupational accident was 2.7(95% CI: 1.05 -7.09) times higher than that of drivers. The fact that a staff member had adequate knowledge about universal precaution measures was insufficient to foster compatible attitudes towards reducing the risk of transmitting infectious agents and causing occupational accidents.

Study on Occupational Safety and Health Strategy for Taiwan

The aim of this study was to establish a set of occupational safety and health (OSH) issues and development policies suitable for adoption in Taiwan. A survey was conducted on a sample of 102 experts and 235 industrial work safety personnel in Taiwan for statistical analysis of the general consensus, with the results showing such consensus in 104 individual policy indicators. Our results reveal that the most appropriate targets were considered to be annual 10% reductions in the 'occupational accident disability rate', 'occupational accident injury rate' and 'occupational diseases before 2010'. Responding to the specific question of the appropriate method of achieving a reduction in the number of accidents in Taiwan, the primary consideration for 13.4% of the experts and 10.6% of the industry personnel was 'promoting OSH awareness and enhancing the overall safety culture'. As regards the current OSH policy focus, 11.2% of the experts considered 'improving OSH legislation, standards and systems' to be the most important, whilst 8.9% of the industry personnel felt that 'recognizing work stress, overwork and emerging OSH issues' were the most important.

Occupational health in the Andalusian Fisheries Sector

The conditions of work in the fisheries sector are arduous with high rates of occupational accidents. Numerous factors are known that can directly influence the health of the sailor or fisherman both in fishing and merchant fleets. To evaluate the health status, safety and working conditions in the Andalusian fishing sector. Cross-sectional questionnaire study with proportional sampling of the health and lifestyles of fishery workers in 19 of the 23 Andalusian ports. A total of 247 workers employed on 202 craft fishing boats responded. In all 87% of workers reported a current medical condition. The main problems reported were musculoskeletal disorders, respiratory diseases, diseases of the digestive system, eye problems and skin problems. A total of 72% reported taking some self-prescribed medication, and 60% of fishery workers smoked. Nine per cent of fishery workers admitted taking illicit drugs and 3% reported using illicit drugs on board. Diets on board were poorly balanced. While on board, 62% of crews reported a subjective significant worsening of previous health. The lifetime prevalence of accidents was 76%. Fishery workers had a high prevalence of self-reported medical problems, a high prevalence of self-medication, poor diets and frequently smoked. Self-medication and some medical conditions (diabetes, angina and depression) may reflect a potential failing of health checks and pre-employment checks. National health services and insurance companies dealing with occupational health should focus more on appropriate health checks, illness prevention and health promotion activities for this population.

New insights into occupational asthma

To examine recent publications on the types of agents involved in occupational asthma, the mechanisms by which they induce asthma, and how best to evaluate and treat workers suspected of this respiratory condition. High rates of occupational asthma and inhalation accidents were found in workers in crafts and related occupations in the manufacturing industries, and in plant and machine operatives; cleaners and construction workers may also be at risk. Further data support a role for CD4 T cells in low-molecular-weight agent-induced asthma, such as with isocyanates, and neurogenic mechanisms may also be involved. The use of noninvasive measures of airway inflammation in the diagnosis and management of occupational asthma such as sputum eosinophils monitoring is promising, although this is less obvious for exhaled nitric oxide. Finally, the persistence of troublesome asthma even after withdrawal from relevant exposure has been re-emphasized and surveillance programs have been proposed. Further data have been gathered on the prevalence of occupational asthma in various working populations, its mechanisms of development, the contribution of noninvasive measures of airway inflammation in the diagnosis and management of this condition, and its management and prevention.

Types and rates of occupational accidents in nursing students at nursing and midwifery colleges in Tehran

Abstract Background : Today, humans are at increased risk of occupational accidents. Healthcare workers and students expose to many occupational hazards and accidents. Lack of experience and technical expertise places students at more risk. Purpose : This descriptive study was conducted to determine types, rates and causes of occupational accidents in nursing students at Nursing and Midwifery Colleges in Tehran. Methods : 180 nursing students were selected by stratified sampling method. Data were collected with a questionnaire validated and made reliable by content and test-retest methods respectively. Results : 31.3% of the students experienced needle stick, 41.7% sharp injury, 84.8% blood and body fluid exposure, 46.7% exposure to chemotherapy agents, and 33.3% injury and bruise in the past 12 months. There were significant differences in the year of education. Medical, surgical, emergency and oncology wards were identified as risky. Application of protective devices was not satisfactory. Conclusion : According to high rates of some accidents, appropriate educational programs regarding occupational accidents, prevention and timely reporting is necessary. Key words : Occupational accidents, Nursing students.

Occupational injury in the French sea fishing industry: A comparative study between the 1980s and today

This study aims at comparing two data bases related to occupational injuries in the French sea fishing industry: a data base created between 1977 and 1980, a data base created between 1996 and 2001. These bases were made from report forms filled out by fishermen after an accident. The study focuses on the accidents occurring when the vessel is in the process of fishing. In the 1980s, as well as today, the processing of fishing gear seems to be a very dangerous task, correlated with the risk of being “struck by, swept along, pinned” by the elements of the rigging and the risk of serious injuries. The processing and handling of the catch also cause a large amount of accidents; during these tasks, fishermen have to cope with two main risks: being “cut or pricked” and making an “excessive effort, awkward movement”. Rate and features of occupational accidents do not show notable evolution. These findings lead us to question the different prevention measures implemented in France during the last few decades and to propose new prevention direction.

Assessment of Health and Safety Services in Health and Safety Centers of Hamadan Province Industries, Iran

Background: Attention to worker's health and safety is one of the priorities in health and medical delivery system of Iran. This study was to Assess health, medical and safety activities in Hamadan Province industries having more than 50 workers in 1997 . Methods: The study group was made up of 3377 workers. For collecting data a questionnaire was provided and sent to the subject industries. Health workers were empowered for answering and giving back the questionnaires . Results: The result showed that benefiting from General Physician (GP) as full and part time was 58%. The workers' sharing in periodic examinations was 64% and measure in case of occupational diseases was just 11%. Per capita therapeutic measure was 2.87 and periodic examination was 0.65. Frequency of workers exposed to hazardous factors was 48.8%. Rate of occupational accidents was 10.9%. Mean of safety session in industries was 5.3 in year, activities for controlling the hazardous agents were 62% and just 2.5 health activities have been done in a year. The results showed that 50% of occupational health workers did activities beyond their regular duty. Per capita health and safety services for part time health workers was 2.5 for and for full times was 5.6 in a year, that showed the difference between two groups. Both groups had differences in details of important activities and also portion of safety and health services was negligible to treatment. The portion of treatment was 59.6% and by adding the periodic examinations, the portion of safety and health care remains 12% of total performarlces of occupational health workers in industries . Conclusion: To sum up the results it seems that the safety and health cares in the industries of Hamadan province were not adequate .