Occupational Health Practice Research Articles

Oxford Handbook of Occupational Health

Since its first publication in 2007, this pocket-sized handbook has firmly established its place as an essential resource for occupational health (OH) practice. With a wealth of updated information packed in its 920 pages, the much-awaited third edition follows the ever-changing landscape of health as well as the nature of work. The three editors (two of whom are new to this edition) are eminent leaders in the discipline of occupational medicine. The contributors are mainly consultants in occupational medicine, but also professionals in other disciplines related to OH, which reflects the multidisciplinary nature of OH practice. The primary target audience is OH practitioners, including support OH professionals, but the book is also of interest to a much wider readership which includes anyone with involvement in ­workplace health. The structure of the book mirrors previous editions and covers the following areas: occupational hazards; occupational diseases; OH practice; fitness for work; OH law; occupational hygiene; toxicology; epidemiology in OH; environmental medicine; safety science; practical procedures; emergencies in OH. This edition includes new and updated information on many chapters such as fitness for work, work health and disability, ethics, and unsurprisingly respiratory disorders and infection control. The section on chemical hazards now includes the chemical structures of the different substances. The new edition also includes legal, guidance and publication updates with website links, and an informative appendix on informatics in OH. In addition to the succinct text, the book contains tables, diagrams and figures to enhance understanding.

Testing the Level of Agreement between Two Methodological Approaches of the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) for Occupational Health Practice-An Exemplary Application in the Field of Dentistry.

The Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) is used for the risk assessment of workplace-related activities. Thus far, the paper and pen method (RULA-PP) has been predominantly used for this purpose. In the present study, this method was compared with an RULA evaluation based on kinematic data using inertial measurement units (RULA-IMU). The aim of this study was, on the one hand, to work out the differences between these two measurement methods and, on the other, to make recommendations for the future use of the respective method on the basis of the available findings. For this purpose, 130 (dentists + dental assistants, paired as teams) subjects from the dental profession were photographed in an initial situation of dental treatment and simultaneously recorded with the IMU system (Xsens). In order to compare both methods statistically, the median value of the difference of both methods, the weighted Cohen's Kappa, and the agreement chart (mosaic plot) were applied. In Arm and Wrist Analysis-area A-here were differences in risk scores; here, the median difference was 1, and the agreement in the weighted Cohen's kappa test also remained between 0.07 and 0.16 (no agreement to poor agreement). In area B-Neck, Trunk, and Leg Analysis-the median difference was 0, with at least one poor agreement in the Cohen's Kappa test of 0.23-0.39. The final score has a median of 0 and a Cohen's Kappa value of 0.21-0.28. In the mosaic plot, it can be seen that RULA-IMU had a higher discriminatory power overall and more often reached a value of 7 than RULA-PP. The results indicate a systematic difference between the methods. Thus, in the RULA risk assessment, RULA-IMU is mostly one assessment point above RULA-PP. Therefore, future study results of RULA by RULA-IMU can be compared with literature results obtained by RULA-PP to further improve the risk assessment of musculoskeletal diseases.

Exploring Occupational Health and Safety Practices Implemented in Filling Stations, Maseru, Lesotho

Compliance with occupational health and safety is essential to ensure the protection of workers, their families, and the customers' well-being. Moreover, it improves the business image, its productivity and avoids incurring unnecessary costs related to compensating for occupational diseases and hazards occurring in the filling stations premises. The study employed the quantitative approach and a cross-sectional study design was used. All-inclusive sampling was used on 50 participants. The findings of the study indicated that 88.9% of employees can use fire extinguishers and 72.2% can use the spill kit. Most filling stations provided employees with proper Personal Protective Equipment. Research in this field has not been conducted to much of a degree in Lesotho, which made this study priority and a need for the field of occupational health and safety in the country.

IMPLEMENTASI PROTOKOL PENCEGAHAN PENYEBARAN COVID-19 PADA PROYEK KONSTRUKSI JALAN

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is yet to be resolved, and according to epidemiologists, a third wave of the outbreak was expected to occur in February–March 2022. During August–September 2022, the rate of daily COVID-19 exposure in Indonesia remained high. The Indonesian Doctors Association (PB IDI) reported a 36-fold increase in COVID-19 cases in Indonesia, from 107 cases in early May 2022 to 3,949 cases daily. Yogyakarta is the sixth most affected province in Indonesia in terms of COVID-19 exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to examine the implementation of COVID-19 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) practices in construction projects, specifically in the case of road construction. The Planjan-Baron-Tepus Road and Jogja-Bawen Toll Road are the projects selected for data collection, using observational methods and purposive sampling. Occupational Health and Safety is part of the company's management system, which aims to manage work activity risks and create a safe, efficient, and productive workplace. The survey results indicate that the instrument used is reliable and valid. The management has effectively implemented and communicated COVID-19 prevention measures, and the construction workers are satisfied. The workers show high motivation, awareness, and knowledge in reducing the spread of COVID-19. The workers in Planjan-Baron-Tepus Road construction strictly adhere to personal health protocols in their daily behavior. However, workers in Jogja-Bawen toll road construction are less obedient and require further motivation to be classified as highly obedient.

Occupational Safety and Health Practices among Physical Therapists in Metro Manila during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study Protocol

Introduction: The purpose of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to protect and prevent workers from being exposed to risks and hazards that are detrimental to their health and safety. For the past two years, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is one of the most significant occupational health outcomes to physical therapists (PTs) due to the nature of their work. However, minimal studies have been conducted about the experiences and OSH practices of PTs during the pandemic. This study aims to understand the experiences of clinical PTs in Metro Manila, Philippines during the pandemic. The study also seeks to explore the OSH practices and responses of PTs to presenting occupational risks and hazards through a qualitative descriptive study design. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, a maximum variation purposeful sampling method will be used in recruiting an estimated total of twelve (12) participants. A preliminary questionnaire would be disseminated via Google Forms to determine the eligibility of potential participants. Data will be gathered through a one-to-one semi-structured online interview, which will be transcribed verbatim and recorded with audio and video. Both manual coding and software-aided coding (NVivo) will be utilized in the data analysis. Emerging themes will be identified using thematic inductive analysis. Discussion: The results of the study may contribute to the formulation of better guidelines in handling infectious diseases even after quarantine restrictions are lifted. Furthermore, the findings will also provide the groundwork for the local body of knowledge in the Philippines and may serve as a future reference for research concerning OSH practices in physical therapy locally.

Impact of training on occupational health and safety of woodworkers at a wood processing village in Ghana

Keeping the workplace safe must not be the concern of only workers and companies but also national and global economies whose productivity and competitiveness play a major role on safe working environment. This paper investigated the impact of training on occupational health and safety of woodworkers at a wood processing village in Ghana. The study was conducted using cross-sectional design with 410 wood processing operators. Questionnaires adapted from safety management operation was used for this quantitative study. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. All the eight (8) items under the use of personal protective equipment had their mean ratings lower than the theoretical mean of 3.0. This suggest that the woodworkers do not put on personal protective equipment during wood processing. Additionally, the study revealed that the woodworkers were not provided with personal protective equipment at work. Furthermore, the study revealed that training could significantly influence woodworker’s practice of occupational health and safety in the wood processing industry. The outcome of this study suggests that the management of the enclave studied need to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing industry.

Occupational safety and health practices among physical therapists in metro Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study

Introduction: The purpose of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to protect workers from risks and hazards detrimental to their health and safety. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is currently one of the most significant occupational health outcomes to physical therapists (PTs). However, minimal studies have been conducted on the experiences and OSH practices of PTs during the pandemic. This study, therefore, aims to understand the experiences of clinical PTs in Metro Manila, Philippines during the pandemic and to explore their OSH practices and responses to presenting occupational hazards. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, maximum variation purposeful sampling was used in recruiting 12 participants. Data was gathered through one-to-one semi-structured online interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and recorded with audio and video. Coding was done in Google Sheets during data analysis. Emerging themes were identified using thematic inductive analysis. Results: After identifying 98 codes through transcripts of the interviews, 3 themes emerged: Period of Uncertainty, Period of Adjustment, and Period of Hopeful Prospect. Discussion: The Period of Uncertainty describes the time of surges of COVID-19 cases and series of lockdowns with minimal established protocols resulting in the challenges in the delivery of services and to the overall well-being of physical therapists. The Period of Adjustment was initiated by nationwide vaccination programs resulting in strengthening of OSH protocols. The Period of Hopeful Prospect describes the implications of the situation to both the PTs and the profession. The OSH practices of PTs varied with each period as changes occurred to their overall perceptions towards the pandemic and their personal health and safety. Findings can be considered in future formulation of OSH guidelines for potential outbreaks of infectious diseases within the practice of physical therapy.

Occupational safety and health practices among physical therapists in metro Manila during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative descriptive study

Introduction: The purpose of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is to protect workers from risks and hazards detrimental to their health and safety. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID19) is currently one of the most significant occupational health outcomes to physical therapists (PTs). However, minimal studies have been conducted on the experiences and OSH practices of PTs during the pandemic. This study, therefore, aims to understand the experiences of clinical PTs in Metro Manila, Philippines during the pandemic and to explore their OSH practices and responses to presenting occupational hazards. Methods: In this qualitative descriptive study, maximum variation purposeful sampling was used in recruiting 12 participants. Data was gathered through one-to-one semi-structured online interviews, which were transcribed verbatim and recorded with audio and video. Coding was done in Google Sheets during data analysis. Emerging themes were identified using thematic inductive analysis. Results: After identifying 98 codes through transcripts of the interviews, 3 themes emerged: Period of Uncertainty, Period of Adjustment, and Period of Hopeful Prospect. Discussion: The Period of Uncertainty describes the time of surges of COVID-19 cases and series of lockdowns with minimal established protocols resulting in the challenges in the delivery of services and to the overall well-being of physical therapists. The Period of Adjustment was initiated by nationwide vaccination programs resulting in strengthening of OSH protocols. The Period of Hopeful Prospect describes the implications of the situation to both the PTs and the profession. The OSH practices of PTs varied with each period as changes occurred to their overall perceptions towards the pandemic and their personal health and safety. Findings can be considered in future formulation of OSH guidelines for potential outbreaks of infectious diseases within the practice of physical therapy.

Practices of Occupational Health and Safety and Experience of Occupational Hazards among Solid Waste Managers in Port Harcourt Metropolis of Rivers State

Background: Waste generation is a daily occurrence and requires a proper system of collection, management, and disposal. This function lies on municipal solid waste managers (MSWM) who use manual methods of waste collection and management in the conduct of their activities. This exposes them to various forms of occupational health risks. Aim: The study investigated the occupational risk exposure of waste managers in Port Harcourt metropolis. Materials and Method: This descriptive cross-sectional survey collected data from solid waste collectors or managers who have worked for over a year in the Rivers state, using a researcher-administered semi-structured questionnaire. The data was analysed using SPPS version 23. Results: A total of 317 were recruited, with the majority as males (68.5%), aged between 30 – 39 years (56.5%), married (55.5%), permanent staff (54.3%), educated to the tertiary level (31.2%), have over 5 years of experience (52.1%) and earn between 30,000 – 39,000 Naira monthly (44.8%). Also, 87.1% of the respondents had good practice of occupational health and safety, while 61.5% and 32% of the waste managers have been exposed to work-related accidents and diseases respectively in course of carrying out their job within the last 12 months. Cuts (30.0%), puncture wounds (20.5%), and road accidents (20.2%) as the most experienced hazards by the workers, while allergies (23.2%) and rash/other skin diseases (22.1%) were the most experienced type of illness. Conclusion: The high prevalence of occupational hazards can be attributed to poor working conditions and lack of adequate safety gear. Hence, there is a need for increased governmental budgetary allocation for the provision safety gear and training

The HBM4EU chromates study - Outcomes and impacts on EU policies and occupational health practices.

Within the EU human biomonitoring initiative (HBM4EU), a targeted, multi-national study on occupational exposure to hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) was performed. Cr(VI) is currently regulated in EU under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) and under occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation. It has recently been subject to regulatory actions to improve its risk management in European workplaces. Analysis of the data obtained within the HBM4EU chromates study provides support both for the implementation of these regulatory actions and for national enforcement programs and may also contribute to the updating of occupational limit values (OELs) and biological limit values for Cr(VI). It also provides useful insights on the contribution of different risk management measures (RMMs) to further reduce the exposure to Cr(VI) and may support the evaluation of applications for authorisation under REACH. Findings on chrome platers' additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure highlight the need to also pay attention to this substance group in the metals sector. A survey performed to evaluate the policy relevance of the HBM4EU chromates study findings supports the usefulness of the study results. According to the responses received from the survey, the HBM4EU chromates study was able to demonstrate the added value of the human biomonitoring (HBM) approach in assessment and management of occupational exposure to Cr(VI). For future occupational studies, we emphasise the need for engagement of policy makers and regulators throughout the whole research process to ensure awareness, relevance and uptake of the results in future policies.

Work stress among physicians, dubai health authority, in the year 2018-2019

Background: Work stress is a significant problem that affects physicians. Multiple sources can contribute to this problem. High-stress rates among physicians can manifest in various expressions, including cognitive, behavioral, and somatic expressions. Work performance and quality of medical care administered to patients can be undermined by over-stressed physicians. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of stress among physicians working in governmental health facilities in Dubai (2018-2019) and their relationship with socio-demographic and job factors. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study. This study population includes all physicians practicing in Dubai Health Authority hospitals and primary health care centers in the Year 2018-2019. Target Number is 1337 taken from the registry of Dubai health authority administration, but only 668 questionnaires were included with a RR of 49.9%. The data tool used in this study is a modified self-administered questionnaire from both validated health and safety executive (Barbaranelli et al., 2018) occupational stress and stress questionnaire by International Stress Management Association UK 2013. It consists of 22 items which were divided into demographic, stress indicators, factors, and other domains. They were distributed as hard copies by hand. Findings: The study concluded that 40.2% were more likely to experience stress, while 59.8% were most prone to stress. Furthermore, the study showed a strong association with different factors such as the role of managers, shift duty, and multi-task work. Conclusion: Work stress is a prevalent problem among physicians working at Dubai health authority. The stress is associated with factors: such as multi-task work, shift hours’ duties, time pressure, and the role of line manager. Implications for Occupational Health Nursing Practice or Implications for Occupational Health Practice: Healthier working environment will promote the well-being of its staff and ensure the proper delivery of care to the community.

Promoting Occupational Health and Safety among Nurses of a Philippine Tertiary Healthcare Institution

Health and safety of workers are the most important factors in the workplace. However, studies show that many nurses do not practice the standards despite being exposed to various hazards. The study aimed to determine the extent of work-related hazards and practice occupational health and safety standards among nurses. The study used a quantitative-qualitative approach using descriptive correlational design. Total enumeration was used. Data gathered through the administration of the researcher made survey questionnaires, then interview and observation were done to supplement the data. Weighted mean, percentage, and frequency were used. The Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to establish the significant relationship between and among the extent of occupational health and safety standards and work-related hazards among nurses. The study concludes that nurses of the Region II Trauma and Medical Center repeatedly practice/experience the Occupational Health and Safety Standards and work-related hazards. Age and number of years of experience are found to influence other work-related factors and salient findings are instrumental in the crafting of the protocol. The study recommends the nursing administration should conduct occupational health and safety standards training and seminars for nurses to strengthen their awareness of the practice of occupational health and safety. Nurses should always adhere to and comply to practice all safety policies, protocols, and procedures to prevent and eliminate work-related hazards, and regardless of their age, sex, educational attainment, and years of experience should promote health and safety standards. Future studies need to be conducted with a larger and different sample.

Occupational health and safety practices and associated factors among workers in Ethiopia’s Metehara and Wonji sugar industries: a convergent parallel mixed design

IntroductionInformation regarding workers’ practices concerning safety measures in Ethiopia’s sugar industries is inadequate.ObjectivesTo assess occupational health and safety practices and associated factors among workers in Ethiopia’s Metehara and Wonji sugar...

Current status and research progress of occupational health monitoring in welding fume operations

Welding operations are widely present in the manufacturing production process, involving a large number of occupational groups, and are the key occupations where work injuries and occupational diseases occur in China. For different welding processes and welding materials, the content and focus of occupational health monitoring are different. At present, the item of occupational health examination in welding operation is in poor consistency with the on-site exposure of occupational hazard factors, and it is mainly concentrated in the stage of disease development, which can not reflect the early health damage caused by welding dust exposure in time. The emergence of biomarkers of welding dust can make up for this defect. Therefore, it is of great significance to describe the current situation of occupational health monitoring of welding dust and summarize the research progress of related biomarkers for the early prevention of diseases caused by welding dust and the practice of occupational health monitoring.

Evaluation of self-administered questionnaire items used in regular health check-ups at the workplace by occupational health professionals

Currently, there is no standardized questionnaire for regular workplace health check-ups in Japan. We considered that there are several issues associated with this, including the possibility that the questionnaire items are not useful for occupational health staff. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the questionnaire items required in regular health check-ups from the occupational health practice perspective and prepare a draft of a standardized medical questionnaire. The ultimate goal is to promote integrated management and utilization of the health-related information obtained from the questionnaire in the future. This non-interventional study, conducted from February 2018 to November 2020, examined the questionnaire items for the regular health check-up using the Delphi method. Twenty-two occupational health professionals, including occupational physicians and nurses with qualifications in occupational health, participated in the study. The self-administered questionnaires used by contracted industrial health associations across Japan were obtained, and items from all questionnaires were extracted. A survey questionnaire was then developed, consisting of eight primary headings: "personal attributes," "work-related information and work history," "life history and subjective symptoms," "current and past medical history," "family history," and "pregnancy status," with a total of 589 items. Participants were asked to rate the degree of necessity for each item, excluding the items in "personal attributes" and "pregnancy status." The items with low ratings were excluded, and the remaining items were redesigned and distributed to the participants with the tabulated results. This process was repeated three times to allow the participants to rate the necessity of the items consistently. The questionnaire items with a consensus ratio exceeding 70% on the third try were adopted. The final adopted questionnaire items were again reviewed by the participants and agreed upon by all. A total of 85 items were adopted under five primary headings, including 12 items for "work-related information and work history," 11 for "life history," 22 for "subjective symptoms," 37 for "current medical history," and three for "past medical history." The items for the regular health check-up were finally adopted under the primary headings of "work-related information and work history," "subjective symptoms," and "current medical history." We assumed that these items provide an overview of health information that can be utilized in occupational health practice. Based on our findings, there is a need to develop a standardized questionnaire for regular health check-ups and to consider the management and utilization of workers' health information.

Reducing Environmental and Health Risks in Construction Projects Through Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

This study looks into the implementation of the HIRARC approach in five Indonesian construction companies in order to reduce risks to workers' health and the environment. Companies face increased pressure to maintain productivity as technology and manufacturing advance, which often results in a higher likelihood of worker injuries if they are not in compliance with OSHA regulations. To assess the effectiveness of the HIRARC technique, the study examines the companies' occupational health and safety, hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control practices. Accidents continue to occur despite the companies' implementation of the approach, indicating the need for further development. As a result, the study recommends that OSHA management and construction workers receive HIRARC training and certification to reduce accidents and protect worker health and the environment. Implementing hazard identification and risk assessment methodologies can also assist construction firms in reducing environmental and public health risks, thereby promoting sustainable development. Overall, these findings emphasize the significance of implementing effective occupational health and safety practices in order to create a safer and healthier workplace.

Impact of Occupational Health and Safety Practices on Employee Organizational Citizenship Behavior Due to Covid-19 in the Banking Sector: Turkey Case

The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between the Covid-19 measures and organizational citizenship behavior that bank employees perceive during the Covid-19 process. The research uses a descriptive scan model. Bank employees are the universe of research. The survey was conducted by 400 people with an easy sampling method. The questionnaire consists of the Personal Information Form, the questions that contain general preparations for the Covid-19 control carried out in the institution, and the organizational citizenship behavior scale. As a result of the research, it was determined that there was a statistically significant and positive relationship between banks’ general preparations for Covid-19 control and their perception of organizational citizenship behavior. The acquisition of general preparations for the Covid-19 control by banks positively affects the perception of organizational citizenship behavior of bank employees.

Endüstri 4.0 Sürecinde İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği Uygulamaları

Significant advances are experienced in the area of occupational health and safety (OHS) practices as a result of technological developments and emerging new technics in the Industry 4.0 Process. Innovative production methods and factors such as advances in software and programming, simulation and augmented reality, internet of things, smart production systems, Big Data, cyber-physical systems, which are all along the fundamental elements of the Industry 4.0 process, bring new problems in the area of occupational health and safety. Based on this foresight, the latest developments, problems, challenges, and solutions in the field of OHS are being reviewed and evaluated in this study by utilising the previous literature.

Stakeholders' Perspectives on the Feasibility of Adopting a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia: A Qualitative Study.

The California Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program is a statewide initiative to incentivize nail salons to adopt occupational health and safety best practices such as the use of safer nail products without certain harmful chemicals, ventilation systems upgrade, proper personal protective equipment use, and staff training. This public policy intervention is in response to the call to protect nail care workers, mostly women of color, who bear a disproportionate burden of chemical exposure at work. Because there is an interest to adopt a similar program in the Greater Philadelphia region, we conducted this formative research to document stakeholders' perspectives on the feasibility of adopting a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia. We conducted semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample of 31 stakeholders in Philadelphia in 2021. Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Science as our theoretical framework, we developed the interview guide and analysed the data using qualitative research methods to identify key facilitators and barriers. Key facilitating themes were perceived need and benefits of program to improve workers' health and working conditions, and willingness of stakeholders to leverage their organizational resources. Barriers included perceived high cost and time commitment from salon owners and employees, lack of funding and implementation leaders at the city government, community members' willingness to be visible and advocate for the program affected by the stigmas of being immigrant workers, and fear of interacting with authorities, as well as the impact of COVID-19 pandemic. Our results suggest successful adoption of a Healthy Nail Salon Recognition Program in Philadelphia will require outreach within the community to raise awareness of the benefits of the program and close partnership with community-based organizations to facilitate mutual understanding between the authorities and the ethnically diverse nail salon communities.

Analisis Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja (K3) dengan Menggunakan Metode Hazard and Operability (Hazop) pada Bengkel Motor

Occupational accidents can occur due to a lack of implementation of occupational health and safety practices and can be caused by many factors such as chemical factors, physical factors, biological factors, ergonomic factors, and psychological factors. A work accident is an unexpected event which is certainly not expected, a work accident that occurs is of course an adverse event in terms of material and light to heavy scale. calculation through existing hazard sources using the likelihood criteria using the L symbol and the severity (consequences) using the C symbol using the risk matrix formula using the risk formula = L.C is the level of risk with medium, high, and extreme and recommendations for improvement are made, such as the use of PPE at extreme risks as well as suggestions for medium and high risks.