Occupational Risk Management Research Articles

Occupational Risk Management for a Sustainable Workplace Using Simulation

Theoretical background: The article delves into the realm of occupational risk management within the context of supply chain management and enterprise logistics. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring safety and sustainable working conditions in today’s dynamic business environment, where supply chains are becoming increasingly globalized and complex. Purpose of the article: The primary objective of the article is to introduce a novel approach to occupational risk management that leverages advanced digital technologies and simulations. It aims to address the existing research gap by developing a method that considers dynamic environmental factors and individual worker needs. By analyzing the synergy of various hazards, monitoring employee workload, and employing simulations, the article seeks to enhance the accuracy of occupational risk assessment and facilitate more effective corrective actions. Research methods: The article employs a mixed-method research approach, drawing upon both theoretical analysis and practical application. It begins with a thorough literature review to establish the theoretical framework and identify research gaps. Subsequently, it discusses the proposed solution – a method for managing occupational risks using simulation – by presenting its theoretical description and implementation process. The research methodology involves the development and application of this method to a selected order picking process, followed by simulation to minimize occupational risks. The authors also utilize software tools to simulate work processes and assess health risks to workers. Main findings: The main findings of the research suggest that occupational risk assessment using simulation has a significant impact on improving work processes in terms of sustainable workplaces. By introducing elements of labor humanization and redesigning work processes, the study demonstrates a reduction in the sources of occupational risk. The innovative approach to risk assessment, based on recursion across different organizational resources, facilitates the identification of improvement action projects. Additionally, the study emphasizes the importance of digitalization and Industry 4.0 technologies in monitoring working conditions, identifying risks, and implementing preventive measures. Overall, the research contributes to shaping new standards for safe and sustainable work environments, thereby enhancing both safety and efficiency within organizations.

Analysis of Occupational Safety Risk Management in Crane Based Well Services Activities in Budi Field Oil Field

Crane Based Well Services (CBWS) is a new technology in oil well maintenance in the oil and gas world. Tately N.V. is one of the marginal oil and gas companies, has implemented several CBWS campaigns in their oil wells. This study examines how the analysis and management of occupational safety risks arising from these activities. In CBWS activities, there are several potential hazards in the stages of its activities, including the danger of gas coming out of the well, the danger of wild sprays, the danger of lifting tools failure, the danger of working at heights, the danger of high pressure release, the danger of pinch points, the danger of irregular material swings and the danger of crane legs collapsing. Activities with these potential hazards have a high to moderate risk of causing work accidents. To reduce the risk of accidents from CBWS activities, Tately N.V. has taken mitigation measures for each potential hazard identified. The results of the study showed that the mitigation measures were quite successful with a decrease in the risk assessment to light, so that activities can be carried out with the mitigation that has been carried out. This study shows that much simpler and more economical CBWS activities can be carried out safely and with zero accidents by implementing the recommended mitigation or prevention measures to reduce existing K3 risks.

THE INFLUENCE OF CHEMICAL AGENTS ON THE TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND SAFETY OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT AGAINST ELECTRIC SHOCK

The research project’s primary goals were to develop occupational risk management protocols for people who perform maintenance tasks on electrical installations and, in turn, to develop new work tools designed to protect workers in those installations. The research project’s findings are presented in this paper. In order to check the behaviour of the safety characteristics of the protective equipment material under certain influence of professional risk factors, protective equipment materials were subject to tests. The components of in use or new electro-insulating equipment, were evaluated through sampling. Electro-insulating materials underwent dielectric, mechanical, attrition testing, and chemical agent application. The findings revealed the weakness of some electrical insulating materials whose declared duration of use exceeded five years after commissioning, necessitating the assessment of new technical standards for health and safety workplace.

A harmonized occupational biomonitoring approach

Biomonitoring has been widely used in assessing exposures in both occupational and public health complementing chemical risk assessments because it measures the concentrations of chemical substances in human body fluids (e.g., urine and blood). Biomonitoring considers all routes and sources of exposure. An occupational biomonitoring guidance document has been elaborated (OECD Occupational Biomonitoring Guidance) within the OECD framework and specifically, the Working Parties on Exposure and Hazard Assessment by scientific experts from 40 institutes and organizations representing 15 countries. The guidance provides practical information for assessing chemical exposures in occupational settings including the three common routes of exposure: inhalation, skin absorption and ingestion due to hand to mouth contact. The elaborated stepwise approach for conducting biomonitoring is tailored for occupational health professionals, scientists, risk assessors, and regulators. It includes methods for selecting appropriate biomarkers, devising sampling strategies, and assessing laboratories for validated analytical methods for the biomarker of interest, and ensuring timely feedback of results. Furthermore, it describes procedures for setting up efficient biomonitoring programs based on the Similar Exposure Group (SEG) approaches. Derived health-based human exposure biomarker assessment values called Occupational Biomonitoring Levels (OBLs) are proposed for use in occupational exposure and risk assessment. It also helps with the interpretation of biomonitoring results routinely collected and procedures for communicating biomonitoring results at individual, collective, and workplace levels. Ethical considerations associated with biomonitoring are also discussed. The ultimate goal of this biomonitoring approach is to promote harmonized application and interpretation of biomarkers as well as evidence-based occupational risk management measures.

Considerations for occupational risk management during pregnancy: A summary of a continuing education course.

Women comprise approximately 40% of the global workforce, and many women continue to work during pregnancy. Although occupational exposure limit values (OELVs) are intended to protect all workers, many OELVs may have been established without consideration of the unique changes in pregnant workers, and many chemicals lack OELVs altogether. A short educational course was developed to address the informational needs of health professionals who have responsibility to ensure a safe workplace for pregnant employees. The course was designed to raise awareness of the key elements in risk management and their application to the pregnant worker, such as physiological changes of pregnancy that influence susceptibility to exposures; guidance for nonclinical data interpretation; exposure assessment and control strategies; and risk management in practice in a diverse regulatory environment. This paper summarizes the course content and is intended to support informed risk management decision making to protect the health of pregnant workers and their offspring.

Occupational Risk Management in OHS Based on Risk Assessment and Control

Abstract Nowadays, occupational risk management presents a significant challenge for enterprises and occupational health and safety (OHS) services. Economic changes drive efforts to verify working conditions and optimize production processes involving human participation. Employers are obligated to provide safe and hygienic working conditions using all available technical and organizational solutions. However, many enterprises still marginalize the correlation between reliable occupational risk assessments and employee absenteeism. Employers often fear high economic costs with potentially low returns. Such actions often stem from the lack of precise analyses clearly determining the costs of inadequate employee safety and ignorance of the possible consequences of workplace accidents. A well-prepared occupational risk assessment can beneficially impact employee safety, company profits, and the reduction or elimination of material and financial losses. This article discusses appropriate remedial measures for accurately determining occupational risk levels and the elements of its control. The reliability of the assessment will determine the effectiveness of the adopted OHS policy and management overall.

Occupational risk management in construction supply chain

The building is historically a driver of the economy, creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs, moving a huge chain of suppliers of raw materials, supplies and services, besides building a country’s infrastructure and the homes of millions of people. But working conditions in this sector that is so important to the country are not the best, exposing workers to risks of work accidents and occupational diseases. Therefore, this study sought to present the main occupational hazards in the construction industry, discussing alternatives for effective risk management by reducing the rates of accidents and illness among workers. In this research, case studies were done in small and medium-sized construction sector facing the residential construction market. It was also proposed solutions for the implementation of risk management and occupational health and safety for businesses to succeed and lower the rates of accidents at work, health and safety, and quality of work life in these companies.

ANALYSIS OF RISK MANAGEMENT TERMINOLOGY IN EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

An analysis of the main provisions and terms in accordance with domestic and international standards in the field of occupational health and safety of employees (hereinafter referred to as OSH) and risk management was carried out in order to avoid different interpretations in the draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health of Employees. To achieve this goal, the continuous sampling method, the descriptive method, the method of analyzing dictionary definitions, the method of word formation analysis, and the comparative method of component analysis were used. The study was conducted in four stages: analysis of the literature on occupational safety and health protection of workers; selection of terms for analysis; analysis of approaches to defining the concepts of "term", "terminology", analysis of lexical-semantic and structural features of terms; formation of general conclusions and prospects for further research. The justification of the change in the definitions of the main terms in OSH was carried out. It is proposed to present OSH at work as a part of the overall management system of the employer's activities, which is aimed at creating safe working conditions for employees and preserving their health by managing occupational risks. We recommend adding the concept of accident to the terms in the draft Law of Ukraine on occupational safety and health of workers, since the Procedure for Investigations and The Civil Protection Code of Ukraine defines the specified term. It is proposed to define occupational risk as a combination of the probability of occurrence of a work-related hazardous event(s) or exposure(s) and the severity of injury and health impairment that may be caused by this event(s) or exposure(s); occupational risk assessment as a process of comparing the results of occupational risk analysis with risk criteria to determine whether the occupational risk and/or its magnitude is acceptable (acceptable); occupational risk management is preventive and protective measures that reduce and/or modify (change) occupational risk to an acceptable (acceptable) level. The justification of the semantic load of the most used terms in the field of occupational safety and health protection of workers: risk, risk management, acceptable risk, dangerous event, incident was carried out for their qualitative use in the draft Law on Occupational Safety and Health of Workers. Recommendations for the description of terms and definitions for the draft Law of Ukraine on occupational safety and health of workers have been developed.

Analysis of The Implementation of The Occupational Safety and Health Management System at Bhayangkara Kendari Hospital

Background: The occupational safety and health management system is part of the overall management system in the context of controlling work-related risks in order to create a safe, efficient and productive workplace. The aim of this research is to analyze the implementation of the occupational safety and health management system in hospitals. According to the management report of the Occupational Safety and Health committee at Bhayangkara Kendari Hospital in 2023, it was stated that the hospital had not carried out occupational risk management as part of the hospital’s occupational safety and health planning. Method: This research is a qualitative descriptive research method. There were 11 informants in the research. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling. Results: The results of the research show that Bhayangkara Kendari Hospital has implemented an Occupational Safety and Health Policy and Occupational Safety and Health risk management planning, but the results obtained in the Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Hospital’s Occupational Safety and Health program do not meet standards. Optimal Occupational Safety and Health. Conclusion: Bhayangkara Kendari Hospital has implemented the Hospital Occupational Safety and Health policy in accordance with Minister of Health Regulation No. 66 of 2016 with a commitment to implementing Occupational Safety and Health, but is hampered by the unavailability of special health services. There are still health workers who provide health services without using personal protective equipment, and there are still those who violate the KTR and there are no monthly and annual evaluation reports on Hospital Occupational Safety and Health. This research can be used as reference material for hospitals to optimally implement Hospital Occupational Safety and Health to increase the knowledge of health workers in implementing occupational safety and health by familiarizing themselves with occupational safety and health cultural behavior.

Occupational health risk recognition, evaluation, and management of radiation workers in Gansu province, China

ObjectiveIn order to protect the health of radiation workers, scientific management of radiation workplace protection is implemented, and occupational health risks of radiation workplaces in Gansu Province, China are identified and evaluated through monitoring. MethodsThe basic situation of occupational health management of radiological workers in 1366 radiological diagnosis and treatment institutions was investigated, and 596 monitoring hospitals were selected for occupational health monitoring. Using a 2-IN∗2-in NaI (Tl) scintillation spectrometer and its supporting software, internal thyroid irradiation monitoring was performed. Fifty-one underground workers in a deep mine iron mine were selected to monitor the effect of high radon exposure. Results11 (6%) monitored hospital interventional radiology staff detected lead outside the aprons between 5 mSv and 20 mSv during a single monitoring period; In nuclear medicine, radiation monitoring in the thyroid detected 3(15%) people with doses between 5 mSv and 20msv.The chromosome aberration rate and Detection rate of posterior pole subcapsular opacification of interventional radiation group and nuclear medicine group was higher than that of conventional radiation group, and the difference between interventional radiation group and conventional medicine group was statistically significant. Abnormal detection of tumor markers in serum after sustained radon exposure accounted for 39.2% of NSE(neuron-specific enolase), 22.5% of SCC(squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen), and 5.9% of CyFRA21-1(cytokeratin 19 fragment), respectively, chest low-dose CT showed plaque and stripe shadow in 21 cases (41.2%) and nodules in 16 cases (31.4%). ConclusionIndividual dose monitoring found that radiation workers engaged in interventional radiology were exposed to higher doses and had higher occupational risks. The results of occupational health examination show that there is a certain degree of radiation injury in interventional radiology and nuclear medicine workers. Nuclear medicine radiation monitoring results show that some workplaces have radioactive contamination. The radon exposure of deep mine miners has a higher occupational risk of lung cancer caused by high radon.The analysis of chromosome aberration is an important index of occupational health monitoring of radiation workers.

Safety climate and occupational hazard management: an analysis from the perspective of employees of the sugar-alcohol sector in the interior of São Paulo

The aim of this research was to identify employees' perceptions of the safety climate and the management of occupational accident risk in the sugar-alcohol sector. Thus, an online questionnaire survey with closed and structured questions was applied to a sample of 171 respondents, selected for convenience. In the process of analyzing the data, Excel software was used to calculate the percentage probability and show the variable with the highest or lowest percentage occurrence. The results show that the employees' statements indicate that the companies have shown concern for their employees' well-being. 61% of them, for example, stated that occupational safety is a priority for the management of the companies they work for. However, despite these findings, companies need to review their bonus practices, as only 26.9% of the 171 respondents said that bonuses were distributed correctly. This study's contribution to the sector, as an object of analysis, consists of identifying employees' perceptions of the safety climate and the risks of accidents at work that they feel in the organizations to which they belong. It also highlights the importance of the topic for managers, who are faced with the challenge of looking after the physical and mental health of their employees in a sector which, due to its specific characteristics, is outlined by constant danger.

Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management of Construction, Mining, and Oil and Gas Sectors: Advances and Prospects

Artificial Intelligence in Occupational Health and Safety Risk Management of Construction, Mining, and Oil and Gas Sectors: Advances and Prospects

QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF OCCUPATIONAL RISK BASED ON DETERMINING THE COSTS OF ENSURING LIFE AND HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES

Implementing a quantitative occupational risk assessment is legislated as an employer’s responsibility nowadays. Yet, there is no unified approach to risk assessment. Employers make decision on a certain methodological approach depending on current industrial processes and existing occupational health and management system on their own. The study aims to develop a unified methodological approach to quantitative occupational risk assessment. The research methodology is based on the provisions of regulatory documents in occupational health and safety, scientific publications on occupational risk assessment. The research method involves analyzing normative and methodological literature on occupational risk management and the statistical data on occupational safety expenditures of companies. The article presents a comparison of the main available approaches used in companies to implement a quantitative occupational risk assessment. The results show there is no possibility to justify the costs of risk response activities in a vast majority of methods. The authors propose a methodological approach to occupational risk assessment based on determining the costs of ensuring life and health of employees. This approach allows to develop and substantiate activities on occupational risk reduction and the improvement of industrial safety level in a company as well as to assess the effect expected of the implementation of corrective actions. The actual vector of scientific research on the subject is to create and implement information systems for occupational risk management and decision-making support based on the developed approach in companies.

Assessing the impact of authorisation process as a regulatory tool in the European REACH regulation: A study on improving occupational safety for applying companies.

This study looks into the effectiveness of the authorisation procedure as a regulatory instrument within the framework of the European REACH regulation. It highlights its impact on enhancing occupational safety and health for both applicants and companies utilising the substances. This procedure encompasses manufacturers, importers, and downstream users of substances, as well as representatives of foreign manufacturers who are also eligible to seek authorisation. When applying for authorisation, the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) assesses the risks associated with the intended uses of the substance, including the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Occupational Conditions (OCs) and Risk Management Measures (RMMs) described in the application and the risks posed by potential alternatives. If the RAC determines that the OCs/RMMs are inadequate for managing or controlling the risk, or if the measures to protect workers are deemed insufficient, it may recommend additional measures to enhance occupational safety and health or environmental protection. The 398 processed Applications for Authorisation (AfA) that have been submitted to date were examined to determine these recommended measures, categorised as Conditions for use, Monitoring arrangements, and Recommendations for Review Reports. Overall, a significant improvement concerning occupational safety and health seems necessary, as indicated by the large number of measures recommended by the ECHA Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and ECHA Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) or supplemented by the European Commission. In addition to the proposed measures, a short assessment provided by the committees as to whether the operational conditions and risk management measures are adequate in controlling the risks is also included in the study.

Development and psychometric evaluation of a Total Worker Health® practice scale.

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) professionals increasingly need to assess and mitigate a broad scope of worker safety, health, and well-being concerns that extend beyond traditional OSH training curricula. Work-related and non-work-related psychosocial hazards, chronic physical and mental health conditions, and changing work arrangements call for an integrative, public health approach to occupational risk management; this approach has been called, "Total Worker Health®" by United States public health authorities (Schulte et al. 2019). OSH professionals need education to ensure that Total Worker Health (TWH) practice approaches are consistently and effectively applied. This study sought to develop a valid, reliable scale that could be used to assess TWH skills gaps that can be addressed with tailored, competency-based curricula. We developed a survey scale to assess professional competency for specific TWH practice approaches described in prior literature (Lee et al. 2016; Punnett et al. 2020). The scale contained 11 statements and used a 5-point scale (not skilled to highly skilled) to rate the level of competency. We pre-tested and refined the statements for face validity then administered the scale with a convenience sample of 258 professionals from mixed OSH disciplines. A total of 210 OSH professionals (31% safety, 17% industrial hygiene, 12% occupational nurses, 11% occupational physicians, 29% other) who completed 50% or more of the questions were included in the analysis. Scale reliability was assessed with a Cronbach's alpha test. Scale validity and structure were assessed with exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The 11-item scale had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.92). The initial EFA solution suggested 2 factors that explained 65.3% of variance, with one cross-loaded question. A final 10-item, 2-factor scale was developed that accounted for 66.0% of variance with no cross-loaded items (Cronbach's alpha α = 0.91). Factor 1 (6 items) contributed to 55.5% of the variance and captured skills related to TWH program leadership (e.g. leader commitment, integrating program systems, engaging with other program leaders and workers). Factor 2 (4 items) contributed to 10.5% of the variance and captured technical skills related to hazard identification and control (e.g. identifying hazards, designing work to reduce hazards). Internal consistency was very good for both TWH program leadership (Cronbach α = 0.89) and TWH risk assessment and control (Cronbach α = 0.80) subscales. A novel 10-item TWH skill scale to assess specific TWH practice approaches was developed with very good reliability. Factor analysis revealed 2 latent constructs: TWH leadership skills and TWH risk assessment and control skills. This study offers an evidence-based tool to assess competency for specific TWH practices among OSH professionals. The results of this study contribute to the broader research base needed to formalize a TWH competency framework, as advocated by other scholars interested in TWH workforce education (Newman et al. 2020).

Penerapan Manajemen Risiko Kecelakaan Kerja pada Proyek Penggantian Jembatan Tukad Ayung Denpasar, Bali

Management of occupational accident risk involves systematic, planned, structured, and comprehensive efforts to mitigate the factors that contribute to the occurrence of work accidents. This study aims to examine the risk of work accidents in the Tukad Ayung Bridge replacement project, especially at the stage of installing concrete girders. Qualitative and quantitative data from primary and secondary sources were used, collected through observation, interviews, questionnaires, literature review, and documentation analysis. The Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Risk Control (HIRARC) method is used for data analysis. The findings revealed 24 types of work accident risks at seven stages of concrete block installation in the project including the concrete girder preparation stage, girder truss making, erection (setting segmental girder), prestressed steel installation (strand), cabel strand stressing work, concrete girder tendon grouting, and diaphragm installation stage. The results of the risk analysis on the concrete girder installation work on the Tukad Ayung Bridge replacement project, are in the moderate category, which is as many as 12 risks. Furthermore, as many as 11 risks are included in the high category. Meanwhile, in the extreme category as much as 1 risk.

Қызметкерлерді ынталандыру арқылы қауіпсіз еңбек жағдайын жасау

The main idea of the article is the creation of safe working conditions at the enterprise with the help of labor motivation. In the modern system of occupational risk management in production, the importance of encouraging the safe behavior of an employee is increasing. The article studies the problems of labor motivation among employees working in hazardous production facilities. The reasons for non-compliance with the basics of safety regulations are considered. The result of this article is the development of recommendations for improving safe working conditions at especially hazardous production facilities.

ANALISIS DAN MITIGASI RISIKO KESELAMATAN DAN KECELAKAAN KERJA PADA PROYEK PEMBANGUNAN BALI INTERCONTINENTAL GRAND BALLROOM

ANALISIS DAN MITIGASI RISIKO KESELAMATAN DAN KECELAKAAN KERJA PADA PROYEK PEMBANGUNAN BALI INTERCONTINENTAL GRAND BALLROOM

From unstructured accident reports to a hybrid decision support system for occupational risk management: The consensus converging approach

Introduction: Workplace accidents in the petroleum industry can cause catastrophic damage to people, property, and the environment. Earlier studies in this domain indicate that the majority of the accident report information is available in unstructured text format. Conventional techniques for the analysis of accident data are time-consuming and heavily dependent on experts’ subject knowledge, experience, and judgment. There is a need to develop a machine learning-based decision support system to analyze the vast amounts of unstructured text data that are frequently overlooked due to a lack of appropriate methodology. Method: To address this gap in the literature, we propose a hybrid methodology that uses improved text-mining techniques combined with an un-bias group decision-making framework to combine the output of objective weights (based on text mining) and subjective weights (based on expert opinion) of risk factors to prioritize them. Based on the contextual word embedding models and term frequencies, we extracted five important clusters of risk factors comprising more than 32 risk sub-factors. A heterogeneous group of experts and employees in the petroleum industry were contacted to obtain their opinions on the extracted risk factors, and the best-worst method was used to convert their opinions to weights. Conclusions and Practical Applications: The applicability of our proposed framework was tested on the data compiled from the accident data released by the petroleum industries in India. Our framework can be extended to accident data from any industry, to reduce analysis time and improve the accuracy in classifying and prioritizing risk factors.

Совершенствование методики управления профессиональными рисками

The issue of occupational safety improving methods has been considered based on the example of a single enterprise. The area of improvement of activities a priori aiming at occupational safety has been chosen. In particular, the optimization of risk management stages at the workplace has been proposed. A risk management methodology consisting of standard stages (identification, assessment, management) but including separate improved levels or elements has been developed. A set of tables for volumetric, qualitative, and quantitative identification of hazards enabling the reduction of the number of unaccounted risks at the workplace has been formed. For the risk assessment stage, the application of an increasing human factor coefficient that reflects the individual characteristics of an employee affecting risk levels at the workplace has been proposed. For the relevant cases, it is recommended to use the machinery equipment assessment model to detect more risks at the workplace equipped with a machine. The occupational risk management stage has been improved due to differentiated and clarified formulations of hazards, which allows for choosing a correct and efficient measure. The methodology is also supplemented with a set aiming at occupational and industrial stress. For the identification stage, a set of parameters has been selected to determine psychosocial risks. The risk management process has been improved in the part of stress factors. In order to substantiate the performance and efficiency of the improved methodology as compared with the methodology applied at the enterprise, a comparative analysis of the two methodologies has been conducted at 10 different workplaces. The data confirming the increase of performance and efficiency of the improved methodology has been provided, which logically, on the condition of the consistent implementation of all occupational risk management stages, will reduce risks at the workplace and the number of industrial injuries, and ensure increased occupational safety.