Occupational Safety And Health Policy Research Articles

Occupational health in a post-pandemic world of work. Introduction to this special issue

Abstract Although occupational safety and health (OSH) is a core element of social policy, OSH had rarely been in the focus of social policy research in the years preceding the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, this special issue brings together state-of-the-art theoretical and empirical insights underlining the connection between OSH and social policy. It contains articles from different academic disciplines dealing with the following broad topics: actors and institutions involved in OSH, OSH policies and measures, and social inequalities related to OSH. The special issue makes three contributions. First, it puts a traditional and highly relevant but under-researched topic back in the focus of attention. Second, it revives the debate by providing interdisciplinary insights on a number of key topics of relevance. Third, these insights have strong implications for policymaking; they are thus of high practical relevance and could contribute to enhancing the protection of workers in the post-pandemic labour market.

Social partners and OSH: a multilevel and cross-country exploration in the hospital and social services sectors

Abstract The article examines the role of social partners (trade unions and employers) in the field of occupational safety and health (OSH). The Covid-19 pandemic directed attention to the importance of greater national and European level policy coordination to protect and promote healthy, safe, and well-adapted work environments. On the basis of two sectors, hospitals and social services with a focus on elder care, the article asks how OSH policy interventions at the national level and the European level are interlinked. To explore interlinkages, the article focuses on OSH policy coordination between national social partners and European level sectoral social dialogue. The analysis is informed by actor-centred institutionalist and multilevel governance approaches and uses qualitative data. The article explores patterns of interlinkages between the national and European levels in two sectors and six countries and discusses the limitations of applying a cross-national and multilevel conceptual approach. The analysis shows that the pandemic has promoted some coordination at national and between national and EU levels, yet still rather modest interlinkages and degrees of ‘vertical’ coordination can be observed. The paper concludes that there continues to be a degree of ‘in-the-making’ to the multilevel governance of employment relations, even in the presence of common challenges.

Preparing the occupational safety and health workforce for future disruptions.

Despite some emerging lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, evidence suggests the world remains largely underprepared for-and vulnerable to-similar threats in the future. In 2022, researchers at the USNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) led a team of volunteers to explore how future disruptions, such as pandemics, might impact work and the practice of occupational safety and health (OSH). This qualitative inquiry was framed as a strategic foresight project and included a series of activities designed to help better understand, prepare for, and influence the future. Findings from a thorough search for indicators of change were synthesized into nine critical uncertainties and four plausible future scenarios. Analysis of these outputs elucidated three key challenges that may impact OSH research, policy, and practice during future disruptions: (1) data access, (2) direct-to-worker communications, and (3) mis- and dis-information management. A robust strategic response is offered to address these challenges, and next steps are proposed to enhance OSH preparedness and institutionalize strategic foresight across the OSH community.

Health and safety of labor migrants in food industries during Covid-19: Germany, Netherlands and USA

Abstract During the Covid-19 pandemic, migrant workers in the food supply chain (FSC) were deemed an essential workforce. At the same time, they were particularly exposed to risks as shown by Covid-19 outbreaks, for example in meat-processing plants. The pandemic has thus highlighted preexisting inequities related to precarious migrant labor in the FSC. We use the Covid-19 pandemic as a showcase to comparatively examine occupational safety and health (OSH) protection gaps for migrant workers in agriculture and meat-processing in Illinois/USA, the Netherlands, and North-Rhine Westphalia/Germany. We conducted harmonized policy analyses of OSH policies for migrant workers generally, and of pandemic measures specifically. The policy analysis was complemented by expert consultations. The Covid-19 syndemic has prompted OSH measures in horticulture and meat-processing. However, our analysis demonstrates the reliance of FSC industries on various precariously employed worker groups. Intersecting health-, work- and migration-related factors led to poor adaptation of policies for some of these groups, including instances where protective measures excluded them or exacerbated their marginalization. Our analysis shows how influence peddling prevents better protection of workers in some contexts. But it also identifies positive policy changes; for instance the prohibition of subcontracting in meat-processing in Germany. Across different contexts, agriculture remains problematic, with major evidence gaps on migrant workers’ conditions. Comprehensive improvements in the social and health protection of migrant workers in FSC industries will require tackling the structural causes of migrant workers’ exploitability, including low visibility, racial capitalism and cronyism; intersectoral action on OSH; stronger enforcement; and firewalling data exchange between OSH and immigration agencies.

Relationship Between Occupational Safety and Health Policy Principles, Organizational Action on Work-related Stress and the Psychosocial Work Environment in Italy

BackgroundIt is acknowledged that legislation acts as a motivator for organizational action on psychosocial risks. Our study aims to provide evidence on the relationship between key occupational safety and health (OSH) policy principles and organizational action on work-related stress, and, in turn, with reported employee job demands and resources and their experience of work-related stress. We focus on Italy where specific legislation and practices on work-related stress were introduced in 2008 which are underpinned by these key OSH policy principles. MethodsSecondary analysis of the Italian samples from the employer ESENER-2 and employee 6th EWCS surveys was conducted, using path analysis in structural equation modeling (SEM) linking the two datasets. ResultsWe found a strong statistically significant relationship between OSH policy principles and organizational action on work-related stress (C.I. = .62-.78 p < .001). The existence of an organizational action plan on work-related stress was found to be significantly associated with more reported job resources (C.I. = .02-.24, p < .05) but these were not found to be significantly associated with less work-related stress. No significant association was found between having an organizational action plan for work-related stress and reported job demands. However, job demands were significantly related to reported work-related stress (C.I. = .27-.47, p < .001). ConclusionsFindings add support to the call for specific legislation on work-related psychosocial risks and highlight how an organizational OSH culture underpinned by key OSH principles, and awareness/competence development on psychosocial risk management can have a positive effect on organizational action. However, further support needs to be provided to organizations around developing primary prevention interventions at the organizational level with the aim of reducing job demands.

The Influences of Occupational Safety and Health Awareness Factors Among Workers: A Case Study in A Company in North Malaysia

Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) is an essential area that concerns the protection, health, and safety, including the welfare of people or workers in any type of employment. This study was conducted to identify the factors influencing the workers' awareness of OSH and the level of OSH awareness among the workers in a manufacturing company in northern Malaysia. The questionnaire was distributed to 60 employees manually and collected within one week. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used to analyse the data and present it in descriptive statistics, which are in percentage, frequency, and mean. The results of this study found that the OSH awareness level is high with an average mean score of 4.23 and indicated that OSH policy is the highest influence factor with a mean score of 4.47, while the lowest is Safety and Health Committee (SHC) with a mean score of 3.87. The activities such as safety week, OSH awareness campaigns, accident prevention training, posters, and safety talks can raise awareness in the workplace and help workers achieve a higher level of OSH awareness. The purpose of the OSH activities is to reduce occupational injuries and illnesses and foster the development of a safe culture in the workplace. Hence, OSH training and practises are very important and the best way to educate and raise the OSH awareness of employers and employees.

How Excessive Workloads and Long Hours of Work Contribute to Occupational Stress and Burnout Among Clinical Officers at Public Hospitals in Malawi

ABSTRACT In Malawi, there is a cadre of mid-level health workers called clinical officers (COs) who undertake duties conventionally performed by medical doctors in the wake of an acute shortage of the latter. This paper argues that excessive workload and long hours of work are psychosocial hazards at public hospitals in Malawi that contribute to occupational stress (OS) and burnout among COs. The study from which this paper is derived adopted a qualitative research design with a case study as a research strategy. The study was conducted at four district hospitals and one central hospital, which are state-owned in Malawi. This paper argues, firstly, that before the COVID-19 pandemic, COs experienced OS and burnout due to excessive workloads and long hours of work at public hospitals. Secondly, the COVID-19 pandemic aggravated the problem of excessive workloads and long hours of work at public hospitals. Thirdly, OS and burnout among COs are associated with various impacts that can be categorised as psychological consequences and physical consequences. The psychological and physical consequences of OS and burnout are manifestations of poor quality of life among COs, which ultimately negatively affects public health. Finally, this paper recommends formulating and implementing comprehensive occupational safety and health (OSH) policies at public hospitals. Among others, these OSH policies should provide frameworks for regularly assessing the impact of OSH hazards on the mental health of hospital staff and then informing the development of appropriate measures for mitigation.

Design of campus emergency response system in public health emergencies

Safety and health are essential factors of any organization to ensure smooth and effective functioning. Occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness is vital in preventing occupational injuries and illness. Various programs have been implemented by the organization to increase the knowledge and awareness of OSH in the workplace, including among institution higher learning staff in Malaysia. A study was undertaken to identify factors influencing the awareness level of OSH among the staff of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Penang, Malaysia. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to the staff through UiTM email and 193 staff were responded. The questionnaire covered 43 questions and was divided into 7 factors that influence awareness level. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the highest level of awareness factor was OSH policy, with a mean score of 4.90, while the lowest level was the safety and health committee, with a mean score of 3.90. The university management should increase the role of the safety and health committee to increase the safety and health programs such as safety talks, training, and campaign through posters and signage on the campus. OSH management is critical to prevent an accident at the workplace towards the development of a safety culture.

Occupational Safety and Health Staging Framework for Decent Work.

The 2030 United Nations Goal 8 for sustainable development focuses on decent work. There is utility in identifying the occupational safety and health aspects of Goal 8, as they pertain to the four pillars of decent work: job creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue. A workgroup of the International Commission on Occupational Health and collaborators addressed the issue of decent work and occupational safety and health (OSH) with the objective of elaborating a framework for guidance for practitioners, researchers, employers, workers, and authorities. This article presents that framework, which is based on an examination of the literature and the perspectives of the workgroup. The framework encompasses the intersection of the pillars of decent (employment creation, social protection, rights of workers, and social dialogue) work with new and emerging hazards and risks related to various selected determinants: new technologies and new forms of work; demographics (aging and gender); globalization; informal work; migration; pandemics; and OSH policies and climate change. The OSH field will need an expanded focus to address the future of decent work. This focus should incorporate the needs of workers and workforces in terms of their well-being. The framework identifies a starting point for the OSH community to begin to promote decent work.

ANALYZING THE POLICY OF WORK SAFETY AND HEALTH AT STATE POLYTECHNIC OF MANADO

Background: Many phenomena are found that policies, planning, and implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) seem to have not been carried out to the fullest according to standards, so that some students, lecturers, administrative staff/technicians experience occupational safety and health problems. The purpose of OSH implementation is to guarantee the availability of a safe and healthy work environment for all people who work in the work environment.&#x0D; Aim: This study aims to find out, describe, and analyze OSH policy, OSH policy conformity with applicable regulations, and OSH policy commitments in the Manado State Polytechnic.&#x0D; Method: The research method used in this research is descriptive qualitative in order to obtain in-depth information about OSH policies. Data collection is obtained by: interview, observation, and documentation. By using the purposive sampling technique, researchers collect data from key informants. The number of key informants was 10 people, consisting of a managerial team who knew the OSH implementation process at the Manado State Polytechnic.&#x0D; Findings: The final result of this study is to be the basis for the implementation of the Occupational Safety and Health Management System (SMK3) in the Manado State Polytechnic is in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations.

Occupational Safety and Health amid the Global Pandemic

Occupational Safety and Health amid the Global Pandemic

Descriptive Study on the Level of OSH Awareness Among UiTM Cawangan Pulau Pinang Staff

Safety and health are important factors of any organization to ensure smooth and effective functioning. Occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness among the workers in the prevention of occupational injuries and illness. Various programmes have been implemented by the government and private organizations to increase the knowledge and awareness of OSH in the workplace including among institution higher learning staff in Malaysia. A study was undertaken to identify factors influencing the awareness level of OSH among the staff of Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Pulau Pinang Malaysia. A self-administered online questionnaire was distributed to the staff through UiTM email and 193 staff had responded. The questionnaire covered 43 questions and was divided into seven (7) factors that influence awareness level. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and presented in descriptive statistics. The study revealed that the highest level of awareness factor was OSH policy with a mean score of 4.90 while the lowest level factor was safety and health committee with a mean score of 3.90. The analysis of all factors indicated that non-academic staff awareness towards OSH is higher than academic staff with a mean score of 4.51 and 4.41 respectively. The university management should increase the role of the safety and health committee so that it can conduct more safety and health activities such as safety talks, training, and campaign through posters and signage on the campus. Good OSH management is very important to prevent an accident at the workplace towards the development of a safety culture.

Assessing the safety and health practices in the artisanal and small-scale gold mining sector of Ghana: A case of Ntotroso

Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), which is quickly surging and largely practised across Sub-Saharan Africa, is a substantial source of income for many people in the areas where it is undertaken. However, despite this recognized potential, ASGM offers several problems to those who indulge in it, particularly, the health and safety of miners, given that ASGM is extremely unsafe. The purpose of the research was to look into the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) practices in Ghana's ASGM sector, with a focus on ‘Ntotroso’, and uncover the flaws so that important players and regulators are aware. The findings give a comprehensive picture of human health concerns in Ghanaian ASGM communities when taken collectively. The study used a quantitative research technique, with all 110 survey participants being sampled. The study discovered the non-existence of OSH system management, while the predominant cause of accidents emanates from physical, mechanical, chemical, biological, noise, ergonomic, and psychological hazards. This leads to injuries, fatalities, and absence from work. Also, the study detected a poor level of adherence and strategies for enhancing OSH policies in ASGM since there was none to refer to. These findings suggest that there are OSH violations in the ASGM sector in the study area. The study, therefore, suggests increased safety training, increased use of personal protective equipment, and frequent inclusion of drone technology into regulatory compliance monitoring of ASGM are all possible goals for attaining OSH standards.

Influence of occupational health and safety culture implementation to productivity of work to heavy equipment worker at PT. X Surabaya

Labor is one of the assets which determines the quality of the company. Worker can exposure to potential hazard from the work environment so that it can decrease productivity of worker. Data from ILO (2010) show that more than 2 million people/years died due to work accidents and occupational disease. At Indonesia showed every 7 second work accident was occurs. If this happen continuously, it will reduce the productivity of workers and will have an impact to job performance. Heavy Equipment Workers at Port of PT.X is one of the high risk job, therefore this company must arrange work program that support the Occupational Health and Safety(OHS) implementation at workplace through Safety Culture Implementation. The aim of this research is to analyze the influence of occupational health and safety culture implementation to productivity of work on Heavy Equipment Worker at PT.X Surabaya with using cross sectional study. Total samples of 52 workers, taken by the total sampling method. Data related to respondent characteristics like productivity of worker, safety culture implementation, OHS Policy, OHS Program, working behavior obtained from direct observation to the field and interviews with workers. Statistical test result using multiple linear regression test showed that the effect of OHS culture implementation (with variabel OHS Policy, OHS Program and Working behavior) influence 79,6% to Productivity of Work to Heavy Equipment Worker at PT.X Surabaya with p-value 0,000<0,05. Because all worker know that company has applied the OHS management, this can be known from the interviews result and direct inspections in the field that all workes was working with safe action, because their know that their work has a high risk of potential hazard and then before entering the workplace, HSE Supervisor always provide safety briefing to all operator. Recommended for the company to commit to improve OHS Management and OHS Program in the company and all OHS Policy and OHS Program should be socialized and carried out routinely and continuosly. For all worker should be more disciplined to using PPE and before work must reading the Standard Operational Procedure (SOP) before starting the work.

Description of a Housekeeping Program as One of the Occupational Safety and Health Programs at Petrochemical Company

Introduction: Non-fatal accidents are estimated to occur in 374 million cases each year and have serious consequences for the productivity of workers. Petrochemical Company, which is a company that operates in the field of fertilizers and other chemicals, needs to conduct an Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) program, one of which is the Housekeeping program. The purpose of this study is to determine the housekeeping program at Petrochemical Company and the application at Amurea II Plant III of Petrochemical Company. Methods: This research was conducted at Petrochemical Company in June 2017. This study used a cross-sectional design. The variables use were the OSH policy, the housekeeping program, the housekeeping procedures, and the applications of housekeeping. The primary data were obtained through direct observation and the secondary data were obtained from the company’s documents. Results: Petrochemical Company has included the housekeeping program in the OSH policy. There are two housekeeping programs at Petrochemical Company, namely daily housekeeping and monthly housekeeping. Also, there are 2 types of procedures in the housekeeping program, namely units that can do the housekeeping program and units that cannot do the housekeeping program. Moreover, the housekeeping program has been implemented in all units, one of which is at Amurea II Plant III Project. Conclusion: The Housekeeping program has been integrated in the company’s policy so that the housekeeping program can be done by all workers both daily and monthly. Housekeeping application has also been implemented at Amurea II Plant III of Petrochemical Company. Keywords: housekeeping procedure, housekeeping program, occupational safety and health policy

Analysis of the Effectiveness of the Occupational Safety and Health Policy in three Industries in Trinidad and Tobago

This paper investigates the effectiveness of the occupational safety and health (OSH) policy in the construction, manufacturing, and petrochemical industries in Trinidad and Tobago since it was enacted in 2006 up until 2017. Existing literature copiously reports on the degraded levels of occupational safety and health (OSH) in developing countries and recommends the adoption of integrated approaches to workers’ health protection. Although this assertion may be correct for some Caribbean countries it might not be true for all. This paper argues that inadequate enforcement of the OSH policy, oversight, and accountability strongly suggests that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago is not serious about its OSH policy. The data for this paper were derived through interviews and questionnaire research instruments. The result of the research found that there has been limited gains and few positive policy outcomes. This is because the OSH Agency does not pursue a coordinated policy implementation initiative, and this shortcoming has contributed negatively to the underlying and persistent absence of employers’ commitment to complying with the national OSH policy. It is prudent and urgent that a re-energized and creative approach to policy implementation be adopted, and that essential tools, resources, strategic direction and executive oversight are provided to ensure sustenance and success of this important change-management process.

MENAKAR IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA DI INDONESIA

The number of work accidents, especially in government projects at the end of 2017 until the beginning of 2018, indicates that the occupational safety and health (OSH) is still a issue that needs to be studied its implementation in Indonesia. BPJS Employment data shows that the number of work accidents in Indonesia over the past 3 years is indeed fluctuative, but still quite high. These facts and data make the issue of OSH important to be reviewed in its implementation. Because the issue of OSH has actually been regulated by the government through Undang-Undang No. 1 of 1970 concerning Occupational Safety. This policy has been implemented for almost half a century. For this reason, the paper tries to review the performance of OSH policy implementation in Indonesia. The method used is desk research. The performance of OSH policy implementation was measured using the policy implementation theory proposed by Ripley and Franklin. Data is collected by literature study methods from report documents, websites, mass media, and official publications issued by authorized institutions. The research also analyzes the factors that cause high work accidents in Indonesia and formulates strategies to solve them. The study concluded that the performance of OSH policy implementation was still low. This can be seen from the low compliance of the target group and the realization of policy objectives. Factors that cause the low performance of policy implementation are due to weak regulation, weak supervision, low level of compliance, weak commitment, and incorrect mindset about K3. For this reason, research recommends improving the K3 Act, increasing the number of labor inspectors, and implementing programs. improve public mindset, especially target groups about K3.

Workplace health promotion and safety in state and territorial health departments in the United States: a national mixed-methods study of activity, capacity, and growth opportunities

BackgroundState and Territorial Health Departments (SHDs) have a unique role in protecting and promoting workers’ health. This mixed-methods study presents the first systematic investigation of SHDs’ activities and capacity in both Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) and Workplace Health Promotion (WHP) in the United States (US).MethodsNational survey of OSH and WHP practitioners from each of 56 SHDs, followed by in-depth interviews with a subset of survey respondents. We calculated descriptive statistics for survey variables and conducted conventional content analysis of interviews.ResultsSeventy percent (n = 39) of OSH and 71% (n = 40) of WHP contacts responded to the survey. Twenty-seven (n = 14 OSH, n = 13 WHP) participated in follow-up interviews. Despite limited funding, staffing, or organizational support, SHDs reported a wide array of activities. We assessed OSH and WHP surveillance activities, support that SHDs provided to employers to implement OSH and WHP interventions (implementation support), OSH and WHP services provided directly to workers, OSH follow-back investigations, and OSH standard and policy development. Each of the categories we asked about (excluding OSH standard and policy development) were performed by more than half of responding SHDs. Surveillance was the area of greatest OSH activity, while implementation support was the area of greatest WHP activity. Respondents characterized their overall capacity as low. Thirty percent (n = 9) of WHP and 19% (n = 6) of OSH respondents reported no funds at all for OSH/WHP work, and both groups reported a median 1.0 FTEs working on OSH/WHP at the SHD. Organizational support for OSH and WHP was characterized as “low” to “moderate”.To increase SHDs’ capacity for OSH and WHP, interview respondents recommended that OSH and WHP approaches be better integrated into other public health initiatives (e.g., infectious disease prevention), and that federal funding for OSH and WHP increase. They also discussed specific recommendations for improving the accessibility and utility of existing funding mechanisms, and the educational resources they desired from the CDC.ConclusionsResults revealed current activities and specific strategies for increasing capacity of SHDs to promote the safety and health of workers and workplaces – an important public health setting for reducing acute injury and chronic disease.

Role of Safety and Health Awareness in Occupational Safety and Health Performance in Public Health Facilities in Machakos County, Kenya

The Kenya Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) obligates employers to ensure the provision of occupational safety and health information and training to all persons in their workplaces. In spite of this requirement, the risk of occupational exposures among the healthcare workers remains high. The researchers aimed to determine whether occupational safety and health (OSH) awareness among health workers and health management hindered implementation of OSHA in public dispensaries and health centres, using Machakos County. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey conducted in February 2018 and involved 107 health workers in public dispensaries and health centres and 42 members of the Health Management in Machakos County. It involved physical observations, collection of data from respondents, and analysis of the data. Linear regression results indicated strong negative relationship between OSH awareness and hindrance in the implementation of OSHA. The prediction factor was -0.6400, p<0.05. These showed that one unit increase in OSH awareness predicted a decrease of 0.64 units of hindrance in the implementation of OSH Act. The null hypothesis, Implementation of Occupational Safety and Health Act is not affected by OSH awareness among health workers and health management, failed in favour the alternative hypothesis. The researchers concluded that lack of OSH awareness among health workers and management hindered implementation of OSHA in the selected facilities. The health workers and management should be trained in OSH. Regular OSH refresher seminars should be conducted and OSH information disseminated and displayed throughout the health facilities. OSH policy should be communicated through trainings and displays in health facilities.

Occupational safety and health regulations and implementation challenges in Uganda

The burden of occupational diseases and injuries is high in developing countries due to several challenges including poor regulatory frameworks. To explore the status of occupational safety and health (OSH) policies and related implementation challenges in Uganda, we reviewed OSH regulations and conducted key informant interviews with stakeholders. We found that the existing OSH laws were largely outdated compared to the current needs of workplaces. Challenges affecting implementation are related to: gaps in the legal framework, low public awareness about OSH, poor planning, and limited human capacity, transparency, and accountability. Measures to address these gaps including training, upgrading OSH laws and policies, and prioritization are warranted to improve the status of OSH in Uganda.