Occupational Risk Perception Research Articles

Occupational Risk Assessment in School Food Services: Instruments’ Construction and Internal Validation

Occupational risk assessment in school food services (SFS) should include factors related to occupational hygiene, physical–functional planning, worker health, and good meal production practices. This study aimed to develop an instrument to assess occupational risk in school food services and perform content validation and semantic evaluation. The research included three steps: (i) instrument’s development; (ii) content validation (Delphi); and (iii) semantic evaluation (focus group). After an extensive literature review, four instruments were developed. The Delphi was validated by the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC), with an agreement greater than 90%. The semantic analysis was performed through four meetings using a focus group. After the content and semantic evaluation, there were four final instruments: Identification of Socioeconomic and Demographic Conditions of Food Handlers and Geographical Mapping of SFS (30 items); Knowledge and Attitudes in Food Hygiene Assessment (33 items); Perception of Occupational Risks (16 items); and Mapping of Occupational Risks in SFS (97 items). Instrument’s content validation and semantic evaluation contributed to constructing and validating forms for analyzing occupational risks and adjusting respondents’ language and sociocultural components.

Occupational risk perception and its associated factors among nurses and physicians in Peruvian health facilities.

A high perceived risk is related to lower rates of occupational accidents in the health personnel. To determine the levels of occupational risk perception and its associated factors in nurses and physicians from health facilities in Peru during 2016. An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with secondary data from the National Survey of Health Users Satisfaction (Encuesta Nacional de Satisfacción de Usuarios en Salud) 2016. The problem variable was the occupational risk perception, and sociodemographic variables and variables related to occupational risk exposure were included as possible associated factors. Crude and adjusted ordinal logistic regression models were developed to determine the associated factors. All estimates were weighted according to the National Survey of Health Users Satisfaction 2016 complex sampling. Levels of perceived occupational risk were similar between nurses and physicians. Weekly working hours, having a previous work accident, and receiving protective equipment were found to be associated with occupational risk perception in nurses. Age, institution of origin, having a specialty, suffering from a chronic disease, and receiving occupational risk training were found to be associated with occupational risk perception in physicians. In Peru, the levels of occupational risk perception in nurses and physicians are similar. However, the associated factors differ according to the profession. These findings may contribute to the norms or laws related to the occupational safety of health personnel.

Perceptions of Occupational Cancer Risk and Prevention Among Dominican Republic Firefighters: A Qualitative Study.

Characterize occupational cancer risk perceptions and attitudes toward cancer prevention practices among firefighters in the Dominican Republic. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted in June 2019 among firefighters from three fire departments. Themes were inductively created using a qualitative descriptive approach. Thirty-seven firefighters were interviewed with a group mean age of 36.2 ± 10.3 years, of which 97.3% were male, and 37.1% worked at least 10 years. Six themes emerged: 1) availability of personal protective equipment (PPE); 2) toxic exposure during fire suppression; 3) work-related stress; 4) lack of workplace health promotion activities; 5) Dominican culture impacts medical checkups; and 6) expensive medical copays limits healthcare access. Dominican firefighters are willing to adopt cancer prevention practices, however organizational barriers (ie, PPE availability, cultural barriers, and health promotion practices) limit engagement.

800. Needle Stick And Sharps Injuries Among Health Care Workers – The Experience of a Tertiary Hospital in Jamaica

BackgroundDespite advances in occupational safety protocols in healthcare facilities, needle stick and sharps injuries (NSSIs) continue to be a concerning occurrence among healthcare workers (HCWs). Such exposures lead to the risk of blood borne infections as well as emotional and financial consequences which may be difficult to measure. Few studies on NSSIs among Jamaican HCWs have been published in the last decade. We evaluated adherence to established NSSIs management protocols and investigated the demographic and work-related characteristics of HCWs sustaining NSSIs. The proportion of HCWs affected and frequency and direct costs associated with these injuries were estimated.MethodsThis retrospective case-series reviewed HCWs employed or contracted to an urban tertiary teaching hospital in Jamaica, who reported NSSIs in the emergency room during the period January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2018. Archived incident reporting forms for these HCWs were reviewed. Data were analyzed using STATA 14 statistical software.Results57 cases of NSSIs were reported at an average rate of 1 per month and an annual incidence of 0.14 per 100 beds and 4.75 per 100 workers. 49 (86%) HCWs were female and 18 (14%) were male. 55% of HCWs were between the ages of 24-29 years old. Nurses (53%) and physicians (19%) made up most of the sample. 28 (58%) HCWs reported not wearing gloves during the incident. Improperly handling used sharps and re-capping needles were reported by 26 (46.5%) and 17 (30%) of HCWs respectively. HIV and viral Hepatitis screening of source patients were performed 85% and 55% of the time respectively. Only 25% of HCWs were prescribed HIV post exposure prophylaxis. Post-injury counselling occurred with 52 (91%) HCWs and follow up care arranged for 36% of cases. The mean direct cost associated with the initial management of the HCW was US &163.22 per NSSI.ConclusionThe frequency of reported NSSIs by HCWs is low but the burden of direct costs is high. There is inadequate adherence to NSSIs management protocols and accurate monitoring systems are lacking. We recommend the need for safer needle disposal methods and devices, routine auditing of sharps practices and training in occupational hazard prevention and management. This may improve occupational risk perception among HCWs and workplace safety. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Occupational Risk Perception and occupational and work-related diseases prevention

Abstract Background It is estimated 6500 daily deaths by occupational diseases with a high social and economic impact. Several studies show that the perception of occupational risks acts as a precursor to preventive attitudes and behaviors of workers. Nevertheless, attention paid to the perception of occupational risks is scarce and even controversial. This study focuses on a model used by behavioral safety programs associating it with the psychometric paradigm, to understand the worker's risk perception of a Portuguese Health Education and Research Institution (Portugal). Methods This cross-sectional study covered a total of 84 workers. Of these,73% had a very differentiated academic background (doctorate, and post-doctorate degrees). Workers can carry out their activities in more than one work area.60% work in Research, 49% in the Education, 42% in Laboratories and 47,6% in the General and Administrative Services. Risk perception (cognitive and emotional) was assessed using an online questionnaire that also included sociodemographic and occupational information and perception of exposure to occupational hazards. Results 95% of participants reported exposure to at least one occupational risk factor, but only 22% perceived the risk (probability of accidents and illnesses associated with the work performed). There was a positive correlation between the perception of exposure to occupational hazards and risk perception (p < 0,001) and that, the greater the perceived risk, the lower the tolerance to it (p < 0,001).While teaching, research and laboratory work is associated with low perception and high-risk tolerance, individual variables such as gender, age, educational qualifications, and professional category did not influence the perception of risk. Conclusions Understanding how risk is perceived by workers is determinant for the effective occupational risk management. Key messages Occupational risk perception is necessary to prevention of occupational and work-related diseases. Occupational risk perception is determinant for the complementarity of the on-site diagnosis of real work situations and relevant for dynamization of Occupational Health services.

Occupational risk perception in Health Education and Research: Better knowledge, better prevention

Abstract Background Workers of Biologic Sciences and Health, in the exercise of their occupational activities, are exposed to several occupational hazards. Objective To identify the occupational hazards and risks of occupational and “work-related” diseases in a Public Health Education and Research Institution located in Lisbon (Portugal). Methods Descriptive study carried out by applying a structured questionnaire to collect information regarding the perception of exposure to occupational hazards, risk perception (cognitive and emotional) and sociodemographic and occupational variables. Results 95% of workers report exposure to at least one occupational hazard. Exposure to risk factors related to the activity or ergonomic (74%) was reported by all professional categories and work areas. Exposure to physical hazards were perceived by 60% of workers and mainly in laboratory work (78%). Exposure to microbiological agents (51%) and chemical substances (49%) is perceived mainly by professionals who work in the laboratory with 81% and 82%, respectively. Psychosocial risk (33%), mainly career progression, were reported by 84.6% of professionals at general services and by 79% in teaching. However, workers have difficulty perceiving occupational risk, since only 15% of participants considered the probability of having an occupational accident to be high, 15% of acquiring an acute illness and 25% a chronic disease. About 45% of workers were not concerned with the severity and implications of the accident or illness in their lives. Differences were identified in the characterization of risk perception considering the work area and antiquity time in the institution. Conclusions Understanding workers occupational risk perception is an indispensable condition for an effective occupational risk management. Only in this way is it possible to define health surveillance protocols and planning effective preventive and health-promoting measures at work on an individual and or collective level. Key messages Occupational risk perception evaluation is essential to define health surveillance protocols and planning effective preventive and health-promoting interventions at work. More studies about hazards and risk perception in Health Education and Research is necessary to the definition of adequate preventive policies to improve the protection of their workers’ health.

Risk Perception and Coping Behavior of Construction Workers on Occupational Health Risks-A Case Study of Nanjing, China.

To reduce harm caused by occupational health risks of construction workers exposed to working environments, especially those for interior decoration, it is crucial for them to actively recognize and prevent these risks. Therefore, how to improve their occupational health risks perception and regulate their coping behaviors should be of great concern. However, most prior studies target construction worker safety, and little research focuses on risk analysis from the psychological level of workers. Hence, construction workers’ occupational health risk perception level and coping behavior level in Nanjing and the influencing factors were analyzed through statistical analysis with 341 valid questionnaires. Bootstrapping was applied to test the mediating effects of risk perception on the proposed factors and coping behaviors. This study revealed that construction workers have a high-level of occupational health risk perception, yet low-level coping behavior. Gender, age, education level, and unit qualification cause differences in individual risk perception level. Personal knowledge and group effects significantly affect the level of risk perception, which subsequently affect coping behavior. Education level, monthly income, and personal knowledge influence the coping behavior through risk perception. Recommendations were put forward for risk perception and coping behavior improvement from the perspectives of construction workers themselves, enterprises, and governments. This study sheds new light for research areas of occupational health and risk management and provides beneficial practice for improving construction workers’ responses to occupational health risks.

Assessing Risks Awareness in Operating Rooms among Post-Graduate Students: A Pilot Study

Background: In this study, we promote a global approach to occupational risk perception in order to improve occupational health and safety training programs. The study investigates the occupational risk perception of operating room healthcare workers using an Analytic Hierarchy Process approach. Methods: A pilot study was carried out through a cross-sectional survey in a university hospital in Southern Italy. An ad hoc questionnaire was administered to enrolled medical post-graduate students working in the operating room. Results: Fifty medical specialists from seven fields (anaesthetists, digestive system surgeons, general surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, thoracic surgeons, urologists, and gynaecologists) were questioned about perceived occupational risk by themselves. Biological, ionizing radiation, and chemical risks were the most commonly perceived in order of priority (w = 0.300, 0.219, 0.210). Concerning the biological risk, gynaecologists unexpected perceived this risk as less critical (w = 0.2820) than anaesthesiologists (w = 0.3354), which have the lowest perception of the risk of ionizing radiation (w = 0.1657). Conclusions: Prioritization methods could improve risk perception in healthcare settings and help detect training needs and perform sustainable training programs.

Occupational Risk Perception and the Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): A Study Among Informal Automobile Artisans in Osun State, Nigeria

Informal workers in developing countries are exposed to various occupational hazards that may cause accidents, injuries, or diseases. Personal protective equipment (PPE) can be an essential tool for preventing workers from exposure to these hazards. Despite the widely acknowledged benefits of PPE usage, many informal automobile artisans in Nigeria do not use PPE. This study examines factors that predict PPE usage among these artisans, particularly their occupational risk perception. This cross-sectional study adopted a multistage method to select 632 automobile artisans (mechanics, panel beaters, painters, and vulcanizers) in Osun State, Nigeria. A questionnaire was used to obtain information on the dependent variable (the use of PPE) and the independent variables (occupational risk perception and risk tolerance). STATA 14 was used for the multivariate logistic regression analysis. Workers who perceive themselves at high risk of occupational health problems are more likely to use PPE (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1, p = .03), as are those who are very worried about getting accidents/illnesses (OR = 2.6, p = .03) or believe that these health problems are preventable (OR = 2.3, p = .01). Contrary to expectation, workers who experienced accidents/illnesses in the past are less likely to use PPE (OR = 0.3, p = .00) than those who did not. The established positive relationship between occupational risk perception and PPEs’ usage provides information to various stakeholders for designing safety programs that can reduce exposure to the occupational risks for informal automobile artisans in Nigeria.

The Effectiveness of İnfection Control and Isolation Education for COVID-19 Among Turkish Senior Nursing Students: Quasi-Experimental Study

Background: The literature emphasizes the importance of preparing the educational content of senior students, especially for the care of patients with COVID-19 infection. Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of an online training application for infection control, and isolation on students' knowledge level, their anxiety towards COVID-19, perceived stress, and occupational risk perception levels. Method: Quasi-experimental research using a pretest-posttest design was conducted in the study. The study took place at the department of nursing of a state university in Turkey. This study was conducted with 56 volunteer last grade nursing students. Online training for infection control and isolation in the nursing care of the patients with COVID-19 infection was applied by the researchers. Results: It was found that the correct response rates that question about the care of the patient with COVID-19 infection statistically significantly increased after the training (p<.05). Also, there was a statistically significant decrease in perceived stress and anxiety, the occupational risk perception of the students after the training (p<.05). Conclusion: Online training relating to infection control, and isolation in association with COVID-19 increases the knowledge of senior nursing students in relation to this subject, reduces stress, anxiety and the perceived professional risk levels.

Occupational risk perception in mollusk farm workers

Marine bivalve mollusk farming in Santa Catarina, located in South Brazil is a noteworthy productive activity that generates jobs and income. However, workers in this sector are exposed to several workplace risks due to lack of security and occupational health policies. In order to contribute to the generation of knowledge in the sector, this study evaluated oyster and mussel farm worker occupational risk perception in Florianopolis, Brazil. An ergonomic analysis and the application of a semi-structured interview (n = 38) were carried out, as well as observation of the work environment. Results indicate that most of the participants are men with low educational level and that the most common accidents are cuts, shocks and falls. In addition, reports of muscle pain and allergies were also noted. The interviewees displayed ignorance regarding the occupational risks present at cultivation farms, and were also shown to underestimate accidents suffered during task execution. The data obtained herein indicate the need for the development of risk management policies, specific for marine bivalve mollusk farming, especially regarding worker education and organization work measures in mariculture.

The importance of perception of occupational risk to reduce the accident phenomenon: an analysis of the variables

The perception of risk is to be understood as the ability to identify a source of danger as soon as possible. It is a personal process, so it is we who decide to face or avoid the risk situation in a subjective way. This process conditions actions, behaviors, assessments, choices about an entity or a potentially dangerous situation. The subjective perception of risk is not linear and is not directly proportional to the increase in the dangers; it is subject to influences and distortions and is linked to psychological, cultural and social aspects. Not always all aspects of a risky situation are perceived and this can lead to an overestimation or underestimation of the risk. I reported the main studies that analyzed the correlation between risk perception and some variables: Being employed or not, gender, socio-political factors, age, level of education, income level, training and perception of risk, health status, knowledge of risk, previous injuries, possibility of job control and perception of risk, work experience / seniority, attitude in the workplace, exposure to risk factors, tasks in the same workplace, adoption of adequate protective behaviors, job satisfaction- Thinking about safety from a technical and technological point of view is certainly very important but it is not a sufficient condition, behind every accident we have an individual who makes decisions for which it is fundamental, in order to address the issue of health and safety in a integrated, also consider the man variable in its entirety.

The importance of perception of occupational risk to reduce the accident phenomenon: an analysis of the variables

The perception of risk is to be understood as the ability to identify a source of danger as soon as possible. It is a personal process, so it is we who decide to face or avoid the risk situation in a subjective way.This process conditions actions, behaviors, assessments, choices about an entity or a potentially dangerous situation.The subjective perception of risk is not linear and is not directly proportional to the increase in the dangers; it issubject to influences and distortions and is linked to psychological, cultural and social aspects.Not always all aspects of a risky situation are perceived and this can lead to an overestimation or underestimationof the risk.I reported the main studies that analyzed the correlation between risk perception and some variables: Being employedor not, gender, socio-political factors, age, level of education, income level, training and perception of risk, healthstatus, knowledge of risk, previous injuries, possibility of job control and perception of risk, work experience / seniority, attitude in the workplace, exposure to risk factors, tasks in the same workplace, adoption of adequate protectivebehaviors, job satisfaction.Thinking about safety from a technical and technological point of view is certainly very important but it is not a sufficient condition, behind every accident we have an individual who makes decisions for which it is fundamental, inorder to address the issue of health and safety in a integrated, also consider the man variable in its entirety.

Occupational risks and risk perception among Hispanic adolescents

Although child labor laws are designed to protect youth from serious injury in the workplace, there are a number of other factors that influence the effectiveness of occupational injury prevention including adolescent risk perception, failure to understand worker rights, and lack of experience. The growing adolescent Hispanic population in the U.S. is of particular concern because cultural and economic barriers have the potential to further influence these young workers' safety. A greater emphasis on research among Hispanic adolescents is crucial to minimizing adolescent worker injury. To propose effective age and culturally appropriate intervention programs, it will be necessary to understand the knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding occupational risks within the working adolescent Hispanic community.

Hepatitis B virus infection, knowledge and vaccine uptake among hairdressers in Ikorodu, Lagos State

Abstract Background Hepatitis B is a major public health concern. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) continues to thrive in developing countries including Nigeria. Occupationally exposed persons like people working in women's beauty salon are at high risk of HBV infection and may play a critical role in the disease transmission via contaminated needles and sharps. The aim of this study therefore was to estimate HBV infection, knowledge level, occupational risk perception and vaccine uptake among people working in women's beauty salons. Also to get them screened and encourage those that are negative to get vaccinated to curb the spread of this infection. Methods This was a cross-sectional study carried out on 199 people working in women's beauty salons in Ikorodu Local government area of Lagos State. HBsAg screening using a rapid diagnostic test kit was carried out for all respondents to determine their infection status. Questionnaire which assessed their knowledge level and occupational risk perception were completed by trained interviewers and data was analysed using SPSS software. Results The result of this study showed that only 2.01% respondents tested positive for the HBsAg screening. Majority of the respondents (69.3%) have poor knowledge about HBV transmission, prevention and vaccine. While most (78.9%) of the respondents don't know their occupational risk of exposure to HBV, 9.0% rated themselves at high risk of occupational exposure. Significant association was observed between level of knowledge and risk perception (P < 0.001). The level of vaccine uptake was very poor as only 1 out of 199 respondents has taken 3 doses of HBV vaccine, 60.9%(120) have not been vaccinated. Conclusions The respondents exhibited poor level of knowledge about HBV transmission, prevention, vaccination and went about their occupation without adequate protection form HBV. Key messages Screening of people working in women beauty salon is highly imperative to identify those with infection so that they can be treated on time while those that are negative should be vaccinated. Due to the potential roles of people working in women’s beauty salon in HBV transmission, education programs and vaccine coverage policy should be adopted for people in this occupation.

Perceptions of Occupational Risk and Changes in Clinical Practice of United States Vitreoretinal Surgery Fellows during the COVID-19 Pandemic

PurposeTo assess perceptions of occupational risk and changes to clinical practice of ophthalmology trainees in the United States during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.DesignAn anonymous, nonvalidated, cross-sectional survey was conducted online. Data were collected from April 7 through 16, 2020.ParticipantsSecond-year U.S. vitreoretinal surgery fellows in two-year training programs were invited to participate.MethodsOnline survey.Main Outcome MeasuresSurvey questions assessed policies guiding COVID-19 response, exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, changes in clinical duties, and methods to reduce occupational risk, including availability of personal protective equipment (PPE).ResultsCompleted responses were obtained from 62 of 87 eligible recipients (71.2% response rate). Training settings included academic (58.1%), hybrid academic/private practice (35.5%), and private practice only settings (6.5%). Overall, 19.4% of respondents reported an exposure to a COVID-19–positive patient, 14.5% reported self-quarantining due to possible exposure, and 11.3% reported being tested for COVID-19. In regards to PPE, N95 masks were available in the emergency room (n = 40 [64.5%]), office (n = 35 [56.5%]), and operating room (n = 35 [56.5%]) settings. Perceived comfort level with PPE recommendations was significantly associated with availability of an N95 respirator mask in the clinic (P < 0.001), emergency room (P < 0.001), or operating room (P = 0.002) settings. Additional risk mitigation methods outside of PPE were: reduction in patient volume (n = 62 [100%]), limiting patient companions (n = 59 [95.2%]), use of a screening process (n = 59 [95.2%]), use of a slit-lamp face shield (n = 57 [91.9%]), temperature screening of all persons entering clinical space (n = 34 [54.84%]), and placement of face mask on patients (n = 33 [53.2%]). Overall, 16.1% reported additional clinical duties within the scope of ophthalmology, and 3.2% reported being re-deployed to nonophthalmology services. 98.4% of respondents, 98.4% expected a reduction in surgical case volume. No respondents reported loss of employment or reduction in pay or benefits due to COVID-19.ConclusionsSuspected or confirmed clinical exposure to COVID-19–positive patients occurred in approximately one fifth of trainee respondents. Perceived comfort level with PPE standards was significantly associated with N95 respirator mask availability. As surgical training programs grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, analysis of trainees’ concerns may inform development of mitigation strategies.

Gerações Y e Z e suas percepções de riscos de segurança e saúde no trabalho

O conceito de geração engloba o conjunto de indivíduos nascidos em épocas distintas, influenciados por um contexto histórico, que determina o comportamento, causando impacto direto na evolução da sociedade e, principalmente, no ambiente de trabalho. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar os comportamentos das Gerações Y e Z, apontando as causas e as diferenças na forma de pensar e proceder quanto à percepção dos fatores de riscos de segurança e saúde no trabalho. Buscou-se compreender os principais sentidos referenciados ao trabalho pelos indivíduos dessas duas gerações, quais seus modos de pensar e agir no dia a dia na sociedade, a visão que as demais gerações concebem sobre eles e, ainda, algumas semelhanças e diferenças entre as gerações pesquisadas. Para tal, realizou-se uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo, na qual foram coletados dados por meio de questionário respondido por indivíduos pertencentes às Gerações Y e Z atuantes no mercado. Após análises, pôde-se constatar que as características apontadas para as Gerações Y e Z ocorrem em consonância com o prescrito nas literaturas pesquisadas. Ações foram propostas para melhorar a percepção dos riscos de segurança e saúde no trabalho para as gerações em estudo.

Ethnic background and risk perception in construction workers: development and validation of an exploratory tool.

Among occupational sectors, construction is still one of the branches with the highest reported numbers of work-related injuries and diseases, which can even lead to death and in many cases induce permanent health consequences. The vast majority of these occupational injuries and diseases are preventable; accordingly, an improvement in preventive strategies, also through a better knowledge of the main factors involved in these events, is one of the most important objectives for better occupational health and safety in the construction sector. Considering the individual factors associated with a higher risk of work-related adverse health effects in workers, an inadequate perception of occupational risks is among the most relevant issues. Risk perception can vary according to different cultural backgrounds, highly influenced by ethnicity, and it affects the relations between workers in the work environment, and the way by with they undergo the specific occupational tasks and manage risky situations frequently occurring on construction sites. Accordingly, the aim of the authors was to develop a new tool for the assessment of risk perception in construction workers with different ethnic backgrounds. A team of health and safety experts involved in the training of construction workers from various ethnic backgrounds and in different regions of Italy developed and validated a questionnaire-based tool for the evaluation of their risk perception. Furthermore, through a factor analysis, a reference model defining various dimensions of occupational risk perception, relevant for the different ethnicities, was identified. The final tool included 12 items aimed to assess the associations between the ethnic background and occupational risk perception of construction workers. The authors identified 4 relevant dimensions: behavioral control, work conditions, safety climate and personal attitude. The proposed tool should be considered to explore the appropriate ways for the development of effective preventive strategies for construction workers with different ethnic backgrounds in Italy. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2020;33(2):163-72.

Occupational Injury and Its Correlated Factors among Small-Scale Industry Workers in Towns of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia.

Introduction In developing countries, the laborer forces have managed many of the industrial works. As a result, the process of the work has put the health and lives of workers at risk. Thus, this study was designed to assess occupational injury and its correlated factors among small-scale industry workers in the towns of Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed among five hundred ninety small-scale industries in towns of Bale zone, Southeast Ethiopia, in March to April 2016. Multistage sampling was applied to recruit the study subjects. Data were collected through interviewer-administered questionnaires. A structured questionnaire addressing the objectives of the study was used. EpiData was used for data entry, and the data were exported to SPSS windows version 20 for analysis. Descriptive statistics like frequency and percentage were used for the prevalence, whereas binary and multiple logistic regressions were employed to identify the predictors of the outcome variable. Results A total of 574 workers from different small-scale industries, including woodwork, metalwork, and concrete block construction, participated in the study with a response rate of 97.3%. In this study, among the total participants of the study, 43.2% (248), 30% (172), and 21.6% (124) of them had encountered lifetime, last one year, and six months occupational injury, respectively. Taking health and safety training, presence of any things on the floor that can cause accidents and occupational risk perception were independent predictors of occupational injury. The presence of any things on the floor that can cause accidents and having a low-risk perception increases occupational injury by 12.69 [AOR: 12.69, (1.67–96.13)] and 2.84 [AOR: 2.84, (1.80–4.49)], respectively. Conclusion About one in three occupational injuries occurred among small-scale industry workers. Health and safety training should be provided for every worker in small-scale industries. Supportive supervision focusing awareness creation, economic stability, and health care from health office, social and labor affair office, and other concerned body is highly recommended. District or town health office should address the identified factors to promote the health of the workers.

Occupational Exposure on Board Fishing Vessels: Risk Assessments of Biomechanical Overload, Noise and Vibrations among Worker on Fishing Vessels in Southern Italy

Sea fishing is one of the sectors with the highest risk of illness and work-related accidents. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the exposure of fishing workers to three major risks: biomechanical overload, noise, and whole-body vibrations. We used common methods and measurement tools in the field: observational video analysis, questionnaires, and direct measurement. Noise and vibrations levels were measured aboard five boats belonging to the main fishing communities of Southern Italy. The random sample consisted of 310 workers, of whom 108 agreed to complete a questionnaire to collect data on the perception of occupational risk and self-perception of health conditions. We found that fishermen had a high prevalence of osteoarticular pathologies (42%) and that the biomechanical overload risk is mainly related to handling manual loads. Furthermore, the results indicate that the levels of weekly noise exposure exceed the exposure limit value of 87 decibel A (dBA) for fishing workers, and that the most noisiest area is the engine room. Exposure levels to whole-body vibrations were below &lt;0.5 m/s2. Knowledge on occupational hazards and health effects in the fisheries sector should be used to develop ship technology, raise awareness of the correct use of personal protective equipment, and improve health surveillance of these workers.