Protect Worker Health Research Articles

Public health law and the war in Ukraine: Present and lessons for the future

In this paper, the theme of medical neutrality is highlighted, in particular, the definition of the concept and principles are defined, and examples of medical neutrality violation through the prism of armed aggression in Ukraine are given. Medical neutrality is seen as a social agreement that obliges society to protect health workers both in time of war and peacetime, and obliges medical personnel to provide medical care to all, regardless of religion, race, ethnic origin, political affiliation or other characteristics. The internationally coordinated system for the observance of human rights is clarified, attention is focused on the guarantees enshrined in Protocol I regarding the provision of medical care, as well as on the international axioms of the protection of medical workers and guarantees of their professional activity in martial law conditions, defined in Protocol I. The issue of legal assessment of the professional activity of medical workers in the territories in which the aggressor state has established or is trying to establish an occupation regime is revealed, and a fine line between the essence of the concept of medical neutrality and the professional activities of medical workers in the temporarily occupied territories is stated, which emphasizes the need for clarity and certainty in the presentation of legal norms to prevent human rights violations.

OECD Ülkelerinin COVID-19 ve Sağlık Politikaları Değişkenlerine göre Bulanık AHP ve MULTIMOORA Yöntemi İle Değerlendirilmesi

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare performance rankings of OECD countries with the MULTIMOORA method by using the health policy responses and various variables related to COVID-19. Material and Method: Study includes cross-sectional data of 37 OECD countries. Data regarding eleven variables about the current population health status in these countries are collected from open reliable sources. CO- VID-19 health policy responses of the countries recorded in the OECD database were scored and weighted scores computed by using Fuzzy AHP method. The performance rankings of OECD countries were determined by the MULTIMOORA method with use of all variables. Results: Among the policy responses highest ranking score was computed for “mobilizing and protecting health workers” and the lowest score for “increasing access to mental health services” (0,172 and 0,042 points respectively). According to the results of performance rankings by MULTIMOORA, New Zealand was located in the first and Belgium in the last place while Turkey has been the eighteenth. Conclusion: Study findings can be concluded as the COVID-19 performance of the Eastern countries is better than the Western developed countries with the exceptions of Iceland and Czechia. However, it is difficult to draw justifying conclusions about the success or failure of a country in managing the pandemic due to the complex interactions between various variables and the cross-sectional nature of the study data.

Kebijakan Ekonomi Di Masa Pandemi Covid-19

COVID-19 discovered a global pandemic that gave rise to the emergence of various groups, especially the public. Inaugurated by the World Health Organization as a global pandemic, the management of COVID-19 is a challenge for countries with limited energy sources and health care systems. Citizens' understanding continues to grow along with the number of positive problems and deaths due to COVID-19 which continues to grow in a relatively short time. The ability of each country to adapt to the existing conditions during efficient and anticipatory implementation varies greatly. The policy finds an early ground that must be tested in order to be able to tackle these cases successfully. Anticipatory policy decisions related to efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19, take action against infected patients, protect health workers, and control public awareness are carefully considered. For this reason, the Government is trying to schedule a New Normal policy so that the economic impact of the pandemic does not create a sustainable crisis. This policy is linked to planning where the Government has established programs, as well as major projects in the 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN). The government needs to review the medium-term plan considering that in 2020 all programs that are trying to focus on taking action against Covid-19. The government has 3 alternatives in the medium term, whether it is always quality, making moderate improvements, or changing it with a new plan with assumptions made from the Covid-19 pandemic and the consequences that accompany it.

Penegakan Peraturan Gubernur Bali Nomor 10 Tahun 2021 dalam Tatanan Kehidupan Era Baru

The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic has claimed many lives and has an impact on all aspects of the state, the Indonesian Government issued Presidential Decree No. 11 of 2020 concerning Public Health Emergencies as a serious warning of health threats. Dishonesty in conveying information on patients suspected of being infected with COVID-19 is categorized as hindering the prevention of outbreaks that can threaten the lives of people around them, including the health workers who handle them. The act of obstructing the handling of the epidemic can be punished. The purposes of this study are to analyze the legal regulation of health protocols in the new life order and the sanctions for people who do not heed the Governor's Regulation No. 10 Year 2021 in Bali. This research method uses a normative legal research type with a statutory concept approach. Data collection techniques were carried out by examining existing library materials. The legal sources used are divided into two, namely primary and secondary legal sources which are then processed and analyzed systematically. The conclusion from the results of the research that has been carried out is that the application of strict sanctions to actions that hinder the prevention of epidemics is punishable by law number 4 of 1984 concerning Communicable Disease Outbreaks article 14 paragraphs (1) and (2). The government seeks to protect health workers as the vanguard of handling the threat of COVID-19 in a preventive and repressive manner. For this reason, it is necessary to disclose one's own health information by disclosing his health condition honestly to health workers to get the right treatment.

Occupational health protection for health workers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic: 6P-approach in China

Health workers (HW) are on the frontline fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic, they are exposed to multiple occupational hazards. This article analyzed the comprehensive measures of protecting HWs during the COVID-19 response in China. Occupational health protection of HWs was one of the key strategies of the public health measures adopted against the COVID-19 outbreak from the earliest stage in China. This prioritization of HWs health protection was based on the technical and policy guidance of WHO and International Labor Organization as well as the experiences from previous outbreaks in China. The comprehensive measures in China can be summarized as ‘6P-approach’: public health emergency response, prompt learning from lessons, proactive measures of occupational health, precaution strategies against occupational hazards, personal protective equipment and medical devices supply, and professional networking. Through this 6P-approach, China was able to minimize the incidence of COVID-19 infection among HWs, while successfully containing the outbreak during the first quarter of 2020. Although the COVID-19 vaccines have been rolled out, however, the COVID-19 pandemic is still under rapidly evolving situation. Experiences from China may provide other countries with an example of prioritizing and incorporating occupational health protection of HWs in their public health measures responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Satisfaction in Health Care between Patients of 3rd Tertiary Allergy Center in Kirkuk with Salam Primary Health Care Center Patients in Kirkuk

Background: Healthcare capacity in Iraq has deteriorated due to the effects of wars and political instability. The IraqiMinistry of Health expanded the provision of health services, by directing the public sector towards primary health care.This study aimed to assess patients satisfaction with the primary health care services provided in 3rd tertiary allergy centerand Salam primary health care center patients in Kirkuk, and to determine the relationship between patient satisfaction andtheir demographic data.Method: A descriptive study was carried out at the 3rd tertiary allergy center and Salam primary health care center in Kirkukcity, Iraq. Data were collected through the use of the constructed questionnaire from 100 patients who visit those centersfor routine care, through the period of the 1st December 2020 to 31st January 2021. Data were analyzed through (Measuresof central tendency and inferential statistics) using SPSS (V.22). Chi-square test for independence of two variables hasbeen utilized to test the hypothesis, through the use of cross-classification table to examine the nature of the relationshipbetween the variables. Ethical approval and permission to access the samples was obtained from Kirkuk Health Directoratein Iraq.Results: Overall, out of 100 clients responded to our questionnaire, age showed neutral score (Mean = 2.93, SD= 1.47).and the age group (21 -30 years) were the highest represented (n=27; 27%). Mean of score was used for reference aboutthe client satisfaction, if the mean of score up to more than 3 that means positive satisfaction with the available servicesotherwise it means dissatisfaction. Chi-square test for independence of two variables was applied, and the probailityof high level of satisfaction were reported as there were a significat relationship (P <0.005) in items related to (nursingcare services, availability of medical services, quality of prescribed medication, cooperation of pharmacist, availabilityof laboratory services and. laboratory staff cooperation about diagnosis than other items.Also, there were a statisticalsignificant difference (P <0.005) between respondents age more than other demographic characteristics.Conclusion: The study highlighted the sources of patient satisfaction related to primary health care services. The medicaland nursing staff have a crucial role in providing health services, so their job satisfaction can improve the quality of care forpatients, and reduce health care costs. Additionally, these results can provide priorities for developing healthcare services that can improve patient satisfaction. The utilization of telemedicine services, patient-centered medical visits and eHealth applications can be adopted to increase patient satisfaction with primary health care services. The use of remote patient monitoring programs are also effective ways to treat the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 at home and protect health workers.

Evaluation of implementation about Covid-19 medical waste management policies in health care facilities

This paper evaluates policy implementation that discusses the management of medical waste in health care facilities. The government establishes a waste management policy with the Decree of the Minister of Health concerning Guidelines for the Management of Medical Waste for Health Service Facilities and Waste from Isolation Activities or Independent Quarantine in the Community in Handling (Covid-19) to prevent transmission and controlling the spread of Covid-19 and protecting health workers, non-health workers, and the public from the impact of waste in handling Covid-19. Although regulations related to the management of Covid-19 waste have been set, there are still problems in some areas in their implementation. The literature study was conducted to evaluate the implementation of medical waste management policies in health care facilities. Evaluation is seen based on socialization, implementation, and policy results. Based on the results of the literature study, it was found that the socialization of the policy had done well, evidenced by the implementation of socialization about medical waste in health care facilities. The implementation encountered several obstacles, such as limited shelters, shortage of waste destruction equipment, and medical waste transportation and processing services that had not yet reached all areas in Indonesia.

Perioperative Management in Parturient with Severe Preeclampsia, Obesity, and COVID-19

<p>The elevated cases of pregnant women infected with COVID-19 who needed to undergo caesarean section is a great challenge to anesthesiologists. Morbid obesity and preeclampsia in pregnancy are also another challenge to medical practice especially when the patient requires caesarean section. To describe the perioperative management of a morbidly obese preeclamptic patient with COVID-19. A pregnant woman with mild case of COVID-19, severe preeclampsia and obesity underwent an emergency caesarean section. Spinal anesthesia was performed using a Whitacre 26G spinal needle with 76 mm length, bupivacaine 0.5% 12.5 mg as spinal anesthesia agent and fentanyl 25 mcg as adjuvant. All operating teams use PPE according to COVID-19 guidelines and standard procedures. The operation went with a good outcome without any transmission to the operating team. The patient underwent treatment without postoperative complications. Spinal anesthesia is considered safe to be a usual technique for parturient with preeclampsia and morbid obesity. A proper COVID-19 surgery protocol is crucial in order to protect health workers handling COVID-19 patients.</p>

Suberosis at Public Health Unit (PHU) of Santa Maria da Feira/Arouca (F/A) (Portugal)

Abstract Introduction Santa Maria da Feira (SMF) is currently one of the largest producers of cork in Portugal. Suberosis is an occupational disease of workers in the cork processing industry, associated with repeated exposure to moldy cork dust, usually presenting itself as a disease of the pulmonary interstitium (Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis). This study aims to assess the impact of occupational health interventions on the cork industry, in terms of health promotion and risk prevention. Methods We assessed 10 different cork companies distributed in 10 parishes of SMF. Results With regard to health promotion, we highlight the development of healthy workplaces and the strong commitment to training health professionals with regard to the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Regarding the prevention of risks, emphasis is placed on the two areas that imply greater professional risks: storage and the process of drilling and boring. The storage of cork is done most of the time in dark and humid places, providing ideal conditions for the development of mold and the process of drilling and boring exposes workers to large amounts of moldy cork dust. In these settings, investing in PPE namely protective gloves and mask, as well as collective prevention measures, namely effective ventilation systems and regular control of humidity conditions, are essential to health protection of workers. Conclusions SMF has a prevalence of Suberosis well above the national average. In order to respond to this issue, the cork industry must reinforce the investment in terms of PPE, with the use of uniform, cuffs, safety shoes and visor, variable with the specific production process. In terms of collective protection, the signaling of the main hazards and the information available in the workstations regarding mandatory/recommended PPE, isolation of the areas with the most dangerous tasks as well as the maximum possible turnover between tasks are essential in terms of Occupational Health. Key messages Suberosis is an occupational disease of workers in the cork industry, associated with repeated exposure to moldy cork dust, usually presenting itself as a disease of the pulmonary interstitium. The development of healthy workplaces, the correct use of PPE and the investment in effective ventilation systems and control of humidity, are essential to health protection of cork workers.

Managing protection and surveillance of health workers during COVID-19: German multi-centre survey

Abstract Background Health workers face a higher risk of infection during the COVID-19 pandemic than the average population, yet we know very little on how protection is managed in daily practice. The aim of this study is to contribute new empirical data on the management of protection in clinical settings with a focus on surveillance, using Germany as case study. Methods We draw on material gathered in multi-centre hospital surveillance online surveys in Germany, which are part of a national COVID-19 University Research Network (project B-FAST). Selected indicators include tools, strategies and access to protection, with a focus on the composition of new surveillance teams; n = 100 responses, comprising n = 33/92% of all university medical centres; n = 67/18% of participating hospitals in two German Federal States in March 2021. Results Three major strategies of protection were identified: expanding services, information and access for all health workers in the clinical setting; establishing novel surveillance teams to protect hospital employees comprising hotline, testing and tracing teams; creating large-scale in-house vaccination programs in accordance with national vaccination prioritisation policy of health workers. The composition of the surveillance teams showed high variation in relation to professional groups/skills and status. In particular, hospital hygienists (often with a professional background in nursing) were included in all teams, but their share varied from only 24% in testing to 60% in hotline and even 95% in tracing teams. Conclusions German hospitals have stepped up efforts to protect health workers primarily through comprehensive surveillance and personal protection including vaccination. Our findings reveal capacity for innovation in the management of protection especially in two areas: improving the skill-mix and leadership of surveillance teams, and strengthening the role of hospital hygienists in surveillance. Key messages The building of interdisciplinary hospital surveillance teams plays an important role in innovating surveillance and strengthening protection. The skill-mix and leadership of the surveillance teams need further research and policy investigation to improve efficiency.

Evaluation of Electrochemically Reduced Graphene Composites As Antibacterial Materials

During past and recent outbreaks, health workers have been recognized to be at high risk because of their exposure to sources of infection. In the initial stages of any epidemic or pandemic, personal protective equipment (PPE), such as gloves, eye shields, and face masks are the only available and reliable protection for frontline workers from exposure to pathogens. Although different technologies and various materials and fabrics have been explored, there are still more challenges and areas for improvement. Ideal PPE should be lightweight, reduce exposure to pathogenic particulates while preventing their transfer. Considering this, improvement of PPE seems essential to protect health workers from infection.Recent research has reported various graphene-modified fabrics [1]. It has been reported that graphene-based materials have antibacterial activity [2]. Furthermore, it has been confirmed that silver is an antibacterial agent [3]. Therefore, graphene composites with silver are expected to show excellent antimicrobial activity. However, the stability of silver nanoparticles is a challenge from a human toxicology standpoint [4].In this study, we demonstrate a novel method- electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide- for the engineering of graphene composite fabrics as PPE [5]. The electrochemical reduction of graphene oxide in-situ on the fabrics and/or material of interest creates a strong chemical bonding of the coating preventing their release from the fabrics.In this work, we investigated the effect of reduced graphene oxide composites on the growth and morphology of Escherichia coli. The growth rate was evaluated by measuring the optical density of bacteria and the morphology changes of bacteria were monitored using scanning electron microscopy.References Bhattacharjee, S., et al., Graphene modified multifunctional personal protective clothing. Advanced materials interfaces, 2019. 6(21): p. 1900622.Zou, X., et al., Mechanisms of the antimicrobial activities of graphene materials. Journal of the american chemical society, 2016. 138(7): p. 2064-2077.Vi, T. and S. Lue. Preparation of silver nanoparticles loaded graphene oxide nanosheets for antibacterial activity. in IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 2016. IOP Publishing.Simkó, M., et al., How Nanoparticles Enter the Human Body and Their Effects There (NanoTrust Dossier No. 003en–November 2010). Botte, G.G. and D. Wang, Electrochemical Method for the Production of Graphene Composites and Cell for Conducting the Same. 2020, Google Patents.

Organizational factors associated with health worker protection during the COVID-19 pandemic in four provinces of South Africa

BackgroundHealth workers, in short supply in many low-and-middle-income countries, are at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This study aimed to assess how South Africa, prepared to protect its health workers from SARS-CoV-2 infection.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study design applying participatory action research in four provinces of South Africa. A semi-structured questionnaire and a qualitative observational HealthWISE walkthrough risk assessment was carried out to collect data on occupational safety and health (OSH) systems in 45 hospitals across four provinces to identify factors associated with health worker protection. Adapting the International Labour Organization (ILO) and World Health Organization (WHO) HealthWISE tool, we compiled compliance scores through walkthrough surveys. We used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between readiness indicators and the actual implementation of protective measures.ResultsWe found that health facilities in all four provinces had SARS-CoV-2 plans for the general population but no comprehensive OHS plan for health workers. Provincial Departments of Health (PDoH) varied in how they were organized to respond: Provinces A and D had an OSH SARS-CoV-2 provincial coordinating team and a dedicated budget for occupational health; Province A had an occupational health doctor and nurse; while Province B had an occupational health nurse; Province A and D PDoHs had functional OSH committees; and Province D had conducted some health risk assessments specific to SARS-CoV-2. However, none of the assessed health facilities had an acceptable HealthWISE compliance score (≥ 75%) due to poor ventilation and inadequate administrative control measures. While the supply of personal protective equipment was adequate, it was often not worn properly. Our study found that having an OSH SARS-CoV-2 policy was significantly associated with higher personal protective equipment and ventilation scores. In addition, our analysis showed that hospitals with higher compliancescores had significantly lower infection rates (IRR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.97, 0.98).ConclusionsDespite some initial preparedness, greater effort to protect health workers is still warranted. Low-and-middle-income countries may need to pay more attention to OSH systems and consider using tools, such as ILO/WHO HealthWISE tool, to protect health workers’ health.

Perlindungan Terhadap Tenaga Kesehatan di Masa Adaptasi Kebiasaan Baru Selama Pandemi Covid-19

Background: The spread of the Covid-19 disease that occurred at the end of 2019 had many impacts on society, including health workers. Therefore, efforts to protect against the dangers of Covid-19 are needed in the workplace so that the safety and health of workers is guaranteed. The application of a hierarchy of hazard control is an example of a method that can be applied. Goal: To determine the application of methods of protecting health workers in the adaptation period for new habits during the Covid-19 pandemic. Method: The making of a Literature Review was carried out with a literature review with a descriptive approach based on relevant research articles or journals. Search scientific literature on PubMed electronic database using the keyword "(" Covid-19 ") AND (" HCW "OR" Healthcare Worker ") AND (" Protection "). The inclusion criteria used were articles with a publication time span from March to September 2020, articles in Indonesian and English which were full text. The exclusion criteria used were articles that were not related to the theme of the literature review. Result: Based on the 9 reviewed literature, it was found that the protection measures currently implemented in each workplace were still in the less optimal category, this was because there were still many problems, one of which was the insufficient availability of PPE. The problem of lack of availability of PPE is a problem that must be resolved, so that health workers can work safely and comfortably. Conclusion: Workforce protection efforts mostly lead to the use of PPE, but from several studies that the availability of PPE is still a major problem in maximizing protection efforts from the dangers of Covid-19.

Social measures for reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in migrant workers of sugarcane harvest in the lower northern region of Thailand.

INTRODUCTIONThe sugarcane harvest migrant workers are an underprivileged group in Thailand and have a high risk of exposure to secondhand smoke but are potentially neglected in health promotion interventions.METHODSThis three-phase study applied a mixed-method research approach. The data were collected from February to December 2019 from the Sukhothai province of Thailand. In Phase 1, the level of secondhand smoke exposure of the sugarcane harvest migrant workers at the worker camp was explored. The data were collected from 462 workers by questionnaires and from 24 sample participants in the group discussions about the factors leading to the exposure to secondhand smoke. Phase 2 was the provision and implementation of social measures for the health protection of migrant workers and families from exposure to secondhand smoke. In Phase 3, an evaluation of the health protection model for the migrant workers and families from secondhand smoke exposure was explored.RESULTSWorkers aged ≤40 years had 1.9 times higher exposure to secondhand smoke than workers aged ≥41 years (OR=1.93; 95% CI: 1.24–3.01). Those who worked overtime had 1.7 times higher exposure to secondhand smoke than those who did not work overtime (OR=1.71; 95% CI: 1.10–2.66). Social measures to prevent secondhand smoke were: given a warning, no rewards for cigarettes, designated smoking area, not asking the children to buy cigarettes, stop displaying cigarettes at grocery shops, and empowering woman to go against the smoking husband in the camp and the sugarcane field when the women, children, and nonsmokers are present. After implementing the measures, there was no exposure to secondhand smoke inside the room, cooking area, and at the quad in the camp center.CONCLUSIONSAppropriate social measures for health protection can help to reduce exposure to secondhand smoke.

Digital communication, health & wellbeing in universities: a double-edged sword

ABSTRACT We explore how digital communication relates to worker health and wellbeing within Australian universities prior to COVID-19. To investigate effects of digital communication we sought perspectives of senior Human Resource and wellbeing personnel for semi-structured interviews. Analyses revealed that digital communication creates both negative and positive aspects of work, leading to differing effects and outcomes of health and wellbeing. Themes that emerged included flexibility, collaboration and access to resources, a sense of continual accessibility and connectivity to work, information overload and interpersonal relationships. Depending on how digital communication is managed, we found each aspect has the capacity to be simultaneously positive (i.e., resourceful) or negative (e.g., demanding). Drawing on organisational theory, we propose new ways to conceptualise workplace digital communication and propose practical management approaches. Future research should continue to unpack the relationship between digital communication and work practices, while considering potential management and policy strategies to protect worker health and safety.

Nurses' perspectives of taking care of patients with Coronavirus disease 2019: A phenomenological study.

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has brought significant pressure on nurses globally as they are the frontline of care. This study aimed to explore the experiences and challenges of nurses who worked with hospitalised patients with COVID-19. In this qualitative study, a purposive sample of 14 nurses participated in in-depth telephone interviews. Data were analysed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method. Five key themes emerged: (1) physical and psychological distress of nurses, (2) willingness to work, (3) the essential role of support mechanisms, (4) educational and informational needs of nurses and (5) the role of modern technology in COVID-19 care. Although the provision of care led to physical and psychological distress among nurses, with their commitment and professional obligation, it is a new experience that leads to personal satisfaction. Guilty feeling related to inefficiency of care, witnessing the suffering of patients, discomfort associated with wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), work-related issues (e.g., long hour shifts), negative impact to the family and rejection by others are the leading distress factors. Religious beliefs, including keeping trust in good and bad merits, have become a strong coping mechanism. Addressing distress among nurses is essential. The reported learning needs of nurses included skills related to donning and doffing PPE, skills in performing nursing procedures and breaking bad news. Nurse managers need to pay special attention to expanding training opportunities as well as support mechanisms, for example, welfare, appreciations and counselling services for nurses. Modern technology, particularly robots and telecommunication, can perform an essential role in COVID-19 care. The establishment of timely policies and strategies to protect health workers during a national disaster like COVID-19 is needed.

SOCIOECONOMIC AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF WORK ENVIRONMENT AT PRODUCTION SITE

Problem statement. The analysis of accident causes, which can take place both at the production site and within living environment, connected with social, economic and psychological working conditions is carried out in the article. Violation of these conditions can be a reason of equally hard both physical and psychological traumas at work areas in any manufacturing sector. Working conditions, which form during work and during the contact with colleagues at work places are envisaged. Factors, effecting on human activity during work were analyzed. Psychological and physiological limits of working environment are envisaged. The evaluation of the work bench is realized with allowances made for the influence of all factors of manufacturing environment and working process and on the grounds of complex evaluation of working place it is indicated, that one or another work place is relating to specific types of working environment. Main factors of working environment, influencing of human performance capability during working process are described. Psychological and social aspects of the increase of occupational safety level are presented. Recommendations concerning organization of safe behavior of workers during labor are provided. Work place is evaluated taking into consideration the influence of all manufacturing factors and working environment on workers, on the grounds of which one or another work place is related to corresponding type of working conditions. It is shown that to the deduction of the effect of psycho-physiologic safety concerns during working process it is necessary to take into account individual qualities of the worker, such as errors, and also unfavorable accidents, arising from the encounter of human’s qualities with specific aspects of specific professional activity. With the purpose of the improvement of safety and health protection of workers during labor it is necessary to realize professional psycho-physiological selection for wide range of professions. Object. Determine connection between psychological, social and economic aspects and probability of professional injuries or professional disease at work places in manufacturing environment. Conclusion. The analysis of psychological, social and economic bases of occupational safety and the influence on injury rate is carried out.

Effective Biosecurity measures during the Diagnosis of COVID-19 at the Pasteur Institute from the Perspective of Hazardous Hospital Waste Management

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Waste is a daily health hazard that must be addressed through appropriate management. The Institut Pasteur of Côte d'Ivoire (IPCI) produces waste that is generally infectious waste and waste assimilated to household waste. The presence of this mostly infectious waste can create a risk for staff. Thus, since March 11, 2020, the date of the first case of COVID-19, a rigorous health management policy has been taken to protect health workers. METHODS: Diagnosis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Côte d'Ivoire is mainly done at the Institut Pasteur of Côte d’Ivoire (IPCI). Thus, the waste produced in the various laboratories is disinfected, then sorted, packaged in 5 to 10 liter bags, transported in dedicated bins to final storage. The waste is weighed under biosafety conditions before being incinerated in an ATI Environment CP100 incinerator. RESULTS:Waste management at IPCI in 2020 during COVID-19 resulted in biosafety training for staff, collection, packaging, transportation, storage and incineration of 26.4 tons of waste. It should be noted that no waste management personnel were infected during the entire period from March to December 2020 CONCLUSIONS:During the year 2020 and mainly from March 11, 2020 to December 31, 2020, waste management increased significantly from 12.2 tons in 2019 during the same period to 26.4 tons in 2020 and was related to COVID-19. This shows that waste has more than doubled and requires rigorous management. It would therefore be imperative to properly manage waste in order to protect health care personnel. Also, this study showed one aspect of the environmental impact of COVID-19 that needs further research. KEYWORDS: COVID-19, Waste management, incineration

Heat Safety in the Workplace: Modified Delphi Consensus to Establish Strategies and Resources to Protect the US Workers.

The purpose of this consensus document was to develop feasible, evidence‐based occupational heat safety recommendations to protect the US workers that experience heat stress. Heat safety recommendations were created to protect worker health and to avoid productivity losses associated with occupational heat stress. Recommendations were tailored to be utilized by safety managers, industrial hygienists, and the employers who bear responsibility for implementing heat safety plans. An interdisciplinary roundtable comprised of 51 experts was assembled to create a narrative review summarizing current data and gaps in knowledge within eight heat safety topics: (a) heat hygiene, (b) hydration, (c) heat acclimatization, (d) environmental monitoring, (e) physiological monitoring, (f) body cooling, (g) textiles and personal protective gear, and (h) emergency action plan implementation. The consensus‐based recommendations for each topic were created using the Delphi method and evaluated based on scientific evidence, feasibility, and clarity. The current document presents 40 occupational heat safety recommendations across all eight topics. Establishing these recommendations will help organizations and employers create effective heat safety plans for their workplaces, address factors that limit the implementation of heat safety best‐practices and protect worker health and productivity.

Navigating the shifting sands of filtering facepiece respirator provision during the COVID-19 pandemic: a system response for maximising staff safety

IntroductionPersonal protective equipment is essential to protect health workers and patients and to ensure confidence when dealing with aerosolised disease transmission. We describe the process for ensuring adequate filtering facepiece...