Protection Of Workers Research Articles

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment During Simultaneous Operations in Industrial Plant Maintenance Based on Job Safety Analysis

The risk of accidents during simultaneous operations (SIMOPS) in plant maintenance has been increasing. However, research on methods to prevent such accidents has been limited. This study aims to develop a novel framework, hazard identification and risk assessment of simultaneous operations (HIRAS), for identifying and evaluating potential hazards during concurrent tasks. The framework developed herein is expected to be an effective safety management tool that can help prevent accidents during these operations. To this end, the job location and hazard information in job safety analysis (JSA) were standardized into four attributes. The standardized information was then synchronized spatially and temporally to develop a HIRAS model that identifies and assesses the impact of hazards between operations. The model was tested using 40 JSA documents corresponding to maintenance operations at Company P, a South Korean steel-making company. The model was tested in two scenarios: one with planned operations and the other with unplanned operations in addition to planned operations. The performance evaluation results of the first scenario showed an F1-score of 98.33%. In this case, a recall of 97.52% means that the model identified 97.52% of the hazard-inducing factors. The second scenario was compared with the results of a review by six subject matter experts (SMEs). The comparison of the results identified by the SMEs and the model showed an accuracy of 89.3%. This study demonstrates the potential of JSA, which incorporates the domain knowledge of workers and can be used not only for individual tasks but also as a safety management tool for surrounding operations. Furthermore, by improving the plant maintenance work environment, it is expected to prevent accidents, protect workers’ lives and health, and contribute to the long-term sustainable management of companies.

Implementation and Constraints of Minimum Wage Regulations for Informal Sector Workers in Semarang Regency

Minimum wage rules were created as a safety net for employers to provide a living wage for their workers. However, in reality this rule is difficult to implement in the informal sector. Based on the research location in Semarang Regency, the purpose of this study is to determine and examine the implementation of minimum wages, determine and examine the obstacles in implementing regulations regarding minimum wages, and explain the form of legal protection provided by the government to guarantee adequate wages for informal sector workers in Semarang Regency. The research approach method used is socio-legal and applies analytical descriptive research specifications. The results of the study show that the rules regarding minimum wages have not been enforced in the informal sector. This obstacle is caused by 3 aspects. For example, from the aspect of workers, there are informal sector workers whose competence is below that of formal sector workers. From the aspect of employers, the provision of wages is highly dependent on business income. From the government's side, there is a distinction in the imposition of rules regarding minimum wages where minimum wage rules only apply in the formal sector. So that the form of legal protection for informal sector workers is non-existent. The only effort is to provide assistance and law enforcement if there has been a case of violation of the rights of informal sector workers.

Associations between child protective services workers’ attitudes toward kinship foster care placement, sociodemographic characteristics, and job characteristics

ABSTRACT When necessary to separate children from their parents, placing a child with kin leads to better outcomes. Child Protective Services (CPS) staff attitudes toward kinship foster care placements are an understudied factor that may influence decision-making and vary based on staff characteristics. Using February 2023 survey data from 2,861 CPS staff and multivariate linear regression analyses, we assessed associations between staff’s sociodemographic and occupational characteristics and attitudes toward kinship placement. Gender, race, position, work unit, and employment duration with CPS were significantly associated with staff attitudes. Understanding how staff view kinship placement is an important step toward removing barriers to its use.

Exploration of Strategies for Doing a Good Job in Coal Mine Environmental Protection under the New Situation

As a non-renewable natural resource, coal is playing an increasingly important role, but the impact of coal resources on the environment when mining can not be ignored. Under the new period of social development, environmental protection concept has become the main principle which should be followed the construction of urban society , this paper discusses the influence of coal mining for the ecological environment, in the face of environmental problems is more and more serious, coal mining industry needs to face the pollution problem, and in the development of the coal industry to do related environmental protection control work, so as to fully achieve green mining, promote the orderly development of coal mine environmental protection work.

Quantitative Analysis of the Future of the Sharing Economy, Housing, White-Collar Labor Markets, and Problems in Big Cities

This research project explores the future of the sharing economy and its profound effects on housing markets, white-collar labor dynamics, and socio-economic challenges in large metropolitan areas. Using quantitative economics and econometric techniques, the study evaluates how platforms such as Airbnb, Uber, and coworking spaces are reshaping urban life, exacerbating housing affordability issues, and altering labor market structures. By analyzing housing market data, labor statistics, and platform economy data from major cities like New York, London, and Istanbul, this research provides empirical insights into how the sharing economy influences urban economic landscapes. The study employs difference-in-differences (DiD) and multivariate regression models to assess causal relationships, particularly in terms of housing market disruptions caused by short-term rental platforms and labor market fragmentation driven by the rise of gig and remote work. Spatial econometric techniques are also used to explore geographic disparities in housing and employment impacts across urban districts. Preliminary findings indicate that the proliferation of sharing economy platforms has contributed to housing shortages and increased prices in central urban areas, while labor markets experience growing polarization, with high-skilled workers benefiting from remote work opportunities and low-skilled gig workers facing economic precarity. This research offers valuable policy insights into the regulation of short-term rentals and the protection of gig economy workers, highlighting the need for regulatory frameworks that address urban inequality and labor market shifts. By integrating data from multiple sources, this study contributes to the academic discourse on urban economics and provides a framework for understanding the long-term socio-economic implications of the sharing economy in big cities.

Indirect Cost Burden as an Emerging Issue of Foreign Employment in Developing Nations

Background: The current migration patterns and shifts present significant challenges, including widespread human rights abuses, exploitation of migrant laborers, high indirect costs due to expensive travel, limited affordable credit options, scarce job opportunities for low-skilled workers, and inadequate domestic migration policies. This study aims to identify the additional financial burdens faced by Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries. Methodology: A qualitative research design was used, with purposive sampling to select participants who had migrated to Gulf countries. In-depth interviews with 55 migrant laborers were conducted to gather data on cost burdens and employment conditions. Findings: Results showed that the indirect cost burden increased significantly after 2015 due to extended processing periods and technical procedures. Respondents generally preferred regulations before 2015. Despite legal changes like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy reducing direct expenses, intermediaries and other indirect costs have offset this reduction, increasing the financial burden on migrant workers. Conclusion: The study provides valuable insights into Nepal's foreign employment complexities, urging more research and measures for migrant worker well-being. Findings reveal intermediaries exploiting workers by altering passport photos or obtaining counterfeit birth certificates. Additionally, 2% of surveyed workers migrated as young returnees before age 18. These insights are essential to empower recruitment agencies and improve their practices, ensuring safer, prompt, and more productive labor migration. Novelty: This study uncovers the hidden financial burdens Nepalese migrant workers face in Gulf countries. It highlights the offsetting effect of intermediaries on legal reforms like the "Free Visa: Free Ticket" policy. It offers new insights into labor exploitation and emphasizes better regulation and worker protection.

Kerjasama Kelembagaan Antara BP2MI dan Ditjen Imigrasi dalam Pencegahan Pekerja Migran Indonesia Non Prosedural di Bandara Soekarno Hatta

The non-procedural departure of Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) is a serious problem in Indonesia, especially due to the high risk of exploitation and human trafficking faced by migrant workers. Soekarno-Hatta International Airport as the main departure point is a strategic location in an effort to prevent non-procedural migrant workers. Cooperation between the Indonesian Migrant Workers Protection Agency (BP2MI) and the Directorate General of Immigration is crucial in ensuring that only migrant workers who meet official procedures can depart, in order to provide more effective protection. This study uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive case study method. Data are collected through the review of policy documents. The cooperation between BP2MI and Immigration has made a significant contribution in preventing thousands of non-procedural migrant workers from going abroad. However, this study also reveals the need for increased cooperation in several aspects. Policy reforms are needed, especially in immigration policies related to the supervision and control system at the point of departure, as well as policies that regulate the protection of migrant workers, both before departure and after return. With this policy reform, it is hoped that the collaboration between BP2MI and Immigration can be more effective and sustainable in protecting migrant workers from potential exploitation and human trafficking.

Predictors of Individual Work Performance among Private Business Companies for an Enhanced Organizational Human Resource Plan

This study aimed to examine the influence of organizational culture and multi-dimensional self-control as predictors of individual work performance among employees in private business companies. A descriptive-correlational research design was employed, involving 110 respondents from Santo Tomas, Davao del Norte, selected through stratified sampling. Data were collected using three standardized questionnaires, and statistical tools such as Mean, Pearson r, Standard Deviation, and Regression Analysis were applied. The results indicated that both organizational culture and multi-dimensional self-control had significant positive relationships with individual work performance. Specifically, organizational culture was rated with an overall mean of 4.32 (strongly agree), while multi-dimensional self-control scored 3.80 (agree), and individual work performance received an overall mean of 3.75 (agree). These findings suggest that fostering a strong organizational culture and enhancing employee self-control are key strategies for improving work performance, especially in culturally diverse environments. While Presidential Decree No. 442, Article 3, emphasizes the protection of workers' rights and labor laws, its relevance in this study lies in the broader context of promoting effective organizational practices. The study concludes that interventions to strengthen company culture and develop training programs focused on enhancing self-control may significantly boost employee performance. Future recommendations call for more specific and targeted approaches to implement these interventions within organizational frameworks.

Investigation of Unsafe Construction Site Conditions Using Deep Learning Algorithms Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.

The rapid adoption of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in the construction industry has revolutionized safety, surveying, quality monitoring, and maintenance assessment. UAVs are increasingly used to prevent accidents caused by falls from heights or being struck by falling objects by ensuring workers comply with safety protocols. This study focuses on leveraging UAV technology to enhance labor safety by monitoring the use of personal protective equipment, particularly helmets, among construction workers. The developed UAV system utilizes the tensorflow technique and an alert system to detect and identify workers not wearing helmets. Employing the high-precision, high-speed, and widely applicable Faster R-CNN method, the UAV can accurately detect construction workers with and without helmets in real-time across various site conditions. This proactive approach ensures immediate feedback and intervention, significantly reducing the risk of injuries and fatalities. Additionally, the implementation of UAVs minimizes the workload of site supervisors by automating safety inspections and monitoring, allowing for more efficient and continuous oversight. The experimental results indicate that the UAV system's high precision, recall, and processing capabilities make it a reliable and cost-effective solution for improving construction site safety. The precision, mAP, and FPS of the developed system with the R-CNN are 93.1%, 58.45%, and 27 FPS. This study demonstrates the potential of UAV technology to enhance safety compliance, protect workers, and improve the overall quality of safety management in the construction industry.

Analysis of factors affecting health status and abnormal lung function of workers exposed to welding fumes in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022

Objective: To investigate the health status and the influencing factors of abnormal lung function of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022, and to provide theoretical basis for the protection and intervention of key occupational diseases. Methods: In October 2023, the relevant data of occupational health examination of welding fumes exposure workers in Tianjin from 2020 to 2022 (10831, 10758 and 21717 in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively) were collected from the China Disease Prevention and Control Information Platform. The electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormalities of workers in each year were analyzed, as well as the association between lung function abnormalities and gender, age, working age, region, etc. With gender, age and years of service as independent variables, logistic regression analysis was performed year by year on the influencing factors of abnormal lung function. Results: From 2020 to 2022, electrocardiogram, chest radiograph and lung function abnormality rates of workers exposed to welding fumes had statistical significances (χ(2)=301.79, 7.87, 1614.54, P<0.05), and the lung function abnormality rate showed a downward trend year by year (χ(2)(trend)=1516.19, P<0.001). The abnormal rates of lung function in male workers exposed to welding fumes were higher than those in female workers (χ(2)=61.65, 8.04, 15.22, P<0.05). With the increase of age, the abnormal rate of lung function showed an increasing trend (χ(2)(trend)=6.47, 10.81, 4.72, P<0.05). The abnormal rates of lung function in the four districts around the city in each year were 22.05% (318/1442), 8.91% (171/1919) and 6.48% (273/4212), respectively. Year by year logistic regression analysis showed that females were the protective factors for abnormal lung function (OR=0.369, 0.568, 0.546; 95%CI: 0.298-0.458, 0.367-0.879, 0.388-0.767; P<0.05) . Conclusion: Attention should be paid to the health status of welding fumes workers in Tianjin, focusing on the protection of middle-aged male workers, and effective prevention measures should be taken for key areas and industries such as the four districts around the city.

The Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT): Supporting practitioner confidence, planning and competency when responding to sexual behaviours between siblings

ObjectivesThis paper outlines the development and initial pilot of the Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT). Building on the findings of the National Project on Sibling Sexual Abuse (King-Hill, McCartan, et al., 2023) and work by Yates and Allardyce (2023), the tool was devised with the aim of supporting frontline child-protection social workers during the initial stages of working with families where sibling sexual behaviours (SSB) may be present. MethodsThis paper explores the rationale for the SSBMT design, and preliminary findings from the first phase of resource evaluation. The evaluation process comprised a small pilot with social workers across seven local authorities in the United Kingdom (UK). The pilot study sought to assess the workability and effectiveness of the SSBMT within social work practice, providing stakeholder insight prior to its launch. The study employed mixed methods to gain feedback on the SSBMT design, accessibility, ease of use and compatibility with current child protection work processes, which included training of 50 practitioners, surveys with 20 professionals and two semi-structured interviews. FindingsThe findings suggest that the SSBMT increased practitioner confidence when working with SSB, and promoted holistic, whole-family approaches in the initial stages of work with children and families affected by SSB.

Pedagogical aspects of professional criminal liability of physical education teachers

The article considers the existing problem of the need for legal protection for mandatory workers in the field of physical education. This category of employees includes physical education teachers of state-owned secondary schools, since the Law on Physical Education and Sports, Article 26 (Physical Education in the Sphere of Education), states that classes for this category of employees are mandatory, which means that automatically these employees are professionally criminally responsible under Article 137 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine "Improper performance of duties regarding the protection of the life and health of children", i.e. this applies to cases of various severity regardless of the circumstances of their occurrence, if only the investigation establishes that this teacher conducted classes with this injured student. In the course of the research, a pedagogical analysis of laws was carried out with the aim of identifying articles or provisions that belong to the legislative and legal protection of the professional risk of physical education workers. The existing safety instructions were consistently reviewed in order to find alternative actions for the justification of this category of workers, at the same time an analysis of the directions of legal safety protection of the existing professional risk offered by the main book of the field of theory and methods of physical education was carried out. Based on the data of the conducted questionnaire, the common factors of professional risk of physical culture teachers were established. The following steps have been chosen as ways to eliminate this problem: to involve the industry in cooperation with the justice authorities regarding the provision of reliable legal protection for its employees, since according to Article 54 of the Law on Education, Section 6, participants in the educational process, which talks about the rights and obligations of pedagogical, scientific- pedagogical and scientific employees and other persons involved in the educational process, that they have the right to safe and harmless working conditions. And this means that their educational branch, to which they belong, has the full right to provide modern one hundred percent legal protection for its employees in relation to their professional activities, which will prohibit the investigation from starting criminal cases using the professional actions of teachers and lecturers (means, methods, techniques, incentives, etc.) as material evidence for the accusation, regardless of the gravity of the circumstances and the consequence.

The effects of expanding worker rights to children

One out of two working children worldwide works in hazardous conditions. We study the effects of a law that introduced benefits and protections for child workers and temporarily lowered the de facto legal working age from 14 to 10 in Bolivia. We employ a difference-in-discontinuity approach that exploits the variation in the law’s application to different age groups. Work decreased for children under 14, whose work was newly legalized and regulated under the law, particularly in areas with a higher threat of inspections. The effects disappear after the law is reversed. We do not find evidence of improvements in work safety. Thus, the effects do not appear to be driven by increased hiring costs to ensure worker safety. Instead, the effects appear to be driven by a reduction in the most visible forms of child work, suggesting that firms and parents (households) may have reduced employment of young children to minimize the risk of being subject to legal and social sanctions.

Increasing expenditures on home- and community-based services: Do home care workers benefit?

To examine the association of Medicaid home- and community-based services (HCBS) expenditures on the home care workforce. We use two national, secondary data sources from 2008 to 2019: state-level Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the American Community Survey, in which we identify direct care workers in the home (i.e., home care workers), defined as nursing, psychiatric, and home health aides or personal care aides working in home health care services, individual and family services, and private households. Our key explanatory variable is HCBS expenditures per state per year. To estimate the association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and the workforce size, hourly wages and hours worked, we use negative binomial, linear, and generalized ordered logit regression, respectively. All models include demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries (individuals with a disability and income under the federal maximum income eligibility limits), indicators for minimum wage and/or overtime protections for direct care workers, wage pass-through policies, and state and year fixed effects. We exclude states with incomplete reporting of expenditures. States' HCBS expenditures increased between 2008 and 2019 after adjusting for inflation and the number of potential HCBS beneficiaries. Yet, home care workers' wages remained stagnant at $11-12/h. We find no association between changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and wages. For every additional $1 million in Medicaid HCBS expenditures, the expected number of workers increases by 1.2 and the probability of working overtime increased (0.0015% points; p < 0.05). Results are largely robust under multiple sensitivity analyses. We find no evidence of a statistically significant relationship between changes in state-level changes in Medicaid HCBS expenditures and worker wages but do find a significant, but small, association with hours worked and workforce size.

Analysis of the employment structure of ukraine’s population during the war

Structural shifts in employment in the modern Ukrainian economy are caused by factors such as the military situation, technological progress, demographic changes, and economic instability. These changes affect the sectoral, gender, and regional distribution of workers and require adaptation from labor market participants and social policies to ensure the stability and efficiency of employment. Addressing structural shifts in employment in Ukraine requires a comprehensive approach, which includes stimulating the development of new economic sectors, supporting entrepreneurship, modernizing education and training, and providing social protection for workers during reorientation and retraining processes. Such an approach will help achieve a balanced state of supply and demand in the labor market, thereby ensuring long-term societal protection and well-being.

The Decontamination of N95 Masks as an Occupational Safety Strategy

Objective: This study aimed to monitor the use of a short-wave ultraviolet (UV-C) decontamination device for N95 masks at the João de Barros Barreto University Hospital, Belém, Pará, Brazil. The research investigated the reuse of masks, storage methods, and the perception of healthcare professionals regarding the decontamination protocol using UV-C after each work shift. Theoretical Framework: The research is based on theories related to biosafety and occupational health, focusing on the importance of decontamination processes in hospital settings to enhance the protection of healthcare workers and reduce infection risks. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 295 nursing professionals, including nurses, technicians, and assistants. Data were collected through a questionnaire addressing the reuse of N95 masks, storage between uses, and opinions on the use of the UV-C device for decontamination. Results and Discussion: All participants (n=295) agreed that UV-C decontamination improves biosafety by reducing the handling of potentially contaminated masks. The acceptance of the device was unanimous, confirming its feasibility both in high-demand scenarios, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, and in routine hospital practices. Research Implications: This study demonstrates that implementing UV-C decontamination systems is a practical and effective solution for hospitals, with the potential to increase occupational safety and reduce infectious waste generation. Originality/Value: The study contributes to the literature by highlighting the feasibility and benefits of reusing N95 masks with UV-C decontamination, promoting greater safety in hospital environments.

Application of Internet of Things and Artificial Intelligence for Risk Mitigation of Accidents in Construction Sites: A Case Study of Brazilian Construction Companies

The construction industry constantly faces challenges related to workplace safety. Managing work safety is crucial to ensuring worker protection and successful project completion. In this context, this study investigates the applicability of Internet of Things technologies and Artificial Intelligence models, such as YOLO, to enhance safety on construction sites. The research identifies significant cultural resistance to the adoption of disruptive technologies in the Brazilian construction sector, and interviews with industry professionals reveal a low level of awareness and interest in these technological innovations. Through case studies and quantitative analyses, the study demonstrates YOLO's potential in identifying risks, such as detecting PPE and structural hazards. The results highlight the need to overcome conservative barriers and invest in technological solutions to increase safety and efficiency in construction.

Does Lung Protective Ventilation Work in Acute Brain Injury?

Does Lung Protective Ventilation Work in Acute Brain Injury?

Implementation of Labor Law in the Era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 - Challenges and Solutions

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 has drastically transformed global industries, introducing advanced technologies such as automation, artificial intelligence, and digitalization into the workplace. This rapid technological shift has presented significant challenges for labor laws, which are often designed for traditional work environments. This study explores the implementation of labor law in the context of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, analyzing the challenges faced by both employers and employees in adapting to these new technological advancements. Using a qualitative methodology, this research employs a juridical review of existing labor laws, supported by an in-depth case study examining how these laws are applied in technology-driven industries. The findings indicate that labor laws often lag behind the technological advances, leading to gaps in legal protections for workers and ambiguities in employer obligations. The case study highlights specific instances where current labor regulations fail to address issues related to remote work, job displacement due to automation, and workers' rights in the gig economy. Solutions are proposed to modernize labor laws, ensuring they are adaptable to future technological developments while safeguarding workers' rights. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for legal reforms to balance innovation with fair labor practices in the era of Industry 4.0.

Changes in the problem and subject field of labor sociology against the backdrop of the time challenges (Based on publications in the journal “Sociological Studies” over 50 years)

Trends in the problem and subject field of labor sociology were identified by referring to the Sociological Studies journal publications for 1974–2023. An array of 351 articles on labor sociology was selected for qualitative and quantitative content analysis. Eleven problematic subject areas of research were identified by the criterion of the leading target of the article’s text. Fourtime frames in Russian society and economic development over the past 50 years have been distinguished to identify the time challenges that vary in content. Each period was provided with a brief description of the content of the research problem and subject areas, as well as interpretations thereof with due consideration of the time challenges. Analysis of the publications permitted to reveal that by the criteria of how frequent and stable the sociologists’ referrals to the selected areas have been, the core, the margins, and the mobile realm may be identified in the Russian sociology of labor. The core is formed by the areas related to the studies of labor attitudes, labor incentives, labor values, employee behavior, and job satisfaction. The areas – whose principal object of study is labor itself, along with its role and significance in both the society and the employees’ values as well as social problems of work at the enterprise – are adjacent to the core. The margins are formed by rare areas of research such as the workers’ capacity to act, manifestations of independence and involvement in the organization’s affairs, problems of the socioeconomic standing of workers and degree of labor protection, labor culture, shortage and reproduction of workers. The mobile realm of labor sociology is composed by the areas treated generally depending on the context of time and the aggravation of particular problem situations (labor organization, labor relations, precarity of labor, etc). We observed adequate coverage of the critical time challenges in publications in all those time frames; however, that coverage was reactive and appeared to lack forward-looking ideas that are ahead of theory and practice.