Supply Of Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

Hubungan Karakteristik Petani Dengan Persepsi Penerapan K3 Pada Petani di Kecamatan Kotamobagu Utara

Farming is one informal sector work and is often indicated dangerous since it involves chemicals as well as tools/machines, which can lead to workplace accidents. The implementation of OSH in the informal sector cannot be applied if there is a lack of knowledge, poor work attitudes and behavior, and the provision of personal protective equipment that the business managers have not fulfilled. There are 37.19% of farmers have experienced workplace injuries in North Sulawesi Based on field observation, the farmers in North Kotamobagu District are still unfamiliar with OSH applications in the workplace. This present work aimed to identify theRelationship Between Farmer Characteristics and Perceptions of The Application of OSH Farmers in the North Kotamobagu District. This quantitative research applied an analytical observational method with cross-sectional study design. The study’s sample consists of 93 participants using simple random sampling.The data collection technique comprised primary data by direct interviews with the farmers, and secondary data obtained from Department of Farming Fishery of Kotamobagy City. Data analysis using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis, in which the bivariate and multivariate employed chi-square and double logistic regression test. Findings It discovered that there are 5 (five) variable candidates to be carried out with double regression, namely: education (p-value =0.018), training (p-value =0.059), land status (p-value =0.000), land area (p-value = 0.000) and knowledge (p-value = 0.000). While the other 3 (three) variables are not included in the candidate variables, namely age (p value =0.101), length of farming (p-value =0.299), and income (p-value =0.207). The final results of multiple regression analysis obtained 2 variables: education and knowledge. The predictive index of perceived OSH implementation was obtained (-1.670 + 1.169* education + 2.149* knowledge).

Work-related flow and its correlates among frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ample evidence across non-healthcare fields highlights the role of work-related flow in enhancing resilience against work stress and work engagement. Understanding flow and its factors can support staff development and management. This study aimed to investigate the level of work-related flow and its associated factors among frontline nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional multicenter study included 336 nurses caring for COVID-19 patients between March and April 2022. Cluster random sampling was used to select 9 nurse groups from 29 Taiwanese hospitals specialized in COVID-19 care. A web survey link was shared on the selected nurses' social media. Hierarchical regression analyses examined predictor-outcome relationships, following the STROBE checklist for reporting findings. Among demographic characteristics, sex (β=-0.11; p=0.016) and living arrangement (β=-0.12; p=0.017) reached statistical significance in model 3. Social support from family, friends, and significant others, managerial position, and sufficiency of personal protective equipment showed significant associations with work-related flow (all β>0.12; p<0.05). The variables included in the final model accounted for 35% of the variance in work-related flow for COVID-19 patient care tasks. Flow experience is influenced by factors associated with demographics, work conditions, and social support. Nurse administrators should consider these factors when evaluating nurses' flow at work. Allocating care tasks to nurses based on their flow levels can be beneficial, particularly during healthcare crises. Ensuring a sufficient supply of personal protective equipment and offering social support to nurses are vital strategies for facilitating their flow experience in the workplace.

Factors influencing safety behaviours of construction tradesmen

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) observed that 90% of fatalities arise from the familiar ‘fatal four’- falls, electrocutions, stuck-bys and caught –in between. American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) also fingered other four hazards due to exposures on construction jobs not paid attention to yet far more construction workers suffer chronic injuries or illness. These infamous concerns make research findings on factors influencing safety behaviours of construction workers ever relevant and this is the focus of this paper. A total of 117 construction tradesmen out of the 159 sampled within Lagos indicated their degree of agreement with factors capable of influencing construction workers’ safety behaviour on a five-point Likert scale. These were factors adjudged to influence construction workers safety behaviour based on extant literature. The data were analysed using Mean Item Score and Factor Analysis. Construction tradesmen agreed that they are influenced by 25 of the 37 (67.56%) identified factors influencing safety behaviour firms of construction workers. Meanwhile, construction firms’ management commitment to the safety behaviour of tradesmen is the most prominent principal factor. The commitment of the management in developing safety initiatives, training, provision of personal protective equipment, and enforcement of safety rules among others will enhance safety behaviour among construction tradesmen. The study only assessed the opinions of tradesmen in the construction industry in Lagos state. The identified factors might not be generalized to construction professionals. This paper recommends that construction managers make deliberate effort in enhancing good safe behaviour of their tradesmen. This will improve their physical wellbeing, boost construction health and safety in the construction industry and significantly reduce construction fatalities. This paper fulfils a present pertinent need of reducing construction fatalities by focusing on factors influencing the safety behaviour of construction tradesmen.

Occupational Injury and Factors Associated among Employees in Heineken Brewery Share Company, Harar Brewery Share Company, and Awash Wine Share Company, Ethiopia

Occupational injury is a serious global public health issue that causes morbidity, disability, and fatality at work. The food and beverage processing business has the most significant rate of occupational injuries, making it the most dangerous occupation among industrial industries. Various labor hazards have been reported to beverage workers. Against this background, the objective of the research was to assess the magnitude and predictors of occupational injury among employees in the beverage industry in Harar and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at a beverage factory, with 675 respondents chosen randomly. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with key informants. The data was analyzed using Epi-Data statistical software and SPSS. Multiple logistic analysis, descriptive analysis, binary logistic, and crude logistic regression analysis were used. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The occupational injury rate is 20.9%, with fingers and hands being the most common type of trauma. Sleeping difficulties, contract employment status, and technical field work are associated with injuries. 28-34-year-olds are 55% less likely, and one year of experience is 85% less likely. Challenges include inconsistent safety measures and a lack of organizational commitment, especially for contract workers. The prevalence of occupational injuries among beverage industry employees was high. Technical departments, contract employment, and the prevalence of sleeping problems were revealed to be risk factors for occupational injuries. At the same time, one year of experience and the age range of 28–34 were found to be protective. Among the study participants, difficulties such as poor use of personal protective equipment and a lack of a consistent supply of personal protective equipment were noticed. As a result, firms must increase occupational safety measures, such as providing and replenishing personal protective equipment, focusing on contract employees.

Fukuchi-Manabe Score for Infection Control Measures During the Very Early COVID-19 Pandemic Period When Access to Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing Was Poor in Japan: A Single-Center Observational Prospective Cohort Study.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan, access to reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing was limited. All patients with COVID-19 required hospitalization, and isolation of suspected COVID-19 patients had not yet been implemented. With the recently acquired evidence on COVID-19, it is important to develop a risk stratification system for isolation rooms in the context of limited resources for better resource management. This study aimed to develop and validate a COVID-19 risk-scoring strategy, the Fukuchi-Manabe score, to safely stratify and manage isolation rooms, personal protective equipment (PPE), and RT-PCR testing in the context of limited RT-PCR testing and a short supply of PPE. This single-center prospective study consecutively enrolled suspected COVID-19 adult inpatients between March 1 and August 31, 2020. The primary and secondary outcomes were a positive RT-PCR test and the occurrence of nosocomial infections during the study period, respectively. Factors related to patient history, symptoms, chest computed tomography findings, and laboratory data suggestive of COVID-19 were scored, totaled, and divided into four categories ("probable," "possible," "less likely," and "non-suspicious") based on the likelihood of COVID-19. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were evaluated for each probability category. Twenty of 224 inpatients were positive on the RT-PCR test, including 18 "probable" patients (90.0%), one "possible" patient, and one "less likely" patient. The area under the curve (AUC) (95% confidence interval: 0.841-0.977), sensitivity, and specificity were 0.909, 90.0%, and 80.4%, respectively. The positive and negative predictive values and accuracy for the "probable" category were 0.90, 0.80, and 0.82, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of AUCs, validated by bootstrap analysis, were 0.910±0.034. No nosocomial infections were observed. The Fukuchi-Manabe score will be helpful when other novel pathogens emerge in the future before the availability of genetic testing methods.

Current status of occupational radiation exposure and protection among medical interns and residents

Background: While individuals exposed to radiation in hospitals are typically registered as radiation workers, with regulated exposure levels, many interns and residents who are not registered as radiation workers are occupationally exposed to radiation. This study aimed to assess the current status and awareness of radiation exposure and related protective practices among interns and residents.Methods: An online survey was conducted nationwide from June 3 to June 16, 2023, engaging 262 interns and 799 residents. Descriptive analyses were conducted to summarize the status of occupational radiation exposure and radiation protection practices.Results: Approximately 6% of interns and 18% of residents reported receiving personal dosimeters, and 6% and 20%, respectively, were registered as radiation workers. In contrast, compliance with personal radiation protection equipment, such as lead aprons and thyroid shields, exceeded 85% during tasks involving radiation exposure. On average, interns spent 7 months (standard deviation [SD], 2.1) and residents 8.1 months (SD, 4.8) in main departments with potential radiation exposure. While overall safety performance showed improvement, the provision of personal dosimeters and radiation worker registration remained low (14.7%, 16.6%).Conclusion: Despite improvements in radiation protection education and the provision of personal protective equipment, the registration rate for radiation workers among interns and residents remains low. Ensuring these medical professionals are registered and managed as radiation workers is crucial for prioritizing their safety and well-being.

N95 respirator hybrid decontamination method using Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) coupled with Microwave-Generated Steam (MGS).

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has induced a critical supply of personal protective equipment (PPE) especially N95 respirators. Utilizing respirator decontamination procedures to reduce the pathogen load of a contaminated N95 respirator can be a viable solution for reuse purposes. In this study, the efficiency of a novel hybrid respirator decontamination method of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) which utilizes ultraviolet-C (UV-C) rays coupled with microwave-generated steam (MGS) against feline coronavirus (FCoV) was evaluated. The contaminated 3M 1860 respirator pieces were treated with three treatments (UVGI-only, MGS-only, and Hybrid-UVGI + MGS) with variable time. The virucidal activity was evaluated using the TCID50 method. The comparison of decontamination efficiency of the treatments indicated that the hybrid method achieved at least a pathogen log reduction of 4 logs, faster than MGS and UVGI. These data recommend that the proposed hybrid decontamination system is more effective comparatively in achieving pathogen log reduction of 4 logs.

Contributing to health system resilience during pandemics via purchasing and supply strategies: an exploratory system dynamics approach

BackgroundHealth systems worldwide struggled to obtain sufficient personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators during the COVID-19 pandemic due to global supply chain disruptions. Our study’s aim was to create a proof-of-concept model that would simulate the effects of supply strategies under various scenarios, to ultimately help decision-makers decide on alternative supply strategies for future similar health system related crises.MethodsWe developed a system dynamics model that linked a disease transmission model structure (susceptible, exposed, infectious, recovered (SEIR)) with a model for the availability of critical supplies in hospitals; thereby connecting care demand (patients’ critical care in hospitals), with care supply (available critical equipment and supplies). To inform the model structure, we used data on critical decisions and events taking place surrounding purchase, supply, and availability of PPE and ventilators during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic within the English national health system. We used exploratory modelling and analysis to assess the effects of uncertainties on different supply strategies in the English health system under different scenarios. Strategies analysed were: (i) purchasing from the world market or (ii) through direct tender, (iii) stockpiling, (iv) domestic production, (v) supporting innovative supply strategies, or (vi) loaning ventilators from the private sector.ResultsWe found through our exploratory analysis that a long-lasting shortage in PPE and ventilators is likely to be apparent in various scenarios. When considering the worst-case scenario, our proof-of-concept model shows that purchasing PPE and ventilators from the world market or through direct tender have the greatest influence on reducing supply shortages, compared to producing domestically or through supporting innovative supply strategies. However, these supply strategies are affected most by delays in their shipment time or set-up.ConclusionWe demonstrated that using a system dynamics and exploratory modelling approach can be helpful in identifying the purchasing and supply chain strategies that contribute to the preparedness and responsiveness of health systems during crises. Our results suggest that to improve health systems’ resilience during pandemics or similar resource-constrained situations, purchasing and supply chain decision-makers can develop crisis frameworks that propose a plan of action and consequently accelerate and improve procurement processes and other governance processes during health-related crises; implement diverse supplier frameworks; and (re)consider stockpiling. This proof-of-concept model demonstrates the importance of including critical supply chain strategies as part of the preparedness and response activities to contribute to health system resilience.

Pencegahan Stunting Dengan Camilan Kaya Kalsium Sebagai Makanan Tambahan Anak Balita di Desa Borisallo, Kec. Parangloe, Kab. Gowa

Increased food production requires fertilizers and pesticides. Fertilizers are used to increase soil fertility and pesticides are used to eradicate pests in food crops and plantations. Problems of farmers in Pucak Village, Kec. Tompobulu as a partner does not know the level of exposure to pesticides, does not know the impact of pesticides on health problems and does not have Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when spraying. The solutions are: (1) Counseling on prevention and the impact of the use of fertilizers and pesticides on the incidence of dermatitis, (2) Provision of PPE in the form of masks and gloves in fertilizing and spraying pesticides. The results of community service are (1) Counseling on prevention and the impact of using fertilizers and pesticides on the incidence of dermatitis, which is carried out by conducting home visits. Farmers experienced an average increase in knowledge of safe and healthy fertilizing and pesticide spraying management, (2) Provision of PPE, especially hats, masks and gloves to farmers. Abstract: Increasing food production requires fertilizer and pesticides. Fertilizer is used to increase soil fertility. Fertilizer has a negative impact in the form of disease and poisoning on farmers in Borisallo Village, Kec. Parangloe, Kab. Gowa as a partner does not yet know how to prevent exposure to organic fertilizers on health, there is no provision of micronutrient supplementation (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron and Vitamin D) as an increase in body immunity and detoxification of fertilizer exposure poisoning and there is no availability of Personal Protective Equipment in managing fertilizers in the form of masks and gloves for farmers. The solutions are: (1) Counseling on preventing fertilizer exposure to farmers, (2) Providing micronutrient supplementation (Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Boron and Vitamin D) to increase body immunity and detoxify fertilizer poisons, (3) Providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in the form of masks and gloves when carrying out inorganic fertilization on farmers. The results of community service are (1) Counseling on prevention and the impact of using organic fertilizer on health, which is carried out by conducting home visits. Farmers experienced an average increase in knowledge of safe and healthy management of fertilization and pesticide spraying, (2) providing micronutrients and explaining sources of other food ingredients containing micronutrients in their environment, (3) Providing PPE, especially hats, masks and gloves to farmers

Compliance with measures among actors and lessons learnt in the management of COVID-19 institutional quarantine in Uganda

IntroductionTo support COVID-19 containment measures, several countries implemented quarantine protocols. This study determined the level of compliance to COVID-19 quarantine measures, associated factors, and lessons learnt in institutional quarantine management in Uganda. MethodsThis concurrent mixed methods study involved a cross-sectional survey among individuals who were in institutional quarantine and interviews with key informants, who were reached mostly through phone calls. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariable analysis were conducted to analyse quantitative data while qualitative data were analysed thematically with the aid of Atlas ti 7. ResultsCompliance with quarantine measures at the individual level was moderate at 65.4 %. Factors associated with high compliance with measures were: older age (above 40 years) [APR = 1.30 (95 % CI: 1.04–1.63)], spending 14–15 days in quarantine [APR = 1.39 (95 % CI: 1.00–1.92)] and reporting a high Ministry of Health compliance [APR = 1.33 (CI: 1.11–1.58)]. The positive factors included the availability of guidelines, inspection of facilities and training of personnel. The challenges were related to long turnaround time for results and provision of personal protective equipment (PPE). ConclusionEfforts to improve training, supervision and inspection of facilities, and provision of adequate PPE would improve compliance with quarantine measures.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of personal protective equipment utilization among health care workers

BackgroundAlthough healthcare personnel often face hazardous working conditions with potential exposures to a variety of toxic and infectious agents, adherence to Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols is quite low. Proper utilization of PPE safeguards health care providers from hazardous working conditions and increases patients' safety. However, there is a shortage of relevant studies yet to address this gap, especially in sub-Saharan regions. ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to determine knowledge, attitude, and practice on personal protective equipment utilization among healthcare workers. MethodsAn institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among the participants selected using a simple random sampling technique. A logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify the associated factors. ResultThe practice of PPE utilization was 78.2%. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed educational status, marital status, overcrowding of the working department, and supply of PPE as independent predictors of KAP of PPE utilization. ConclusionKnowledge about PPE utilization was good; however, the practice of PPE utilization was low. Decreasing the workload of healthcare workers and improving PPE supply are demanded to boost the utilization of PPE.

Evaluation of OHS practices based on work accident risk analysis using HIRA, FTA, and WISE methods (Case study: Plastic recycling business X)

The lack of OHS implementation is particularly notable in Small and Medium Industries (SMI), primarily due to limited knowledge and motivation concerning OHS application in their work systems. SME X, a plastic recycling business, has experienced several work accidents and necessitated hazard identification and OHS implementation for hazards with high and extreme risks. The HIRA method was employed to assess the extent of risk posed by various types of hazards. After identifying these hazards, the root causes of high and extreme-risk hazards were determined using FTA. Subsequently, measures were taken to mitigate the risks associated with high and extreme-risk hazards through WISE. The results revealed 28 potential hazards, with improvements focused on six high and extreme-risk categories. Proposed WISE interventions include the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), the use of ramps, the utilization of wheeled aids, and other enhancements to techniques and methods at each workstation.

Practice of Healthcare Workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at the Emergency Department of Nepal

Background: The study intends to explore the effects and practice of healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic at the emergency department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences. Methods: A cross-sectional study was done among the healthcare workers of the Emergency Department of B. P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences from August 2020 to Jan 2021. Data were collected by using a semi-structured interview among all the participants in the survey. A convenient sampling method was used and analysed using descriptive statistics. A p value &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Majority of the healthcare workers (90%) stated that their role has increased during COVID 19 first wave pandemic. A similar percentage (71%) noticed change in their duty hours and subsequently Isolation/ Quarantine. More than half (53%) stated that efforts been undertaken to bring additional health care workers to emergency department on basis of safety and preservation of workforce. The institute was able to train (47%) health care workers regarding proper handling of personal protective equipment despite of its insufficient (70%) supply. Conclusion: The results take exceptions in the emergency department despite insufficient supply of personal protective equipment, longtime exposure to large numbers of infected patients and insufficient care to quarantine a majority of the healthcare workers during COVID-19 pandemic.

Knowledge and perceived barriers for care provision regarding COVID-19 among hospital nurses in Nepal

COVID-19 pandemic is significantly affecting the overall health and healthcare system globally. It has not shown mercy to Nepal either. All the health facilities are full of COVID-19 patients. Almost all death from COVID-19, has occurred in hospital. Adequate knowledge of nurses regarding the source, transmission, symptoms, and preventive measures of COVID-19 helps to provide effective care and prevent spreading infections from patients to patients, and nurses to patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the knowledge regarding COVID-19 and perceived barriers for care provision regarding COVID-19 patients among hospital nurses in Nepal. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in different COVID-19 care designated hospitals of Nepal. Data were collected by using self-administered validated questionnaire through online survey. Descriptive analysis was done by using SPSS-16. More than 80% of nurses had adequate knowledge regarding symptoms, route of transmission, vulnerable population and preventive measures of COVID- 19 and only 15.0% had got training related to COVID-19 pandemic. Nurses perceived negligence of the patients and community people on COVID-19 prevention (84.6%), fear of being infected and carrier to family and community while contacting with patients (80.0%), long duty hour (75.0%), inadequately supply of personal protective equipment and insufficient institutional preparedness (74.0%) were the major barriers for providing care of COVID-19 patients. Thus, hospital authority, nursing administration and nursing professionals’ organizations should play an important role in organizing training to nurses and awareness program to community people. It is also essential in providing required supplies, and facilitates the motivating environment for effective care and prevention of COVID-19.

Meat safety knowledge, attitude and practices of slaughterhouse workers in Kajiado, Kenya.

A major contributor to the poor meat safety status in Kenya is low level of slaughter hygiene knowledge and practices among slaughterhouse workers. The study determined knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) of workers from 7 small and medium slaughterhouses in Kajiado County on slaughter hygiene and meat safety. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to 78 workers, managers and meat inspectors. Majority (92.3%) of workers lacked slaughter hygiene and meat safety training. Workers had high knowledge with an overall mean score of 19.2±2 out of 24, high personal hygiene scores (9.9±0.8 out of 11), moderate carcass contamination scores (4.2±0.8 out of 6), meat-borne illness score (3.1±1 out of 4) and temperature intervention scores (2.1±0.6 out of 3). Moderate and high scores were recorded in attitude and practices and differed significantly across slaughterhouses (p<0.05) with a mean of 33±5 out of 40 and 59.3±3.5 out of 65, respectively. There was no significant difference in KAP scores between trained and untrained workers. Carcass decontamination practices by workers differed from that of the meat inspector. Surface and handheld equipment sanitization practices were observed as poor. Medical testing practice was poor and significantly different across slaughterhouses (p<0.001) with infection rates of zoonoses and occupational hazards as high as 33% in some slaughterhouses. The study concluded that although high knowledge and neutral attitude were scored by slightly more than half of the workers, poor practices were reported and observed in carcass decontamination, equipment and facility sanitization and worker medical examination. Slaughter facilities in Kajiado County have an opportunity to offer their workers role-specific training, the provision of personal protective equipment, hygiene and sanitation facilities and strict oversight of worker medical testing.

An Evaluation of the Barrier and Durability Performance of Reusable Level 2 Isolation Gowns Over Their Promoted Service Life

The COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted the health and safety of healthcare workers as the supply of personal protective equipment was severely limited at the pandemic’s beginning. Some healthcare facilities took the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations to shift from disposable personal protective equipment to reusable, as an option for extending the life of their personal protective equipment during the pandemic. This research investigated Level 2 isolation gowns to determine whether they met or exceeded the protection specifications of ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 and the American Society for Testing and Materials: ASTM F3352-19 Standard Specification for Isolation Gowns Intended for Use in Healthcare Facilities. The overall findings show that commercially available reusable gowns initially met the ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 and ASTM F3352 standards. Out of the six sample groups, gowns in one group failed the ANSI/AAMI PB70:2012 specifications before the end of their intended lifecycle. All gowns met the specifications for durability in ASTM F3352-19, but further research showed tear strength after laundering weakened substantially. The current standard for Level 2 isolation gowns is protecting the lives of healthcare workers. However, the specifications could be improved by ANSI/AAMI by evaluating the performance after laundering instead of as new. Durability specifications would be improved by increasing the requirements for reusable gowns.

Effects of Sustainable Business Networks on the Environmentally Sound Management of Chemicals in Zimbabwe

AbstractDespite the formulation of policy frameworks and awareness on hazardous chemical management, practical implementation at organisational level remains a challenge in Zimbabwe. Participation in inter-organisational networks has been shown to have a catalytic role in some contexts. Sustainable business networks such as the Business Council for Sustainable Development Zimbabwe (BCSDZ) have undertaken programmes to promote safe chemical management and chemical leasing. This research paper assesses the effects of sustainable business networks on circular economy (CE) through implementation of safe chemical management and chemical leasing programmes in Zimbabwe. The research paper is based on forty (40) companies drawn from the industrial, manufacturing and mining sectors in Zimbabwe. A total of 50% of the companies assessed were selected because they participated in the safe chemical management programme called responsible production toolkit training and chemical leasing training during the period of 2018 to 2023, whilst the other 50% selected were not participants in any chemical management initiative to provide a comparison group to enable causal inferences. The study employed direct observation of chemical management practices, interviews with key informants and content analysis. Barriers and challenges identified included high chemical intensity, higher proportion of chemical accidents, inadequate provision of personal protective equipment (PPE), lack of clear policies on chemical management, lack of adequate technical capacity on chemical management, use of foreign languages in some material safety data sheets (MSDS), incompatible chemical storage practices, lack of proper labelling of chemicals, inadequate implementation of chemical compatibility charts and inadequate documentation of successful case studies. Implementation of chemical risk assessment increased from 20 to 70% due to network participation. Chemical inventorying implementation increased from 15 to 50% amongst firms that participated in safe chemical management programmes. Chemical labelling practices increased from 55 to 85% due to increased participation in network-induced chemical management programmes. Chemical leasing implementation remained largely unchanged even with access to training. We conclude that network participation enhanced chemical management practices due to the implementation of the responsible production toolkit. However, the impact of network participation on adoption of chemical leasing is low in Zimbabwe due to external contextual factors such as policy, perception, legal and financial barriers.

Mitigating healthcare worker risk during the COVID-19 pandemic - experience from a large tertiary maternity centre in the United Arab Emirates.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, healthcare workers (HCW) have been leading the charge in combating it, in spite of being disproportionately affected by the disease compared to the general population. This study describes the measures instituted at the largest maternity center in the United Arab Emirates during the pandemic to mitigate the risk of HCW contracting COVID-19, as well as the effectiveness of those measures. The incidence of COVID-19 amongst healthcare workers at the facility was compared to that in the general population over a 13-month period from February 2021 to February 2022. Data on population testing was obtained from the database maintained by the regional testing lab, while HCW testing data was obtained from the occupational health department at the hospital. The incidence of COVID-19 in HCWs and the general population was compared using summary statistics and charts. Several mitigation measures were instituted to protect HCW during the pandemic including patient traffic management, adequate provision of personal protective equipment, staff vaccination campaigns, infrastructure enhancement, workforce planning, and structured occupational health policies. During the study period the overall positivity rate in the general population was 5.78% (83,005/1.4 million tests) and that for staff was 1.19% (401/33,228 tests). The peaks and troughs on staff turning positive for COVID-19 coincided with peaks and troughs of the pandemic in the general population. The hospital instituted effective mitigation measures in protecting the staff and keeping COVID-19 rates well below the ones encountered in the general population.

The Medical Right to Repair: Intellectual Property, the Maker Movement, and COVID-19

This article considers the strengths and limitations of the use of 3D printing and additive manufacturing for the production of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 public health crisis. It explores the role of the Maker Movement in addressing the shortfall in medical equipment during the public health pandemic. Taking a comparative approach, this article evaluates the responses of both the commercial and amateur sides of the 3D printing community to the COVID-19 public health crisis. In the EU, the Fab Lab Network sought to overcome a breakdown in supply chains. In the US, Dale Dougherty of Make Magazine promoted Plan C, in which volunteers have worked together to produce PPE. In Australia, 3D printing has been used to augment supplies of PPE. In this context, a key issue across jurisdictions has been the tension between intellectual property rights and the right to repair—particularly when 3D printing has been applied to deal with shortages in PPE. Senator Ron Wyden put forward the Critical Medical Infrastructure Right-to-Repair Act of 2020 (US) to try to resolve these tensions. Open licensing has proven to be a helpful mechanism to enable open collaboration and sharing of 3D printing designs for the purposes of health care. Nonetheless, it is argued that there should be stronger recognition of the right to repair—particularly in the context of health-care and medical devices. The COVID-19 crisis has highlighted that there needs to be a broader array of intellectual property flexibilities to deal with public health emergencies—including in respect of the right to repair. As such, this article supports a broad vision of a TRIPS Waiver which includes the right to repair. The recognition of a right to repair will help promote the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals and a COVID-19 recovery. The topic of the medical right to repair has larger implications for sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in respect of responsible production and consumption (SDG 12), as well as good health and well-being (SDG 3), innovation (SDG 9), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).

“We felt so proud by the president calling us my heroes.” An exploration of the nurse’s experiences in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda

IntroductionAdequate and intensive nursing care was a key characteristic of recovery of the COVID-19 patients globally and in Uganda. However, there is limited literature on the experiences of nurses who participated in the care of COVID-19 patients in Uganda, East Africa, and Africa at large, yet imperative in designing approaches to increase the efficiency of the health systems’ response to future pandemics. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore the experiences of the nurses who managed COVID-19 patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative study that used purposive sampling to identify 21 nurses who treated COVID-19 patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda. Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the data. Common codes were identified and grouped to create subthemes and major themes.ResultsSix themes were identified: 1) Motivation to work on COVID-19 patients, 2 ) Roles performed by nurses, 3) High workload and professional role strain, 4) Challenges with maintaining personal health and relationships, 5) Institutional and government support, 6) Acquired professional knowledge and skills to manage critical patients and epidemics. Most of the nurses faced work burnout, social isolation, stress, and psychological trauma. However, interprofessional collaboration, financial incentives, government recognition, and provision of personal protective equipment, were key motivators for the nurses. The majority reported to have gained new knowledge and skills in the management of pandemics and highly infectious diseases.ConclusionThe nurses experienced negative scenarios like work burnout due to high workload, social isolation, and psychological stress. Therefore, there is a need for health systems to develop approaches and policies that support nurses’ well-being. Nevertheless, key attributes like resilience, adaptability, and diligence to serve enabled them to persevere despite the hardships faced.