Safe Working Environment Research Articles

Implementation of Surfing in Physical Education

Surfing has a great educational potential. This paper shows Physical Education (PE) teachers how to introduce surfing in their lessons although they are far from the coast and the waves. Our intention is to show its implementation through several stages that will progressively bring students closer to practicing surfing. For thar purpose, we selected the pedagogical model “Interactive Challenges with Shared Responsibility” based on the contents are presented by means of highly demanding challenges, interactions are encouraged in a dialogic learning context, a support network and a safe and no-violence work environment. The pedagogical approach used for including surfing in the PE class comprises three consecutive stages (ground, pool, sea) attending to the contents and facilities used, familiarizing students progressively to the aquatic and sea environment. In the ground stage, students develop static to dynamic balance and sliding skills with Bosu, Fitball, Indo boards, skates, tarp surf or slack-line. Buoyancy, diving and swimming skills are achieved in the pool stage. Finally, surfing skills and techniques are developed in the sea stage. In conclusion, surfing is a challenging and attractive content that can be included in the Physical Education classes for becoming a means that enriches the active leisure options of our students and provides a setting for socialization in contact with nature.

Human-Focused Digital Twin Applications for Occupational Safety and Health in Workplaces: A Brief Survey and Research Directions

Occupational safety and health is among the most challenging issues in many industrial workplaces, in that various factors can cause occupational illness and injury. Robotics, automation, and other state-of-the-art technologies represent risks that can cause further injuries and accidents. However, the tools currently used to assess risks in workplaces require manual work and are highly subjective. These tools include checklists and work assessments conducted by experts. Modern Industry 4.0 technologies such as a digital twin, a computerized representation in the digital world of a physical asset in the real world, can be used to provide a safe and healthy work environment to human workers and can reduce occupational injuries and accidents. These digital twins should be designed to collect, process, and analyze data about human workers. The problem is that building a human-focused digital twin is quite challenging and requires the integration of various modern hardware and software components. This paper aims to provide a brief survey of recent research papers on digital twins, focusing on occupational safety and health applications, which is considered an emerging research area. The authors focus on enabling technologies for human data acquisition and human representation in a virtual environment, on data processing procedures, and on the objectives of such applications. Additionally, this paper discusses the limitations of existing studies and proposes future research directions.

Keeping safe at work

Creating healthy work environments is a collective and an individual responsibility. It requires collaborative efforts of employers and employees, health and care managers, healthcare assistants (HCAs) and assistant practitioners (APs). There is much that can be learnt from one another. Several aspects of legislation are in place that compel organisations and individuals to ensure a safe working environment. This article provides a discussion regarding health and safety at work, with a focus on stress, its impact and its management.

Specifics of Organizational and Design Solutions for Buildings of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination

Introduction: Nowadays, biosafety of medical personnel and visitors of the Bureau of Forensic Medical Examination (BFME) is of special importance. One of the most significant issues in terms of infection prevention and control is the design solution for premises of the BFME and departments of anatomic pathology. Up-to-date forensic medical examination institutions shall combine functionality, good technical equipment, and engineering design, all ensuring human comfort and safety. Objective: To evaluate sanitary and hygienic measures, especially organizational and design solutions for BFME buildings ensuring occupational safety and health of the personnel and proper infection control, based on the analysis of scientific publications and valid regulatory documents. Materials and methods: We have reviewed recent Russian and English-language scientific papers on current approaches to infection prevention and control in bureaus of forensic medical examination published in 2018–2022. They were selected using a logical search on such platforms as eLIBRARY.ru, PubMed, CyberLeninka, and Google Scholar. The criteria for inclusion of publications in the review were a non-zero Hirsch index (h-index) or the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI) and the presence of the following phrases in the title, abstract, and/or keywords: autopsy biosafety, infection of medical staff, infection prevention and control, design of forensic medical examination premises, and occupational safety in forensic medical services. Of 143 sources selected, 47 articles contained a proven risk assessment of biosafety of medical personnel and description of preventive measures and were thus found eligible for inclusion in the review. Results: We established problems in the design of construction or reconstruction of BFME premises in terms of creating a safe working environment. We have noted that the workflow, functionality of the premises, and the level of sanitary measures aimed at prevention of infection in staff and visitors is often disregarded. The procedure of instrument sterilization is not regulated by documents of the Russian Federation. Organization of forensic activities in areas remote from large cities and in towns of 25,000 residents or less remains challenging. It is essential to revise and supplement current regulations to ensure biosafety of forensic medical services. Conclusion: The article describes the shortcomings of design solutions that must be taken into account in construction and/or reconstruction of BFME premises. The design of such buildings in terms of infection control shall be specified in regulatory documents.

Shifting consumers’ mindset towards the growth of sustainable fashion practices in India

The concept of sustainability is becoming increasingly important to Indian customers. Millennials are recognized to be the most active, intelligent and sensitive buyers and consumers. This article focuses on millennials, because India has the world’s largest millennial population. Millennials are known for their high spending power and desire for eco-friendly workplaces and products. Indian millennials are more concerned about their buying behaviours’ environmental effects than their social and economic effects. The transformation of consumer behaviour towards more environmentally responsible consumption is a challenge for many countries, including India. It is not enough to have socially responsible firms that make environmentally friendly goods or to create standards for regulatory compliance; one must also meet customers’ growing need for ecologically responsible fashion. As time passed, consumers have become more enlightened about the products they purchase and how they are made. Consumers now want to make socially responsible purchases that boost their wardrobes. Large global fashion companies are increasingly prioritizing an ethical and transparent fashion industry that honours clients and the local ecosystem. Slow designer brands develop sustainable and ethical clothing by providing safe work environments to labourers, partnering with handloom industries and talented artisans to create handmade goods, employing green products or recyclable materials and upcycling post-production and post-consumer waste. The growing movement towards fashion that is both environmentally and socially responsible can be seen clearly in India. New and established fashion companies are transforming daily to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly clothes by embracing new innovative approaches, new designer brands and new supply chain systems. This research’s main goal is to understand the shifts that sustainable fashion recommends, which are also necessary for ethical production and consumption. The goal is to uncover clients’ psychological buying habits and persuade them to shift their decision to buy sustainable clothes.

Impact of training on occupational health and safety of woodworkers at a wood processing village in Ghana

Keeping the workplace safe must not be the concern of only workers and companies but also national and global economies whose productivity and competitiveness play a major role on safe working environment. This paper investigated the impact of training on occupational health and safety of woodworkers at a wood processing village in Ghana. The study was conducted using cross-sectional design with 410 wood processing operators. Questionnaires adapted from safety management operation was used for this quantitative study. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. All the eight (8) items under the use of personal protective equipment had their mean ratings lower than the theoretical mean of 3.0. This suggest that the woodworkers do not put on personal protective equipment during wood processing. Additionally, the study revealed that the woodworkers were not provided with personal protective equipment at work. Furthermore, the study revealed that training could significantly influence woodworker’s practice of occupational health and safety in the wood processing industry. The outcome of this study suggests that the management of the enclave studied need to do more to enforce practice of safety, especially the use of personal protective equipment, to reduce hazards and injuries associated with wood processing industry.

공동주택 에어컨 실외기실의 토출 개구부 방충망과 실외기 간 이격 거리에 따른 냉동사이클에 관한 영향 연구

Since the establishment of the new rules for mandatory indoor installation of air conditioning outdoor units for apartment houses, a safe working environment for their installation and maintenance has been secured in Korea. However, in some apartments and high-rise buildings, low cooling performance and excess energy cost by air conditioners have been reported; these were not expected in the numerical analysis at the design stage. This study focuses on the obstruction to the discharge airflow owing to the insect screen installed on the opening of the outdoor unit room; this was overlooked in previous studies. The effect on the refrigeration cycle owing to the insect screen was analyzed by measuring the condensation parameters of the operating air conditioner installed in a real apartment house. By this research, improvements in the building design and HVAC equipment installation method were intended from a practical perspective.

Inter-professional collaboration and associated factors among nurses and physicians in specialized public hospitals, the northwest, Ethiopia: mixed method multi-centered cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThe study aimed to investigate inter-professional collaboration and associated factors among nurses and physicians working in referral and teaching hospitals in the Northwest and Ethiopia in 2022.MethodThis study used a concurrent (quantitative cross-sectional and phenomenological qualitative) design from September to October 2022. A structured, self-administered nurse-physician collaborative scale questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data from 279 nurses and 87 physicians. A simple random sampling technique was used to select participants. The magnitude of the association was measured using the odds ratio at a 95% confidence interval and was statistically significant at a p-value less than 0.05 using binary logistic regression analysis. Qualitative data were collected from nine key informants via focused interviews or semi-structured in-depth interviews and analyzed using ATLAS.ti version 7.0.7 software via narratives using the thematic analysis method.ResultAccording to the study’s findings, a greater number (43.4%) of the respondents had ineffective collaboration during their professional activities. In the final model of multivariable analysis, unsatisfactory organizational support, poor professional support, and poor interpersonal support were all independently associated with ineffective collaboration. The qualitative findings identified poor communication, a lack of professionalism, and failure to adhere to professional duties as barriers to nurse-physician collaboration.ConclusionIn this study, nurse-physician collaboration was less than expected; thus, the large number of participants had ineffective collaborations. Potential predictors of decreased effective nurse-physician collaboration included dissatisfaction with organizational support, poor professional support, and poor interpersonal support. This outcome emphasizes the importance of improving nurse-physician collaboration by enhancing organizational, professional, and interpersonal factors to form effective collaborative practice. The qualitative finding supports the quantitative study, which showed ineffective collaboration. The authors recommended that there is a need to empower interprofessional collaboration among nurses and physicians through the creation of a conducive and safe working environment.

Hospital Nurses’ Risk of Injury: A Mixed Methods Study in Indonesia

Various risks of injury become the background of incidents and health and safety problems for nurses globally, impacting a nurse’s right to a safe work environment. No studies have examined the relationship between individual conditions and various aspects of the nurse’s risk of injury. This study explored nurses’ risk of injury in hospitals and the relationship between the individual characteristics of nurses with the surveillance, screening and injury prevention activities undertaken in hospitals.This mixed methods study using an exploratory sequential design was conducted in Indonesia involving 176 registered nurses from 17 urban hospitals for the quantitative phase and 21 registered nurses from five hospitals for the qualitative phase. The quantitative data shows that more than half stated they were not good at occupational health and safety surveillance or screening or efforts to reduce occupational health and safety risks. The surveillance, screening, and injury prevention activities of the nurses in the hospitals were not found to be influenced by their age, working experience, marital status, gender, education level, and employment status. The qualitative data analysis revealed four main themes: (1) Causes of the nurses’ risk of injury, (2) Preventing injuries, (3) Resilience, and (4) Acting to prevent risk of injury. The effective methods to prevent the risk of injury included optimizing nurses’ roles, improving the work environment, and making organizational programs on health and safety. Nurses are exposed to multiple risks of injury, and their monitoring, screening, and injury prevention activities are influenced by factors other than the individual.

KONTRIBUSI PERSEPSI LINGKUNGAN, KOMPETENSI KERJA, DAN K3 TERHADAP KINERJA PEGAWAI

The high number of work accidents that occur in Indonesia causes many economic losses for both employees and companies. The aims of this study included knowing the effect of OSH implementation on performance, the influence of the work environment on performance, the influence of competence on performance, and the effect of OSH implementation, work environment, and competence on the performance of SMK alumni employees in the AHASS workshop in Malang City. The population in this study were all AHASS workshop mechanics in the city of Malang. Sampling was carried out by proportional random sampling and obtained as many as 118 people. The research design uses a correlational quantitative design. The results showed that there was a significant contribution between K3, work environment, and competency on the performance of SMK alumni employees in the AHASS workshop in Malang City. This is indicated by the contribution value of 63.4%. Partially, the application of OSH contributed 30.22%, perceptions of the work environment contributed 15.12%, and competence contributed 17.8%. So the conclusion from this study is that OSH, work environment, and competence each have an influence on the performance of SMK alumni employees. All three simultaneously have a significant contribution to performance. So it is hoped that the AHASS workshop can create a comfortable and safe work environment for employees, besides that mechanics are also expected to always improve the application of K3 at work.

Electroanalytical Investigation of Cancer Chemotherapy Drug Vinorelbine On Disposable Pencil Graphite Electrode in Surfactant Media by Voltametric Method

One of the biggest global public health issues, cancer has a negative impact on people's health and quality of life. Therefore, it is undeniable that the interest in drugs for cancer treatment has increased. On the other hand, in addition to patient safety during the administration of drugs used in cancer treatment due to their possible toxic properties, it is crucial to maintain a safe working environment and to safeguard the health professionals who provide the treatment from the possibility of coming into touch with this class of medications. At the same time, it is extremely important to develop methods for the analysis of antineoplastic drugs in different environments.
 In this study, a new application of disposable pencil-tip graphite electrode for the determination of Vinorelbine, which is one of the semi-synthetic derivatives of Vinca alkaloids, which is in the class of herbal antineoplastic drugs used in cancer treatment, is presented.
 Using a pencil-tip graphite electrode, the CV and SWV techniques were used to examine the electrochemical characteristics of vinorelbine throughout a large pH range (2.0-12.0), both without and with surfactant medium. Vinorelbine in BR (pH=10.0) buffer containing 3 mM cationic surfactant (tetra-n-butylammonium bromide) by SW-AdSV technique, it responded voltammetrically with a potential of +0.75 V. The suggested technique has been used successfully with human urine samples that have been spiked with vinorelbine and medication formulations.

FAKTOR YANG BERHUBUNGAN DENGAN PENERAPAN KESELAMATAN DAN KESEHATAN KERJA PADA PERAWAT RUMAH SAKIT UMUM SUNDARI KOTA MEDAN

Background: Implementing Haspital Occupational Safety and Health means developing new methods of working, creating a helthy, safe, and comfortable work environment, and enhancing the health of nurses in hospitals. According to the initial survey, there were 10 nurses, with three adopting Occupational Safety and health (K3) and seven not implementing occupational safety and health. Objectives: The study aimed to identify the parameters associated with the use of K3. Method: This type of research is quantitative with cross design. The populasion in this study were 50 respondents with a total samping sample. Data analysis used univariate analysis and bivariate analysis using Chi-Square test at 95% confidence level (?=0.05). Results: According to the study’s findings, attitude with performance (p=0.002<0.05) and control (p=0.000<0.05) with the application of OSH. And there was no associated with knowledge (p=0.573>0.05) and OSH socialization (p=0.674>0.05) with the application of OSH in Sundari General Hospital Nurses, Medan in 2022. Conclusion: this study shows that attitude and supervision have a relationship with the implementation of occupational safety and health, while knowledge and socialization of OSH have no relationship with the implementation of occupational safety and health.

Monitoring And Assessment of Underground Hazardous Gases Using Electronic Sensors and Wireless Technology

Monitoring and assessment of underground hazardous gases are necessary to identify potential hazards initiate remedial measures in advance by that otherwise would lead to disastrous conditions. In this project we will discuss the concept of real time monitoring in assessment of hazardous gases in typical underground mine using arduino and sensors. Typical ventilation of parameters including temperature, humidity and gas concentrations are monitored using sensors in the laboratory setting in various ranges and indices proposed by previous researchers for interpreting of fire gases and spontaneous combustion conditions are predicted from monitored data and transmitting and receiving of data using wireless technology. Data Spread sheets is used for displaying this information in real time monitoring systems and data storing that would help in creating a safe end comfortable working environment for personnel end equipment working Underground. Keywords- Arduino Uno, Temperature Sensor, Connetions, Ultrasonic Sensor, Gas Sensors.

Policies Implementation to Address Harassment in Workplace


 Workplace harassment exists throughout all types of workplaces. This is also experienced in developed countries, developing countries and undeveloped countries all over the world. Harassment is a type of bullying and discrimination and considered as a social problem. It is important for all workers to understand workplace harassment so you can avoid a hostile work environment. A good workplace harassment policy must be implemented and regulated so that the necessary steps can be taken so ensure a safe working environment for all employees. Most basic types of harassment are verbal and psychological; there are also more serious forms, such as abuse, physical and sexual. All types of workplace harassment are considered illegal. They will not only affect an employee’s productivity, comfort and safety at work, but they can also expose an organization to legal liability if it does not handle the harassment properly. Sexual harassment is a widespread and global problem that affects both women and men. Women and girls however, more commonly experience it, across all levels of society around the world. The global movement that went viral in October 2017 started out as a social media hash tag, the movement has since massively grown, encouraging millions of women across the world to speak out about sexual harassment. The Malaysian pledge to uphold the success of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) on Gender Equality and Health and Well Being is also interconnected with the topic above, so implementing related laws/policies on work place and sexual Harassment with intervention from the Government is crucial to reduce and mitigate the social problem. This assignment will focus on government intervention to address such problems by implementing / establishing laws, policies, code of conduct practices and guidelines to protect women in the workplace. I will use case studies from South Korea, Malaysia and Cambodia to try to find similar programs that have been implemented to protect the rights of women in the workforce as equal humans. By then, researcher will be able to prove that through workplace harassment law/policies will make it way to reduce the harassment problem.

CORRELATION BETWEEN OHS KNOWLEDGE, MOTIVATION, WORK STRESS, AND UNSAFE ACTION (STUDY ON PRODUCTION SECTION WORKERS AT PT MANDIRI JAVA FOOD SEMARANG, INDONESIA): A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

ABSTRACT Background: As the industrial revolution 4.0 began, technology began to grow, and company owners began to develop their use of technology and human resources. According to the 8th Sustainable Development Goal's targets concerning decent work and economic growth, it is necessary to achieve targets related to protecting workers' rights and supporting a safe working environment for all workers, including prevention of work accidents. One of the causes of work accidents is unsafe action in the food industry as PT Mandiri Java Food Semarang that can be caused by personal factors, including knowledge of occupational health and safety (OHS), motivation, and work stress. Purpose: This study analyzes the correlation between OHS knowledge, motivation, and work stress with unsafe actions experienced by production workers at PT Mandiri Java Food Semarang. Method: This type of research was descriptive observational research with a cross-sectional design using spearman correlation test. The sample of the study was all the total population of the production workers (37 people). Results: The results showed a weak correlation between OHS knowledge and unsafe action (r = -0.351). Moderate category correlation between motivation (r = -0.491) and work stress (r = 0.479) with unsafe action. Conclusion: This study concludes that OHS knowledge, motivation, and work stress are correlated factors and contribute to the occurrence of unsafe actions carried out by workers in the production sector of PT Mandiri Java Food Semarang.

Identities and experiences of Anatomists

delivering anatomical education designed to help prepare students in becoming safe and competent medical and allied healthcare practitioners. Despite the critical role that anatomists play in the early stages of student learning, little is known about the identity of anatomists, and how their journeys and experiences have shaped the ways they perceive and embody their role. The aim of this study was to provide anatomists with a reference to take comfort in the shared experiences of other anatomists, to provide individuals and managers with real-life situations that anatomists may come across in their career, and to generate a sense of belonging within the anatomy community. Through a survey data collected from 161 anatomists, it includes demographic characteristics, access to training and support provision, and availability of network and career opportunities. In addition, information was collected that focussed on aspects of wellbeing and lived personal experience in the workplace. The results of this study provide significant evidence for the need to develop a more inclusive, diverse, and supportive environment for anatomists in both the work place as well as within professional societies and at conferences. Self-identifying female anatomists experience more discrimination overall (p=<0.01), with specific elements such as barriers to career progression (p=0.004) and work-related mental health issues (p=0.02). Individuals, teams and managers have a distinct role to play in ensuring that everyone can work and thrive in a culturally safe work environment.

Why Rural-to-Urban Migrant Workers in China Continue Working After Age 60: A Qualitative Analysis.

This study aims to examine why rural-to-urban migrant workers in China remain in the workforce after age 60. Semistructured interviews were conducted and transcribed. Interview transcriptions were coded and analyzed by inductive content analysis. Rural-to-urban migrant workers in China continue to work even after they reach age 60 for reasons related to personal and family finances, as well as cognitive motivational, sociocultural, and working condition factors. Findings from this study deepen our understanding of the specific reasons why older rural-to-urban migrant workers in China continue working after age 60. While these findings emphasize the need for improved welfare programs and enhanced health care for older migrant workers, they also underscore the importance of providing a healthy and safe work environment for older workers.

How quality of work-life influence employee job satisfaction in a gas processing plant in Ghana

The influence of quality of work-life on job satisfaction is critical for sustaining high-level skilled workers and enhancing productivity in the oil and gas industry. This study examined the influence of quality of work-life on job satisfaction among workers in a gas processing plant. A descriptive analytical design and a census approach were used to assess 200 staff. The analysis established a positive relationship between employee job satisfaction and the four constructs of quality of work life; safe working environments, Work-life balance, personal development, and emotional well-being at significant levels. With the latter construct registering the highest correlation with job satisfaction, the study recommends the management of a functional early guidance support system for workers who may exhibit early symptoms of emotional well-being distress. It is imperative for management to consolidate and significantly improve on established measures for employees to maximise both work output and avoid work-family conflicts. Management should maintain robust safety protocols and an emergency response unit to ensure employees work in a relaxed environment that promotes workplace well-being. These are envisaged to sustain employee workplace assistance programs that can confidently discuss and address workers' stress, anxiety, and other related concerns at the workplace.

Exploring new antecedent metrics for safety performance in Ghana’s oil and gas industry using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM)

Safety plays a major role in the oil and gas industry's capacity to function successfully within acceptable risk and dangerous conditions. Thus, promoting a safe working environment is an obligation for oil and gas companies with inherently high risks. Even though the oil and gas industry's safety records have greatly improved due to better technology and improved levels of risk perception, some stakeholders remain worried about the industry's present safety performance. This research studied the safety practices and performance of a critical sector in Ghana; the oil, gas, and allied energy industry, and proposed an integrated strategy for investigating new antecedent metrics for enhancing the safety performance in the sector. A Partial Least Squares (PLS) structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis found that 1) safety training is the most significant contributor to safety performance and 2) This relationship is best mediated through safety knowledge and safety culture. The results further demonstrate that effective safety training is another safety management practice that can help develop a well-functioning safety policy. However, this study found that safety training had no significant effect on safety compliance, and safety compliance had no influence on safety performance. Oil and gas companies in Ghana seeking to improve safety compliance should prioritize safety training practices that demonstrate a clear commitment to safety concerns, improved accessibility and clarity of safety procedures, and training that emphasizes increased knowledge of safety issues and safety procedures.

Superheroes or Super Spreaders? The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Social Attitudes towards Nurses: A Qualitative Study from Poland.

The social perception of the nursing profession in Poland is profoundly affected by social stereotypes that may discourage young people from entering the profession and lead to prejudice towards nurses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, nurses gained visibility, which caused the social image of nurses to likewise grow. In this study, we explore nurses' experiences with respect to how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced the social image of nursing. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen hospital nurses. Three major themes emerged: (1) social attitudes towards nurses during the pandemic, (2) nurses' perception of the impact of the pandemic on the social image of the nursing profession and (3) the impact of the pandemic on nurses' mental health. Although the pandemic promoted the image of nursing to the general public, nurses were disappointed that in the face of the healthcare crisis and the constant threat, they had to struggle with difficult working conditions and professional, social and economic recognition. This study therefore stresses the duty of policy makers to undertake a systemic approach to improving the organisation of health care and increase nurses' safety by providing them with a safe working environment and prepare them better for the next health crisis.