Working Conditions Research Articles

Assessment of biofilm-forming capacity and multidrug resistance in Staphylococcus aureus isolates from animal-source foods: implications for lactic acid bacteria intervention

BackgroundStaphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacterium, poses a significant threat to public health and food safety due to its virulence and its ability to develop antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Moreover, S. aureus can form biofilms in food environments, making it difficult to eradicate and pose a major challenge in foodborne illness prevention.MethodsThe study aimed to investigate the biofilm-forming capabilities and AMR profiles of 107 S. aureus isolates derived from milk, chicken meat, and chicken eggs. Further, the study compared the biofilm formation tendencies between multi-drug resistant (MDR) and non-MDR S. aureus isolates. Additionally, the research explored the antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties of Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus casei, focusing on their aggregation and co-aggregation effects with S. aureus.ResultsAround 70.10% of S. aureus isolates were found to be resistant to at least three antibiotic classes. The biofilm assay revealed that 16.82% isolates were strong biofilm formers. The MDR isolates displayed a strong biofilm-forming ability (i.e., 18.67%) and a higher prevalence of biofilm-associated genes [i.e., icaA (53.33%) and icaD (44.0%)] compared to non-MDR isolates. The LAB strain, L. rhamnosus exhibited a 29.06 mm mean antibacterial inhibition zone, an average reduction of 48.19% in biofilm growth, 55.46% auto-aggregation, and 40.61% co-aggregation with S. aureus. Similarly, L. casei demonstrated a 21.80 mm mean antibacterial inhibition zone, an average reduction of 31.56% in biofilm growth, 45.23% auto-aggregation, and 36.81% co-aggregation with S. aureus isolates.ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the biofilm formation of MDR S. aureus and underscores the potential of L. rhamnosus and L. casei as bio-control agents. These findings highlight the necessity for additional research into the mechanisms through which LAB strains inhibit pathogenic biofilms and their potential applications in enhancing food safety.

Performance of Laying Chickens with Feed Additive Cinnamon Flour (Cinnamomum burmanni (Nees & T.Nees) Blume)

Chickens are important commodities due to human need eggs to meet animal protein. Increasing of resistance of bacteria to synthetic antibiotics and consumer understanding of health and food safety have stimulated use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) in poultry industry. AGP applied sustainable feed management steps to improve gut health and poultry growth performance. Cinnamon, one of the spices as a natural product. This useful source due to antioxidants, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and hypo-cholesterolemic effects and its capability to activate digestion enzymes in intestine. This research aimed to analyze the performance of laying chicken eggs fed with cinnamon flour. The treatments used were cinnamon flour with levels R0 (basal ration, without cinnamon flour/CF, R1 (99.5% BR+ 0.5% CF), R2 (99% BR+ 1% CF), R3 (98% BR + 1.5 % CF), and R4 (98% BR + 2% CF). Data were analyzed with Completely Randomized Design and Duncan's test. Variables were ration consumption, Hen Day Production/HDP and ration conversion. Results showed that adding 2% cinnamon flour significant effect on feed consumption, HDP (P< 0,01) but insignificant on ration conversion (P>0.05). Cinnamon flour as feed additive source up to 2% level can increase the performance of laying hens.

Ambulatory models for autologous stem-cell transplantation: a systematic review of the health impact

Autologous stem-cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard of care for the management of multiple myeloma and has a well-established role in the treatment of some types of lymphoma. Over the last decades, the number of ASCT performed has increased significantly, leading to elevated pressure and cost for healthcare services. Conventional model of ASCT includes the admission of patients to a specialized Transplant Unit at any stage of the procedure. To optimize healthcare provision, ambulatory (outpatient/at-home) setting should be the focus moving forward. Thus, ambulatory ASCT model permits reducing average hospital stays and pressures on healthcare services, with significant cost-saving benefits and high degree of patient and caregiver satisfaction. In addition, it facilitates the bed resource for other complex procedures such as allografts or CAR-T cell therapy. The aim of this systematic review is to document the health impact, feasibility and safety of the outpatient/at-home ASCT models, which are increasingly being applied around the world.

Method validation, residue behaviour and dietary risk assessment of insecticides (cyantraniliprole, acetamiprid, flubendiamide and its metabolite, des-iodo flubendiamide) in or on broccoli using LC-MS/MS.

Residue behaviour and dietary risk assessment of cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide and acetamiprid in broccoli were carried out using the QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) technique coupled with LC-MS/MS. The QuEChERS technique was validated on parameters such as linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, matrix effects, limit of quantification (LOQ), specificity, retention time and ion ratio as per SANTE (Directorate General for Health and Food Safety) guidelines to attest to the specificity, accuracy and precision of the analytical method in estimating insecticide residues in and on broccoli heads and cropped soil. The LOQ of the method for all three insecticides was 0.01 mg/kg. The initial deposits of cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide and acetamiprid reduced to half of its concentration in 1.873-2.354, 1.975-2.484 and 1.371-1.620 days, respectively. No residues were detected in broccoli-cropped soil at harvest time (30 days after last spray). The proposed maximum residue limits (MRLs) of 1.5, 0.5-0.9 and 2.0-3mg/kg for cyantraniliprole, flubendiamide and acetamiprid were calculated using the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development MRL calculator. The acute and chronic dietary risk assessment of the tested insecticides identified no appreciable dietary risk to the Indian population from the consumption of broccoli heads. The findings of no dietary risk highlight the importance of informed pesticide usage in broccoli and the proposed MRL derived from this study offers crucial guidelines for the regulatory authorities, ensuring the safety of broccoli consumption.

Oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) as lubricant additives: a review

Abstract In situ formation of lamellar MoS2 nanomaterials between the tribocontacts during frictions through adding oil-soluble sulfur-containing organic molybdenum (SOM) additives into lubricating oils is an alternative route of dispersing pre-formed MoS2 into lubricants directly, which is difficult to disperse homogeneously in oils. In this technology, the synthesis of SOM with appropriate S and Mo contents and successful generation of enough MoS2 during friction by adjusted working conditions are two crucial factors determining the efficiency of SOM on the friction-reduction and anti-wear behaviors of the SOM-containing oils. Given the fact that SOM additives have been used intensively in both laboratory researches and engineering applications, this review discusses in detail the molecular structures, tribological behaviors, compatibility and synergistic effects with the other additives, and some application bottlenecks of the reported SOM compounds that may constrain their wide applications as lubricant additives. Moreover, some routes for overcoming these application bottlenecks are suggested. This review also concludes the basic mechanisms for the lubrication capabilities of the SOM and provides some suggestions for utilizing SOM additives in advanced lubrication systems. Finally, the future development of SOM as oil additives is proposed and summarized.

Comment on "psychosocial work conditions and traffic safety among minibus and long-bus drivers".

Comment on "psychosocial work conditions and traffic safety among minibus and long-bus drivers".

Current and future workforce of general internal medicine in Switzerland: a cross-sectional study

AIM OF THIS STUDY: General internal medicine is a crucial element in healthcare systems. Understanding how many people are and will be working in this field is important to maintain and improve quality for patients in healthcare systems. This can provide a basis for political decisions. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study to analyse the current and future workforce of generalists (general practitioners and internists in hospitals) in Switzerland. The Swiss Society of General Internal Medicine (SSGIM) distributed a survey to all members. Respondents were asked about their current average workload in 2023 and planned workload in 2033. The responses were used to calculate full-time equivalent (FTE) for the current and future workforce of generalists and to extrapolate FTE for all active SSGIM members. To model the demand by 2033, we derived different scenarios. RESULTS: Of all 6,232 active SSGIM members, 2,030 (33%) participated: 46% female, 25% (largest age group) 56-65 years old, 19% still in postgraduate training. The average workload in 2023 was 78% for female and 87% for male generalists; the FTE extrapolated to all active SSGIM members in 2023 was 5,246. By 2033, 1,935 FTEs (36%) will retire, 502 FTEs (10%) will reduce their workload, 116 FTEs (2%) will increase their workload and 2,800 FTEs (53%) will remain in the workforce with the same workload as in 2023. To maintain the same workforce as in 2023, 2,321 new FTEs (44%) will be needed by 2033. To fill this gap of 232 FTE new generalists per year, we modelled different scenarios with assumptions of interest, workload, migration and dropouts. CONCLUSIONS: Within only one decade, 44% of the current workforce of generalists will disappear, mainly due to retirement and decreased workload. To fill this gap, various scenarios need to be incorporated. Politicians are called upon to create the political framework to create attractive training and working conditions for generalists to address the future demand for healthcare services.

In the Mood for Food: Monotony, Boredom and Snacking During Work

AbstractAlthough unhealthy snacking may have detrimental consequences for employee health and organizational outcomes, the role of working conditions on snacking still remains poorly understood. Drawing from optimal arousal theory, we propose and test a conceptual model that explains how under-stimulating conditions of job monotony increase unhealthy snacking behaviors during work due to experienced boredom. Given that individual differences play an important role for eating behaviors, we further propose that trait mindfulness may moderate the relationship between daily work-related boredom and unhealthy snacking, as it can decrease impulsive reactions to boredom. Results from diary data across two workweeks (N = 105) confirmed the positive effect of daily job monotony on unhealthy snacking through work-related boredom. Supplementary analyses revealed that these results persisted above and beyond over-stimulating work stressors (daily workload) and alternative mediators (daily negative affect). Surprisingly, the protective nature of trait mindfulness was not confirmed by our results. The implications of our findings are discussed for theory and practice.

Promoting safety of underground machinery operators through participatory ergonomics and fuzzy model analysis to foster sustainable mining practices

One of the most vital parameters to achieve sustainability in any field is encompassing the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) of the workers. In mining industry where heavy earth moving machineries are largely employed, ergonomic hazards turn out to be significant OHS hazards causing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the operators. Nevertheless, the Indian mining industry lacks a comprehensive technique of OHS risk assessment, especially for ergonomic hazards that cause MSDs. This research appraises ergonomic hazards and develops Fuzzy Musculoskeletal-disorders Index (FMI) model to evaluate ergonomic-related MSDs. Work process and work tool ergonomic risk factors were identified through literature review and directives recommended by experts. Work posture was evaluated using RULA. The data-collecting approach was implemented using participatory ergonomic and design science principles. The FMI results show average MSDs score of 3.69, indicating high to extremely high risk. Surface plots show that combined work tool and work process was the most sensitive factors to MSDs risk compared to other two combinations. A two-sample t-test validated the FMI. The findings should help safety experts and managers develop effective OHS management plans and programmes for the sustainability of Indian mining industry.

Using virtual reality for occupational safety and health in a UK tunnelling megaproject

Recent advancements into key technological developments (KTDs) are leading to a paradigm shift in the way that occupational safety and health (OSH) is managed in the architecture, engineering, construction and operation sector. This paper reports on a pilot case study where building information modelling and virtual reality were used for OSH training purposes related to the operation of a tunnel-boring machine. The aim of the research was to identify the benefits, barriers and challenges associated with the implementation of these KTDs in a joint venture organisation delivering part of a complex megaproject in Central London, UK, the Thames Tideway Tunnel project (thereafter, ‘Tideway’). The reported benefits included better safety in design and improved hazard perception. Tideway estimates that the project could potentially see a 20% reduction in training time and a 10% reduction in accidents. The key lessons learned include the need to keep costs down, the necessity for system portability and ease of access. The results of the study will assist organisations that are interested in the adoption of these KTDs and provide valuable insights to the wider construction industry. This will in turn enable companies to improve how OSH is managed and promote the uptake of KTDs for OSH.

Key factors for sustainable working conditions in emergency departments: an EUSEM-initiated, Europe-wide consensus survey.

Modern emergency medicine (EM) is a complex, demanding, and occasionally stressful field of work. Working conditions, provider well-being, and associated health and performance outcomes are key factors influencing the establishment of a sustainable emergency department (ED) working environment. This multinational European Delphi survey aimed to identify unequivocal major factors for good and poor ED working conditions and their possible effects on health care provider well-being. A total of 18 experts from six European countries (Belgium, Finland, Germany, Italy, Romania, and the UK) covering three different hospital sizes (small, medium, and large) in their respective countries participated in the two-round Delphi survey. All panelists held leadership roles in EM. The first step involved conducting an extensive literature search on ED working conditions. The second step involved the first Delphi round, which consisted of structured interviews with the panelists. The survey was designed to obtain information concerning important working conditions, comments regarding work-life factors identified from the literature, and ratings of their importance. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed following a standardized protocol. In the second Delphi round, experts rated the relevance of items consolidated from the first Delphi round (classified into ED work system factors, provider health outcomes, and ED work-life intervention approaches). A nearly unequivocal consensus was obtained in four ED work condition categories, including positive (e.g. job challenges, personal motivation, and case complexities) and negative (e.g. overcrowding, workflow interruptions/multitasking, medical errors) ED work conditions. The highly relevant adverse personal health events identified included physical fatigue, exhaustion, and burnout. Concerning intervention practices, the panelists offered a wide spectrum of opportunities with less consensus. Work system conditions exert positive and negative effects on the work life of ED providers across Europe. Although most European countries have varying health care systems, the expert-based survey results presented herein strongly suggest that improvement strategies should focus on system-related external stressors common in various countries. Our findings lay the scientific groundwork for future intervention studies at the local and systemic levels to improve ED provider work life.

Towards Health Promoting Schools: Pilot Training and Evaluation of the Updated Urbani School Health Kit (USHK) among School Teachers in Manila

Background and Objective. Committed to enhancing healthy living, learning, and working conditions, a health-promoting school is a potent influencer of behaviors and habits, reaching families and communities effectively. In the Western Pacific region, the Urbani School Health Kit (USHK) is one of the tools developed to integrate health promotion in schools; however, it needs to be updated to adapt to the evolving health challenges of lifestyle-related diseases. Hence, this study aimed to conduct a pilot training and evaluation of the updated USHK among school teachers in Manila. Methods. The USHK was updated with new materials on (1) health-enhancing physical activity; (2) healthynutrition; and (3) family and community engagement. A two-day training-workshop with 30 school teachers wasthen conducted to facilitate the integration of the updated USHK in their class activities. We used a multi method evaluation design to assess the implementation of the USHK. Particularly, quantitative data were obtained from the participants’ feedback on the toolkit and their knowledge of health-related practices. One month later, field visits were conducted to assess the participants’ abilities in utilizing the toolkit into their classes or school activities. Qualitative interviews and classroom observations were also collected post-implementation to determine potential facilitators and barriers to program delivery,and suggestions for improvement. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant feedback, whileWilcoxon signed rank test was utilized to determine changes in participant knowledge pre- and post-training.Qualitative data were synthesized through content analysis. Results. Participants provided high satisfaction ratings for the training they received, as well as high scores forthe updated USHK, in terms of its appropriateness and acceptability. Significant improvements in participants’overall health promotion knowledge were also noted (Z = -4.456, p <0.001), particularly involving the domainsof nutrition (Z = -2.972, p = 0.003), physical activity (Z = -3.564, p <0.001), and family/community engagement(Z = -2.531, p = 0.011). Meanwhile, participants also suggested further improvements in the toolkit to enhance its utilization in the local context. Administrative support was a crucial facilitator for implementing the USHK, while resource limitations were identified as significant barriers. Conclusion. The updated USHK, which provides a more comprehensive health promotion approach for schools,is potentially feasible for implementation in educational institutions in Manila. The toolkit can be utilized by teachers and school nurses to integrate health promotion activities into the school environment and classroom activities. To facilitate its wider uptake and implementation in other schools, government support and resource availability are crucial.

The role of Organisational Justice and Mentorship in Turnover Intentions of Non-Teaching Staff in Universities: The case of Kyambogo University, Uganda

Understanding that keeping knowledgeable and dedicated staff members is essential to an organization's success, Kyambogo University enhanced working conditions, added health insurance, and established possibilities for advancement. Regardless of these measures, some non-teaching staff intended to leave the organisation giving inequality in salaries and working conditions as key reasons. Guided by the equity theory, the study examined the influence of Organizational Justice and Employee Mentorship on turnover Intentions among non-teaching staff at KYU. Using a correlational survey design, data was collected from a random sample of 242 respondents with the help of a structured questionnaire. Pearson correlation and regression analyses revealed that Organizational Justice was positively (r =.51, P<0.01) related to turnover intentions due to the distributive and Interactional justice that enabled non-teaching staff to feel belongingness and enthusiasm about their job. Employee mentorship and Turnover intentions had a positive and significant correlation (r =.23, P< 0.01), because of role modelling, career development and social support that enhanced the feelings of commitment among employees to their organisation making them want to stay and work for it. Organizational Justice and Employee Mentorship, together positively predicted (β=.48, P<0.05) turnover intentions. Employee Mentorship increased the contribution of organisational justice to turnover intentions by 1%. This was likely due to mentorship that enables employees to feel that KYU values them and felt grateful to stay and work for it. Therefore, retention strategies that provide relevant mentoring of staff members results into better retention. Programs to empower employees to have effective participation and engagement in sustaining distributive and interactional justice as well as role modelling should freely be available to reduce turnover intentions among non-teaching staff

Importance of food forensics and its mandatory implications in health safety and compliance

Importance of food forensics and its mandatory implications in health safety and compliance

Analysis of Risk Factors and The Impact of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Carbon Monoxide (CO) Levels on Lung Function: A Comparative Study of Palm Oil Factory Workers and the Community in Kuantan Mudik District, Riau, Indonesia

Background: Air pollution, particularly from industrial sources like palm oil factories, poses a significant risk to respiratory health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on lung function in palm oil factory workers and compare it to the lung function of individuals in the surrounding community. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Kuantan Mudik District, Riau, Indonesia. One hundred palm oil factory workers with a minimum of two years of employment and 100 community members not occupationally exposed to NO and CO were recruited. Lung function was assessed using spirometry, and NO and CO levels were measured using specialized analyzers. Participants completed the European Community Respiratory Health Survey (ECRHS) questionnaire, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Statistical analyses included univariate, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Factory workers exhibited significantly higher levels of NO (p=0.000) and a higher prevalence of restrictive lung function (17%) compared to the community members (3%). Multivariate analysis identified NO exposure as the most significant risk factor for restrictive lung function (p=0.005). Each unit increase in NO was associated with a 1.12-fold increased risk of restrictive lung function. CO exposure, age, gender, smoking history, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) were not significantly associated with lung function impairment in this study. Conclusion: Occupational exposure to NO in palm oil factories is a significant risk factor for restrictive lung function impairment. Regular monitoring of NO levels and the implementation of effective control measures are crucial to protect the respiratory health of palm oil factory workers.

Dietary Rhythmicity and Mental Health Among Airline Personnel

Misaligned dietary rhythmicity has been associated with metabolic diseases; however, its association with mental health remains largely unexplored. To examine the association between dietary rhythms and the mental health condition of shift workers, specifically airline crew members. This cross-sectional study analyzed data collected from the Civil Aviation Health Cohort of China, an ongoing large-scale health survey of pilots, flight attendants, and air security officers employed by major airline companies in China. Participants aged 18 to 60 years were invited through text messages to complete a web-based survey. The data collection period was December 2022 to March 2023. Statistical analysis was performed from July 24, 2023, to April 12, 2024. Data on timing of breakfast and dinner on workdays and rest days, daily time windows for food intake, and meal and eating jet lags were collected and calculated. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were measured using the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Assessment and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regressions were performed to evaluate the associations of anxiety and depression with meal timing, eating window time, meal jet lag (ie, delayed meals), and eating jet lag (ie, delayed eating). All models were adjusted for individual socioeconomic, demographic, and lifestyle characteristics. Of the 22 617 participants (median [IQR] age, 29.1 [26.3-33.7] years; 13 712 males [60.6%]), 1755 (7.8%) had anxiety and 2768 (12.2%) had depression. After controlling for confounding factors, having dinner after 8 pm on morning-shift days was associated with increased odds of anxiety (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.53-2.05) and depression (AOR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.78-2.27), compared with consuming dinner before 8 pm. Similar results were observed on night-shift days and rest days. An eating window of less than 12 hours was associated with reduced odds of anxiety (AOR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.75-0.93) and depression (AOR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.75-0.89) on morning-shift days; the results remained significant on rest days. Delayed dinner on morning-shift days was associated with increased odds of anxiety (AOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.13-1.54) and depression (AOR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.22-1.58). On night-shift days, delayed dinner was associated with higher odds of anxiety (AOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.06-1.39) and depression (AOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.08-1.36). On morning-shift days, delayed eating rhythms were associated with higher odds of depression (AOR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.61), whereas advanced eating rhythms were associated with lower odds of anxiety (AOR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.70-0.87). This cross-sectional study found that meal timing, long eating window, and meal jet lags were associated with increased odds of depression and anxiety. These findings underscore the need for interventions and supportive policies that help mitigate the adverse implications of shift work and irregular working hours for the mental health of shift workers.

Virtual Reality Application for the Safety Improvement of Intralogistics Systems

Immersive technologies from the spectrum of Industry 4.0, such as Virtual Reality (VR), are increasingly used in research and safety analysis in industrial and intralogistics systems, including distribution warehouses and production plants. Safety in intralogistics systems is influenced by design and management processes, human behavior, and device performance. In all these areas, VR can serve as a supportive technology for visualization, testing, and employee training. However, this requires the development of principles for integrating VR into standard procedures for the design, modernization, and analysis of intralogistics and production systems. This article discusses the use of VR to analyze the occupational and functional safety of intralogistics systems. It reviews the literature and VR implementations aimed at examining and improving safety in industrial systems. The article explores the integration of VR into the design and analysis procedures for intralogistics and production systems. The authors present a five-dimensional decision space for assessing the use of VR, including identifying subjects of safety analysis, threats and hazards specific to intralogistics, countermeasures for these threats, factors affecting safety, and mechanisms by which VR can improve safety in intralogistics systems. As a subsequent step, the authors discuss using universal simulation environments that support VR technology to study and enhance safety in intralogistics systems, providing a framework example based on the FlexSim (2023 update 2) environment. Finally, this article addresses the threats and limitations of VR technology, along with the challenges and future prospects of VR in the context of Industry 4.0. The article concludes that VR can be an essential tool for increasing safety in the future, albeit with some reservations about certain features of this technology.

A STUDY TO EVALUATE THE DEMOGRAPHIC PATTERN OF THE INJURY CAUSED BY METALLIC CORNEAL FOREIGN BODY AND ITS OUTCOME AFTER TREATMENT

Objective: This study aims to investigate the demographic characteristics, occupational background, and injury management of patients presenting with ocular trauma involving metallic corneal foreign bodies (FBs). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the outpatient clinic of Ophthalmology at Pt JLNGMC, Chamba. Data were collected from consecutive patients over three months. Demographic data, including age, gender, and education level, were analyzed alongside occupational background, injury context, and protective measures. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17.0, with descriptive statistics utilized to present the results. Results: The study revealed a predominance of young males (66%) in the 14-29 age group, with the metalwork industry (47%) being the primary sector where injuries occurred, mainly during metal grinding activities (53%). Lack of protective measures, such as temporary removal of eyewear (39%), contributed to the injuries. Notably, 54% of patients did not attempt self-removal of FBs. Superficial corneal FBs accounted for 45% of cases, indicating significant potential for severe injury. Conclusion: The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced safety education, rigorous enforcement of protective eyewear usage, and targeted interventions in high-risk occupational sectors to mitigate the prevalence and severity of corneal FB injuries. Addressing these challenges is crucial for preserving vision, reducing healthcare costs, and improving occupational health and safety standards.

Practical Considerations of Workplace Wellbeing Management under Post-Pandemic Work-from-Home Conditions

As a natural experiment or “stress test” on the rapidly shifting work environment from office to home during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, staff wellbeing has been considered as the most critical issue in organizational change management. Following an overview of the relevant literature and recent official statistics, this essay aims to (i) address the major considerations and challenges in light of the transformation and re-design of the mode of work in the new normal and (ii) inform practical decisions for overall staff wellbeing under post-pandemic work-from-home (WFH) conditions with recommendations. For the sake of both staff healthiness and safety, as well as organizational competitiveness, senior management should take reasonable steps to enhance occupational safety in their WFH policy in line with practical recommendations on five areas, namely, (i) ergonomics, (ii) stress and anxiety management, (iii) workplace boundaries, (iv) work–family conflicts, and (v) other factors regarding a negative work atmosphere (e.g., loneliness attack, burnout, and workplace violence) particularly on virtual platforms. With the suggested evidence-based practices on WFH initiatives, senior management could make a difference in optimizing the overall workplace wellbeing of staff after the pandemic.

Feasibility of respirable crystalline silica exposure reduction in small-scale tanzanite mining in Tanzania.

Respirable crystalline silica (RCS) exposures in tanzanite gem mining have been linked to tuberculosis and silicosis among miners. We conducted a plot study to assess RCS exposures and to introduce safer mining practices in one small-scale underground tanzanite mine. Personal and area air samples for RCS were collected during tanzanite mining operations before and after improved work practices employed to reduce exposures and analyzed using X-ray diffraction. Area samples were collected at the rest area, located approximately 300 m underground and 100 m from other work activities. Improved practices included the use of wet drilling methods and drilling with new bits. A total of 33 personal and 4 area air samples were collected. Pre-intervention, mean exposures for all operations, drilling operations, non-drilling activities, and area samples were 122mg/m3, 247mg/m3, 34.3mg/m3, and 1.95mg/m3, respectively which exceeded the U.S. OSHA Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) by 2,440 times for all operations, by 4,946 times for drilling operations, by 686 times for non-drilling activities and 39 times for area samples collected at an underground rest area. The post-intervention results showed a 99% reduction of RCS exposures for wet drilling operations, 98.5% reduction for non-drilling activities, and 36% reduction for area samples. Despite improvements, post-intervention RCS exposures during drilling had a mean of 2.08mg/m3 or more than 41 times the OSHA PEL. We successfully piloted a program to work with small-scale tanzanite miners to reduce RCS exposures and raise awareness about the occupational health risks of RCS, though additional measures are recommended to further reduce RCS exposures. Similar programs should be taken to scale throughout underground mining sites in Tanzania and other countries.