Use Of Protective Equipment Research Articles

Occupational health problems among waste collectors in a metropolitan city: a cross-sectional study

Waste collectors are often exposed to various occupational problems. This study aims to assess occupational health problems of waste collectors and personal protective equipment use in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among 158 household waste collectors. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire through face-to-face interviews from April to September 2022. Twelve wards were randomly chosen among all thirty-two wards, and all workers from the selected wards were included in the study. Data entry was done in Epi-data, and analysis was in the SPSS version 25. The chi-square test measured the association between demographic and occupational diseases. Occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders (65.2%), physical injuries (61%), gastrointestinal tract infections (18.4%), and skin allergies (32.9%) were reported. Almost all workers used masks and gloves. Sociodemographic factors such as age and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) showed significant association (p-value=0.001). Additionally, variables like sex showed a significant association with occupational health problems, such as disease faced by waste collectors (P-value of 0.049). Similarly, other variables like educational status and using separate clothing at work (p-value 0.004), changing clothes daily (p-value, <0.01), work experience and bathing daily after work (p=0.01), and changing clothes (p=0.003) also showed a significant association. Our study showed that almost all workers experienced occupational diseases. These findings highlighted the need to emphasize occupational health within municipal solid waste management to develop a safer and healthier work environment for waste collectors.

Penerapan 5r Area Produksi Paving Blok di PT. Duta Beton Mandiri Purwosari

Duta Beton Mandiri is a Duta Bangsa Group company based in Pasuruan Regency. PT. Duta Beton Mandiri is a manufacturing company that was founded in 2008 and operates in the building materials or concrete industry. We implement 5R (Care, Neat, Clean, Diligent, Concise) and work safety (K3) at the PT paving stone production site. Duta Beton Mandiri is a strategic initiative to increase production efficiency while maintaining a safe and healthy work environment. The aim of this research is to evaluate the implementation of the 5R and K3 principles and to conduct an audit to determine compliance with applicable K3 standards. Research methods include direct observation of production sites, interviews with employees, and analysis of relevant materials. Research shows that implementing the 5R principles reduces waste and optimizes resource use. In addition, efforts to implement K3 have increased awareness of risk factors and reduced work accidents. However, there is still much room for improvement, especially in terms of increasing the use of personal protective equipment and machine maintenance.

Assessing personal protective equipment usage and its correlation with knowledge, attitudes, performance, and safety culture among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises

BackgroundThe use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be a culture of a workplace, and deeply rooted in worker behavior and attitude during their practice. According to the recent studies only 64% of the workers use PPE properly. The present study aims to investigate the utilization of PPE among workers in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and its relationship with knowledge, attitude, performance, and safety culture among workers.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out using a questionnaire tool across SMEs in Kashan city in year 2023. The used tool included three questionnaires: demographic, safety culture, and knowledge, attitude and performance. Study papulation was 529 SMEs. Totally, the sample size was 369 persons and questionnaires were distributed among the workers of SMEs. Finally, SPSS software was used for statistical analysis and structural equation modeling. Various statistical tests including T-Test, ANOVA, RMSEA, CFI, TLI, and the chi-square ratio were employed.ResultsThe mean values (standard deviation) of age and work experience were 35.19 (12.33), and 15.60 (1.69) years, respectively. Among the 369 participants, 267 participants (72.4%) indicated that they use some PPE, although not all types. However, 102 individuals (27.7%) do not employ any PPE. The lowest score for safety culture dimension was attributed to safety training at 1.58. The results of the final model indicate that the assumed relationships between variables, as outlined in the study objectives, were well established, with all connections proving statistically significant.ConclusionIt can be concluded that the missing of inadequate legal supervision for small industries exists. Therefore, it can be inferred that if supervision and regulation are enhanced for safety training and implementation that may lead to increased usage of PPE.

The Effectiveness of Occupational Health and Safety Practices in Public Technical Training Institutes

The study aimed to evaluate the extent of occupation-related injuries and accidents, the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) training, and awareness and implementation of OHS policy among Technical Training Institutes (TTIs). The study used qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze data from 99 final-year trainees, including 47 auto mechanics, 24 electricians, 16 welders, and six OHS focal persons. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaires and in-depth interviews and analyzed using SPSS-16 and MAXQDA-2020. The study revealed a commendably low rate of hazards in training institutes (TTIs), with a mere 10.26% and a mean score of 2.1. This positive outcome, a testament to the high awareness of OHS and PPEs, should give reassurance about the current state of OHS practices in TTIs. The training system was a resounding success, with a mean rating of 4.09 for trainees' understanding and use of PPEs. However, the study also identified areas for improvement, particularly the urgent need for improved monitoring and management support. This need for immediate action is crucial for sustaining and enhancing these standards, and it should make the audience feel the urgency of the situation. [Abstract continued in PDF]

TV medical dramas: assessing the portrayal of public health in primetime.

The influence of medical dramas could extend beyond the realm of entertainment and potentially strengthen/orient the knowledge, attitudes and hopefully practice of health professionals and the public, despite often depicting unrealistic medical outcomes and scenarios. This study examined the portrayal of public health issues in two popular international medical series, "Grey's Anatomy" and "House, MD," selected for their awards and viewership ratings. Individual episodes were double-rated by clinicians for patient characteristics, public health issues, and infection risk management. 94 episodes with 286 clinical cases were analyzed. A wide range of conditions and pathologies were depicted, with a focus on acute clinical events, trauma and mental disorders, which contrasts with real-life causes of hospitalization and highlight the dramatization in these series. Public health issues such as organ donation and substance abuse were frequently addressed, but prevention and health promotion received little attention. Proper use of personal protective equipment was mostly observed, although hand hygiene was underrepresented. The study highlights the dual role of medical dramas as an entertainment medium and a potential educational tool. While they can raise awareness and encourage healthier behavior, their portrayal of medical practices and patient care often deviates from reality and can create unrealistic expectations. The influence of these dramas also extends to viewers' perceptions of healthcare and medical professionals, underscoring the need for accurate and responsible portrayal of health issues in the media.

Analisis Potensi Bahaya Terhadap Program Kerja Departemen Maintenance Di Stasiun Sterilizer Menggunakan Metode Job Safety Analysis (JSA) di PT. X Nagan Raya

The Sterilizer Station at PT X Nagan Raya is a company facility that requires regular maintenance by the maintenance department to ensure its smooth operation. This facility has potential hazards that need to be analyzed in detail. This study aims to evaluate the potential hazards associated with the maintenance department's work program at the Sterilizer Station using the Job Safety Analysis (JSA) method, where potential hazards are evaluated for theassociated risk levels, namely low risk, medium risk, high risk, and extreme risk. The research approach used is qualitative with a descriptive design. Data was collected from the maintenance department's work program for the July-December 2023 period at the Sterilizer Station through direct observation and interviews using the JSA form. The informants in this study were 6 informants consisting of maintenance employees, maintenance assistants, HSEofficers and Assistant Mill Managers. The results of this study indicate that there are several potential hazards that can occur during the implementation of the maintenance department work program, such as the danger of falling on work equipment, slipping, electric shock, exposed to sparks, exposed to mesingerinda, iron cutters and electric welding machines. Based on the JSA analysis, several risk control measures are suggested, such as the use of appropriate and correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), routine maintenance of equipment, conducting daily monitoring, and paying attention to conditions.

Occupational Exposure to Aerosolized Human Papillomavirus: Assessing and Addressing Perceptions of and Barriers to Vaccination of at-Risk Health Care Workers.

This study aimed to assess current vaccination rates among health care workers at risk for occupational human papillomavirus (HPV) exposure and explore factors that influence decisions about HPV vaccination. Using a mixed-methods design, this study included a questionnaire and qualitative focus groups. The study took place at an academic medical center. Participants were 37 health care professionals in occupations at risk for workplace HPV exposure. The primary qualitative outcome measured was HPV vaccination status. The primary qualitative outcomes assessed were perceptions of occupational HPV exposure risk, protective measures, and HPV vaccination. Most participants were female (86.5%, n = 32) and younger than 35 years (51.4%; n = 19) and therefore would have been eligible to receive the HPV vaccine series as a teenager or young adult. Nearly two-thirds (67.6%; n = 25) of participants had received the HPV vaccine; of those, half were vaccinated as teenagers (52%; n = 13). One-third (n = 4) of those vaccinated as adults reported vaccination due to workplace HPV exposure. Focus groups revealed themes consistent with the Health Belief Model. Most participants recognized their risk of aerosolized HPV exposure in the workplace but felt uneducated about occupational exposure risk and protective measures. Many participants recognized risk of exposure through surgical smoke but perceived that risk was stratified by medical specialty, proximity to surgical field, and personal protective equipment use. Many participants had some level of concern for head and neck lesions with exposure to aerosolized HPV. Most participants recognized the need to protect themselves against workplace HPV exposure. Those who were vaccinated felt that they were better protected against HPV exposure. Almost all participants said that they had not received formal education on workplace HPV exposure risk. Many participants voiced perceived barriers to HPV vaccination. Health care workers encounter the HPV virus in a myriad of fields and procedures. Our mixed-methods study demonstrated that at-risk health care workers feel uninformed about their risk of HPV exposure in the workplace, availability of HPV vaccination, and appropriate protective equipment recommendations.

The work-lives of Canadian Registered Dietitians during the COVID-19 pandemic: a descriptive analysis of survey data

BackgroundHealthcare workers experienced significant disruptions to both their personal and professional lives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. How healthcare workers were impacted varied, depending on area of specialization, work setting, and factors such as gender. Dietetics is a female-dominated profession and the differential impact on women of the COVID-19 pandemic has been widely reported. While researchers have explored Registered Dietitians’ (RDs) experiences during the pandemic, none have looked explicitly at their experiences of redeployment. The objectives of this study were to better understand: (i) the impact of COVID-19 (and related redeployments) on the work-lives of RDs, (ii) what types of COVID-19 related supports and training were made available to these RDs, and (iii) the impact of RD redeployment on access to RD services.MethodsAn online survey was administered in June 2022. Any RD that that was publicly-employed in Canada during the pandemic was eligible to participate. The survey included questions related to respondent demographics, professional details, redeployment and training. We conducted descriptive analyses on the quantitative data.ResultsThe survey was completed by 205 eligible RDs. There were notable differences between public health and clinical RDs’ redeployment experiences. Only 17% of clinical RDs had been redeployed, compared to 88% of public health RDs. Public health RDs were redeployed for longer and were more likely to be redeployed to roles that did not required RD-specific knowledge or skills. The most commonly reported mandatory training was for proper use of personal protective equipment. The most commonly reported reasons for a lengthy absence from work were anxiety about contracting COVID-19, school closures and limited child care availability.ConclusionsPublic health RDs are at the forefront of campaigns to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve health equity and enhance the sustainability of food systems. Close to 90% of these RDs were redeployed, with many seeing their typical work undone for many months. More research is needed to quantify the consequences of going without a public health nutrition workforce for an extended period of time and to understand the differential impact gender may have had on work experiences during the pandemic.

Evaluation of the relationship between the establishment of the safety, health and environment management system on the performance of employees of the coking complex and refineries - Iranian Zarand Steel Company

Introduction: The present research was conducted with the aim of investigating the relationship between the establishment of safety, health and environment management system on the performance of coking complex employees and refineries of Iranian Zarand Steel Company. Therefore, at first, the dimensions and issues of establishing the safety, health and environment management system and the performance of employees were identified, and then the relationships between the identified variables were presented. Materials and Methods: Two standard questionnaires were used to collect data related to the measurement of research variables, which in total include 2 structures, 3 dimensions, and 20 questions. The content validity method was used to check the validity of the questionnaire. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated as 0.863, which indicated the reliability of the questionnaire. The statistical population of this research includes the employees and experts of Iranian Zarand Steel Company. After ensuring the validity and reliability of the designed scales based on the calculations, the questionnaires were distributed to a sample of 260 people. To check the demographic data, descriptive statistics, K-S test to determine the normality of the data using SPSS24 software, to determine the construct validity using the confirmatory factor analysis test and for the relationships between the variables using the structural equation model using statistical software 3 SMART-PLS was performed. Results: The establishment of the safety, health and environment management system on the performance of employees with a factor load of 0.623 and the T-statistic of the test 9.803, as well as the safety, health and environment management system on the dimensions of employee performance, including increasing knowledge and quality of work, a better relationship with Colleagues, improvement of individual characteristics, development of skills and better supervision, improvement of creativity and improvement of customer orientation of Zarand Iranian Steel Company with factor loading of 0.555, 0.664, 0.430, 0.436, 0.424 and 0.461 respectively and the T-statistics of the test have a significant relationship of 8.086, 12.337, 5.069, 5.792, 5.055 and 6.629. Conclusion: The findings show that the establishment of the HSE management system has a significant effect on the performance of employees and its dimensions, including the quality of occupational health and safety rules, practical compliance with the law, management and cooperation, workplace processes, the use of personal protective equipment and empowering the behavior of managers and employees.

Toxixity from exposure to benzene

Benzene, also known as benzol, is an agent present in industry, petrochemical processes, cigarette smoke, food, and is even released during forest fires and volcanic eruptions. It is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in Group IA; therefore, the entire population is exposed to benzene, but to a greater extent in the occupational environment. This agent, when biotransformed, generates highly reactive metabolites and free radicals that are toxic, cytotoxic, genotoxic, and carcinogenic, and even modify epigenetic markers. There is evidence demonstrating that benzene damages bone marrow, the cardiovascular, endocrine, neurological, and hematopoietic systems. However, the clearest and most extensively studied effect is the induction of leukemia. Nevertheless, the mechanisms of this effect are not fully clear, but they are attributed to the combination of several factors, including the disruption of hematopoietic signaling pathways, inhibition of anti-tumor defenses, induction of chromosomal aberrations, and modification of the epigenome. Therefore, it is suggested that awareness campaigns be developed to promote compliance with regulations, the use of protective equipment, and the limitation of benzene emissions in workplaces and the environment.

Personal Protective Equipment Use and Surface Contamination With Antineoplastic Drugs: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Surface contamination with antineoplastic drugs (ADs) is persistent. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recommended to reduce exposure to ADs. This study explored the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on nurses' PPE use and surface contamination with ADs. Demographic characteristics, PPE use, and associated factors were assessed on two inpatient oncology units where etoposide and cyclophosphamide were administered before (N = 26) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 31). PPE use when handling contaminated excreta was significantly higher during the pandemic. Perceived risk of chemotherapy exposure was significantly associated with greater PPE use when handling AD-contaminated excreta, and conflict of interest was related to less PPE use during AD administration and handling of AD-contaminated excreta. During the pandemic, surface contamination with etoposide increased in shared areas and decreased in patient rooms.

Ocular protection practice and associated factors among welders in small-scale industries in Hosanna town, Southern Ethiopia, 2023

PurposeGood eye protection is the most important factor in preventing eye injuries. Most eye injuries are due to the improper use or lack of use of eye protection equipment. Therefore,...

THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY PHARMACISTS AND RADIOGRAPHERS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC IN KENDAL DISTRICT

In order to control the transmission of covid-19 which entered Indonesia in early 2020, the government implemented health protocol regulations. Apart from health protocols, one of the steps that health workers can implement to control the transmission of covid-19 when providing services during the pandemic is to use personal protective equipment while working. This is the background for the author to study further in research that aims to determine the use of personal protective equipment used by pharmacists and radiographers during the covid-19 pandemic while in service in Kendal District. The research method used was descriptive qualitative by giving questionnaires electronically using google form to research respondents. The research results obtained include, the majority of respondents were female with a percentage of 62%, the health workers who participated as research respondents consisted of 38% pharmacists and 62% radiographers. The use of personal protective equipment used by pharmacists during the covid-19 pandemic includes masks and gloves which are adjusted to the risks of the work activities carried out. The use of personal protective equipment used by radiographers during the covid-19 pandemic includes wearing work clothes according to hospital regulations, surgical isolation gowns, N95 respirators, eye protection, medical gloves, closed shoes, face shields when carrying out medical interventions and tools additional personal protection according to the risks of the work activities carried out. So, it can be concluded that the personal protective equipment used by pharmacists and radiographers in Kendal District while on duty during the covid-19 pandemic has met the elements of compliance requirements in efforts to control the transmission of covid-19, such as the use of personal protective equipment based on indications for their use by considering the risk of exposure and possible transmission dynamics. By implementing appropriate personal protective equipment when working, it is hoped that pharmacists and radiographers in Kendal District can be protected from transmission of covid-19.

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.

Application of Bayesian Decision Analysis to Estimate Occupational Noise Levels from Limited Exposure Data

In recent years, Bayesian statistical modeling approaches have emerged as valuable tools in Industrial Hygiene (IH), particularly in situations with limited exposure data. This paper delves into the application of Bayesian Statistical Models, specifically Bayesian Decision Analysis (BDA), to analyze occupational noise exposure data within two Similar Exposure Groups (SEGs) of groundskeeping workers, addressing the pervasive issue of high noise levels exceeding 85 dBA. The primary aim is to estimate exposure levels based on the location of the exposure profiles for the SEGs within the AIHA® Exposure Control Categories (ECCs) 0-4, later modified and expanded to AIHA-ECC 0-5. This study employs BDA to estimate noise exposures among groundskeepers, emphasizing the scarcity of literature on BDA in noise exposure rating. Groundskeepers, facing potential risk of hearing impairment due to prolonged exposure, constitute a crucial and critical demographic, with nearly one million individuals in the United States alone. Noise data from the two SEGs was analyzed by using the Exposure Assessment Strategies Committee—EASC- AIHA® IHData Analyst for BDA modeling, complemented with the AIHA IHSTAT™ for certainty rating. The resulting posterior graphs were utilized to categorize exposure profiles into respective AIHA ECCs relative to noise OEL. These findings provide valuable insights, indicating a posterior probability of approximately 43.5% and 56.5% with 95% confidence that noise exposure levels fall within AIHA ECC 3 and AIHA ECC 4, respectively. However, while the 95% percentile decision statistics suggest exposure values lower than the OEL, the Upper Tolerance Limit (UTL) significantly surpass the OEL indicating low certainty regarding these exposure values for employees. Notably, the UTLs suggest that the SEGs are experiencing noise levels above the legally required 90 dBA for more than 5% of the time, which is an unacceptable scenario. Recommendations include implementing protective strategies such as regular training, surveillance, and monitoring, alongside engineering control strategies and mandatory use of personal protective equipment. These results underscore the critical need for refining judgments about noise exposures based on variability within and between employees, suggesting the use of additional statistical tools such as ANOVA (single-multivariate), MATLAB, and Python.

Determinants of Personal Protective Equipment Use Behavior Among Female Farmers of Childbearing Age Exposed to Pesticides in Dempo Selatan District Pagar Alam City

Determinants of Personal Protective Equipment Use Behavior Among Female Farmers of Childbearing Age Exposed to Pesticides in Dempo Selatan District Pagar Alam City

Sun-related knowledge and practices in Irish construction and agricultural workers.

Agricultural and construction workers spend much of their work time outdoors and have higher risks of developing skin cancer when compared to indoor workers. However, there is limited research on ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure knowledge, sun safety practices and constraints within these occupational groups in Ireland. This study aimed to examine self-reported time spent outdoors in a sample of Irish agricultural and construction workers; to describe and compare UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices and perceived constraints in both occupational groups, and to assess the association of demographic, personal and occupational factors with sun-related knowledge, practices and perceived constraints. Agricultural workers (n = 154) and construction workers (n = 467) completed a questionnaire, which measured solar UVR exposure knowledge, safety practices, and perceived constraints to sun personal protective equipment and sunscreen use in addition to demographic, personal, and workplace characteristics. Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to examine differences in knowledge, practices and perceived constraints by these characteristics. Both groups spend a significant proportion of their working week outdoors (25 hours per week on average). Although participation in sun safety training was high for both groups, UVR exposure knowledge and sunscreen use were low, and annual rates of reported sunburn were high. Knowledge, practices and perceived constraints also differed significantly according to demographic, personal, occupational and workplace characteristics. In addition to training by employers and advisory groups, interventions are required to address perceived barriers that impede the uptake and usage of control measures that can lower risk.

Risk of COVID­-19 Infection among Employees of a Large Anti­tuberculosis Institution in Moscow: Survey Results

Relevance. Studying the experience of working under the conditions of COVID-19 allows us to more effectively assess the functioning of anti-epidemic measures in the event of the occurrence or threat of new pandemics, including those caused by new pathogens. The risk of contracting COVID-19 among employees of medical organizations is higher compared to the rest of the population of the metropolis, which determines the need to develop additional measures in medical organizations to protect workers. Timely assessment of risks and preventive measures during a pandemic allow building a system to protect medical institutions from various biological threats when providing medical care. Aim. Assessment of the risks of contracting COVID-19 among employees of a large anti-tuberculosis medical organization in a metropolis. Materials & Methods. A survey of employees of a large anti-tuberculosis medical organization in Moscow was conducted. The survey was conducted on 46 key questions of epidemiological history, compliance with the requirements of the sanitary and anti-epidemic regime, alleged sources of infection, prognostic risks of the occurrence and course of COVID-19. During the period from August 1 to October 1, 2022, 1225 employees of the institution were surveyed (43.8% of the total number). The survey was conducted on a voluntary basis and was anonymous. When answering questions, participants provided information about demographic factors (age, gender), place of actual residence, the fact of contracting a new coronavirus infection, frequency of laboratory testing for SARS-CoV-2, immunization against COVID-19, possible places of contact with patients with COVID-19, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at home and at work, the regular use of skin antiseptics, as well as other information that allowed us to establish the risks of infection of workers at home and at work. To assess the risks of infection, respondents were divided into two groups depending on the presence of a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 (group I) or its absence (group II) as of October 1, 2022. The material for testing was nasal/oropharyngeal swabs. The research of employees was carried out on the basis of the laboratory of the anti-tuberculosis medical organization, as well as in other accredited laboratories of the metropolis using the molecular genetic method, and since February 2022 also using the express method that determines the SARS-CoV-2 antigen. Results. Among the survey participants and according to the questionnaire data, 797 employees suffered from the new coronavirus infection COVID-19, and 138 (17.3%) of them had repeated cases of the disease. Factors that increase the risk of COVID-19 among personnel of anti-tuberculosis medical organizations directly involved in the fight against the new coronavirus infection have been identified. The results of the study demonstrated that important factors influencing the incidence of workers were the frequency of examination for COVID-19, the regular use of skin antiseptics, contact with sources of infection, the use of glasses for vision correction, the use of public transport and eating at work. Conclusion. The need to study the risks of contracting COVID-19 among employees of medical organization and, based on them, develop a set of additional anti-epidemic protection measures was confirmed.

Combining biosafety expert’s evaluation and workers’ perception regarding the Biological Risks in Biomedical laboratories of Public Hospitals in Athens, Greece

Objectives: The aim of the present study was by combining an expert’s evaluation and laboratory workers’ perception, to review the biological risks in biomedical laboratories of public hospitals in Athens, Greece. It was also to evaluate how they are managing the biological materials, the level of safety awareness and training of the personnel, and to propose mitigation measures according to the existing risks, based on the local legislation and the international Biosafety guidelines. Materials and Methods: A total of 36 biosafety level-2 (BSL2) biomedical laboratories in 20 public hospitals were assessed for their biosafety containment specifics and compliance with biosafety practices. The study was designed as a cross-sectional study, with a checklist and a detailed health and safety (H&S) questionnaire, focused on biosafety and biorisk management. An expert biosafety officer observed and filled in a checklist for each biomedical laboratory (n=36) of the 20 hospitals. Laboratory staff (medical laboratory doctors, medical laboratory technologists, laboratory assistants, biologists and biochemists; n = 415) filled in a specific to biosafety H&S question­naire in each of these laboratories. Results: Both the results from the checklists and the questionnaires showed that in a significant percentage of laboratories there are the following deficiencies: restricted access and signage at the entrance, autoclaves in the laboratory area, ability to use the washbasins hands-free, biorisk management system, written risk assessments, biosafety manuals, standard operating procedures (SOPs), assigned biosafety officers, protocols about the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), insufficient biosafety training programs, accidents reporting, eyewash emergency shower system, first aid kits and emergency telephone numbers. On the positive site laboratory procedures are separated from management, sanitary and rest areas, laboratory surfaces and floors are easy to clean and disinfect, good laboratory Practices followed for all procedures, waste management is in compliance with the current Greek legislation and there are sufficient PPE available. Conclusion: In the laboratories studied there are significant shortcomings in containment and administrative controls, in the application of Greek and EU biosafety legislation, and in the proper management of biological agents and materials in general. This emphasizes the importance of closing key gaps in biosafety and emergency preparedness, in the biomedical laboratories. Using the results of this study, actions should be developed, applied and enforced, in compliance with the local and European legislation and guidelines. This could enhance the safety of these facilities, and the laboratory professionals, the community and the environment could be better protected from possible harmful biological agents and the possibility of Laboratory acquired infections (LAIs). This study also demonstrated the value of the laboratory workers participation in the risk evaluation, despite their propensity to over or under-estimate the risk level of the possible hazards. That fact should be considered in future studies when enhancing hospital staff.

Factors Associated with the Presence of E.coli in Food: Literature Review

Background: Escherichia coli is a gram-negative bacterium of normal flora of the human and animal digestive tracts, and is important in human digestion. These bacteria can live in the stool, and can cause health problems, such as: diarrhea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. E coli bacteria can be pathogenic if the number of bacteria in the digestive tract increases or is outside the intestine. Food Sanitation Efforts include supervision, protection, and improvement of hygiene and sanitation quality specifically for Ready-to-Eat Processed Foods. Food hygiene and sanitation quality supervision is carried out through: surveillance, laboratory tests, risk analysis, and/or follow-up recommendations. Protection of food hygiene and sanitation quality is carried out through: communication, information, and education; health checks of food handlers; use of personal protective equipment; and/or the development of appropriate technology. Improving the quality of food hygiene and sanitation is carried out through: communication, information, and education; and/or food processing technology engineering Objective: The purpose of this literature review is to find out the factors related to the presence of E.coli in food Method: The research method used is a literature study with a search method in a literature review, which searches for literature that is in accordance with relevant social media such as google scholar, garuda, e-journal in the field of diarrhea incidence. Search the literature as a reference from 2014-2024 and get 10 articles or journals that are relevant in the last 10 years. Results: The results of this literature review explain that factors related to the presence of e.coli in food in public places include: personal hygiene of food handlers, how to wash cutlery, PPE of food handlers are not paid attention to, poor food sanitation, food handlers do not pay attention to controlling environmental conditions from the handling of raw materials to the distribution process, the storage place of cutlery is not considered, and improper serving of food. Conclusion: The conclusion of this literature review article is that there are many factors related to the presence of e.coli in food in public places. And recommend to environmental health workers the need to socialize and supervise the hygiene and sanitation of traders in particular. To the general public to pay attention to the cleanliness of what will be consumed.