Wear Personal Protective Equipment Research Articles

A unified object and keypoint detection framework for Personal Protective Equipment use

Accurately detecting whether workers wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in real time plays an important role in safety management. Previous studies mainly used multiple models jointly or only object detection for wearing relationship judgments. This makes it difficult to provide real-time, accurate detection of security relationships. Therefore, this paper proposes safe-wearing detection rules and a novel multi-targets and keypoints detection framework (MTKF), which is capable of accomplishing multiple classes of targets and keypoints detection simultaneously in one-stage, to get more accurate results. In order to improve the performance in the PPE and worker keypoints detection in challenging construction scenes, the detection head transformation strategy, mix group shuffle attention (MGSA) module, and the improved dual and cross-class suppression algorithm (DC-NMS) are proposed. The experimental results are implemented on one established dataset (Joint dataset) and two public datasets (SHWD and COCO), which conduct a comprehensive evaluation in multiple dimensions. Compared to the baseline model, our method improves the mAP by 2.6%–7.1%, reduces the number of parameters by at least 70%, and is able to achieve an inference speed of 155 fps.

Effectiveness of air cleaner on mitigating the transmission of respiratory disease in a dental clinic environment

AbstractIn dental clinics with an open floor plan, the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of respiratory disease is a concern. During dental procedures large amounts of bioaerosol are produced and patients cannot wear personal protective equipment. This paper examines how to effectively deploy air cleaner to reduce the infection risk in dental clinics with an open floor plan. Various locations of air cleaners at various clean air delivery rates (CADRs) were investigated. The dispersion of bioaerosol was studied through numerical simulations, and risk assessment was performed by a dose-response method. The findings indicated that dental patients downstream of the background ventilation have a higher infection risk than those to the left and right of an infected patient (i.e., the source). The lowest infection risks for the adjacent patients were found when the air cleaner was place opposite to the dentists, i.e., on the floor at low CADR levels of 2.2 m3/min or on the bench at CADR levels of 4.4 m3/min or greater. The results of this study indicated that air cleaner can mitigate the risk of patient-to-patient transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in dental clinics with an open floor plan. Background CADR levels determine the optimal placement of air cleaners.

Beliefs, preferences, and acceptance of personal protective equipment for a shock room team in a tertiary care center.

During coronavirus disease of 2019 pandemic a standard usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) in healthcare was mandatory, while actually the usage of PPE is currently decreasing. This raises the question about the further use of PPE in the clinical setting because healthcare workers (HCW) are at greater risk of being infected with SARS-CoV-2 than the general population. The primary objective of this study is to determine the proportion of shock room team members approving the further use of PPE including a FFP2 respirator in simulation training and reality. The secondary objectives are to describe the expertise and difficulties faced while using PPE in the shock room care. Fifty-four HCW participated in a shock room simulation training at a large urban tertiary care hospital in Germany, utilizing a PPE comprising an FFP2 mask, gloves, goggles, and gown. Subsequently, participants completed an online questionnaire featuring 15 questions presented on a 5-point Likert scale or as multiple-choice questions with predefined answers. Sixty-eight point five percent of our participants voted for an established standard PPE in shock room care. The largest fraction of our participants (40.7%) favors a standard PPE consisting of FFP2 mask, gown, and gloves. Less HCW (31.5%) want to wear PPE in shock room simulation training. Except for goggles we could not detect relevant difficulties faced while using PPE in the shock room environment. Incorrect use of PPE was observed in 14.8%. A majority of our participants favored a standard PPE including a FFP2 respirator in shock room care. In addition, we recommend the use of PPE in shock room simulation training, while further awareness of and training in proper use of PPE seems to be necessary to reduce risk of infectious diseases for HCW.

Evaluation of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) weight on firefighter stamina, comfort, and postural stability

Firefighters wear personal protective equipment to protect them from the thermal and chemical environment in which they operate. The self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) provides isolation of the airway from the hazardous fireground. National standards limit SCBA weight, however, integration of additional features could result in an SCBA exceeding the current limit. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of increased SCBA weight on firefighters’ physiological responses, work output, dynamic stability, and comfort. Completion of simulated firefighting activities induced a strong physiological response. Peak oxygen consumption was higher with the lightest SCBA than the heaviest SCBA. Few other physiological differences were noted as SCBA weight increased. Importantly, increased SCBA weight resulted in significantly more negative perceptions by the firefighters and a trend towards significance for the duration of work time prior to reaching volitional fatigue. These results should be considered when assessing changes to existing SCBA weight limits.

Perilaku Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri pada Buruh Perempuan di Pabrik Pengupasan Udang

Female workers at the shrimp peeling factory work in a cold room and are given the implementation of occupational health and safety (K3), which is an effort made to protect workers who are good and healthy against risks that may arise as a result of work. When working at the shrimp peeling factory, you are always required to use personal protective equipment (PPE). Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the main concern of K3 equipment which is used to protect all or part of the body when working. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is very important for women's protection in the short and long term. Some of the personal protective equipment used by female workers in shrimp peeling factories are masks, hair caps, aprons, boots and latex gloves. Usually these latex gloves are rarely used by workers because they are slippery, hinder the speed of work, and are uncomfortable because of the water. getting into gloves means that wearing gloves is often neglected and some female workers experience irritation on the skin of their palms. The aim of this research is to determine the habits of female workers' use of personal protective equipment and the consequences of frequently neglecting to wear personal protective equipment. Research Methods carried out a correlational analysis method with a cross-sectional approach with a sample size of 20 respondents. In conclusion, female workers are always provided with protective equipment to work in peeling and cleaning shrimp, but because the work system is piecework, workers choose fast work because they feel they are experienced and professional enough, they rarely use gloves because they are slippery and uncomfortable. This is what causes some workers to experience irritation on the skin of their palms.

Management practices that promote preventive measures compliance: A comparative analysis between hospital healthcare workers and teachers

Frontline workers were at significant risk during the COVID-19 pandemic; as a result, several recommendations were implemented to protect the health and safety of frontline professions. Despite guidelines issued by the relevant authorities, several observations have emerged that workplaces do not always implement the wearing of personal protective equipment and compliance with other preventive measures. This study investigates healthcare workers and teachers’ compliance with these measures in Quebec, Canada. Specifically, this study aims to examine the application of preventive measures among hospital healthcare workers and elementary and high school teachers, identify the factors associated with the application of preventive measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and understand the differences in the dynamics of applying preventive measures in hospitals and educational institutions. This study is based on a proposed new model for preventive measure compliance, which classifies the factors that could influence the dependent variable of compliance with preventive measures into three variables: organizational context, organizational incentives, and individual social responsibility. Data were collected using an observational cross-sectional design through an online questionnaire survey of teachers and hospital healthcare workers in Canada. The results highlight that the three variables can impact the application of preventive practices; however, these variables did not intervene in the same manner in hospitals and educational institutions. Indeed, the results show that management practices differ in the two sectors of activity, with practices being more favorable for hospital healthcare workers.

Effect of different personal protective equipment on sound discrimination in children using unilateral cochlear implants during the COVID-19 pandemic

ObjectivesThe COVID-19 pandemic obliged people to wear personal protective equipment (PPEs), which can harm verbal communication and speech intelligibility. The first aim was to study the impact of wearing PPEs on the voice and speech parameters of phoniatricians during therapy sessions. The second aim was to study the effect of phoniatricians wearing these PPEs on auditory discrimination of the Ling’s six sounds in children using unilateral cochlear implants.MethodsThe study was a case–control one, done in the phoniatrics outpatient clinics at Beni-Suef University and Cairo University hospitals. Four phoniatricians participated in this study, and the Dr. Speech software analyzed their speech and voice parameters during utterance of the Ling’s six sounds. Each phoniatrician uttered each Ling sound individually four times to assess fundamental frequency and intensity: first time without wearing any mask, second time while wearing a surgical mask, third time while wearing a face shield, and fourth time while wearing an N95 mask. The study also included forty patients using unilateral cochlear implants (group A) and forty children with normal peripheral hearing (group B). The phoniatricians again uttered the Ling’s six sounds to assess auditory discrimination in both groups. This subjective auditory discrimination was also tested in both groups four times: first time without wearing any mask, second time while wearing a surgical mask, third time while wearing a face shield, and fourth time while wearing an N95 mask.Results and conclusionThe intensity of Ling’s six sounds was significantly lowest in the face shield. Regardless of the PPE type, patients with unilateral cochlear implants showed less consonant discrimination of (mm) sound. Surgical masks and N95 provided the best acoustic performance, while face shields had the worst.

Knowledge, attitude, and wearing of personal protective equipment among dental hygienists in regions during the COVID-19 era

Objectives: This study aimed to understand the knowledge, attitude, and wearing of four types of personal protective equipment among dental hygienists based on to the COVID-19 infection control guidelines and to provide basic data on the need to wear these equipment by dental hygienists in dental medical institutions. Methods: Between March 31 and April 26, 2022, 285 dental hygienists working at dental institutions in Busan and Gyeongsang Provinces participated in the study. Results: The higher the knowledge on personal protective equipment, the higher the glove-wearing rate; and the higher the attitude toward personal protective equipment, the higher the KF94 mask-wearing rate. Furthermore, the higher the rate of wearing face shields, the higher the rate of wearing gloves and full-body protective suits; and the higher the rate of wearing gloves, the higher the rate of wearing a full-body protective suit. Conclusions: To prevent cross-infection by dental hygienists in dental medical institutions, it is necessary to have the four types of personal protective equipment at all times and to strengthen comprehensive education on these equipment.

IJCM_319A: A Cross-sectional study on prevalence of work-related skin diseases among construction workers in Chengalpattu district

Background: A variety of activities in construction site such as mason, painting, welding, cement mixing, concrete mixing, may eventually lead to exposures that can subject the construction workers as most vulnerable group to develop occupational skin diseases. Objective: To determine the prevalence of occupational skin diseases among construction workers in Chengalpattu district. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 301 construction workers in construction sites at Chengalpattu district of Tamil Nadu state over a period of two months (October 2022 to November 2022). Data collection was done using a interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire and statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS 21 version and p value of <0.05. Results: Among the respondents 40.9% (123) construction workers found to be suffering from skin diseases like pruritis (14%), dryskin(13%), fissures (6.3%), blisters (5.6%), redness (2%), Among them highest prevalence of occupational skin disease was seen in cement mixing worker (13%) and mason (13%)followed by mason helper (12%) and concrete worker (3%). Work related skin diseases were found to be associated with nature of work (p <0.05). Conclusion: The health problems among construction workers are one of the areas of public health concern in the country which is usually unnoticed as they are being under unorganized sectors. Thus, proper wearing of Personal protective equipment, providing a supportive workplace environment and reinforcement messages will have a favourable impact on the work productivity as well as ensuring a good health for those workers.

Application of Multi-Criteria Decision-Making in Leaf Spring Manufacturing’s Performance

Lean manufacturing is the optimal way of producing goods through the removal of waste and implementing flow, as opposed to batch processing. Many factories have transformed to align with the goal of lean manufacturing by minimising the resources of factories, such as less worker effort, less time and many more to lead to high efficiency towards good product quality and become highly responsive to customer demand. The condition of product and machinery, arrangement of inventory and equipment, the standard operation procedure of work and workers' safety awareness are the dominant elements in the leaf spring manufacturing process. Due to the crucial role that leaf springs play in the performance and safety of vehicles, it is crucial to eradicate any flaws in the designing and manufacturing processes. This study focuses on 5 core criteria, which are workers, time, safety, machines, and products that need to be enhanced. In the subgroup, each pair of sub-criteria will be compared regarding their importance with respect to each criterion. Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is proposed to rank and aggregate the criteria based on their level of importance. The outcome of AHP showed that Safety (0.233) and Time (0.281) were the prominent criteria that need to be prioritised. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (0.394), First Aid (0.324), Die and Pin (0.347), and Forklift Deliver (0.368) are the sub-criteria for safety and time. As a result, prompt and precise actions are needed to increase the quality and reliability of the product.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DRY EYE SYNDROME AND THE USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) IN HOSPITAL MEDICAL WORKERS)

Introduction & Objectives : Background: The need to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) during a pandemic can cause dry eye syndrome. It will increase sweating so reduce tear production and the use of masks increase air flow to the eye area so that tear evaporation increases. Objective: To determine the relationship between the incidence of dry eye syndrome and the use of PPE in hospital medical personnel.
 Methods : Methods: This was an analytic observational study with a cross-sectional design using the OSDI (Ocular Surface Disease Index) questionnaire. The research was carried out at the Cilacap Hospital in 2021. There were 49 samples (51% male and 49% female), with an age range of 20-50 years. The data was analyzed by using the Spearmans test.
 Results : Results: The incidence of dry eye syndrome was 69.5% (mild 18.4%, moderate 18.4%, severe 32.7%). As many as 53.1% of the incidence of dry eye syndrome occurred in wearing PPE for more than 4 hours and was more common in the use of PPE level 1 (40.8%), followed by level 3 (36.7%) and level 2 (22.5%). In the Spearman's test, it was found that there was a significant association between the incidence of dry eyes syndrome and the use of PPE (duration and level of PPE) (p<0.05) but had a weak relationship strength (r=0.3).
 Conclusion : Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between the incidence of dry eyes syndrome and the use of PPE (duration and level of PPE use) but has a weak relationship strength.

Intraoperative Radiation Exposure During Midfoot Charcot Reconstruction

While radiation exposure in foot and ankle surgery varies by procedure, attempts to minimize this hazard remain imperative to protect patients and surgeons. Hindfoot deformity correction employs significant radiation through intraoperative fluoroscopy, however, a paucity of data exists concerning Charcot reconstruction. This investigation describes and compares radiation exposure across varying Charcot pathology and fixation constructs. A retrospective chart review of patients undergoing midfoot Charcot reconstruction under large C-arm assistance from 2016-2022 was conducted. Demographics, pathology-specific, and intervention-specific variables were recorded and compared among midfoot reconstructions. The threshold for statistical significance was set at p ≤ .05. Among 40 patients, the average midfoot radiation exposure and fluoroscopy times were 9.5 ± 5.39 mGy and 256.64 ± 130.67 seconds, respectively. There existed no statistically significant difference in radiation exposure (p = .32) or fluoroscopy times (p = .71) among the different midfoot constructs. There existed a statistically significant relationship between radiation exposure with weight (p = .01) body mass index (p = .03) and number of stages (p = .04). Similarly, a relationship existed between fluoroscopy time with weight (p = .02), body mass index (p = .03), and number of beams/screws (p = .003). Due to the complexity of Charcot reconstruction coupled with multiple robust types of fixation, surgeons must remain cognizant of fluoroscopy usage. Moreover, providers who routinely perform Charcot reconstruction should wear personal protective equipment to protect against radiation.

Prevalence and determinants of evidence of silicosis and impaired lung function among small scale tanzanite miners and the peri-mining community in northern Tanzania.

Limited data among miners in Tanzania suggests prevalence of silicosis, obstructive lung disease and restrictive lung disease to be around 1.6%, 1.9% and 8.8% respectively. Our study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with silicosis and impaired lung function among tanzanite mining community in northern Tanzania. We conducted a cross-sectional study, involving 330 miners and 330 peri-mining community members in Mererani mines. Silicosis was defined based on study participants' history of exposure to mining dust and digital chest radiological findings with reference to the 2011 ILO classification of pneumoconiosis. Impaired lung function was determined by spirometry using American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society recommended system 3. Association between evidence of silicosis/impaired lung function and presumed risk factors were determined using binary logistic regression analyses. The study found that 99/330 (30.0%) of miners had silicosis. Total of 65 (9.8%) participants had impaired lung function, of whom 29 (4.4%) had Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 32 (4.8%) had restrictive lung disease and 4 (0.6%) had both obstructive and restrictive lung diseases. Unexpectedly, miners who have worked for more than 10years and those worked for 6 to 10 years had 64% (aOR 0.34, CI = 0.17-0.67, p = 0.002) and 48% (aOR 0.52, CI = 0.30-0.89, p = 0.018) lower odds of having silicosis respectively compared those worked for up to 5 years. Participants with more than 10 years of work duration had more than 3-times higher odds of impaired lung function compared to those who had worked for up to 5 years (aOR 3.11, CI = 1.53-6.34, p<0.002). We found a concerningly high prevalence of silicosis despite short durations of exposure to occupational silica dust. Immediate dust control measures including deployment of wet drilling, wearing of personal protective equipment and regular monitoring of dust exposure need to be enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Authority-Tanzania.

Prevalence and risk factors of needle stick injury among healthcare workers in the emergency department, King Saud Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors and prevalence of needle stick injuries (NSIs) among healthcare workers (HCWs) working in the emergency department (ED) at King Saud Medical City (KSMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 194 HCWs in the ED at KSMC. A pre-designed questionnaire was used to collect the data about participants&amp;apos; demographics, work characteristics, previous exposure to NSI, and circumstances related to NSI. Results: Among the studied 194 HCWs, 45.5% had an age range from 18-30 years, 50.5% were females, 57.7% had a Saudi nationality, 41.2% had a work experience of 5-10 years, and 38.1% were nurses. Of them, 25.8% had previous exposure to NSI and among them, 60% had NSI once, 48% had a superficial injury, 16% had a penetration of gloves, and 84% wore personal protective equipment. The most common device associated with injury was a syringe (32%), 52% received medical attention within 2 hours, and 64% washed the site with soap. NSI was significantly higher among HCWs aged 31-40 years, with a work experience of 5-10 years, and among nurses. Conclusion: NSIs were frequent among the participants. Hospital managers and health policymakers should develop plans to boost healthcare professionals&amp;apos; adherence to general precautions.

Phytosanitary Practices in the Democratic Republic of Congo: Survey of 500 Market Gardeners in the Kinshasa and Lubumbashi Cities Between 2020-2021

This study involved a survey on phytosanitary practices among 500 market gardeners in the cities of Kinshasa and Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Market gardening was practiced by 56.2% of men and 43.8% by women. The average age was 42 ± 8.7 years. Most producers (77.4%) had at least a secondary level of education (Primary School Diploma). Only 9.4% of respondents had been trained in the proper use of plant protection products. Thiodan-Endosulfan, a prohibited and highly toxic substance, was the most widely used product (93%). None of the market gardeners surveyed were using the recommended rates of insecticides. More than half of the respondents did not wear personal protective equipment when preparing and applying pesticides. Empty pesticide packages were most often abandoned in the fields or discarded in the environment (57%). Phytosanitary practices in the DRC are potentially harmful to the environment, the health of farmers and consumers.

The Use Of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Masks For Visitors At DR Kariadi Hospital Semarang In The Next Normal Era

Hospitals are complex health care facilities and provide health care services aimed at improving the health of patients or clients and maintaining the health of hospital visitors. Visitors play a role in the transmission of diseases, particularly the Covid-19 virus, if they do not wear PPE masks when in contact with patients. The purpose of the study was to determine and understand the use of PPE masks for visitors at Dr Kariadi Hospital Semarang in the Next Normal Era. The method used is descriptive qualitative research method with data explanation analysis method. This research data collection method uses semi-structured interviews. Participants in this study were selected using purposive technique. The total number of participants was four, the participants were doctors, nurses and visitors. The findings of this study, the four participants said that visitors at Dr Kariadi Hospital Semarang wear PPE masks when someone is supervising and visitors' awareness of wearing PPE masks is influenced by age, knowledge and education factors.

Exposure Analysis of Noise Intensity in the Manufacturing Area at The Job Training and Development Center Serang

Machines in manufacturing areas often cause noise. The noise comes from machine tools such as lathes, milling machines, grinder machines, and other tools that cause sound and vibration so they are prone to causing physical and psychological disorders. This study was to determine and analyze the noise level in three areas and ten points in the manufacturing room of The Job Training and Development Center Serang by the Regulation of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia Number PER.13/MEN/X/2011 with the maximum noise limit that has been set is 85 dBA. As for the results of the ten points, there is a point that exceeds the threshold value, namely at point 6 (85.8) dBA in the lathe area. Every operator in the manufacturing room that has a noise level that exceeds the threshold value must wear personal protective equipment in the form of earplugs or ear muffs that have been provided by the workshop to reduce the noise level.

Being an older hospitalized patient during the COVID-19 pandemic - A qualitative interview study

BackgroundOlder people hospitalized for COVID-19 are a vulnerable group due to the disease itself, aging and often loss of hearing and vision. Person-centered care, where patients have opportunities to communicate and participate in their own care, is important. However, because healthcare staff needed to wear personal protective equipment during the pandemic, to protect the patients and themselves, providing person-centered care was often difficult. This study aims to describe older hospitalized patients’ experiences both of being cared for, while having COVID-19, and of the care provided by healthcare staff wearing PPE.MethodsFourteen older patients, over 65 years of age, were interviewed, and the data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The study adhered to Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research guidelines.ResultsThree subthemes and one overall theme, “The desire for survival overshadows difficulties”, emerged in the analysis. The main findings revealed that the older hospitalized patients experienced the care they received from the healthcare staff as satisfactory. The older patients reported understanding and accepting that the pandemic situation meant that their ability to participate in their own care and communicate with healthcare staff were given lower priority.ConclusionsOlder hospitalized patients need to be provided person-centered care, and situations such as a pandemic are no exception. Care tasks that are not acute in nature, e.g., planning for patients’ return home, could be conducted by healthcare staff not required to wear PPE.

ACStalk: Design and Implementation of An Access/Entry Control System using an Internet of Things (IoT) Platform

&lt;p&gt;An access/entry control system usually consists of many subsystems. These subsystems have different Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), but they need to be integrated and interacted well. Without a good integrated platform, the communications between subsystems will be very complicated. In addition, except user name and password, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and the human&amp;rsquo;s biometrics (e.g., fingerprint and face) are used to identify users. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN), mobile communications (e.g. 4G/5G) and Bluetooth are adopted as the remote access technologies. In addition, with the COVID-19 pandemic, public health and personal safety are getting more concerns. People are required to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) in some special areas (e.g., barns and factories) to ensure the personal healthy and food&amp;rsquo;s safety. To identify the user and detect whether the PPE is correctly worn, this paper proposes an access/entry control system by using an Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Through the proposed IoT system architecture, different identification mechanisms and communication technologies can be adopted, and the messages can be exchanged between two mechanisms. This paper elaborates the architecture design of the IoT platform and discusses the implementation/deployment issues of the PPE detection by using machine learning mechanisms.&lt;/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;/p&gt;

Pengaruh Masa Kerja dan Tingkat Pengetahuan dengan Ketaatan Penggunaan Alat Pelindung Diri (APD) pada Pekerja di PT.X

Occupational Safety and Health (K3) is very important to note for all workers and company owners. Occupational Safety and Health (K3) is a system created for workers and business owners to prevent work accidents and occupational diseases (PAK). This type of research is an observational descriptive which aims to determine the relationship between tenure and level of knowledge regarding the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The research design used was cross-sectional. Based on data analysis, the relationship between knowledge and years of service with adherence to the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) in PT. X workers is very influential. many respondents from PT.X workers are reluctant to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) because there are several factors, namely lack of knowledge, lack of years of service and other factors. For PT.X workers who have not used personal protective equipment (PPE) it is expected to be more raise awareness about the importance of using personal protective equipment (PPE) so as to avoid work accidents or occupational diseases (PAK).