Work-related Causes Research Articles

NLP-based ergonomics MSD risk root cause analysis and risk controls recommendation

An ergonomics assessment of the physical risk factors in the workplace is instrumental in predicting and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become increasingly popular for ergonomics assessments because of the time savings and improved accuracy. However, most of the effort in this area starts and ends with producing risk scores, without providing guidance to reduce the risk. This paper proposes a holistic job improvement process that performs automatic root cause analysis and control recommendations for reducing MSD risk. We apply deep learning-based Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques such as Part of Speech (PoS) tagging and dependency parsing on textual descriptions of the physical actions performed in the job (e.g. pushing) along with the object (e.g. cart) being acted upon. The action-object inferences provide the entry point to an expert-based Machine Learning (ML) system that automatically identifies the targeted work-related causes (e.g. cart movement forces are too high, due to caster size too small) of the identified MSD risk (e.g. excessive shoulder forces). The proposed framework utilises the root causes identified to recommend control strategies (e.g. provide larger diameter casters, minimum diameter 8" or 203 mm) most likely to mitigate risk, resulting in a more efficient and effective job improvement process.

Exploring AI Applications in Occupational Safety: A Bibliometric Perspective on Accident Prevention

Occupational accidents that happen in the world of work have attracted, over time, the concern of how to implement preventive measures to avoid them. The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that 2 million people die worldwide each year from work-related causes. In Brazil, in the year 2022, there were 1,828 accidents involving electricity resulting in 592 deaths. A solution to improve this process is the use of available technology, especially with the modernization brought about by the so-called 4th Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, This article aims to present a bibliometric research, identifying the main publications, authors, universities, countries and keywords that address the applications of artificial intelligence in work safety, with a focus on accident prevention. Data were collected from the Web of Science database, using the keywords (“artificial intelligence”) AND (workplace OR “occupation health and safety” OR “accident prevention”). Data interpretation was carried out through performance analysis, based on WoS reports; and scientific mapping, using the VOSviewer software. 272 articles were found that were analyzed and composed the research. It was evident that the subject of artificial intelligence applied to work safety is still little explored, however, from 2020 onwards, there was a significant increase in scientific publications. As proposal for future studies, suggests conducting research using alternative keywords, as well as searching various databases to try to find new articles that address the topic.

The concept of distress – widely used but what does it mean for individuals working in the construction industry?

Distress is a frequently used concept, conveying a variety of meanings. Clear definitions are needed to promote common understanding, effective communication, and the development of solutions. One occupation in which workers disproportionately report distress is the construction industry. To implement effective models of care, a construction industry specific definition of distress is needed. Face-to-face consultations, qualitative interviews and a voluntary follow-up online survey were conducted with a purposively derived sample of construction industry stakeholders from across Australia (Total N = 56). Based on qualitative analysis of content and themes, we developed and tested a definition of distress as: “an emotional state in which individuals feel that they are not in control, overwhelmed, or are unable to cope.” Findings highlight that distress is a complex issue that can have both personal and work-related causes. Workplace culture, awareness and trust are critical factors in creating a safe environment and supporting individuals who are experiencing distress. Confidentiality and privacy are also important factors that influence disclosure and help uptake. Reducing distress may be explicitly achieved by offering appropriate coping strategies and actions for individuals to regain control and agency; however, a safe and supportive help-offering environment is a prerequisite for promoting help-seeking, and help-uptake behaviors.

Work-related suicide: Evolving understandings of etiology & intervention.

Previously published analyses of suicide case investigations suggest that work or working conditions contribute to 10%-13% of suicide deaths. Yet, the way in which work may increase suicide risk is an underdeveloped area of epidemiologic research. In this Commentary, we propose a definition of work-related suicide from an occupational health and safety perspective, and review the case investigation-based and epidemiologic evidence on work-related causes of suicide. We identified six broad categories of potential work-related causes of suicide, which are: (1) workplace chemical, physical, and psychosocial exposures; (2) exposure to trauma on the job; (3) access to means of suicide through work; (4) exposure to high-stigma work environments; (5) exposure to normative environments promoting extreme orientation to work; and (6) adverse experiences arising from work-related injury or illness. We summarise current evidence in a schema of potential work-related causes that can also be applied in workplace risk assessment and suicide case investigations. There are numerous implications of these findings for policy and practice. Various principle- and evidence-based workplace intervention strategies for suicide prevention exist, some of which have been shown to improve suicide-prevention literacy, reduce stigma, enhance helping behaviours, and in some instances maybe even reduce suicide rates. Prevailing practice in workplace suicide prevention, however, overly emphasises individual- and illness-directed interventions, with little attention directed to addressing the working conditions that may increase suicide risk. We conclude that a stronger emphasis on improving working conditions will be required for workplace suicide prevention to reach its full preventive potential.

Fatal fall incidents in the Indian construction industry: a case study analysis

The fall from height fatal accident rate is higher than those of other accidents in the construction sector because of work-related causes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the causal factors of fatal fall incidents in the Indian construction industry. This study adopted a three-level accident causation model developed by Loughborough University researchers, aiming to identify immediate circumstances, shaping factors and originating influences in selected incidents. The accident cases were retrieved from police records and government documents. Accident data from 2019 to 2020 were studied, and specific emphasis was placed on fatal fall events. These events were subjected to content review to determine causal factors. In total, ten fatal fall cases were analysed in which immediate circumstances were established for all the cases that involved the use of unsafe methods of work. In some cases, shaping factors were identified as possible contributors to the events, such as the work process nature and team members’ communication. Originating influences could not be established in any of the cases. The study findings could give a more comprehensive qualitative insight into the causal factors of fatal fall accidents, which could alert stakeholders in developing safety programmes and providing effective fall preventive measures.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia in a farmer and vegetable seller: Associated with exposure of multiple work-related hazards?

There are several risk factors associated with the incidence of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), namely genetic factors, smoking, and occupational exposure to chemicals. We highlight a possible association of a CLL case and the occupational. We reported a case of CLL patient, a 69-year-old man, who had been working as a vegetable seller and a chili farmer since 15 and 4 years ago, respectively. The patient was diagnosed with CLL three months prior to admission and had a history of three times blood transfusions. The patient only complained of paleness and weakness without any specific symptoms. No swelling of the lymph nodes, hepatomegaly, or splenomegaly was found. As a vegetable seller and chili farmer, the patient was exposed to five hazards, physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic to psychosocial. Therefore, it is necessary to analyse whether there was an association between the patient's work and the current CLL. To diagnose occupational diseases, several steps are needed. In this patient, one of the risk factors that could lead to CLL was exposure to chemicals such as pesticides. However, information regarding the content of pesticides used was unclear and there were no results obtained from pesticides biomarker examination that might cause the disease, making it difficult to establish a definitive diagnosis of work-related cause. The patient could be advised to have biomarkers of pesticide substances checked, which requires control of farmers and vegetable sellers who might have been exposed to pesticides. The control mechanism might be started from elimination, substitution, engineering, administration, and use of personal protective equipment. A control mechanism is necessary to prevent the entry of contaminants into the body, especially through inhalation, oral, and dermal pathways. It is recommended to examine for biomarkers of pesticides containing organophosphates, organochlorines, or carbamates to determine the chronic effects on the accumulation of these chemicals that might cause CLL.

Work stress related cardiovascular diseases among construction professionals

PurposeCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are responsible for one-third of global deaths. Work stress is a major risk factor for CVDs in the workforce. Construction professionals endure excessive work stress, yet their vulnerability to CVDs remains underexplored. The study investigated the prevalence of CVDs among construction professionals and its relationships to job stressors, stress coping methods and socio-demographics.Design/methodology/approachAn online survey was conducted among construction professionals in Australia wherein data related to job stressor experiences, stress management methods adopted, and incidents of CVDs were collected. Structural path analysis was conducted to discover associations.FindingsJunior level professionals reported higher incidents of angina and heart muscle weakening than others. Statistically significant positive associations were discovered between the reported CVDs, and job stressors such as excessive workload, unpredictable work hours, lack of support, discrimination and work–life conflict and negative stress coping methods such as consuming alcohol and/or drugs, emotional eating and aggression. However, no evidence was found to support the claim that demographic factors such as age and gender were also risk factors for CVDs.Originality/valueThe workers' compensation system provides financial protection to injured employees. It extends similar protection for work-related illnesses; however, it is more difficult to prove work-related causes for illnesses. The study provides scientific evidence to support the recognition of CVDs among construction professionals as work-related diseases, mediated by work stress.

It Is Time to Implement Primary Prevention in the Workplace to Ameliorate the Ongoing U.S. Opioid Epidemic.

The United States’ opioid public health crisis continues having disastrous consequences on communities, including workers and employers. From May 2019 to May 2020, the largest number of drug overdose deaths was recorded over a twelve-month period. The “twindemics” of COVID-19 and opioids underscore the urgent need to address workers’ physical and mental health. Although much has been written about the negative impacts of the opioid epidemic on the workplace, few initiatives have focused on primary prevention, addressing work-related root causes of opioid use disorders (e.g., injury, stress) that may lead to prescription or illicit opioid use. We suggest primary prevention efforts to address the connection between workplace hazards and opioid misuse, dependence, and addiction such as examining patterns of work injury and stress with records of opioid prescription. Government funding should be expanded to support primary prevention and research efforts to strengthen the evidence-base to support workplace primary prevention endeavors.

Declared Reasons for Cessation of Breastfeeding during the First Year of Life: An Analysis Based on a Cohort Study in Northern Spain.

Background: Breastfeeding is the gold standard of infant feeding due to the many advantages it offers to both the child and the mother. Objective: To identity the main reasons for cessation of breastfeeding reported by mothers during the first year of life. Design: A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting 970 infants from a university hospital in Spain. The main maternal variables studied were maternal age, parity, educational level, work occupation, smoking habit, weeks of gestation at birth, birth weight, feeding type, and duration of breastfeeding. All participants were followed for one year to determinate the duration of breastfeeding and to gather reasons for abandoning breastfeeding. Results: At six months, the percentage of breastfeeding experienced a decline of 50%, and only 24.5% of these mothers maintained breastfeeding. Up to 15.8% of the mothers decided to give up exclusive breastfeeding by their own choice, whereas 15.4% did so because they suspected low milk production. Work-related causes represent the third reason of abandonment. Conclusions: Our results highlight the need to improve the health policies for the promotion, protection, and support for the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. In particular, our results highlight the importance of researching women’s low milk production and work-related factors, with particular emphasis on improving conciliation measures.

How Do Orthoses Impact Ease of Donning, Handwriting, Typewriting, and Transmission of Manual Torque? A Study of Three Prefabricated Wrist-Hand Orthoses

ABSTRACT Introduction Many upper-limb injuries have work-related causes such as continued use of computers, typing activities, mouse manipulation, and repetitive movements performed for long periods. This study evaluated the performance of wrist-hand orthoses in manual tasks and in transmission of torque measurement during canned glass opening. Methods Thirty healthy participants performed donning, typing, and handwriting tasks and transmission of manual torque. The procedures were performed in four conditions: with three different orthoses and with no orthosis as a control. Results The results showed a significant difference in the time of manual writing (P < 0.001) and in the number of words per minute (P < 0.001) in the typing task with and without orthoses. The perceived difficulty in performing typing (P < 0.001) and manual writing (P < 0.001) was lower with no orthoses and higher for canvas orthosis and the two neoprene orthoses. Transmission of manual torque also decreased with the orthoses compared with using no orthosis (P < 0.001). Among the orthoses, the canvas fabric orthosis yielded a lower performance compared with the two different neoprene fabric orthoses for all the tasks. Conclusions There are effects of the materials used and the orthosis design when performing handwriting typing tasks and twisting tasks (transmission of manual torque), as well as the correctness of how users donned the orthosis.

Empirical study on mental stress among healthcare staffs and the influencing workplace stressors

Abstract This study provides empirical indicators on the presence of alarming mental stress levels among healthcare staffs as a result of the work environment. The study uses a comprehensive survey to identify work stressors and to addresses stress symptoms and coping behaviours among the healthcare givers in Jordan as a case study. The study aims to direct management’s attention to work conditions that largely contribute to increasing mental stresses among their healthcare staffs. Moreover, the study identifies out stress symptoms that employees, team leaders and managers should not ignore to help their fellow workers cope with their stresses through legitimate coping behaviours. A total of 300 responses from 176 nurses, 45 technicians and 79 physicians from three hospitals with high patient flows were included in the statistical analyses. Results demonstrate that stressors related to high job demands, especially long working hours, have the highest impact on the development of stress among surveyed caregivers. Job-demand stressors were the most significant predictor of the symptom recurrence level with a β = 0.334. Continual tiredness and frequent headaches were the most frequent stress symptoms. Taking unprescribed medications, smoking tobacco, and faking reasons to take time off were the most common behaviours to relieve stress. This study contributes to the literature theoretically and practically. From a theoretical perspective, the study provides a comprehensive survey that captures the symptoms, relieve behaviours and work-related causes of stress. From the practical perspective, the study helps care providers and healthcare managers address and resolve work stressors and help their staff adopt healthy behaviours to relieve their stresses.

Work-Life Stress Management Of Married Women Teachers From Trivandrum District In Kerala

This research study focuses the stress management practices among married women teachers from Government and Self Financing Colleges in Thiruvananthapuram District. The study has conducted, because of need and significance of the situation. Indian constitution is providing equal rights to women and men, besides women have some extra role in their life than a man. Hence their stress level should be significantly different from a man. In this context, the study has conducted a research on family and work related causes which are increasing the stress level, what are the consequences, role and responsibilities of married women teachers, and the solution i.e., factors which are reducing the stress. Descriptive analytical research design was used in the study. Samples were identified through a random selection of government and self financing colleges in Thiruvananthapuram District, Samples were also selected on the basis of simple random sampling method. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire consist of 52 questions under above mentioned research questions. The study will be very helpful to the management and government to make an attention regarding the work life stress among married women teachers and clearly indicating that what the root causes of work life stress.

Cancer in Women and Its Relation to Work Systematic Review

Nowadays, cancer is one of the main worldwide causes of death and an increasing issue in public health. In the European Union, it is the first work-related cause of death. Studies about occupational risk exposure are a useful field of investigation to determine cancerous elements; special attention is paid to the relationship between cancer and work in women, who must constantly adapt to the working market and the new working fields, with their diverse degrees of exposure to risks. This revision has reviewed the bibliography gathered in Medline related to breast cancer, cervix cancer, uterus cancer, and ovarian cancer, along with their relationship with different work-related risks and types of working roles. The results have shown enough scientific evidence to suspect that work related exposition could be a plausible cause of these gynaecological cancers. Therefore, we want to stress the need of enhancing the coordinated investigation between all the medical specialties involved, and to encourage the spread of the necessary knowledge to manage and prevent them.

Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Interventional Radiologists

PurposeTo investigate the prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, defined as aches, pains, discomfort, or numbness, by using a validated assessment tool among interventional radiologists. Materials and MethodsA Web-based survey using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire was disseminated to interventional radiologist members by email in November 2015. Musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated in 9 body areas. Information regarding participant demographics, practice details, use of radio-protective equipment, and exercise routines was also gathered. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with more severe symptoms. ResultsOf 4,096 SIR members at the time of the survey, 640 completed the questionnaire in its entirety (16% response rate). Respondents consisted of 69 females (11%) and 571 males (89%), with a mean age of 47.5 ± 10.2 years old, a mean body mass index of 25.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2, and a mean practice length of 17.1 ± 9.8 years. Prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms was 88% in the 12 months preceding the survey. For those reporting musculoskeletal issues, 58% attributed the symptoms to work-related activities. Lower back (61%), neck (56%), and shoulder complaints (46%) were the most common. Symptoms prevented 21.2% of respondents from being able to work over the same time period. Multivariate analysis identified female gender, above-normal body mass index, and a practice length of 10 years or more as factors associated with a higher risk of moderate-to-severe symptoms. ConclusionsMusculoskeletal symptoms are prevalent among interventional radiologists, the majority of which are attributed to work-related causes.

Common mental disorders through the eyes of German employees: attributed relevance of work-related causes and prevention measures assessed by a standardised survey

PurposeCommon mental disorders (CMDs) are becoming increasingly relevant in the working world. Numbers of risk factors have been confirmed by mostly correlative cross-sectional studies. Comprehensive and effective prevention is urgently needed. There is little knowledge about employees’ own perceptions on causes of CMDs and prevention measures. Therefore, a survey was conducted in 2016.MethodsA standardised instrument was developed for an online survey in a commercial access panel, targeted employees in different job types. We assessed two outcomes: perceived relevance of (1) work-related demands to the development of CMDs, and (2) prevention approaches in the workplace and on individual and societal levels. Possible predictive aspects were analysed exploratively by multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsThe response rate was 75% (n = 610). Job types were categorised as “blue”, “grey” and “white-collar” workers (n = 193, 169, 248). The majority of respondents rated both outcomes consistently as “quite” or “very relevant”; societal prevention strategies were more relevant for non-white-collar workers. Perceived relevance of individual predisposition to develop a CMD was the strongest predictor for both outcomes, indicating the perception that people with higher personal vulnerability might suffer a higher strain from work-related risk factors than others.ConclusionWe assume that participants in our survey judged the relevance of work-related causes of CMDs independently of their own workload. The perceived relevance of prevention measures in different areas is consistent with official guidelines. A possible selection bias due to characteristics of access panel collectives and own direct or indirect experiences with CMD should be critically questioned.

Causes and Management of Sleepiness Among Pilots in a Norwegian and an Austrian Air Ambulance Service—A Comparative Study

ObjectiveWe compared subjectively reported sleepiness and fatigue as well as causes and management strategies for combating sleepiness among pilots working in 2 different helicopter emergency medical services operating with different shift systems. MethodsPilots from the Norwegian Air Ambulance (NAA) and Christophorus Flugrettungsverein (CFV) in Austria participated. NAA performs flight missions 24/7, whereas at the time of the study the participating CFV bases did not fly after sunset. The pilots are on duty for 1 week in both services. NAA and CFV used an identical research protocol, including questionnaires about sleep, sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale), coping strategies, and work-related causes of fatigue. ResultsCFV pilots kept busy, whereas NAA pilots slept and did physical exercise as strategies to prevent sleepiness. The majority in both groups used napping and coffee consumption as strategies. CFV pilots reported more frequently than NAA pilots that administrative duties and environmental factors were reasons preventing napping. ConclusionSome differences existed between the 2 pilot groups regarding strategies for managing sleepiness and causes that prevented pilots from napping. Pilots in both groups were healthy, physically active, and had normal Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Karolinska Sleepiness Scale scores.

Work-Related Upper Limb Symptoms in Hand-Intensive Health Care Occupations: A Cross-Sectional Study With a Health and Safety Perspective.

Research with physical therapists reveals high rates of work-related musculoskeletal injuries, especially low back pain, with early career onset. Less focus has been given to upper limb disorders (ULDs) in these professionals, who frequently perform repetitive arm/hand and precision finger motions during work. The objective was to estimate prevalence of body-site-specific upper limb (UL) symptoms and diagnosed ULDs in Irish chartered physical therapists, physiotherapists, and athletic therapists, with adjustment for leisure time injury, and document first onset of specific UL symptoms. The design was a cross-sectional survey (N=347) using random sampling (physiotherapists in private practice), proportionate cluster sampling (hospital-based physiotherapists), and all-population sampling (physical therapists and athletic therapists). The methods used were a postal questionnaire with annual, current, and incapacitating UL symptoms (neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, thumbs) (Nordic Questionnaire); symptom onset; diagnosed UL disorders; and sociodemographics; prevalence with 95% CIs, and adjusted prevalence (general linear modeling). Adjusted annual prevalence of UL symptoms in at least 1 body site was 78.1% (95% CI = 71.4-82.2), and of incapacitating symptoms was 21.0% (95% CI = 16.4-27.0). Shoulder (53.2%, 95% CI = 47.9-58.7), neck (49.4%, 95% CI = 44.2-55.0), and thumbs (46.1%, 95% CI = 40.7-51.5) were mostly affected. Hospital-based therapists had a significantly higher prevalence of incapacitating symptoms compared with others (35.7% vs 23.3%). Respondents totaling 28.2% had at least 1 lifetime diagnosis of ULD, most commonly shoulder tendonitis (12.5%, 95% CI = 8.4-15.3) and overuse syndrome (11.8%, 95% CI = 8.4-15.3). First onset was mostly after 5 years working as a therapist; however, this differed by anatomical site. A cross-sectional study design limited interpretation of symptoms as work-related causes. The high prevalence of ULD and symptoms warrants attention from occupational health and safety personnel. Training in injury prevention and risk assessment should be provided during education and as part of continuing education.

Occupational Stress among Nurses in a Public Medical College Hospital

Background: Now a days, there is increased demand and progress in the nursing profession. Along with these stress among the nurses has also increased.Objective: Purpose of the study was to assess the extent of perceived occupational stress and its association with work-related and non-work related causes among nurses.Materials and method: This Cross-sectional study was carried out among 197 nurses of Shaheed Suhrawardy Medical College hospital (ShSMCH), Dhaka, Bangladesh, from the period of 1st July 2015 to 30th June 2016. Sampling method was simple random sampling. Data was collected by face to face interview with the help of semi-structured questionnaire and finally all data were analyzed using SPSS software version 21.Results: It was found that 69% nurses were between the age of 21 to 39 years, 94.9% were female, 68% were married, 79.2% were Muslim, 84.3% had diploma, family income of 91.4% were equal to more than 40,000 Tk. and 95.5% used to do clinical work. Only 5.1% found to experience high stress. Statistically significant difference was found between sex, occupational stress and religion, educational status, and type of work (p < 0.05). Few nurses suffered from high stress but high level of stress were more in male, non Muslim, post graduate nurse and those who were engaged in administrative work.Conclusion: Nurse Managers should take appropriate actions to decrease stress helping their nurses to work efficiently and effectively.Delta Med Col J. Jan 2018 6(2): 86-89

Bereaved families and the coronial response to traumatic workplace fatalities: Organizational perspectives

ABSTRACTWork remains a significant source of illness, injury, and death in developed countries. In Australia, for example, over 2,000 people die from work-related causes each year, with heavy social, economic, and personal costs (Safe Work Australia, 2013a). Most die as a result of work-related disease. However, many die from trauma. In 2012, 223 workers were fatally injured in Australia and in the United States the figure was 4,383 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014; Safe Work Australia, 2013b). Apart from the immediate tragedy of each worker’s death, these deaths affect the victim’s immediate family, wider family, friends, and co-workers. It has been estimated that, on average, every death has an impact on at least 20 other people (Dyregrov, Nordanger, & Dyregrov, 2003), especially when the deceased had several families, which is an increasingly common phenomenon (OECD, 2014). Little is known, however, about how regulatory responses following a traumatic workplace fatality meet the needs of surviving families. With a focus on the coronial investigation, this article provides information about the regulatory responses to a traumatic workplace fatality and examines how various organizations involved in the coronial process following the death viewed its ability to accommodate the needs and wishes of surviving families.

YENİDOĞAN YOĞUN BAKIM ÜNİTELERİNDE İŞ KAZALARI RİSKLERİ VE NEDENLERİNE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA

This study aims to demonstrate the relationship between the qualifications of neonatal intensive care units of hospitals (physical conditions, standard applications, employee qualifications and use of personal protective equipment) and work related causes and risks, employee related causes and risks when occupational accidents occur. Accordingly, a survey was prepared and was made among 105 nurses working in 3 public and 3 private hospital's neonatal intensive care units, in the January of 2010. The survey consists of questions about the qualifications of neonatal intensive care units, work related causes and risks, and employee related causes and risks. From the regression analysis conducted, it has been found that confirmed hypotheses in several studies in the literature were not significant in this study. The sub-dimensions in which relationships has been found show that the improvement of the physical environment in workplace, the improvement of the employee qualifications and standard applications can reduce the rate of occupational accidents. According to the results of this study management should take care of the organizational factors besides to improvement of the physical environment in workplace, the improvement of the employee qualifications and standard applications.