Protection Of Workers Research Articles

Child Protection Staff Perspectives of the SOFT Program: Touch, Textures, Weights, and Pressures

ABSTRACT Aboriginal children are overrepresented in Australia’s child protection system, and limited tools are available to assist with connecting these children to their culture. The Stitching Our Future Together (SOFT) Program, developed in consultation with Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples, services, and other specialists, is used within the Department of Communities’ Child Protection and Family Support (CPFS) Division in Western Australia to address big emotions and safe behaviours with Aboriginal children in care. This study used phenomenology and social constructivism to explore CPFS staff’s perspectives and experiences of the SOFT Program. Seven semistructured in-depth interviews took place with CPFS staff. Five themes were identified: the SOFT Program and its use, culturally responsive practice, facilitating relationships, communication, and recommendations and implementation challenges. Participants expressed that the SOFT Program fostered an understanding of, and communication about, pertinent issues such as family and domestic violence, drug and alcohol addiction, mental health, and child neglect and abuse. The findings show how staff described the program’s capacity to help them navigate complex situations, highlighting the need to incorporate more culturally centred and creative-based work into child protection practice. IMPLICATIONS The SOFT Program positively supports culturally responsive practice and facilitates relationships and communication for child protection workers and children in care. The integration of creative and legislated practices assists with personalising and enhancing the effectiveness of child protection work with children in care.

Design and Simulation Analysis of Bridge Anti-collision Structure based on Nonlinear Numerical Simulation

In order to solve the dynamic nonlinear problem of bridge loads and responses during ship collisions, a design method for bridge anti-collision structures based on nonlinear numerical simulation was proposed. The author describes in detail the entire process of collision force evolution, energy conversion, and plastic deformation of the anti-collision energy dissipator, and conducts a comprehensive simulation of it. The experimental results show that when a ship with a mass of 1000 tons collides forward at speeds of 1, 3, and 5 meters per second, the collision depth is 0.23, 1.46, and 3.95 meters, respectively, less than the maximum allowable collision depth of 4.3 meters, and the collision energy dissipator is still in the protective working state for the bridge pier. When a ship with a mass of 3000 tons collides with the collision avoidance energy dissipator at a speed of 3 or 5 meters per second, the collision depth exceeds the maximum allowable collision depth, and the collision avoidance energy dissipator fails, the ship will directly collide with the wharf. The plastic deformation of the anti-collision energy dissipator provided has important reference value for design.

The Security and Protection System of Electromechanical Equipment in Smart Campus using the Improved Data Mining Algorithm

In order to improve the maintenance and management efficiency of campus electromechanical equipment and reduce or even avoid the safety risks brought by campus electromechanical equipment, this work uses the data mining algorithm to design the security and protection system of campus electromechanical equipment. First, this work constructs the campus electromechanical equipment classification model using the Bayesian algorithm of data mining algorithm and designs a simulation experiment to verify the effect of the classification model. Then, the security and protection system for the campus electromechanical equipment is designed. It includes the system business process, system function design, system core module’s function design and system implementation. Finally, a simulation experiment is designed to verify the system’s performance. The results show that: (1) Bayesian algorithm is superior to the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) algorithm in both classification effect and running time. (2) When the browser concurrency in the system increases, the server processor and memory usage also increases, but the value meets the expected requirements. It shows that the system has a certain browser concurrency-bearing capacity. Moreover, as the browser concurrency of the system increases, the response time of the test also increases, but the value meets the expected requirements. This work aims to improve the maintenance efficiency of campus electromechanical equipment and provide a reference for the safety protection work of electromechanical equipment in other enterprises or units.

Moral distress and protective work environment for healthcare workers during public health emergencies

BackgroundPublic health emergencies, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, put great pressure on healthcare workers (HCW) across the world, possibly increasing the risk of experiencing ethically challenging situations (ECS). Whereas experiencing ECS as a HCW in such situations is likely unavoidable, mitigation of their adverse effects (e.g., moral distress) is necessary to reduce the risk of long-term negative consequences. One possible route of mitigation of these effects is via work environmental factors.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to examine: [1] risk factors associated with ECS among HCW [2], intensity of moral distress associated with ECS across various occupational factors (i.e., profession, degree of exposure to patients with Covid-19), and [3] the impact of work environmental factors on this association, in a sample of HCW during the pandemic.MethodsWe employed multiple logistic and linear regression to self-report data from 977 HCWs at four Norwegian hospitals responding to a survey at the fourth wave of the pandemic.ResultsAbout half of HCW in this study had experienced ECS during the pandemic, and levels of moral distress associated with such were higher than in previous studies using similar assessment methods. Younger age, female sex, geographical work area (mid-north of Norway), and profession (nurse) were all associated with higher odds (range of OR: 1.30–2.59) of experiencing ECS, as were direct contact with patients with Covid-19. Among those participants who reported that they had experienced ECS during the pandemic, moral distress levels when recalling those situations were moderate (Mean 5.7 on a 0–10 scale). Men reported somewhat lower intensity of moral distress (partial eta squared; ηp2 = 0.02). Reporting a manageable workload (ηp2 = 0.02), and greater opportunity to work according to best practice (ηp2 = 0.02), were associated with lower levels of moral distress.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that moral distress could potentially be mitigated on an organizational level, particularly by focusing on ensuring a manageable workload, and an ability to work according to best practice. To build sustainable healthcare systems robust enough to withstand future public health emergencies, healthcare organizations should implement measures to facilitate these aspects of HCWs’ work environment.

Legal Protection of Indonesian Workers on Japan on the Perspective of Human Rights and Pancasila Values

In the 21st century, the phenomenon of labor migration is becoming increasingly significant globally. Japan has become one of the main destinations for Indonesian workers. However, legal protection for them in Japan is still a major concern. This study provides an in-depth insight into the challenges faced by Indonesian workers in Japan in obtaining adequate legal protection. Using a qualitative approach and text analysis, this research uncovers important aspects of legal protection for Indonesian workers in Japan. The findings highlight the need for an evaluation of the effectiveness of the legal protection provided, as well as an emphasis on its relation to the principles of human rights and the values of Pancasila. The legal protection provided should be in line with human rights principles, such as the rights to justice, equality and humanity. As a country based on Pancasila values, the practice of legal protection for Indonesian workers in Japan must also be consistent with Pancasila values, such as social justice, unity, and humanity. The recommendations from this research can serve as a foundation for improving the legal protection system for Indonesian workers in Japan, with the ultimate goal of improving their welfare and ensuring that their rights are properly recognized, respected and protected. As such, this research not only provides a better understanding of the challenges faced by Indonesian workers in Japan, but also offers directions that can be taken to improve their conditions in the future.

Институциональная трансформация политики занятости Китая в условиях рыночных преобразований: ретроспективный анализ

During the period of market reform and economic opening up, China's employment policy has undergone profound institutional changes. Since 1978, in the process of building a socialist market economy with Chinese specifics, there has been a large-scale institutional transformation of the state policy of distributing the total labor force of society across territories, industries and enterprises into a policy of supporting employment through state regulation of the labor market, improving the education system and creating the institution of social protection of workers. Four stages of institutional transformation of China's economic employment policy have been identified. For more than 40 years of reform and gradual improvement over the centralized distribution of labor force, the employment policy by now organically combines the market mechanism with an effective system of state regulation of employment. It is substantiated that institutional changes in China were implemented purposefully, providing a gradualist replacement of the centrally planned distribution of labor force in the prereform economy by a labor market with sufficiently effective state regulation with gradual supplementation and expansion of successful rules. The impact of institutional changes on the structure of employment in rural areas is analyzed, as well as the emergence of new challenges that are associated with adaptation to the new economic system.

METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE FUNCTIONING OF THE LABOUR MARKET IN THE CONTEXT OF ENSURING EMPLOYMENT OF THE POPULATION

In modern terms, the labour market is a complex socio-economic process that develops within the framework of social reproduction of labour potential. This mechanism creates a link between workers acting simultaneously in the roles of consumers and suppliers of labour resources. In today’s highly dynamic and innovation-oriented economy, there is a need for new forms of labour activity. These forms provide for flexibility, efficiency and constant renewal in the content, structure and types of labour, contributing to the improvement of the quality of human capital and the realisation of the intellectual and creative potential of the population. Innovative economic models supporting these trends have already attracted the attention of many countries striving for post-industrial development. The development of the labour market is determined both by the impact of market forces and government policies aimed at stimulating labour activity and innovation in employment. Additionally, the labour market is undergoing transformations due to globalisation, technological progress and changes in the demographic structure of the population. This requires the adaptation of employment policies and the development of new economic mechanisms to regulate labour relations, taking into account changing skill requirements, the increasing importance of continuous learning and the need to support the balance between labour market flexibility and social protection of workers. Keywords: labour market, employment, labour market regulation, labour market economics, labour market transformation.

Platform Worker Protection in the United States

Platform Worker Protection in the United States

Blockchain Based Secure File Transfer System with Password Protection

The need of secure file transfer systems is higher nowadays. In order to enhance the security and privacy of private information transferred over the internet, our paper presents a blockchain-based secure file transfer system (BSFTS) with password protection. This system takes advantage of the decentralized and immutable properties of blockchain technology to ensure that every file transfer is Safe and Secure, offering verifiable audit trails that can minimize the threats associated with data tampering and unauthorized access. Through forcing people to use strong, unique passwords for decryption as well as encryption, the combination of password protection further secures files by ensuring that only specified people may access the information. In addition to enhancing data confidentiality, this dual-layer strategy increases defences against possible cyberthreats, including phishing and brute force attacks. Research shows that the blockchain-based secure file transfer system with password protection far exceeds standard file transfer techniques in terms of security and user experience. The results illustrate that password protection and blockchain technology work together to build a robust framework for secure file sharing. For companies trying to enhance their data protection plans in the face of changing security threats in the world of technology, this study provides helpful data

Empirical methods for recognizing and evaluating cultural heritage value of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge from the perspective of cultural memory

ABSTRACT The objective of this research is to formulate a pathway for the revitalization and preservation of cultural heritage, offering empirical methodologies for the recognition and assessment of cultural heritage values, with the ultimate goal of facilitating the dynamic conservation of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge cultural heritage. Hence, the present research has developed an approach called the activation protection path method for comprehending, evaluating, and revitalizing the invaluable aspects of vernacular cultural heritage. To begin with, by employing the lens of Cultural Memory Theory and leveraging its holistic approach, the significance of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridges as a cultural heritage site is examined. Furthermore, an elaborate index system is devised to facilitate the assessment of its value. Secondly, an evaluation model was constructed to assess the cultural heritage value of the Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge. This paper explores the influencing factors of cultural heritage value as the research basis for the cultural heritage revitalization and protection work of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge. Based on the case study of 19 preservation units of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridges in Shouning County, Fujian Province, the findings can be concluded as follows: 1). Cultural Heritage Value: The cultural heritage value of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge in Shouning County is estimated to be approximately 178.45 million yuan. Among the different systems, the Text system accounts for 16%, the Image system accounts for 44%, and the Ritual system accounts for 40%. 2). Activation Investment Ratio: Based on the evaluation results of each index value of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge cultural heritage, this study establishes the capital investment ratio for activating the heritage. This ratio provides guidance for successfully implementing the practical path of activating and protecting the cultural heritage of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge. Through an in-depth analysis of the heritage value of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridge and the establishment of an evaluation model, this study lays the foundation for activating and preserving vernacular cultural heritage. By promoting the construction of the value subject’s identity, this research contributes to guiding the practical path of activating and protecting the living heritage of Timber-Arched Lounge Bridges.

Challenges and Legal Response to Human Rights Protection: A Case Study of Foxconn

This essay is a discussion of human rights issues based on the Foxconn suicide jump and the judicial system in China today regarding the protection of human rights of workers. This essay will analyze the reasons behind the Foxconn incident, and at the same time, it will deeply study the factors that human rights protection laws and regulations are not well enforced from different perspectives, as well as give feasible solutions. This essay uses both case study method and literature analysis method. Using the Foxconn incident as a case study, this paper enters into an in-depth analysis of the societal problems that existed within the company and offers solutions. By collating and studying the existing literature, drawing on the research ideas and findings of scholars, and analyzing the omissions and shortcomings of their research logic and methodology, this essay aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the Foxconn incident. This paper finds that even though there are existing laws in China on the protection of workers' human rights, the judicial system does not adequately regulate this area, and the enforcement of existing laws is also inadequate, which can be attributed to the attitudes of enterprises, the actions of the government, and the development trends in society.

Comparative Analysis of the Crime of Adultery Based on the Old Criminal Code and the New Criminal Code to Realize Justice

Law number 1 of 2023 was prepared as an update of the old product, namely the Netherlands Heritage Fund. Various new paradigms of legal protection are part of the preparation of the draft of Law number 1 of 2023. However, at the same time, the protection of commercial sex workers (PSK) is still limited to efforts to provide a deterrent effect on those who allow prostitution to occur. In fact, the solution to the problem of prostitution should be solved systematically with lex specialis who raises issues involving prostitution. Meanwhile, the weakness of Law number 1 of 2023 is that it has not solved the core problem of brutal and inhumane social justice in prostitution. However, Law number 1 of 2023 has at least stopped the criminalization of prostitution. This research is prepared by normative juridical methods and reviews the law in depth based on the editorial and context of legal products of Law number 1 of 2023 on the basis of research to find.

Investigating social protection amongst platform workers in Germany: forced individualisation, hybrid income generation and undesired regulation

Abstract The social protection of platform workers is considered one of the most precarious features and political challenges of this new form of employment. Still, there have only been a few empirical investigations on this issue to date. This article presents an explorative empirical analysis of the social protection of platform workers in Germany – a conservative welfare regime with a strong link between standard employment and institutionalised social protection. On the basis of an online survey amongst 719 self-employed platform workers, we examine how different employment patterns correspond to institutionalised protection against sickness and old age. We empirically explore different protection types and analyse how they differ regarding working conditions in platform work and individual social policy preferences. Findings reveal that conditions of platform work and social protection as well as demands and regulatory preferences vary notably across different clusters of platform workers. Still, the vast majority votes against obligatory social insurances for platform workers and favours self-employment over dependent employment. Against this background, we discuss challenges for future attempts aiming at improving social protection for platform workers. This study adds to the literature by empirically exploring platform workers’ social protection and social policy preferences, which have been overlooked to date.

The Urgency of Job Loss Security Program for the Protection of Human Rights

Jaminan Kehilangan Pekerjaan (JKP) or The Job Loss Security Program is a recent government initiative designed to enhance legal, economic, and social protection for workers affected by Termination of Employment. This program needs proper supervision for optimal contribution to the community well-being. This normative legal research used both statutory and conceptual methods to answer the central research question regarding the urgency of the JKP program in safeguarding human rights. The findings indicate that the JKP program significantly aids workers by providing financial support, facilitating access to labor market information, and enhancing skills through job training, thereby helping them meet their own and their families' needs.

Protection of Workers’ Rights in Bankruptcy Proceeding in Serbian and Western Balkans Legislation

The protection of workers’ rights in bankruptcy proceedings is a matter of supreme importance in every country. Comparing national laws, one could conclude that the predominant solution is to grant workers the position of privileged creditors. In Serbia, workers are protected by means of two laws: the Labour Law, which is the lex generalis for this area, and the Bankruptcy Law, which has the role of lex specialis. In addition to protection during bankruptcy proceedings before commercial courts, workers can appeal to the state’s national guarantee institution, namely, the Solidarity Fund. Serbia is, therefore, among the countries which employ a mixed – protectionist system. By analysing the legal solutions related to these issues, the authors want to determine the correlation between national legal solutions and those at the European Union level, and to consider the problems in bringing these claims in legal practice. They have also reviewed the current legislation in some Western Balkans countries including Croatia as a member of the EU, and Bosnia and Herzegovina, which has candidate status akin to Serbia. The authors conclude that Serbian law has a modern, hybrid approach in securing the rights of workers in bankruptcy proceedings, but that there is room for improving regulations in this area. This could be achieved by, inter alia, increasing the volume of claims guaranteed to workers, restricting the reasons for initiating bankruptcy proceedings, making preliminary payments to workers in the initial stages of the proceedings, and keeping court records on the percentage of workers’ claims being realised in bankruptcy proceedings.

Bureaucratic Law Transformation and Trade Union Fragmentation in Thailand and Japan in the Context of Free Trade

To achieve economic development, a country must cooperate with other nations. This often involves a partnership where one country provides workers, while foreign investors contribute significant capital. To sustain such trade relationships, bureaucratic reform is sometimes necessary. These reforms aim to enhance administrative efficiency and economic competitiveness but can also lead to the fragmentation of trade unions, which impacts workers' protection and rights. This research explores the transformation of bureaucratic law and trade union fragmentation in Thailand and Japan within the context of free trade. A qualitative comparative study method was employed to analyze the effects of these reforms in both countries. In Thailand, reforms aimed at simplifying the licensing process and reducing regulations have been successful in attracting foreign investment and accelerating economic growth. However, they have also increased job uncertainty and weakened social protection. In Japan, while traditional labor unions persist, the increasing fragmentation has resulted in uneven worker protection. This analysis reveals that the social and economic effects of these changes are complex and require careful policy consideration to balance economic growth with worker protection. The study recommends comprehensive labor law reforms, increased social dialogue, and stronger support for new trade unions to ensure fair and sustainable worker protections in both countries.

Employment Legal Protection in Facing Artificial Intelligence Disruption: Efforts to Overcome the Replacement of Human Workers

<p><em>This study aims to analyze employment legal protection in the face of disruption from artificial intelligence (AI) technology that threatens the existence of human labor. The development of AI technology has created new challenges for the world of employment, where many jobs have the potential to be replaced by machines and automated systems. This study uses a normative legal method with a statutory approach to examine existing employment regulations and their relevance in protecting workers' rights in the digital era. The data used consists of legal literature, laws and regulations related to the application of AI in the world of work. The results of the study show that Law Number 13 of 2023 concerning Manpower emerged as a response to the unfavorable situation for workers, with the aim of protecting labor rights and implementing international instruments and human rights declarations. Technological advances, especially automation and artificial intelligence (AI), bring benefits such as efficiency and new opportunities, but also pose challenges such as job loss. To address this, the government needs to strengthen employment legal protection, design policies to support affected workers, and provide skills training and incentives for companies. The Circular of the Ministry of Communication and Information on the ethics of using AI emphasizes inclusivity, humanity, accessibility, and sustainable development, as well as the protection of workers' rights such as the right to work and fair treatment. However, current national regulations do not specifically regulate the use of AI by companies, so new legal arrangements are needed to protect workers' rights and manage the transition due to Termination of Employment</em><em>.</em></p>

Application of INTDOSKIT tool for assessment of uncertainties on dose coefficients for ingestion of uranium by workers

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has developed the Human Alimentary Tract Model (HATM) to calculate radiation doses from the ingestion of radionuclides for the protection of workers and the public. In parallel, the ICRP's Occupational Intake of Radionuclides (OIR) series provides biokinetic models and dose coefficients based on a reference human, primarily for regulatory purposes. Although these coefficients are not usually checked for uncertainties, the investigation of such uncertainties is crucial to ensure their reliability in radiation protection. This study uses INTDOSKIT, a software tool developed using the R programming language and RStudio as the Integrated Development Environment (IDE), to calculate doses and explore uncertainties following ingestion of U-238 by workers. Two scenarios were investigated: Case I, using the latest HATM model and the systemic uranium model from ICRP publications 100 and 137 respectively, and Case II, based on data from literature, using older ICRP models. In both cases, intake of U-238 in its soluble form (Type F) was modeled and the results were validated using the ICRP OIR dataviewer software. Following validation, uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were performed. In Case I, uncertainties were assigned to the particle transport parameters in both the systemic model model and HATM as well as the uranium uptake fraction into the blood. While in Case II they were limited to the uptake fraction (f1) and the systemic uranium model. A Monte Carlo simulation of 60,000 runs was performed for both cases, sampling model parameters from their respective probability distributions to generate dose distributions. The influence of each parameter on these distributions was also analyzed. Probability distributions were inferred to the calculated dose values using the maximum likelihood estimation method and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit. The results showed that for both cases the committed effective dose coefficient, e (50), followed a lognormal distribution. Case I had a geometric mean of 3.2E-08 Sv/Bq and GSD of 2.0, while case II had a slightly lower geometric mean of 3.1E-08 Sv/Bq and GSD of 1.9. Sensitivity analysis showed that the main contributor to dose uncertainty was the fraction of uranium absorbed from the small intestine into the blood. Both cases showed similar trends, with slightly higher results in case I. Overall, this study demonstrates the effectiveness of INTDOSKIT in calculating dose coefficients and analyzing uncertainties. It suggests that while the ICRP reference values remain useful for protection, the incorporation of additional statistical measures and distribution characteristics could further enhance radiation protection strategies.

Foreign direct investment and the protection of garment workers' rights in Bangladesh

Purpose Critical examination of Bangladeshi laws related to workers’ rights in the garment industry. This paper aims to examine the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on the protection of garment workers’ rights in Bangladesh, analyzing how international investment practices influence labor standards and the overall well-being of workers in the garment industry. Design/methodology/approach In this study, qualitative and analytical methods has been used to analyze legal frameworks related to labor rights in Bangladesh and BITs. Findings The findings indicate a need to strengthen the current legal framework to better protect workers' rights in Bangladesh. The study also provides recommendations for the relevant authorities to improve the existing laws. Originality/value Novel idea critically evaluating the Bangladeshi legal framework in the context of foreign direct investment and implications for worker's rights.

Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen NCD care and policy in humanitarian settings: a mixed methods study exploring humanitarian actors’ experiences

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic and response severely impacted people living with non-communicable diseases (PLWNCDs) globally. It exacerbated pre-existing health inequalities, severely disrupted access to care, and worsened clinical outcomes for PLWNCDs, who were at higher risk of morbidity and mortality from the virus. The pandemic’s effects were likely magnified in humanitarian settings, where there were pre-existing gaps in continuity of care for non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We sought to explore factors affecting implementation of NCD care in crisis settings during the COVID-19 pandemic and the adaptations made to support implementation.MethodsGuided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research, we undertook an online survey of 98 humanitarian actors from multiple regions and organization types (March-July 2021), followed by in-depth interviews with 13 purposively selected survey respondents (October-December 2021). Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while interview data were analysed thematically, using both deductive and inductive approaches.ResultsInitially, humanitarian actors faced challenges influenced by external actors’ priorities, such as de-prioritisation of NCD care by governments, travel restrictions and supply chain interruptions. With each infection wave and lockdown, humanitarian actors were better able to adapt and maintain NCD services. The availability of COVID-19 vaccines was a positive turning point, especially for the risk management of people with NCDs and protection of health workers. Key findings include that, despite pre-existing challenges, humanitarian actors largely continued NCD services during the crisis. Enabling factors that supported continuity of NCD services included the ability to quickly pivot to remote means of communication with PLWNCDs, flexibility in medicine dispensing, and successful advocacy to prioritize NCD management within health systems. Key lessons learned included the importance of partnerships and cooperation with other health actors, and the mobilisation or repurposing of community health workers/volunteer networks.ConclusionsThe COVID-19 experience should prompt national and global health stakeholders to strengthen inclusion of NCDs in emergency preparedness, response, and resilience planning. Key lessons were learned around remote care provision, including adapting to NCD severity, integrating community health workers, providing context-adapted patient information, combating misinformation, and strengthening cross-sectoral partnerships.