Protection Of Workers Research Articles

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.

The neglect of protection for undocumented Migrant Workers within the framework of Human Rights Law

The safeguarding of fundamental rights for undocumented migrant workers represents a critical challenge that necessitates immediate attention. This article addresses the oversight within the human rights discourse regarding the fundamental rights of undocumented migrant workers. Through empirical normative research, incorporating a comprehensive review of normative literature, this study critically examines the regulations affecting migrant workers through the lens of human rights. It identifies a significant correlation between the lack of protective guarantees for undocumented migrant workers and the various cases and consequences that ensue. From a human rights perspective, regulations prioritize equality before the law, protection, and anti-discrimination. This stance contrasts with existing laws that govern Indonesian migrant workers, wherein protection is exclusively extended to those legally recognized. Such exclusivity denies undocumented migrant workers the assurance of their fundamental rights. Arguably, the provision of basic rights and protections should be indiscriminately extended to all migrant workers, irrespective of their legal status. While the specifics of migrant worker placement can still be regulated concerning requirements, processes, involved parties, and responsibilities, these regulations must not infringe upon the fundamental human rights of individuals. Consequently, this paper advocates for a thorough evaluation of current legislation with respect to its content, the comprehension of involved stakeholders, and the practical implementation of regulations concerning the management of migrant workers.

Seminar Pekerja Migran untuk Pencegahan Modus Kerja di Luar Negeri

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) seminar in raising community awareness in Putatgede Village. The seminar, which involved socialization and interactive discussions, successfully provided relevant information on migrant worker recruitment procedures, the risk of fraud, and protection for migrant workers. The active participation of participants from various age groups showed the high interest of the community in obtaining accurate information. Evaluation results showed an increase in participants' understanding of the importance of working through official channels and vigilance against unclear job offers.

Distribution of oil mist particles and air quality improvement in the working area of the cutting workshop

The oil mist particles cyclically emitted during the cutting process are a serious health hazard for workers in machine plants. Affected by emission parameters and seasonal factors, the dynamic distribution of oil mist particles in the workers' breathing zone is not yet clear, and suitable ventilation optimization is yet to be proposed. This paper investigates the dynamic distribution of oil mist particles in the workers' breathing zone and ventilation optimization by numerical simulation. It was found that the accumulated value, peak value, and duration of peak of the oil mist particle concentration in the breathing zone are 1.5 ∼ 5 x, 3 ∼ 7 x, and 2 ∼ 3 x higher than other conditions, respectively, influenced by the emission parameters of the cutting process. Due to the interference of air conditioning airflow, the concentration is high in winter with obvious periodic fluctuations (7 x), while it is relatively low and stable (2 x) in summer. Parallel flow air curtains can decrease the concentration of oil mist particles in the breathing zone by 42.1 % ∼ 67.9 %, with a 13 % ∼ 50 % increase in energy consumption. This paper provides guidance for clarifying the dynamic distribution of pollutants at workers' post in industrial buildings, as well as the protection of workers' breathing environment.

Signs of social protection of public service workers

Signs of social protection of public service workers

How Advocates Can Use the Revised Circular A-4 Means to Push for Stronger Worker and Environmental Protections.

For public interest advocates engaged on issues of worker health and safety and environmental protections, regulatory cost-benefit analysis has long been seen as an obstacle to meaningful progress. In November 2023, the Biden administration overhauled Circular A-4, which provides guidance to agencies on how to perform cost-benefit analyses for their rules. The reforms seek to make cost-benefit analysis less biased against worker safety, public health, environmental, and other protective safeguards. As such, the new version of Circular A-4 offers important new levers to agencies to justify more stringent protections. By extension, those in the public interest community can use agency implementation of the new Circular A-4 as part of their advocacy efforts for specific rules they are tracking. This article seeks to support this tactic by providing a roadmap for advocates on how to incorporate into their comments critiques of agencies' cost-benefit analyses based on the Circular A-4 revisions.

BTEX concentration and health risk assessment in automobile workshops

This study focused on the measurement of BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene) concentrations in the air of indoor and outdoor environments of automobile workshops in Damghan, Iran. Air samples from twenty-five workshops were actively collected and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Flame Ionization Detection (GC-FID). The results showed that the concentrations of BTEX were higher in the indoor air compared to the outdoor air. The highest mean concentration of benzene (153.22 ± 34.21 μg m−3), toluene (94.41 ± 25.25 μg m−3), and xylenes (385.38 ± 34.21 μg m−3) was found in auto paint (AP) workshops, while the highest mean concentration of ethylbenzene (43.39 ± 12.57 μg m−3) was observed in auto body (AB) workshops. The significant negative correlations between benzene, ethylbenzene, xylene isomers, and relative humidity (RH) indicated that controlling humidity is an effective strategy. The mean inhalation lifetime cancer risk (LTCR) for benzene in both indoor and outdoor air of all automobile workshops exceeded the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) recommended limits. The highest mean LTCR values for benzene and ethylbenzene were observed in the AP (3.24E10-4) and AB (2.95E10-5) workshops, respectively. The hazard quotient (HQ) of benzene and Xylene in the indoor air of the AP and AB workshops was >1, which indicates that the non-carcinogenic risks associated with exposure to these compounds are considerable. This study underscores the need for international attention to BTEX pollution in automobile workshops, highlighting the global health risks. The findings provide crucial data for developing strategies to mitigate these risks and protect workers’ health.

Casualization of work, free riding and institutional distrust: Explaining social protection preferences of platform workers in Germany

Abstract The social protection of platform workers is widely recognized as a major political challenge but remains vastly understudied. The few existing investigations focus on social protection coverage and the employment status of platform workers, while their social protection preferences remain a black box to date. In this article, we investigate the social protection preferences of platform workers using a mixed methods design based on an online survey (n = 719) and qualitative in-depth interviews (n = 20) with self-employed platform workers in Germany. While the quantitative data indicate that the vast majority of respondents reject compulsory social insurance contributions for platform workers and favour self-employment over dependent employment, the qualitative interviews reveal three main types of explanations for this regulation aversion in different segments of platform work: The casualization of work in the platform economy, free riding on protection derived from ‘regular’ employment and distrust in established welfare state institutions. Against this background, we discuss challenges for social policies aiming at improving social protection for platform workers.

Evaluation of Social Protection Programs to Improve the Welfare of Indonesian Migrant Workers Deported from Malaysia at the Rumah Perlindungan Trauma Center (RPTC) Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands Province

This study aims to evaluate social protection programs to improve the welfare of Indonesian Migrant Workers who are deported from Malaysia who are then provided with social protection services starting from pick-up, shelter at RPTC to repatriation to the area of origin. From the CIPP evaluation model used in this study, it was found: Context evaluation, social protection for migrant workers at RPTC is a crucial step in efforts to improve their welfare. Input evaluation, evaluation of the inputs that have been provided for the social protection of PMI at RPTC aims to measure the extent to which existing resources have been optimally utilized in improving the welfare of PMI which includes human resources, budget, facilities, policies, partnerships and information and data. In the Process Evaluation, researchers focus on activities or agendas that will or have been carried out by RPTC officers/employees. in this case the author found several processes of implementing the agenda, assisting personnel and the supervision process, namely by interviewing, validating the process and filling out questionnaires. Evaluation of results (product) is used to determine what decisions will be made next, the researcher concluded several interviews that said that this social protection service could improve the welfare of Indonesian Migrant Worker.

Cancer, Coma, Chromosomes, and the Comforter: Investigating Scientific Mechanisms of Divine Healing and Design

While narratives of divine healing are common, we rarely encounter scientific investigations into divine healing presented to the scientist, the theologian, and the curious alike. This research begins by highlighting the brilliance of the design of the human body that has been intricately fine-tuned through the work of the Holy Spirit (HS) to resist disease. The study discusses how creation harbors plant-derived bioactive molecules strategically placed to safeguard and heal the body of certain cancers and other diseases through dietary means–a testament to the design and protective work of the HS intricately woven into nature. The study also scientifically investigates divine healing by examining evidence-based data on significant cases from medical records and scientific literature. We investigate cases of remarkable divine healings from metastatic cancer, inherited genetic disease, cardiac arrest, and coma in response to prayer for healing after modern medicine offered no permanent solution.

Court-ordered forensic psychiatry treatment in prison: determinants of outcome and risk mitigation.

Court-ordered forensic psychiatry treatments (COT) are specifically designed to reduce the risk of violence in mentally disordered offenders. Given their high costs and ethical issues, mental health professionals need admission criteria to be able to select those candidates with optimal benefit. This study analyses offender-related and treatment-related determinants of COT outcome and risk mitigation. This two-year longitudinal study assessed the evolution of 117 adult offenders admitted to a specialized medium-security forensic psychiatry clinic. Treatment outcome included court-ordered discharge locations and the Historical Clinical Risk Management (HCR) score evolution. Treatment progress was assessed every six months across five time-points including measures of protective factors, work rehabilitation and security. Outcome determinants included psychiatric diagnosis and type of offence. Discharge locations are predicted by pre-treatment risk level. Lower HCR scores are associated with discharge into low-security psychiatry wards independently of the psychiatric diagnosis. Risk reduction follows diagnosis-specific and offense-related patterns and reveals that mentally disordered offenders with Cluster B personality disorders or those sentenced for drug crimes are significantly less prone to benefit from COT. Our findings indicate that criminological characteristics at baseline as well as diagnosis of personality disorders are the main determinants of treatment outcome in our care setting. Inmates with concomitant higher violence risk at baseline and presence of Cluster B personality disorders might benefit the least from court-ordered forensic inpatient psychiatric care in prison.

Síntomas de ansiedad y depresión en los trabajadores de la salud durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en un centro de salud en Barranquilla, Colombia

IntroductionThe spread of the pandemic in Colombian territory occurred heterogeneously, suggesting a potentially differential impact on the mental health of healthcare professionals who responded to the emergency. ObjectiveTo identify factors related to depressive and anxious symptoms in healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic at a clinical center in the city of Barranquilla. MethodologyWe conducted a cross-sectional study involving 71 active healthcare workers in 2022. The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) were utilized to estimate the prevalence of these mental disorders. ResultsWe estimated a prevalence of depressive and anxious symptoms, mild or higher, at 18.3% (CI95% 10.1–29.3) and 21.1% (CI95% 12.3–33.4), respectively. Work experience, glove usage, gastrointestinal discomfort, and appetite disturbance were significantly associated with depressive symptoms, while loss of libido and appetite disturbance were linked to mild or higher anxious symptoms. ConclusionsDepressive and anxious symptoms are common in the mental health of healthcare workers in pandemic contexts. Factors associated with these symptoms, such as the use of personal protective equipment and work experience, could be addressed through organizational management.

Thinking politically about social work in child protection and welfare: A radical Reappropriation of the works of Hannah Arendt

This article presents a theoretical exposition of Arendtian political philosophy for child protection and welfare social work. The aim is to better understand and inform social work in the field of child protection and welfare, whilst accounting for the political context of practice. Sustaining the exposition is the view that power-laden child protection systems are ultimately socio-political through their authority to intervene in private family life. This is partly owing to the instrumental power inherent in child protection systems to exert dominance and control over service users and social groups leading to raced, gendered and classed outcomes in child welfare. To unpack the political nature of social work in child protection and welfare, a tripartite conceptual frame of private, public and social domains is derived from Arendt’s philosophical work. This is critically applied to put forward seven propositions for how social work can develop in child protection and welfare, with respect to practice in a socio-political context. Practical implications for future social work include implementing evidence-informed advocacy efforts and conducting empirical research toward preserving balance in social work attention to public and private life.

Unpacking cross‐country variations in domestic worker protection regimes: Adopting a policy regime perspective

Domestic workers are some of the most vulnerable and least protected workers in the world. However, there is significant variation in domestic worker protections across countries. Using a policy regime perspective, I unpack how differing ideas, institutional arrangements and interest groups inform differences in the degree of legal protections that a country provides domestic workers. I posit that only if all three of these building blocks are present and supportive will a country institute a strong domestic worker protection regime. I apply this model to explain the incomplete/weak domestic worker protection regimes in Pakistan, Singapore, South Africa and Sweden.

Trends in Exposure to Respirable Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica Among Lithium Mine Workers in Western Australia

BackgroundExposure to respirable dust (RES) and respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is common in mining operations and is associated with health effects such as pneumoconiosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, silicosis, lung cancer, and renal disease. MethodsThis study used industry occupational exposure data for respirable dust from two surface lithium mines in Western Australia for the period between 2017 and 2023. A total of 1122 samples were collected in workgroups across four departments - administration and support, mining, crushing and processing, and maintenance. ResultsThe study found that the overall RES concentration did not exceed the exposure standard. However, Crusher Dry/Wet Plant Personnel (0.558 mg/m3) and Workshop Boilermakers (0.842 mg/m3) recorded elevated exposure to RES. The highest mean exposures for RCS over the seven-year study period were measured for Management Administration & Technical (0.068 mg/m3), followed by Crusher Dry/Wet Plant Personnel (0.042 mg/m3), exceeding the ES. Maximum results for both RES (15.00 mg/m3) and RCS (2.50 mg/m3) indicated exceedances. ConclusionThe study demonstrated a decline in exposure to RES over the seven years of study from 0.472 mg/m3 to 0.151 mg/m3, with a slight increase in 2019 and 2022. A decline in the concentration of RCS was observed between 2019 -2021, followed by an increase after 2021. The mean concentration of RCS exceeded the exposure standard in 2023. Based on the study results and the established adverse health effects associated with exposure to silica, various control measuresto protect workers from RCS exposure should be considered.

The impact of minimum wage increases on unemployment in the V4 countries: Assessing the recommendations of the European Commission

The European Commission has recently implemented legislative measures to improve worker protection through an adequate minimum wage set by national laws or collective agreements. A recommended benchmark for minimum wage calculation is 60% of the gross median wage or 50% of the mean wage. However, the Kaitz index, a ratio indicator, shows lower values in most EU countries, raising concerns about potential negative impact on the labour market. This study aims to identify the impact of the Kaitz index and several other selected variables on unemployment in the V4 countries. Using multiple linear regression, we concluded that the Kaitz index’s growth does not uniformly impact unemployment in the V4 countries. Specifically, in Slovakia and the Czechia, the Kaitz index growth appeared to increase unemployment, in line with neoclassical economic theory. In contrast, Hungary and Poland did not register significant effects. Gender differences were also noted, with the Kaitz index affecting female unemployment in the Czechia and Hungary, and male unemployment in Slovakia. The research results suggest that increasing the minimum wage in the V4 countries is feasible if its growth rate is higher than that of unemployment benefits and the living minimum, but lower than the average wage growth, and if it is supported by economic growth.