Working Conditions Research Articles

Vulnerability profiles of workers and the relation with burnout symptoms: results from the Netherlands working conditions survey.

Unfavorable working conditions may place workers in a vulnerable position in the labour market, but studies on the clustering of these factors and their relation to burnout symptoms are lacking. This study aims to identify subgroups of workers in potentially vulnerable positions in the labour market and examine whether burnout symptoms differ across the established subgroups. This study utilizes cross-sectional data from 2019 of the Netherlands Working Conditions Survey (n = 55,283). Working conditions included employment contracts, working hours, multiple jobs, tenure, physical strain, autonomy, and workload. Burnout symptoms were measured with five items on a 7-point Likert scale. Latent Class Analysis was used to identify vulnerability subgroups based on working conditions and educational level. Wilcoxon rank-sum tests were used to examine whether burnout symptoms differed between the identified subgroups. Three out of nine subgroups (i.e., classes 4, 6, and 7) presented combinations of multiple unfavourable working conditions. The vulnerability of class 4, characterized by low educational level, physically demanding work, low autonomy, and a high workload, was underscored by a significantly higher burnout symptom score (M = 2.91;SD = 0.97) compared to all other subgroups. Subgroups 3 (M = 2.69;SD = 1.43) and 8 (M = 2.41;SD = 1.41), without striking unfavourable conditions, had the second and third highest scores on burnout symptoms. Determining vulnerability in the labour market is not straightforward as not all profiles that presented clusters of unfavourable working conditions scored high on burnout symptoms, and vice versa. Future research should investigate whether findings are similar to other mental health outcomes.

Insights into Women’s Occupational Health and Safety: A Decade in Review of Primary Data Studies

Women play integral roles across various sectors, including mining. Moreover, they often form a majority in certain sectors, such as healthcare and education. Biological (sex) and social (gender) differences can influence how hazards are assessed and controlled for women at work. Therefore, because of the importance of women’s occupational health and safety (OHS), this study reviews and analyzes OHS-related research studies to explore (i) the attention given to women’s OHS; (ii) the specific occupations studied; and (iii) the primary OHS issues and challenges faced by women. Following PRISMA guidelines, the study examined articles from 2010–2021, selecting 62 that utilized primary data, with all or part of their participants being female. The results indicate that the included studies examined women’s OHS in specific occupations. These include healthcare workers, farm and forestry workers, office staff, teachers, firefighters, police officers, nail technicians, workers in the clothing industry, and general industrial workers. The trend of publishing articles on women’s OHS has been growing, with most studies focusing on healthcare and agriculture. The USA and South Korea are leading in publications in the field of women’s OHS, while the USA, Australia, and the Netherlands have the highest collaboration rates. Key findings reveal that the most common OHS issues faced by women in various occupations include stress, fatigue, musculoskeletal disorders and pain, sleep disorders, long working hours, depression and anxiety, workplace violence, and allergies and skin problems. Many of these issues are related to mental health. Specific issues based on the nature of the work vary; for example, teachers experience voice disorders, while farmers face digestive problems. This study contributes theoretically by enhancing understanding of women’s OHS, serving as a foundation for further research, and providing practical guidance for employers and policymakers seeking to implement effective strategies for guaranteeing women’s OHS across sectors.

Modelling enablers of business continuity for casual dining restaurants in post-COVID-19 era: an ISM and MICMAC perspective

Purpose While the COVID-19 pandemic has given many firms the importance of business continuity, restaurants have yet to realize the essential enablers. In this regard, the study explored the potential enablers that can help firms attain business continuity in the post-COVID-19 era for casual dining restaurants. Design/methodology/approach This study used an extensive literature review and further supported 28 restaurant managers with an average experience of 8.5 years to identify the potential enablers for ensuring business continuity for casual dining restaurants. Subsequently, this study used the interpretive structural modelling coupled with Matrice d'Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliquée à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis to understand the context-specific inter-relationships as a hierarchical structural model. Findings Findings suggest that financial capability forms the key driver for other enablers in the hierarchy of business continuity for casual dining restaurants. Furthermore, manpower (local and outstation) are the second-level drivers of restaurant process control, digital presence, online reviews and feedback management, scalability, food quality, food delivery management, employee safety and hygiene. The third-level factors further help restaurants to achieve the dynamic capability required to provide customer value and ensure business continuity. Originality/value The study is the foremost to explore a business continuity framework in the new normal for casual dining restaurants in the country. Furthermore, several contextual inter-relationships exhibiting the hierarchy are also established for the business continuity of restaurants in the new normal.

Enhancing grid resiliency in distributed energy systems through a comprehensive review and comparative analysis of islanding detection methods

Reduction of fossil fuel usage, clean energy supply, and dependability are all major benefits of integrating distributed energy resources (DER) with electrical utility grid (UG). Nevertheless, there are difficulties with this integration, most notably accidental islanding that puts worker and equipment safety at risk. Islanding detection methods (IDMs) play a critical role in resolving this problem. All IDMs are thoroughly evaluated in this work, which divides them into two categories: local approaches that rely on distributed generation (DG) side monitoring and remote approaches that make use of communication infrastructure. The study offers a comparative evaluation to help choose the most efficient and applicable IDM, supporting well-informed decision-making for the safe and dependable operation of distributed energy systems within electrical distribution networks. IDMs are evaluated based on NDZ outcomes, detection duration, power quality impact, multi-DG operation, suitability, X/R ratio reliance, and efficient functioning.

Analysis of The Relationship Between The Implementation of The Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) Program and The Level of Employee Compliance With Occupational Safety Principles at PT. Angkasa Pura Logistics

Based on data from the Ministry of Manpower (MoM) in 2023, the number of workplace accidents in Indonesia was recorded at 370,747 cases. The Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program is an approach that focuses on human behavior and social relationships in the workplace. Its goal is to reduce the risk of accidents and work-related injuries by increasing awareness, involvement, and responsibility of employees towards their own safety and the safety of their colleagues. The research was conducted using a quantitative cross-sectional research method. Data collected provide an overview of the relationship between variables. A cross-sectional research design was used to collect data on the Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) program, the level of compliance with work safety behaviors, and work safety behaviors at PT. Angkasa Pura Logistics at a specific time. Data were collected using a questionnaire filled out by respondents. The variation in compliance level scores can be explained by 22.5% of the variation in BBS program scores, while the remaining 77.5% is explained by variation in other variables outside the research model. The variation in employee work safety behavior scores can be explained by 66.4% of the variation in BBS program scores and compliance level, while the remaining 33.6% is explained by variation in other variables outside the research model. There is a significant and meaningful relationship between the BBS program and compliance level. There is a significant and meaningful relationship between the BBS program and work safety behavior. There is a significant and meaningful relationship between compliance level and work safety behavior. There is a direct relationship between the BBS program and workplace safety behavior. Therefore, the Compliance Level intervening variable does not mediate the relationship between the BBS Program and Work Safety Behavior.

A Literature Review on the Relationship Between Hofstede’s National Culture Framework and Occupational Safety

According to data released by ILO, 340 million occupational accidents leading to economic losses, injuries, and deaths occur annually. In the literature, national culture, whose importance gradually increases with the working environment increasingly multicultural, was indicated as one of the factors that affect occupational safety. In this study, 20 articles examining the relationship between national culture and occupational safety over Hofstede's national culture dimensions were identified. These studies were reviewed in terms of the safety factor they examined, the method used, the sector and the results obtained. In addition, the studies were discussed in detail in terms of the effect of national culture on occupational safety. Accordingly, safety performance and safety attitudes were the most studied safety dimensions, questionnaires were the most used method and construction, aviation, oil and gas, and shipping sectors were the most examined sectors. Most of the studies were identified to be in favour of the negative effect of IDV on occupational safety, the negative effect or ineffectiveness of MAS, and the positive effect of UAI and LTO. However, there was a total disagreement about the impact of PDI. This study is expected to provide a better understanding of the national culture and occupational safety relationships, thereby guiding decision-makers in policy development and regulation related to occupational safety.

A Policy Brief towards Improving Mental Health Support Structures for Teachers in Shengli Middle School

Teachers are particularly susceptible to job burnout, ranking third in a survey of occupational burnout across 15 industries. Teacher burnout is an extreme reaction when teachers are unable to cope with work pressures, directly linked to factors such as age, teaching experience, personality, social support, and personal achievements. This study employs a qualitative research approach, conducting interviews with middle school teachers to understand their mental health and needs, and explore potential solutions. The findings emphasize the need for policy support, salary improvement, establishment of home-school communication mechanisms, and a better understanding of teachers' challenges and work conditions.

Exploring the Work Motivational Factors of Generation Z Workforce in Selected BPO Companies: Basis For Job Satisfaction

This qualitative study explored the work motivational factors of the Generation Z workforce. Herzberg’s Approach guided the study in relating situations where Generation Z participants perceived themselves as motivated (job satisfaction) with their work and, equally, in circumstances where they felt demotivated (job dissatisfaction). Hygiene factors (extrinsic) identified for motivating and satisfying this generation at work included a conducive work environment, favorable policies, supportive leaders and teammates, and a competitive salary. For the intrinsic motivating factors, Generation Z participants expressed a desire for continuous personal and career growth, as well as aspirations for job promotions. Regarding demotivators, Generation Z participants perceived issues related to salary disputes, changes in work conditions like remote work (WFH), undesirable interactions with teammates, and unsupportive leaders. They also mentioned lack of rewards and recognition in terms of employee engagement from their company. Additionally, they were demotivated by the absence of training and development opportunities. This study recommended programs for BPO companies aimed at motivating and satisfying Generation Z in the workplace. These included work schedule options, recognition and rewards, and training and development. Work schedule options encompassed flexible scheduling and compressed work weeks, while recognition and rewards consisted of flexible reward options and employee-driven recognition programs. Finally, training and development programs focused on technology utilization, leadership, and team building. Implementing these programs would assist BPO companies in adapting to Generation Z behavior, thereby retaining them in the workforce.

Hidden regulator-based rotational triboelectric nanogenerator with tracing optimal working condition

The research on the rotational triboelectric nanogenerators (R-TENGs) is actively conducted by numerous groups, but its friction-based operation mechanism makes it challenging to simultaneously ensure electrical performance (including output voltage and power) and mechanical performance (such as stability and durability). In this study, a physically intelligent Hidden regulator-assisted design-based R-TENG (HR-TENG) is developed based on the self-adaptive mechanical kinetic design. The relationships between engaged forces and the output performance of R-TENG are investigated, and the normal force acting on the contact interface is unveiled as a hidden core of the output performance of R-TENG. Here, HR-TENG traces the optimal working conditions in real-time according to input energy conditions by itself with spontaneously adjusted friction by controlling the normal force with mechanically self-adjustable components. HR-TENG can be operated in a wide range of conditions of input energy source, and exhibit self-adaptive electrical performance while maintaining mechanical performance depending on the input energy conditions without human intervention. The behaviors of the mechanically self-adjustable components depending on the operation of HR-TENG are analyzed theoretically and experimentally based on kinetic dynamics, and the effect of the normal force on the electrical and mechanical output performances is investigated. The average coefficient of inner friction of HR-TENG is 0.27, and the maximum output voltage and peak power are 254 V and 0.726 mW, respectively. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, the electrical output of HR-TENG under a wide range of input wind conditions (wind speed of 4–22 m/s) is investigated, and the real-time tracing ability of HR-TENG to the optimal working conditions in the continuously changing wind environment is analyzed. The kinetic design of HR-TENG with the hidden regulator (normal force), which affects multiple direct factors of electrical and mechanical performances, can be introduced to various R-TENGs as a key strategy, and thus, it can be expected to serve as a design guideline for futuristic physical intelligence-assisted smart energy harvesters.

Multi-Stage Thermoelectric Coolers Current Optimization for Infrared Detectors Based on the SNOPT-Finite Element Method

At present, series power supply has been widely used in multi-stage thermoelectric coolers (TEC), however, the series power supply cannot fully utilize the full cooling capability of multi-stage TEC. In this paper, according to the actual working conditions of IR detector coolers, three multi-stage TEC models with different numbers of stages were established, and a new method of SNOPT-FEM coupled analysis was adopted to individually optimize the current of each stage. The method considers the synergistic influence of inter-stage thermoelectric effects, which makes the simulation results closer to reality and improves the model solution efficiency with the help of algorithms, which shortens the computation time by at least 46%. The results show that the cold side temperatures of 3-stage, 4-stage, and 5-stage thermoelectric coolers with separated and separated algorithmic power supply can be reduced by 7.95 K and 8.59 K, 8.20 K and 9.04 K and 8.37 K and 9.13 K, respectively, compared with the series power supply. The large cooling temperature difference under separated and separated algorithmic power supplies was achieved at the expense of more power consumption and lower COP compared with the series power supply. Therefore, high-power sources are required to meet the cooling needs of IR detectors in engineering applications. It is thus evident that the proposed method is favorable to promote the application of thermoelectric cooling in infrared detection.

Workplace hazards and safety practices in the small-scale industries

Abstract The small-scale industries are considered a major sector of economic investment in the world. Small-scale industries typically suffer from problems such as poor management systems, poor safety training, difficulties in complying with legislation, and absence of safety performance. This study aimed to measure the levels of heat stress and noise and assess the safety performance in small-scale industries. Twenty industrial workshops were selected representing four different types of small-scale industries (foundries, automotive repair, metal processing, and aluminium processing) in Alexandria, Egypt. Inside each selected workshop, both levels of heat stress and noise were measured by calibrated instruments. A pre-designed checklist evaluated the adequacy of the safety performance. Noise levels ranged between 86.4 ± 2.0 and 89.7 ± 2.7 dB exceeding the recommended value (85 dB). In the most studied workshops, the levels of heat stress were relatively high, especially in the foundries. Besides, the safety practices at all these workshops were poor or very poor. The most obvious safety problems included poor housekeeping, lack of PPEs, inadequate illumination, absence of emergency exits, and insufficient fire extinguishers. The results emphasize the responsibility of the local authorities to give more attention and interest to this type of industry.

Integrating phase-change thermal storage into the indirect dry-cooling system of a thermal power unit and optimal operation strategy

Extreme conditions (high ambient temperature and crosswind speed) reduce the cooling efficiency of dry cooling towers, consequently impairing the thermal performance of thermal power units (TPUs). Phase-change material thermal storage equipment (PCMTSE) is integrated into an indirect dry-cooling system of the TPU to realize a partial cooling load of the cooling tower, thereby stabilizing and improving the thermal performance of the TPU. A model of the TPU and numerical model of the hybrid indirect dry-cooling system are established and coupled, with the inlet cooling water temperature of the condenser serving as the iterative criterion. Two integration schemes are proposed, one with the PCMTSE downstream (Scheme A) and the other with it upstream (Scheme B) of the dry cooling tower. The results show that Scheme A is recommended owing to its superior efficiency in terms of coal savings. The effects of the unit power load on the coal-savings efficiency of the PCMTSE during its charging and discharging processes have been revealed. Operating the PCMTSE at higher power loads aids in improving the thermal efficiency of the TPU during the PCMTSE charging and discharging processes. The charging process should be started at the “three high” working conditions: a high ambient temperature, crosswind speed, and unit power load. The working conditions that allow only one cooling water pump to operate should first be considered for the discharging process, and the “three high” working conditions should then be selected. The TPU equipped with the PCMTSE can save 11.42 tons and 12.74 tons of coal in two typical extreme daily conditions with the implementation of the proposed operating strategy.

Comparing the effectiveness of AR training and slide-based training: The case study of metro construction safety

Metro construction poses significant risks and is prone to severe safety accidents. Safety training is critical to mitigate risks and reduce the number of accidents, as it allows workers to enhance their skills in risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response and ultimately reduce accidents. However, traditional training methods used today, such as slide presentations, videos, or text-based materials, provide a passive learning environment, which can limit their effectiveness in knowledge transfer. Augmented Reality (AR) has emerged as a promising tool for training, allowing trainees to have an active learning environment. Nevertheless, research on assessing the effectiveness of AR safety training while comparing it with traditional methods is still limited. This study aims to compare the short-term and long-term effects on objective performance measures and subjective evaluations of both traditional and AR training. This is done by developing a new AR safety training for metro construction and comparing it with an equivalent slide-based safety training with 72 participants divided into two training groups. The selected safety case study covers the entire safety risk management process, including risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response. Results indicate that AR training is more effective than traditional training in terms of short-term knowledge acquisition of risk identification and long-term knowledge retention of risk identification, risk assessment, and risk response. These findings can have implications for the design of future safety training guidelines and recommendations.

A prospective exploration of the urban exposome in relation to headache in the Dutch population-based Occupational and environmental health cohort study (AMIGO)

ObjectiveHeadache is one of the most prevalent and disabling health conditions globally. We prospectively explored the urban exposome in relation to weekly occurrence of headache episodes using data from the Dutch population-based Occupational and Environmental Health Cohort Study (AMIGO). Material and MethodsParticipants (N = 7,339) completed baseline and follow-up questionnaires in 2011 and 2015, reporting headache frequency. Information on the urban exposome covered 80 exposures across 10 domains, such as air pollution, electromagnetic fields, and lifestyle and socio-demographic characteristics. We first identified all relevant exposures using the Boruta algorithm and then, for each exposure separately, we estimated the average treatment effect (ATE) and related standard error (SE) by training causal forests adjusted for age, depression diagnosis, painkiller use, general health indicator, sleep disturbance index and weekly occurrence of headache episodes at baseline. ResultsOccurrence of weekly headache was 12.5 % at baseline and 11.1 % at follow-up. Boruta selected five air pollutants (NO2, NOX, PM10, silicon in PM10, iron in PM2.5) and one urban temperature measure (heat island effect) as factors contributing to the occurrence of weekly headache episodes at follow-up. The estimated causal effect of each exposure on weekly headache indicated positive associations. NO2 showed the largest effect (ATE = 0.007 per interquartile range (IQR) increase; SE = 0.004), followed by PM10 (ATE = 0.006 per IQR increase; SE = 0.004), heat island effect (ATE = 0.006 per one-degree Celsius increase; SE = 0.007), NOx (ATE = 0.004 per IQR increase; SE = 0.004), iron in PM2.5 (ATE = 0.003 per IQR increase; SE = 0.004), and silicon in PM10 (ATE = 0.003 per IQR increase; SE = 0.004). ConclusionOur results suggested that exposure to air pollution and heat island effects contributed to the reporting of weekly headache episodes in the study population.

Sources of noise exposure across Australian workplaces: cross-sectional analysis and modelling the impact of a targeted noise-source reduction initiative.

Workplace noise regulations and guidance follow the hierarchy of control model that prioritizes eliminating or reducing noise at its source. To determine the main sources of workplace noise exposure in the Australian working population and estimate the reduction of workers exposed over the noise limit (LAeq,8h > 85 dB) if noise levels of specific tools or equipment were reduced by 10 dB. Information on the tools used and tasks performed during each participant's last working shift was collected from 4,977 workers via telephone survey. Using a predetermined database of task-based noise levels, partial noise exposures (Pa2h) were determined for each noisy activity performed by the workers and their daily noise exposure level (LAeq,8h) was estimated. Partial exposures were categorized into 15 tool/task groups and the tally, average, and sum (Pa2h) for each group were calculated. The impacts of 5 different scenarios that simulated a reduction of 10 dB in noise emissions for specific tool groups were modelled. Powered tools and equipment were responsible for 59.3% of all noise exposure (Pa2h); vehicles for 10.6%; mining, refineries, and plant equipment for 5.1%; and manufacturing and food processing for 4.2%. Modelling demonstrated that a 10 dBA noise-level reduction of all powered tools and equipment would lead to a 26.4% (95% confidence interval: 22.7% to 30.3%) reduction of workers with an LAeq,8h > 85 dB. This could represent over 350,000 Australian workers no longer exposed above the workplace limit daily. A universal reduction of 10 dB to power tools and equipment would substantially reduce the future burden of hearing loss, tinnitus, workplace injuries, and other health effects. Initiatives to reduce the noise emissions of specific powered tool groups are warranted.

Electrochemical biosensor based on RNA aptamer and ferrocenecarboxylic acid signal probe for C-reactive protein detection

Monitoring health-related biomarkers using fast and facile detection techniques provides key physicochemical information for disease diagnosis or reflects body health status. Among them, electrochemical detection of various bio-macromolecules, e.g., the C-reactive protein (CRP), is of great interest in offering potential diagnosis for acute inflammation caused by infections, heart diseases, etc. Herein, a novel electrochemical aptamer biosensor was constructed from Ti3C2Tx MXene and in-situ reduced Au NPs for thiolated-RNA aptamer immobilization and CRP protein detection using Fc(COOH) as the signal probe. The sensory performances for CRP detection were optimized based on working conditions, including the incubation times and the pH. The large surface area offered by Ti3C2Tx MXene and high electrical conductivity originating from Au NPs endowed the as-fabricated aptamer biosensor with a decent sensitivity for CRP in a wide linear range of 0.05–80.0 ng/mL, good selectivity over interfering substances, and a low detection limit of 0.026 ng/mL. Such aptamer biosensors also detected CRP in serum samples using the spike & recovery method with reasonable recovery rates. The results demonstrated the potential of the as-fabricated electrochemical aptamer biosensor for fast and facile CRP detection in practical applications.

A general hyperelastic model for rubber-like materials incorporating strain-rate and temperature

A comprehensive hyperelastic model that precisely forecasts the mechanical characteristics of materials with rubber-like qualities is presented. This model relies on the well-established five-parameter Mooney-Rivlin model, which is then extended to incorporate strain rate dependent and temperature dependent term. To validate its accuracy, experimental data from ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber materials was utilized to compare with the model prediction. Hyperelastic stress-strain curves were collected from a variety of materials that were subjected to varying temperatures and strain rates to improve the model’s applicability. Its prediction results are compared against the collected experimental data, resulting in consistent and reliable outcomes. The simplified form of the model not only establishes an effective framework for characterizing and predicting the mechanical response of materials that resemble rubber under different working conditions but makes the coding and implementation of finite element analysis easier.

A Study On The Effectiveness Of Workplace Health And Safety Practices Upon Employee Wellbeing At Sri Vigneshwara Cold Forge

This research paper explores effectiveness of employee workplace health and safety upon employee wellbeing which includes physical health, mental health, engagement, productivity and job satisfaction. Key variables including training programs, ergonomics measures, safety protocols and organizational support will be examined in relation to employee physical and mental wellbeing indicators such as injury rates, absenteeism, job satisfaction and stress levels. The total population is 200 and sample size is 132. The tools used for non-parametric U test, H test and Spearman Rank Correlation, Chi-square, Weighted average and Interval Estimation. Through a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including surveys, interviews and data analysis, this research aims to suggest suitable health and safety measures for employee wellbeing for Sri Vigneshwara Cold Forge. Key words: Physical Health Impact, Safety Perception, Hazard Identification, Policy Compliance, Training Programs.

The prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among nurses in China: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundWork-related musculoskeletal disorders significantly impact the job performance and quality of life of nursing personnel in China, necessitating an understanding of their prevalence and risk factors to enhance occupational health and improve medical safety. ObjectiveTo systematically evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nurses in China. DesignSystematic literature review and meta-analysis. MethodsA computerized search was conducted on databases, including the China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, Wanfang Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, Weipu Database, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and CINAHL, covering studies from inception to February 28, 2024, addressing the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing professionals in China. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4 and Stata 14 software. ResultsThe analysis included 23 articles, involving a total of 21,042 cases, and revealed a prevalence rate of 79 % (95 % CI: 73 %–84 %) for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing staff in China. Subgroup analysis revealed that the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders was highest among those with length of service >15 years, at 87 %; the 31–40 age group had a higher prevalence than other age groups, at 85 %; female nurses exhibited a prevalence rate of 80 %, surpassing male nurses at 77 %, while surgical nurses had a higher prevalence rate (83 %) than those in other departments. The most affected body parts were the neck (58 %), waist (57 %), shoulders (49 %), and back (35 %). Identified risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nurses in China included age >35 years (OR = 1.69, 95 % CI: 1.16–2.45), length of service ≥10 years (OR = 3.30, 95 % CI: 1.84–5.92), marital status (married) (OR = 2.19, 95 % CI: 1.91–2.50), heavy workload (OR = 2.46, 95 % CI: 1.25–4.83), weekly work hours >40 h (OR = 1.50, 95 % CI: 1.34–1.67), daily work hours >8 h (OR = 1.71, 95 % CI: 1.32–2.21), strong sense of work fatigue (OR = 1.47, 95 % CI: 1.22–1.76), and high night shift frequency (OR = 1.81, 95 % CI: 1.62–2.02). Regular physical exercise was found to be a protective factor (OR = 0.68, 95 % CI: 0.56–0.82). ConclusionThe overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders among clinical nursing staff in China was 79 %. Age >35 years, length of service ≥10 years, marital status (married), heavy workload, weekly work hours >40 h, daily work hours >8 h, strong sense of work fatigue, and night shift frequency were identified as risk factors. Nursing administrators and staff can take proactive measures against the aforementioned factors to reduce the risk of illness and ensure the safety of medical care. RegistrationPROSPERO: CRD42023479433.

Planning in Ghana: analysis of the various forms of professional misconduct from the perspective of professional planners

ABSTRACT A study of 46 professional planners across Ghana, found that 60% of those interviewed are unaware of the prescribed codes of ethics. Respondents identified prevalent forms of professional misconduct including bribery, corruption, and unfair dealing among others. Factors contributing to this misconduct are political interference, weak enforcement of ethics codes, poor working conditions, and low incomes. The participants of the study also identified that unethical behaviour among planners can result in the development of unapproved structures, encroachment on ecologically sensitive areas, and low confidence in the planning system. The study suggests the need for a more comprehensive ethical code of conduct for professional planning practice in Ghana with effective enforcement mechanisms.