Working Conditions Research Articles

Application of Occupational Health and Safety Management through Job Safety Analysis in Steel Structure Installation: A Case Study of the P.T. Ultra Sakti Workshop Construction

Workplace accidents are a prevalent issue across various construction projects, including workshop development. To address this challenge, the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management is crucial. This study aims to evaluate the application of OHS management, with a focus on the utilization of Job Safety Analysis (JSA) methods to prevent workplace accidents during workshop construction projects. The research employs a qualitative field study approach. Data were collected through direct observations, interviews with workers, project managers, and Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) personnel, as well as through the analysis of relevant OHS documentation. The JSA implementation process was assessed at various stages, including hazard identification, control measure determination, and the implementation of preventive actions. The findings reveal that the average risk level associated with steel structure installation work is classified as moderate, with a percentage of 51%. Activities that present high to extreme risk levels are predominantly related to tasks performed at height, such as the installation of main beams, secondary beams, and rafters, with fall and impact hazards being significant concerns. To mitigate these risks, appropriate controls must be enforced, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), full-body harnesses, effective housekeeping practices, and the installation of signage and the isolation of hazardous work areas. These measures can effectively reduce risk levels from high and extreme to low and moderate.

A mixed-method study on physicians’ perceptions of pay for performance: impact on professionalism, morality and work-life balance

BackgroundPay-for-performance system (P4P) has been in operation in the Turkish healthcare sector since 2004. While the government defended that it encouraged healthcare professionals’ job motivation, and improved patient satisfaction by increasing efficiency and service quality, healthcare professionals have emphasized the system’s negative effects on working conditions, physicians’ trustworthiness, and cost-quality outcomes. In this study, we investigated physicians’ accounts of current working conditions, their status as a moral agent, and their professional attitudes in the context of P4P’s perceived effects on their professional, social, private, and future lives.MethodsFirst, we held 3 focus groups with 19 residents and 1 specialist regarding their lived experiences under P4P and thematically analyzed the transcripts. Second, we developed a questionnaire to assess how generalizable the qualitative findings are for a broader group of physicians. The tool has three parts questioning 1) demographic information, 2) working conditions, and 3) perceived consequences and effects of P4P. 2136 physicians responded to the survey. After refining the data, we conducted the statistical analysis over 1378 responses by using Spearman's correlation coefficient, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) for categorical data, and Kruskal–Wallis variance analysis.ResultsThematic analysis revealed two dimensions: 1) factors leading to estrangement, and 2) manifestations of estrangement. As for the initial, participants thought that P4P affected relationships at work; family and social relationships; working conditions; quality of the specialty training; quality of healthcare services; and it caused healthcare system-related consequences. Concerning the latter, the following themes emerged: Estrangement of the physician; damaging effects on physician’s psychology; physician’s perception of their future life; and physician as a moral agent. According to EFA, a 5-factor structure was appropriate: F1) Estrangement; F2) adverse effects on the physician’s quality of life; F3) favorable consequences; F4) physicians becoming disreputable; F5) unfavorable consequences.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that under P4P, physicians have become more estranged towards their profession, their patients, and themselves. They suffer from deteriorating working conditions, lack of motivation, lack of work-related satisfaction, and hopelessness regarding their future. Furthermore, P4P impairs their ability to realize themselves as moral subjects practicing in alignment with professional values and principles.

Psychological and Social Factors Associated With Reporting Post-COVID Symptoms Among German Healthcare Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Health care workers (HCW) with post-COVID condition (PCC) are frequently reported to suffer from mental health impairment. Given HCW above-average risk for mental health, research is necessary and risk factors need to be assessed. To compare mental health and health of German HCW with and without PCC and to identify associated psychological and social factors. Cross-sectional study. Overall, 2816 German HCW participated (332 reported PCC). Measures were post-COVID condition symptom sum score (PCSS), symptoms of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-2), anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder-2) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms (Impact of Event Scale-6), work-family conflict (Work-Family Conflict Scale), social support (ENRICHD Social Support Inventory), sense of coherence (Sense Of Coherence-3 Scale) and working conditions. Group differences of HCW with and without PCC were investigated. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed for HCW with PCC. PCSS was the dependent variable. Independent variables were a.m. measures and age, gender, occupational group and migration background. HCW with PCC exhibited higher values, with medium effect sizes, for symptoms of depression, anxiety and PTSD. Small effect sizes were observed for work-family conflict, social support, sense of coherence and working conditions. Higher PCSS scores were associated with higher depression, anxiety, PTSD and work-family conflict levels, lower social support and sense of coherence and migration background. Being a physician was associated with lower PCSS. Lower mental health, social factors and resources may play a role in reporting severe post-COVID symptoms. Further research is necessary to investigate these interactions using the biopsychosocial theory. This study can help to understand PCC in HCW to design adjusted treatments and protect HCW from PCC and minimise their risk of PCC. This study complies with the Journal article reporting standards for quantitative research in psychology: The APA Publications and Communications Board task force report (Data S1). Caregivers are the sample group.

Integrating intuitionistic fuzzy and MCDM methods for sustainable energy management in smart factories.

Improving energy efficiency is crucial for smart factories that want to meet sustainability goals and operational excellence. This study introduces a novel decision-making framework to optimize energy efficiency in smart manufacturing environments, integrating Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets (IFS) with Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. The proposed approach addresses key challenges, including reducing carbon footprints, managing operating costs, and adhering to stringent environmental standards. Eight essential criteria are identified, such as the use of renewable energy, the efficiency of production, and the health and safety of workers, to evaluate energy performance. Using the entropy method for criterion weighting and the CRADIS technique for alternative ranking, we prioritize a range of energy-efficient solutions. The novelty of our approach lies in its comprehensive assessment of complex real-world energy management scenarios within smart factories, offering a robust and adaptable decision-support tool. Our empirical results, validated through sensitivity analysis, show that alternative 5 delivers the most significant improvement in energy efficiency. This study provides valuable information for industry practitioners seeking to transition to more sustainable production methods and supports the broader sustainability agenda.

Barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities in Western and Asian countries: a scoping review

BackgroundThere is a gap between the principles of person-centred dementia care and their actual implementation. However, scoping reviews of the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities for Western countries and Asian countries are lacking.ObjectiveTo identify and compare the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities between Western and Asian countries.MethodsIn line with Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology, a scoping review was conducted and is reported following PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Nine English language databases and three Chinese databases were searched to identify qualitative and quantitative research studies published in English and Chinese. Thematic analysis was used to summarise and characterize the barriers and facilitators to implementing person-centred dementia care in long-term care facilities for Western and Asian countries.ResultsThirty-three studies were included. Over half were conducted in Western countries (n =20). Barriers and facilitators were grouped under four high level themes: Nursing and care staff factors, people living with dementia and family factors, organizational factors, and resource factors. Inadequate knowledge of person-centred care, staffing shortages, time constraints, and low wages were the principal barriers to implementing person-centred dementia care in both Western and Asian countries.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that staff encounter numerous obstacles and needs in implementing person-centred care for people living with dementia in long-term care settings. Educational levels of nursing staff in Western countries were generally higher compared to Asian countries. Additionally, work-related injuries and stigma associated with dementia care presented unique challenges for nursing staff in Asia and were not cited in Western studies. Conversely, family-related factors were more frequently and elaborately cited as influencing person-centred dementia care in Western long-term care facilities. Moreover, Asian studies identified a significant lack of educational training support for person-centred dementia care, as well as shortages in staffing and poor availability of personalized, home-like environments

What Control Measures Should I Use? Applying the Total Worker Health Hierarchy of Controls to Manage Workplace Fatigue.

Increased fatigue risk has been associated with safety-critical events such as work-related injuries. While control measures are needed to reduce these risks, the wide range and complexities of fatigue risk management strategies can make it difficult for organizations to prioritize efforts given limited resources and time. Given these challenges, the aims of this commentary are two-fold. The first is to conceptualize fatigue risk management strategies within the Total Worker Health (TWH) Hierarchy of Controls, a conceptual framework used to prioritize strategies to advance worker safety, health, and wellbeing. As an extension to the traditional Hierarchy of Controls, the TWH version presents strategies in order of effectiveness, ranging from "eliminate," "substitute," "redesign," "educate," and "encourage" categories. The second aim of this paper is to use the TWH Hierarchy of Controls to identify control measures which reflect the level of fatigue risk for adverse safety and health outcomes.

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND WORKPLACE ACCIDENTS IN MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM RATTAN BUSINESSES IN GRESIK DISTRICT

Work accidents are caused by events in the work environment which are certain to harm various parties and even lead to disability and even the most fatal event, namely death. Work accidents in Gresik Regency Rattan MSME's that appear to dominate are due to a lack of knowledge, attitudes, compliance and Personal Protective Equipment. The aim is to find out how the relationship between Occupational Safety and Health behavior and the incidence of work accidents in Rattan Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Gresik Regency. The study was conducted cross-sectionally and classified as quantitative. The total population involved is 278 workers who worked in 16 semi-finished rattan MSME's. The selected participants were randomized (simple random sampling) and Slovin's formula, resulting in a total of 165 workers as respondents. Data collection was conducted through three main methods, namely direct observation, interviews, and questionnaires. The variables used are OHS behavior which includes OHS knowledge, OHS attitude, OHS compliance and the use of personal protective equipment (independent), while the incidence of work accidents (dependent). Data analysis used 2 statistical test methods, both Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. The results of the study concluded several statements, there is a relationship between knowledge and work accidents (p = 0.008), there is a relationship between attitude, compliance with work accidents (p = 0.000), there is a relationship between Personal Protective Equipment and work accidents (p = 0.004). The dominant factor influencing work accidents is the factor of compliance with work instructions (OR 13.993). Suggestions for improvement are that it is hoped that Gresik Regency Rattan MSME 's will impose regular training on work safety procedures to workers in order to increase workers awareness as well as to ensure that PPE is available and used.

Satisfaction, Secondary Traumatic Stress, And Burnout in Nursing Workers: Seeking Mental Health and Well-Being

Aim: This study aimed to analyze the third sustainable development goal by examining the dimensions that comprise the compassion fatigue syndrome in nursing professionals working in critical patient care. Methods: It is an analytical cross-sectional study conducted in Montes Claros, MG, with 390 professionals. The ProQol-Br was applied as well as an instrument with variables of factors associated with professional quality of life. Non-parametric correlation using the Spearman's Test and ordinal logistic regression for data analysis were performed using Jamovi Ò. Results: The occupational health and consequent quality of life of the workers were evaluated, based on the dimensions of the ProQol-BR instrument, such as the average for compassion fatigue. The Compassion Satisfaction dimension was classified as "average compassion satisfaction," the Secondary Traumatic Stress dimension was classified as "low secondary traumatic stress," and the Burnout dimension was classified as "medium Burnout." Conclusion: There was a statistical association between the dimensions and the variables of gender, employment ties, absenteeism, use of psychotropic drugs, satisfaction with body appearance, and spirituality.

A novel method of MPPT of photovoltaic power generation system based on MSINGO

Abstract The speed and accuracy of Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) have a significant impact on photovoltaic power generation. In this paper, a novel method is proposed for fast and accurate MPPT of photovoltaic power generation systems. First, the Northern Goshawk Optimization algorithm (NGO) is introduced in the MPPT. Second, a multi strategy is applied to improve the NGO, and MSINGO is proposed. In the MSINGO algorithm, the optimal individual leadership strategy enhances the optimization accuracy and convergence speed, the enhanced Levy flight strategy leads it to escape from the local optimum, and the pinhole imaging learning strategy guides the population towards the global optimum. Finally, MSINGO was applied to MPPT, and a simulation analysis of a single photovoltaic module and photovoltaic array under different working conditions was conducted and compared with other intelligent optimization algorithms. The results show that the proposed method can achieve MPPT with minimal time consumption and better tracking efficiency.

Recruitment and Retention of Direct Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Challenges and Opportunities.

The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the challenges of home- and community-based service (HCBS) providers in recruiting and retaining direct care workers (DCWs). One of the largest and fastest-growing occupations in the U.S., DCWs are essential to the growing population of persons in need of long-term services who wish to remain in their homes. We surveyed all Connecticut Medicaid HCBS providers about their pandemic-era recruitment and retention challenges, strategies employed to overcome them, recommendations for regulatory and policy changes, and use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Respondents (n = 447) noted the continuing key roles played by compensation and working conditions, emphasized unintended consequences of government unemployment policies, provided creative suggestions for professionalization of DCW work, and suggested best practices for consideration, including the success of word-of-mouth and employee referral bonuses in recruiting and the importance of organizational culture in retention.

Gains and pains: a qualitative study on the implications of value-based health care for professionals

BackgroundWhile aiming to optimize patient value, the shift towards Value-Based Health Care (VBHC) in hospitals worldwide has been argued to benefit healthcare professionals as well. However, robust evidence regarding VBHC’s workforce implications is lacking. This gap is problematic, as the motivation and health of healthcare professionals are central to the quality of care and crucial amidst contemporary workforce challenges. This study aims to qualitatively examine the implications of VBHC for healthcare professionals’ motivation, job strain, and ongoing participation in VBHC. In addition, it explores how these outcomes are regulated at both the individual and organizational levels.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 healthcare professionals across six Dutch hospitals. Interviewees engaged in three VBHC activities: (1) value-based outpatient consultations and/or; (2) value-based quality improvement activities; as well as in; (3) VBHC implementation. Interview questions and data analysis were guided by the Job Demands–Resources model.ResultsVBHC interacts with four themes perceived to affect professional’s motivation (perception of making a positive impact, enjoyability of job activities, personal development, and sense of community and support) and three themes perceived to affect job strain (workload, cognitive demands, and confidence). VBHC creates both gains (primarily increasing motivation; occasionally reducing strain) and pains (primarily increasing strain; sometimes reducing motivation). The perceived impact of VBHC depends on the fit between the individual, one’s activities in VBHC, the working conditions, and the pace of VBHC implementation. An observation that warrants attention is that healthcare professionals with a 'do-er' mentality and high ambitions to optimize patient value can become demotivated to continue advancing VBHC with the same intensity, particularly due to perceived slow progress.ConclusionsWhile VBHC is centered around patients, this study emphasizes that the needs, experiences and changing role identities of healthcare professionals cannot be overlooked in this transition. VBHC currently presents as a double-edged sword for healthcare professionals: resulting in both gains and pains. In the move to VBHC, it is crucial to maintain alignment between the individual, their job activities, the work environment, and the pace at which VBHC unfolds. This is essential for fostering and retaining motivated individuals, who are not only vital to the workforce but also pivotal in advancing VBHC.

Analisis Postur Kerja Menggunakan Metode REBA pada Mekanik Bengkel di PT. Mitra Pratama Mobilindo Sleman

Vehicles play an important role in the mobility of the economic sector,the automotive industry is one of the main pillars of the Indonesian economy.PT Mitra Pratama Mobilindo Sleman is a well-known workshop that offers repair services, car sales, and spare parts.Mechanics in this increases the risk of fatigue,muscle injury,and muscle disorders. To find the risks and provide suggestions for improvement, this study uses the REBA (Rapid Entire Body Assessment) method to analyze the working postures of mechanics. Data was collected through observation, photo documentation of workers, and Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire. Based on the results of the analysis, the work postures performed showed a significant risk of injury as indicated by the high REBA score, namely in the work postures of grease up, hydraulic repair, and diesel filter replacement. To reduce the risk of musculoskletal disorders, it is necessary to make recommendations for improving work postures based on the results of REBA calculations. The improvements include the use of small chairs and tools such as car creepers and the design of more ergonomic work postures.The results showed a significant decrease in REBA scores after the analysis of the proposed improvements. This indicates that the ergonomic risk value of the proposed improvements if implemented will improve the safety and health of mechanical workers and optimize the quality of work in automotive workshops.

An explorative qualitative study of barriers to the use of health and mental health services among migrant female sex workers in Germany and needs for action

BackgroundMigrant female sex workers (MFSWs) can be exposed to various health risks due to their occupation, including mental and physical health, substance use, and experience of violence. However, they face substantial barriers to accessing healthcare services. The inadequate access to medical care for migrant female sex workers poses a challenge to the German healthcare system.Research aimsThis qualitative study aimed to identify and analyze the barriers to the use of health and mental health services by migrant female sex workers in Berlin and what should be done to improve the access to healthcare and to make it easier to use health and mental health services for migrant female sex workers. The data collected can be used to derive overarching recommendations and strategies for action.MethodsSemi-structured, guided interviews were conducted with 10 migrant female sex workers in Berlin, Germany. The interviews were audio recorded, and the content of the transcribed interviews was analyzed. A structuring qualitative content analysis, according to Kuckartz, with deductive-inductive category formation was conducted in MAXQDA 2022.ResultsBarriers were analyzed at three levels: patient, provider, and system. The patient level was related to the patient characteristics: social structure variables, health beliefs and attitudes, personal enabling resources, community enabling resources, perceived illness, and personal health practices. The provider level was related to the provider characteristics: skills and attitudes. The system level was related to the system characteristics: the organization of the healthcare system on local and national levels. Moreover, needs for actions were identified, which can be used for deriving recommendations for the improvement of healthcare situation of migrant sex workers living in Berlin.Conclusion/discussionHealth services and future intervention studies should consider barriers identified in this study to improve the health services utilization and health of sex workers as part of the effort to protect the right of humans to health.

Nurses’ experiences of text-based digital triage at primary healthcare centres in Sweden: a qualitative interview study

BackgroundTelehealth services are becoming increasingly popular at primary healthcare centres. Some examples include text-based digital triage and health guidance using chats, emails, images and pre-filled forms. Telephone-based communication has until recent years been the predominant means for triage and health guidance, but now includes written communication via computer or smartphone. Hence conditions to perform triage and health guidance have changed, which may affect the quality of nurses’ work and patient safety. This motivates an in-depth exploration of the consequences of such changes for nurses working with telehealth. The study aimed to explore nurses’ experiences of digital triage and health guidance at primary healthcare centres in Sweden.MethodsA qualitative inductive design was chosen for the current study. Four registered nurses and two public health nurses, working at primary healthcare centres in southern Sweden, contributed with information about text-based digital triage and health guidance. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis.FindingsOne main theme, “Adapting to a new professional toolbox to triage and give health guidance” was constructed based on three categories which describe the altered professional tools. They were: “Using one’s senses differently to collect information”, “Change of communication mode to convey messages” and “Change of timeframe and the use of time”. Six subcategories describe how the new toolbox was experienced by the nurses. They were: “Loss of clinical ear”, “Gain of viewing images”, “Difficulties in written communication of care and emotions”,“Seeing oneself as a writer or talker”, “Tardy asynchronous communication” and“Available time”. ConclusionThe findings tell of a substantial change in nurses’ professional toolbox that demanded other skills than they were used to working with. Due to limitations in communication and communication skills, digital triage alone may lead to an impaired workflow, quality of care, and patient safety as well as maintain the digital divide. However, digital triage may also enhance nurses’ work with the addition of attached images, convenient communication for those who are comfortable with writing, and a gain of time for consultation and reflection. The current study contributes insights regarding new competencies that nurses and patients must have or gain to be able to benefit from the possibilities of digitisation of primary healthcare.

Method Validation for Estimation of Imidacloprid and its Metabolites in Maize and Soil by LCMS-MS.

Validation of Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe (QuEChERS) method was performed for estimation of imidacloprid (IM) and its metabolites in maize leaves, immature kernels, mature kernels, stalk, and soil using liquid chromatograph tandem mass spectrometry, coupled with electrospray ionization. The extraction in different matrices of maize and soil was performed using acetonitrile +0.1% formic acid followed by clean-up with primary secondary amine sorbent and anhydrous magnesium sulfate. The method was validated in terms of selectivity, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, matrix effect, ion ratios, quality control, robustness, accuracy, and precision. The validation of all parameters was done in accordance with European Commission's Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety (DG SANTE) guidelines. A linear relationship with high correlation coefficients R2 > 0.99 was obtained for solvents and different matrices viz., maize leaves, immature kernels, mature kernels, stalk, and soil. The recovery and relative standard deviations were ˃78% and ˂5.4%, respectively. This method permits a simple, sensitive, accurate, cost-effective, precise, and rapid extraction of IM and its metabolites from maize leaves, immature kernels, mature kernels, stalks, and soil. This can help the residue analysts to address effective residue estimation, regular monitoring of residues and can also aid in the regulatory and food safety concerns about the usage of IM in maize.

Structure of Hydrothermally Stable Acid Sites and their Catalytic Role in P-Modified ZSM-5 Zeolite Revealed by Solid-State NMR Spectroscopy.

The ZSM-5 zeolite is the key active component in high-severity fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) catalysts and is routinely activated by phosphorus compounds in industrial production. To date, however, the detailed structure and function of the introduced phosphorus still remain ambiguous, which hampers the rational design of highly efficient catalysts. In this work, using advanced solid-state NMR techniques, we have quantitatively identified a total of seven types of P-containing complexes in P-modified ZSM-5 zeolite and clearly revealed their structure, location, and catalytic role. The experimental findings indicate that the introduced phosphorus can stabilize a portion of the aluminum atoms in the lattice by forming an energetically favorable framework-bound Si-OH-Al-O-P structure inside the zeolite channels, preserving more acidic bridging hydroxyl groups under the working conditions of the catalyst. Besides, two other types of hydrothermally stable phosphoric acid species (H3PO4 and H4P2O7) captured by neighboring silanol groups (H3PO4···HO-Si(SiO4)3 and H4P2O7···HO-Si(SiO4)3) are identified. For the FCC process, the framework-bound Si-OH-Al-O-P structure is proven to be the active site in the conversion of the FCC reactant, while the two phosphoric acid species can promote the yield of C2-C4 olefins.

Thermal Design and Experimental Validation of a Lightweight Microsatellite

The multiple working modes, complex working conditions, frequent changes in external heat flux, and high-power consumption of satellites all pose great difficulties to their thermal design. In this paper, the material MB15 magnesium alloy was used, which has not been performed for the main structure of satellites. This material not only reduces the weight of the structure and the launch cost, but also its good thermal conductivity is very helpful for the thermal control design of the satellite. This paper mainly describes the design of a thermal control system for lightweight microsatellites. Firstly, the satellite structure, thermal control indices of the main equipment, and the power consumption of the equipment in different working modes are introduced. Then, the external heat fluxes are analyzed, the position of the heat dissipation surface and extreme conditions are confirmed, and detailed thermal designs of each part of the satellite are determined via the combination of active and passive thermal control. Finally, the thermal balance test is carried out for the whole satellite. It is found that the deviation between the temperature of the thermistor and thermocouple at the same moment in the thermal analysis simulation data and thermal balance test is generally within 0.5 °C, and the maximum difference is not more than 1.7 °C, which indicates that the simulation model is well established and that the thermal analysis is reliable.

Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs) and Quality of Life (QoL) among the construction workers in the United Arab Emirates.

Background The United Arab Emirates (UAE) construction industry has rapidly expanded, but construction work, by its nature, poses a high risk of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). These disorders significantly impact quality of life (QoL) and productivity and lead to disability and absenteeism. Aims and Objectives The study aims to determine the prevalence of WMSDs among UAE construction workers using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) and assess their QoL using the Short-Form (SF-36) survey. Additionally, it aims to explore factors associated with WMSDs and QoL among construction workers in the United Arab Emirates. Methods This study is a cross-sectional, survey-based design conducted from July 2023 to May 2024 in the United Arab Emirates. The study included male construction workers aged 18-50 with at least 1 year of experience. Participants were recruited using a combination of convenience and purposive sampling methods. The data were collected via paper-based forms using the SF-36 and NMQ questionnaires. The study instruments were chosen after reviewing relevant literature to ensure minimal measurement bias. Statistical methods included descriptive statistics, tests for normality, and Pearson’s correlation test with a significance level of p <0.05. Results A total of 346 construction workers were accessed and the study found an 81.8% 12-month WMSD prevalence, most commonly affecting the lower back (44.8%), neck (45.1%), and shoulders (37.9%). Additionally, 70.5% reported pain-related limitations, and 63.6% experienced pain in the past week. SF-36 scores were lowest for role limitations due to physical health (30.33) and emotional problems (33.43), with an overall mean of 52.27 out of 100. Conclusion The study found a high prevalence of WMSD in construction workers and moderate quality of life scores. These findings highlight the urgent need to prioritize construction worker health through targeted interventions.

‘Palestine is our working condition’: border pedagogy, materiality, and the corporate university

Abstract What does it mean to teach and work in a corporate university with colonial roots, today? The on-going events in Palestine – what have been described by many specialists and international organizations as a genocidal campaign – have brought to the surface the historical undercurrents, the tensions and the contradictions of such an institution as a nested sensorial assemblage of actors, memories, affects and interests. Starting from the events that happened in the context of teaching an archaeology course on social justice while a student encampment was in place on campus, in the spring of 2024, I reflect on the materiality of protest, on teaching as a transgressive undertaking and on the retooling of colonial and decolonial structures to advance emancipation. In the midst of a rather dark moment, this is ultimately a hopeful reflection.

Blasting of Unstable Rock Elements on Steep Slopes

The improvement of safety conditions on hazardous rock slopes in civil work, mining and quarrying, and urban environments can be achieved through the use of explosives for the removal of unstable rock elements and final profiling. This technique is often applied because, in most cases, drill and blast operations, where they can be used, are cheaper and faster than other techniques and require fewer subsequent maintenance interventions. Blasting represents a suitable and effective solution in terms of different geometries, rock formation types, access to site, safety, and the long-term durability of results. The primary purpose of this approach is the improvement of the safety conditions of sites, depending on their local features, as well as the safety of workers, so that the blasting scheme, geometry, and firing can be carefully adapted, thus imposing relevant limitations on the operating techniques. All these constraints associated with complex logistics make it difficult to standardize the demolition technique, due to different situations in terms of extension, location, fracturing state, and associated traffic risk. Considering the significant number of influencing factors for both the rock mass features and for the topography, the present research has been necessarily validated through the analysis of several case histories, thus on an experiential basis focusing on some simple control parameters to help engineers and practitioners regarding the first design and control of blasting schemes.