Purpose This study aims to examine the alignment between Geographic Information Systems (GIS) education and vocational qualifications within the framework of quality assurance (QA) in higher education. It investigates how academic programmes meet competency requirements of GIS Specialist (Level 6) National Qualification, aligned with the European Qualifications Framework (EQF), and develops a validated scale that can serve as a QA tool for monitoring curriculum–qualification alignment. Design/methodology/approach A scale was developed based on the learning outcomes and performance criteria. Data was collected from 174 graduates of GIS-related programmes. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed to ensure the validity and reliability of the scale, while Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability coefficients were used to test internal consistency. Findings The results indicate that developed scale has a four-factor structure with strong validity and reliability, capturing self-efficacy perceptions in technical organisation, quality management and work organisation, occupational health and safety and information security. Findings also highlight a gap between academic curricula and certain vocational qualification standards, especially in workplace safety and information security, underscoring the need for continuous alignment of higher education with industry requirements. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to self-reported perceptions of graduates in Türkiye and may not fully generalise to other contexts. Future research should include comparative analyses across countries and integrate certification exam results for a more comprehensive assessment. However, this study is limited by its modest sample size (n = 174), regional focus (two universities) and reliance on self-reported perceptions, which may affect generalisability. Nevertheless, the proposed scale is a valuable instrument for planning curriculum modifications, carrying out evidence-based evaluations in accreditation procedures and comparing programme results with EQF/Turkish Qualifications Framework (TQF) certifications in higher education institutions’ quality assurance processes. Practical implications The validated scale can be used by universities, accreditation bodies and policymakers as a QA instrument to monitor the alignment of GIS curricula with national and European qualification frameworks. It provides actionable evidence for programme reviews, curriculum revisions and external quality evaluations, supporting the PDCA cycle in institutional QA systems. Social implications By promoting transparency, accountability and international comparability, this study contributes to enhancing employability, labour market mobility and quality culture in higher education. Aligning education with vocational qualifications also fosters lifelong learning and continuous professional development among GIS professionals. Originality/value From a quality assurance standpoint, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study presents one of the first scales to link professional competency criteria with GIS educational outcomes. Despite sample and regional constraints, the scale is a valuable instrument for curriculum reform, accreditation evaluations and EQF/TQF compliance studies.

Workplace Health and Safety Promotion at Restroom Spaces: Strategies for Minimising Biological Hazard Exposition

High-pressure injection injuries to the upper extremities are uncommon yet serious, particularly when they involve substances such as concrete. These injuries, frequently occurring in industrial environments, can lead to substantial tissue damage and functional impairment. A 24-year-old male patient who incurred a high-pressure concrete injection injury to his left hand and forearm while employed at a construction site was admitted. The injury, originally seeming minor, involved concrete penetration into the thenar region and extended through the forearm, resulting in significant damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. The immediate medical care comprised immersion of the injured arm in warm water, administration of intravenous antibiotics, and tetanus prophylaxis, succeeded by rapid debridement in the operating room. Through a series of surgeries, comprising sequential debridements and reconstructive interventions, hand function of the patient was acceptable regarding the occupational return. Radiographic imaging was essential in evaluating the severity of injury and informing surgical choices. Preoperative radiological clarification of the extension of the upper extremity to the anatomical regions with high pressure is of utmost importance in determining the location and size of the surgical incision to remove the vital initial debridement and cement from the anatomical regions as much as possible. This case highlights the significance of prompt identification, assertive treatment, and sequential surgical procedures in high-pressure injection injuries. The necessity for proactive workplace safety protocols and heightened awareness of the potential severity of these injuries is underscored. We believe that this case report enhances the comprehension of the difficulties and problems associated with treating high-pressure concrete injection injuries to the upper extremities.

In September 2024, the ninth documented case of welder's anthrax was identified in a previously healthy male welder, aged 18 years, from Louisiana, who was hospitalized with pneumonia and respiratory failure requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation. Welder's anthrax is a recently described life-threatening pneumonia caused by infection with anthrax toxin-producing Bacillus cereus group bacteria; risk factors for infection are not well-understood. Eight previous cases (six fatal) were reported among welders or metalworkers from Louisiana and Texas. A coordinated state and federal response facilitated use of the anthrax antitoxin obiltoxaximab (Anthim), which was administered in combination with recommended multidrug antimicrobial therapy for inhalation anthrax, including bactericidal agents and protein synthesis inhibitors. The patient's clinical condition improved rapidly after administration of obiltoxaximab and antimicrobials and drainage of a pleural effusion. He was discharged with a tailored antibiotic regimen after a 26-day hospitalization; all of his pulmonary symptoms had resolved by his 3-month follow-up visit. An environmental investigation identified anthrax toxin genes in 28 (11.4%) of 245 soil and nonporous surface samples collected from the patient's worksite; however, this investigation did not clearly identify host or occupational factors that contributed to his illness. Enhanced workplace safety protocols and improved engineering and administrative controls could minimize exposure to dust and welding fumes and potentially decrease environmental exposure to infectious disease agents among metalworkers. Welder's anthrax should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pneumonia among welders and metalworkers, particularly those who live in or have worked in the southern United States. Health care providers should consult with CDC as soon as welder's anthrax is suspected to facilitate release of anthrax countermeasures, including antitoxins such as obiltoxaximab, as adjunctive therapy.

From early trauma to later leadership: Parents’ workplace safety incidents and children’s later leader emergence

Background: Medical students generally opt for post-graduation/specialization before starting their working and take several attempts to clear their NEET-PG entrance exams. Even after several attempts all students do not get a seat of their choice and for those who want to work after MBBS, joining government service (PMS) can be one of the feasible options. This research paper wishes to determine the attitude of medical graduates and their willingness to join government service immediately after graduation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned in April 2024 to May 2024, in MLB Medical College, Jhansi. All recently passed medical graduates who consented (eighty), were included in the study. A schedule was administered to enquire about their willingness to join service and the reasons for their choice. Chi square test was used to check for the associated factors. Results: The mean age of participants was 25.38±2.2 years, 60% were males, 37.5% were from rural background, In the present study, 65/80 (81.3%) answered they would join a government job immediately after internship if offered one. The advantages mentioned were job security, a sense of purpose, diverse exposure and a fixed schedule. Issues of payment, less flexibility, transfers, no private practice , work place safety were highlighted. On applying chi-square test, mother’s education and father’s occupation were found to be significantly associated with accepting government job. Conclusions: This study breaks the myth that medical graduates want to only opt for specialization policy makers can enable them to join these services and further the cause of universal health coverage.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the evolving legal frameworks surrounding telework in various jurisdictions, including the Netherlands, Hungary, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the broader Gulf region. It investigates how existing laws address the distinctive challenges posed by remote work and identifies significant gaps and inconsistencies within these legal systems. The findings reveal that many legal regulations are outdated, rigid, or insufficiently detailed to adequately cover issues such as social security, workplace safety, working hours, and the classification of workers as employees or independent contractors. These shortcomings lead to increased legal uncertainty, risks of exploitation, and protection gaps for teleworkers. The review highlights that these legal ambiguities adversely affect human resource management practices, complicating recruitment, worker evaluation, promotion, and organisational culture. Inadequate legal clarity shifts the burden toward HR to ensure fairness, accountability, and productivity in remote work arrangements, often without sufficient legal guidance. The study emphasises the urgent need for legislative reforms to establish flexible, clear, and comprehensive policies that address the realities of digital and remote work. It advocates for international harmonisation and national legal adjustments to regulate telework better, ensuring adequate protections, data privacy, safety standards, and social security coverage. Ultimately, the research underscores that effective legal reforms, coupled with adaptive HR strategies, are vital for fostering sustainable, fair, and compliant teleworking environments. These measures will mitigate legal risks, uphold workers’ rights, and support the development of resilient and equitable remote work systems amid rapidly changing labor markets.

Medication safety competence is critical, yet how workplace and psychological factors shape medication safety competence is unclear. To examine links among work environment, work-related stress, professional identity, and medication safety competence. A cross-sectional survey of 641 nurses in China was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test relationships. Professional identity predicted medication safety competence (β=.276, P <.001) and partially mediated effects of work environment (indirect=0.098; 95% CI, 0.063-0.146) and stress (indirect=0.036; 95% CI, 0.021-0.056). Supportive environments and stronger professional identity are associated with higher medication safety competence, whereas stress is detrimental. Organizational strategies should enhance resources, reduce stressors, and cultivate professional identity to improve medication safety and ultimately improve patient safety outcomes.

Background/Objectives: While nurses showed a willingness to work during the pandemic and wartime, little is understood about how they managed the conflict between their roles as caregivers and personal or family obligations. They are deemed “essential workers,” risking their safety to fulfill their duties. Objectives: This study aims to explore the lived experience of nurses during COVID-19 and wartime, delving deeper into their emotional and moral experiences, providing insights for nurses and nursing management about how nurses negotiate dilemmas. Methods: A focused interpretive, hermeneutic, phenomenological approach was employed. From December 2022 to January 2023, ten hospital-based nurses from two hospitals were purposively sampled for in-depth, semi-structured interviews, which were transcribed and analyzed. The study was approved by the University Ethics Committee (31102022). Results: The essence of “ Moral Conflicts of Dual Identity and Dual Allegiance” revealed profound moral and emotional struggles among nurses. Four key themes emerged: (1) Moral Stressors and Identity Negotiation, (2) Competing Responsibilities and Ethical Double-binds, (3) Virtual and Practical Wisdom in Crises, (4) Responses of Stress and Erosion of Support Conclusions: Understanding nurses’ ethical dilemmas is essential for healthcare leadership. Leaders must make it a priority for workplace safety for their nurses. In wartime, it is not obvious that the workplace is unsafe; leaders must foster open dialog and support systems in response to these crises. This study highlights the significance of peer support, emphasizing the need for policies that address the complex moral challenges nurses face daily.

This case discussion examines the legal and practical challenges facing employers and employees in South Africa regarding workplace cannabis policies, in light of recent court decisions decriminalising private cannabis use. It analyzes the Enever v Barloworld Equipment case, which found zero-tolerance cannabis policies to be discriminatory and an infringement on employee privacy rights. The discussion explores the limitations of urine testing for cannabis in workplace settings, highlighting its inability to accurately assess current impairment. Saliva testing is proposed as a more rational alternative, offering a closer correlation to recent use and potential on-the-job impairment. The paper emphasizes the need for nuanced, job-specific approaches to cannabis policies that balance safety concerns with constitutional rights. It recommends employers move away from zero-tolerance policies, adopt more accurate testing methods, consider multiple indicators of impairment beyond just test results, and regularly update policies to reflect legal changes. The analysis concludes that fair and effective workplace drug policies in the evolving cannabis landscape require a holistic approach that respects employee privacy while maintaining workplace safety, necessitating ongoing policy review and adaptation to emerging legal standards and best practices.

This study examined how workplace safety compliance affects organisational sustainability of oil and gas servicing companies in South-South Nigeria. It has a particular focus on understanding the role of regulatory compliance for safety and safety training in achieving both economic and social sustainability. Using cross-sectional survey research approach, data was collect from management and operational staff at selected firms and it used multiple regression to analyse the data. The results found that safety compliance in terms of regulations and safety training significantly contribute to the economic sustainability of such companies, accounting for around 52% of the variation. Similarly, both regulatory safety compliance and safety training had strong positive effects on social sustainability, and can explain around 55% of the variation. In conclusions, the findings point out that organisations with robust safety policies and compliance to regulations and continuous training of employees will be more likely to enjoy an operational stability, profitability, and better relationship with stakeholders in the long term. Based on the results of the study, it is recommended that the oil and gas servicing companies institutionalise continuous safety education and regular retraining programmes to enhance worker competence and awareness. In addition, regulatory bodies should increase monitoring and make compliance certification and incentives tied to the demonstrated safety performance of firms. By incorporating safety code into corporate strategy, it is possible in the case of the oil and gas industry for sustainable growth and social responsibility to both continue mutually.

Purpose: To determine visual outcomes and pattern of injuries among patients presented with Ocular Trauma in three major tertiary care centers of Karachi. Study Design: Cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: Mross-sectional study conducted at three tertiary care centers of Karachi, over a 3-month period. Methods: Patients with history and signs of recent ocular and adnexal trauma were included in the study and those with any other ocular or systemic disease were excluded from the study. Data was collected on a self-designed proforma for history and the relevant ocular and adnexal examination details. Majority of the patients presented to the Accident and Emergency department and referred to Eye clinics. Ocular Trauma Scores (OTS) were calculated with the help of OTS chart. Results: In a sample of 343 patients, 44% were presented at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), 45% at Isra Postgraduate Institute of Ophthalmology (IPIO), and 11% at Dow International Medical College (DIMC). Most injuries occurred in males (76.7%). Accidental injuries were the commonest injuries found in DIMC, (52.63%) and IPIO, (64.52%)(n=100). Whereas in JPMC, assault was the most common (31.75%). Commonest sign of ocular trauma was lid swelling (26.23%) found in DIMC and lid tear (16.76%) in JPMC. Conclusion: Ocular trauma patterns in Karachi are closely linked to the nature of surrounding environments, including traffic density, occupational hazards, and access to emergency services. Public education, protective gear enforcement, and workplace safety policies are needed to reduce the burden of preventable vision loss.

Effective Reporting, Registration, and Investigation of Occupational Incidents (RRIOI) are essential for monitoring incident frequency, identifying root causes, and implementing control measures to improve workplace safety. While RRIOI systems have been successfully adopted in many countries, challenges persist, particularly in developing countries such as Iran. This study investigates the culture and practices of RRIOI process within industrial workplaces in West Azerbaijan province, Iran. A mixed-methods approach was used, involving 631 participants from diverse companies to assess the culture of RRIOI. Additionally, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) experts to explore internal and external factors affecting the RRIOI process. Quantitative data were analyzed using t-tests, Spearman correlations. Hierarchical linear regression applied to investigate the predictive capacity of independent variables on RRIOI culture. The content analysis was employed to analyze the qualitative data. The overall RRIOI culture score averaged 3.09 (± 0.35). Among the sub-factors, corrective actions scored highest (3.27 ± 0.64), whereas barriers for under-reporting scored lowest (2.90 ± 0.54). A t-test revealed that OHS training and prior experience with occupational accidents were positively associated with RRIOI culture scores. Hierarchical regression indicated that management role positively influenced RRIOI culture, while industry type had a negative effect. Telephone communication was the most common method for reporting incidents. Notably, reporting of low-severity incidents and near-misses was markedly deficient across organizations. Participants also highlighted a lack of feedback from OHS authorities. Furthermore, this study identified key factors contributing to reluctance in incident reporting. This is the first study in Iran to systematically examine RRIOI culture across multiple industries using a mixed-methods approach. The integration of stakeholders' perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of the systemic and cultural challenges hindering effective incident reporting. The findings highlight the need for national policies to foster a non-punitive reporting culture, implement integrated electronic incident reporting systems, enhance workforce training, and ensure adequate resource allocation. These insights offer actionable guidance for strengthening RRIOI frameworks in Iran.

This article presents the design and implementation of electronic modules for protection, voltage monitoring, and safe reset aimed at industrial applications that demand high reliability in terms of electrical safety. The developed system continuously monitors single-phase 220 VAC and three-phase (220 VAC, 380 VAC, and 440 VAC) voltage equipment and tools, integrating voltage measurement circuits and using an ATTiny 84 microcontroller for phase loss detection and protection processing, incorrect phase sequence in three-phase voltages, or abnormal power supply conditions with historical data in three-phase applications. It also enables safe reset reactivation, in addition to providing protection against incorrect rotation reversal in motors and faster short-circuit faults. The main objective is to prevent uncontrolled start-up when recovering a power supply lost due to external problems and to ensure that, after a power outage, power is restored only through a controlled and validated reset. The implementation of the proposed module reduces electrical incidents associated with unsafe resetting by up to 81.2%, thanks to the verification of phase failure or absence of power supply and manual validation prior to service restoration using safe resetting. In addition, the visual interface of LED indicators facilitates rapid identification of the operating status, reducing diagnostic times for problems external to the equipment. Experimental results and field tests demonstrate that the proposed solution constitutes a significant advance in the protection of industrial machinery, increasing workplace safety, the reliability of the electrical system, and the operational sustainability of power tools.

IntroductionWelding poses significant ocular hazards in Nepal’s industrial settings; however, data on trauma prevalence and protective barriers remain limited. This study assessed the burden of ocular trauma, personal protective equipment (PPE) practices, and associated risk factors among welders in Hetauda, Nepal.MethodsThis cross-sectional study conducted in 2024 included 111 welders in Hetauda. Participants underwent comprehensive eye examinations and structured interviews. Logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with ocular trauma.ResultsThe prevalence of ocular trauma was 62.16%, primarily caused by metal chips (60.87%) and flames (37.84%). Although 78.39% of welders reported using PPE, 72.97% relied on non-certified sunglasses, and only 1.80% used certified protective goggles. Key barriers to appropriate PPE use included the absence of workplace mandates (62.50%) and a belief that protection was unnecessary (64.52%). Significant risk factors for trauma included male gender, lack of safety training (43.48%), and age between 46 and 60 years. Common ocular morbidities were corneal opacity (20.72%) and conjunctival congestion (10.36%).ConclusionsDespite reported PPE usage, the continued high rate of ocular trauma highlights deficiencies in equipment quality and training. Mandating certified eye protection, enforcing workplace safety policies, and integrating occupational health education are critical steps for preventing eye injuries in Nepal’s industrial sector.

Problem statement. At metallurgical, metal-working, and glass-making production facilities where high-temperature technological processes are utilized, there is a problem of worker overheating due to significant thermal load. Therefore, there is a need to describe the methodology for conducting research at enterprises, including defining goals and objectives, selecting data collection and analysis methods, and evaluating the obtained results; a systematic approach and the use of scientific methods to ensure the reliability of the research. The article examines various types of harmful and hazardous factors, such as physical, chemical, biological, and psychophysiological, with a particular emphasis on their impact on worker health and overall workplace safety. The main objectives include – To provide novice scientists in the field of occupational health and safety with the necessary knowledge and guidance on conducting research on hazardous and dangerous factors in enterprises. Considering the complexity of the subject and the variety of factors that can influence workplaces, the fundamental steps required for successful research execution are discussed. This will help young researchers understand where to begin and which stages to traverse to attain valuable results and develop recommendations for enhancing working conditions at enterprises. Extrapolated and concise yet simultaneously detailed instructions on the basic principles to approaches in researching industrial enterprises and workspaces, utilized for investigative and scientific endeavors, are provided. The presented information offers practical recommendations and tools for investigating harmful and dangerous factors in enterprises, enabling professionals in the field of labor protection and safety, as well as enterprise managers, to establish a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. Conclusion. The proposed comprehensive methodology for monitoring and analyzing working conditions at industrial enterprises under thermal load in workplaces. A step-by-step guide has been developed for researchers, enabling effective identification, assessment, and mitigation of potential health risks for employees. Specific recommendations are provided for conducting analysis, interpreting data, determining priorities, and action planning. A systematic approach will contribute to the improvement of safety levels and working conditions at industrial enterprises, as well as enhance the quality of life for workers.

Respiratory tract infections are common among informal workers who are exposed to dust, smoke, and airborne particles during production activities. This community service program aimed to improve workers’ knowledge regarding the importance of using masks as a preventive measure against respiratory infections. Health education was delivered through counseling, discussion, and demonstration to 12 workers Opak Gadung factory, Desa Ringinsari, Kediri. Knowledge was assessed using pre- and post-tests. The results showed a significant increase in the average knowledge score from 52.50 to 79.90, with a p-value of 0.000, indicating that the educational intervention was effective. This activity successfully enhanced workers’ awareness and proper mask-use practices. Continuous education programs are recommended to support occupational health and safety in informal workplaces.

This study aims to examine the extent of compliance with occupational health and safety requirements in oil facilities through a field investigation conducted at the Zawiya Oil Depot, operated by the Brega Petroleum Marketing Company. A specially designed questionnaire was employed for this purpose, comprising sixty-nine items distributed across three main dimensions that addressed various aspects of occupational health and safety. The questionnaire was administered to a random sample of twenty-five employees, including administrators, engineers, and technicians, in order to collect the necessary data for testing the study’s hypotheses and assessing workers’ awareness and adherence to safety standards. For data analysis, both descriptive and analytical methods were applied using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Cronbach’s Alpha was utilized to measure validity and reliability, alongside additional statistical tests to verify normal distribution and the significance of differences between variables. The analysis revealed that participants’ views were generally consistent regarding the level of implementation of occupational health and safety requirements. Moreover, no statistically significant differences were observed among managers, supervisors, engineers, and technicians in terms of compliance with workplace safety procedures. Overall, the findings indicate a general weakness in safety culture and a lack of awareness of its importance, coupled with evident challenges in communication and coordination across administrative levels. In addition, deficiencies were noted in the implementation of training and awareness programs. These results underscore the urgent need to develop effective mechanisms for reporting and analyzing risks and incidents, thereby contributing to the promotion of a safe and sustainable working environment within oil facilities.

This study explores factors influencing the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) level of subcontractor workplaces in the electronics industry, where small-scale operations and chemical use are common. A survey was conducted with 852 OSH managers from subcontractor firms. Three key domains were analyzed: OSH management framework, chemical risk management, and principal contractor support. Binomial logistic regression identified significant variables. Factors such as appointing OSH managers, establishing procedures, providing worker information, and operating safety committees improved OSH levels. Chemical-related training, risk assessment, and control also contributed. Support from principal contractors through communication and consulting was effective. Strengthening internal OSH systems, improving chemical management, and enhancing collaboration with principal contractors are essential for advancing OSH in subcontractor workplaces in the electronics industry.

Previous research identified high levels of burnout in the Canadian public health workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study presents the prevalence of burnout, associated participant demographic and workplace characteristics, and associated secondary outcomes among Canadian public health physicians and residents one year after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey distributed through Canadian public health associations and professional networks between April and May 2024. Validated tools were used to measure burnout (Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI)), screen for anxiety (GAD-2) and depression (PHQ-2), and professional fulfillment (Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index). Additional binary (yes/no) questions were asked on workplace safety topics (e.g., threats, assaults, being bullied) and professional plans. Fisher’s exact test and logistic regressions were used to model the association between burnout and sequelae of burnout, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, and professional fulfillment. Among 118 physicians who completed the OLBI, the prevalence of burnout was 63.6%. Additionally, 41.2% of physicians reported being threatened, assaulted or bullied during the pandemic. Physicians who screened positive for anxiety (19.3%) and depression (7.6%) had higher odds of burnout (OR 4.79, 95% CI 1.29-26.90, p = 0.01 and OR 2.10, 95% CI 0.38-21.65, p = 0.48, respectively). Moreover, physicians who had low levels of professional fulfillment (84.9%) also had higher odds of burnout (OR 12.5, 95% CI 3.21-72.76, p &lt; 0.001). The prevalence of burnout among Canadian public health physicians and residents remains high post-pandemic and was associated with symptoms of depression, anxiety and low professional fulfillment. By implementing interventions to prevent and mitigate burnout, and promote recovery, the public health system will be better positioned to recruit and retain physicians to serve the population.