Workplace Safety Research Articles

Is precarious employment an occupational hazard? Evidence from Ontario, Canada

ObjectivesTo examine the association between precarious employment and risk of occupational injury or illness in Ontario, Canada.MethodsWe combined accepted lost-time compensation claims from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board with...

Research Progress in Examination Methods,Influencing Factors, and Drug Treatment of Vigilance

Vigilance is a sensitive ability to respond to small changes in the environment and it is a major component of various cognitive performance tasks.Professionals in a variety of fields require high physical and vigilance performance during the working process to ensure productivity,workplace safety,and their own safety. This article reviews the research progress in vigilance in terms of the examination methods,influencing factors,and drug treatment in recent years,aiming to improve the understanding of vigilance and provide support for the research on vigilance and clinical treatment of vigilance-related dysfunctions.

Thankless Task: Female CEOs, Workplace Safety, and Employee External Whistleblowing

Thankless Task: Female CEOs, Workplace Safety, and Employee External Whistleblowing

From debt breaches to employee safety: The hidden power of banking interventions

This study investigates the influence of bank interventions following breaches of debt covenants on workplace safety. Using a regression discontinuity design, we find robust evidence indicating a substantial decrease in employee injuries after covenant violations. Our channel analysis reveals that the impact of bank interventions is more pronounced when banks perform well in ESG-related employee relationships and take on less risk. Furthermore, the influence of bank interventions is stronger when banks have considerable control over firms and when employees have strong bargaining power. Our findings demonstrate that creditors play an active role in enhancing workplace safety, leading to improved employee welfare. The implications of our research highlight the potential for financial institutions to contribute to socially responsible practices and promote sustainable and safe working environments.

Implementation of Total Productive Maintenance in Centrifugal Pump Maintenance At Pt. Fajar Surya Wisesa

PT. Fajar Surya Wisesa specializes in manufacturing packaging paper, with its factory located in the WWTP Department. The company is dedicated to enhancing the productivity and operational efficiency of its Centrifugal Pump machines through effective maintenance strategies. This study employs a quantitative approach to assess the Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), encompassing availability, performance efficiency, and quality rate, alongside a Six Big Losses analysis. The findings revealed that the average machine availability reached 98%, with a notable decrease observed in August due to downtime incidents. Performance efficiency consistently exceeded 90%, although higher production outputs occasionally led to efficiency declines. Quality rates remained stable and high, signaling advancements in production processes and quality control measures. Overall, the average OEE value attained 88%, surpassing the global standard of 85%. To further optimize Centrifugal Pump machine effectiveness, proposed enhancements include operator training, regular performance assessments, improved operator welfare considerations, selection of premium raw materials, updates to standard operating procedures (SOPs), scheduled preventive maintenance, enhanced workplace safety measures, and investments in energy backup systems. In conclusion, these initiatives have effectively elevated the performance and operational quality of the Centrifugal Pump machines at PT. Fajar Surya Wisesa.

Overrepresentation of New Workers in Jobs with Multiple Carcinogen Exposures in Canada.

Background. In Canada, understanding the demographic and job-related factors influencing the prevalence of new workers and their exposure to potential carcinogens is crucial for improving workplace safety and guiding policy interventions. Methods. Logistic regression was performed on the 2017 Labour Force Survey (LFS), to estimate the likelihood of being a new worker based on age, industry, occupation, season, and immigration status. Participants were categorized by sector and occupation using the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) 2017 Version 1.0 and National Occupational Classification (NOC) system 2016 Version 1.0. Finally, an exposures-per-worker metric was used to highlight the hazardous exposures new workers encounter in their jobs and industries. Results. Individuals younger than 25 years had 3.24 times the odds of being new workers compared to those in the 25-39 age group (adjusted odds ratios (OR) = 3.24, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 3.18, 3.31). Recent immigrants (less than 10 years in the country) were more likely to be new workers than those with Canadian citizenship (OR 1.36, 95% CI: 1.32, 1.41). The total workforce exposures-per-worker metric using CAREX Canada data was 0.56. By occupation, new workers were the most overrepresented in jobs in natural resources and agriculture (20.5% new workers), where they also experienced a high exposures-per-worker metric (1.57). Conclusions. Younger workers (under 25 years) and recent immigrants who had arrived 10 or fewer years prior were more likely to be new workers, and were overrepresented in jobs with more frequent hazardous exposures (Construction, Agriculture, and Trades).

What Enables Supervisors to Serve and Enhance Subordinates’ Workplace Safety Behaviors?

What Enables Supervisors to Serve and Enhance Subordinates’ Workplace Safety Behaviors?

Design of Mask Detection Application Using Tensorflow Lite based on Android Mobile

A mask is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is essential for protecting the nose and mouth from contamination by droplets or airborne particles. The use of masks became highly popular during the Covid-19 pandemic, which began in December 2019 in China and peaked in Indonesia in 2020. Despite the pandemic subsiding and vaccinations increasing immunity, some companies still require masks to prevent the spread of illnesses such as colds and flu, especially in work processes that produce smoke, such as soldering and welding. To ensure employees comply with mask usage, effective supervision is necessary. Manual supervision is less efficient, thus a digital detection method is needed. This study developed a mask detection application using deep learning algorithms and the TensorFlow Lite framework on an Android platform. The application can detect mask usage with 100% accuracy at a distance of 1 to 5 meters. The system was tested under various lighting conditions and environments to ensure reliability. Additionally, the implementation of this technology can be extended to other public areas to ensure compliance with health protocols. This tool helps companies easily monitor and enforce mask-wearing discipline among employees, thereby enhancing workplace safety and health. Future work could explore the integration of this system with other health monitoring tools to create a comprehensive safety solution.

Leader safety storytelling: A qualitative analysis of the attributes of effective safety storytelling and its outcomes

Leadership, particularly leaders’ communication with workers, plays an important role in enhancing workplace safety. Yet despite this important role, the specific communication actions that a leader can utilise to communicate effectively remain unknown. Rooted in narrative persuasion and general leadership theory, the current study examines leaders’ safety storytelling as a specific leader communication action that can positively contribute to workplace safety. Based on a deductive qualitative content analysis of 41 interviews with leaders and subordinates, we examine the attributes of leader safety storytelling relevant to its effectiveness, as well as the outcomes perceived to be linked to effective leader safety storytelling. Findings show that nine storytelling attributes appear relevant to leader safety storytelling. Of these nine, six (i.e., relatability, realism, risk level, structure, descriptiveness and explicit appeals) were related to the story itself and three (i.e., delivery style, questions and visual aids) were related to the leader’s presentation of the story. Additionally, findings indicate that effective leader safety storytelling is perceived to be associated with eight outcomes: four represented perceived leader-related outcomes (i.e., workers’ perceptions of their leader’s approachability, trustworthiness, transformational leadership style, and safety commitment), and four represented perceived safety-related outcomes (i.e., workers’ safety behaviours, safety knowledge, safety motivation, and safety attitudes). We conclude by providing a conceptual framework for effective leader safety storytelling that can guide future research. Findings can also inform leader safety storytelling in practice by facilitating targeted guidance and interventions.

Museum Professionals’ Perceptions of Chemical and Biological Hazards and Risks in Museum Work Environments in Finland

Limited research has explored museum professionals’ perceptions of workplace hazards and risks, despite the presence of various health threats in museum work environments. This study aims to identify perceived chemical and biological hazards and contributing factors in Finnish museum workplaces. Utilizing data from two surveys and qualitative content analysis, it uncovers a range of perceived hazards, often linked to collection storage facilities, historical buildings, and museum collections. Mold, indoor air quality, and dust are central concerns. While recognizing chemical hazards in collections proves challenging, accident-related and ergonomic hazards receive broad recognition. Workplace hazards are perceived to be rooted in systemic and cultural factors, encompassing haphazard management, recurring themes of neglect, limited safety knowledge, and negative attitudes. Enhancing workplace safety in museums necessitates a comprehensive approach, including support and education for leaders and other professionals, improved work practices and storage facilities, and increased budgetary support.

Identification of Potential Hazards in Occupational Safety and Health Among Rice Milling Workers at UD. Lestari

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is crucial for safeguarding workers' well-being and preventing workplace accidents and diseases. This study explores OHS hazards at UD Lestari, an informal sector rice milling operation in Semarang City, Indonesia. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, conducting interviews, observation, and measurements from April to May 2024. The aim of this study was to identify various OHS hazards present in UD. Lestari's rice milling operations. This research found that all respondents experienced respiratory problems (100%) and 3 people (50%) experienced hearing problems, attributed to inadequate use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and smoking habits. Dust levels inside the production area exceeded permissible limits (8.04 mg/m3), posing risks of respiratory diseases. Similarly, noise levels surpassed recommended thresholds (93.26 dB), increasing the likelihood of hearing loss. This study contributes valuable insights into enhancing workplace safety and underscores the importance of ongoing efforts to safeguard worker health in informal sector industries. Future research should explore additional factors influencing OHS outcomes to further enhance workplace safety practices and employee well-being.

The role of HSE risk assessments in mitigating occupational hazards and infectious disease spread: A public health review

The intercession of Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) risk assessments with public health strategy is crucial in mitigating occupational hazards and controlling the spread of infectious diseases. This review examines the role of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) risk assessments in mitigating occupational hazards and controlling the spread of infectious diseases, with a focus on public health implications. The study highlights the importance of comprehensive risk assessments in identifying and managing workplace hazards, including both physical and psychosocial risks. It discusses the integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, to enhance the predictive capabilities of HSE risk assessments. The review also explores the necessity of ethical considerations in the application of these technologies, emphasizing transparency, privacy, and accountability. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of coordinated efforts between industries and public health authorities, especially in the context of infectious disease outbreaks like COVID-19. Policy recommendations include the development of robust regulations, the promotion of industry-public health collaboration, and the provision of support for small and medium-sized enterprises. The review identifies gaps in current research and suggests future directions, such as longitudinal studies on the effectiveness of HSE interventions and the inclusion of psychosocial factors in risk assessments. By addressing these gaps and implementing the proposed recommendations, policymakers and industry stakeholders can significantly enhance workplace safety and health standards, ultimately protecting workers and promoting public health resilience.

Real-Time Personal Protective Equipment Non-Compliance Recognition on AI Edge Cameras

Despite advancements in technology, safety equipment, and training within the construction industry over recent decades, the prevalence of fatal and nonfatal injuries and accidents remains a significant concern among construction workers. Hard hats and safety vests are crucial safety gear known to mitigate severe head trauma and other injuries. However, adherence to safety protocols, including the use of such gear, is often inadequate, posing potential risks to workers. Moreover, current manual safety monitoring systems are laborious and time-consuming. To address these challenges and enhance workplace safety, there is a pressing need to automate safety monitoring processes economically, with reduced processing times. This research proposes a deep learning-based pipeline for real-time identification of non-compliance with wearing hard hats and safety vests, enabling safety officers to preempt hazards and mitigate risks at construction sites. We evaluate various neural networks for edge deployment and find that the Single Shot Multibox Detector (SSD) MobileNet V2 model excels in computational efficiency, making it particularly suitable for this application-oriented task. The experiments and comparative analyses demonstrate the pipeline’s effectiveness in accurately identifying instances of non-compliance across different scenarios, underscoring its potential for improving safety outcomes.

Characterization and assessment of exposure risks of healthcare personnel during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Healthcare personnel have the right to decent, healthy, and safe working conditions during COVID-19. Despite our best efforts to safeguard them against SARS-CoV-2 infection, a substantially large number of healthcare personnel fell ill and succumbed to COVID-19. This study aimed to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 exposures among healthcare personnel and determine the risk level of those events, thereby identifying and focusing on the key areas that influence workplace safety. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data from healthcare personnel on the type of exposure, place, and use of preventive measures, along with demographic and occupational data. Exposure events were categorized into low, moderate, and high-risk by using a risk categorization protocol. Doctors were primarily found to be involved in the aerosol-generating procedure, which had 94 times higher odds (95% CI: 43.9926-201.17) for high-risk exposures than other activities. In contrast, nurses were more likely to experience close-contact exposures (OR: 2.77, 95% CI: 1.44-5.33). Both critical care units and operation theaters were identified to have higher odds (OR: 2.34, 95% CI: 1.33-4.23 and OR: 2.31; 95% CI: 0.99-5.42, respectively) than the wards for high-risk exposures. Use of personal protective equipment was poor, with breaches reported in 10.2% of all exposure events. The lacunae in practice were addressed by repeated training and counseling and by ensuring the adequacy of resources in required areas. The assessment was beneficial for safeguarding healthcare personnel and assuring a safer workplace during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Enhancing Workplace Safety in Oil Refining: A Study on Contractor Safety Management Systems

Enhancing Workplace Safety in Oil Refining: A Study on Contractor Safety Management Systems

Artificial Intelligence Integration in Sustainable Business Practices: A Text Mining Analysis of USA Firms

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming sustainable business strategies globally, yet its specific applications within American enterprises remain underexplored. This study examines the integration of AI in sustainability efforts across various industries in the USA from 2014 to 2022. By analyzing 263 sustainability reports from 41 leading Nasdaq-listed firms using advanced text mining techniques, we uncover nuanced insights into how AI is employed to address environmental and social challenges. Our findings reveal a strategic deployment of AI not only to enhance operational efficiency, but also to drive significant environmental improvements, such as optimizing renewable energy usage and mitigating emissions. Additionally, AI’s impact extends to fostering workplace safety, enhancing diversity, and bolstering community initiatives. This research highlights the critical role of AI as a catalyst in advancing sustainable practices, providing a blueprint for other regions and industries aiming to leverage technology for greater sustainability.

Impact of Workplace Violence Against Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Objectives The objectives of this study were to: (1) understand the personal impact of workplace violence (WPV) on staff within a large multistate emergency medical services (EMS) agency, (2) describe the impact of WPV on subsequent patient interactions, examining how experiences of violence affect the quality of care provided by EMS clinicians, (3) examine the influence of WPV on perceived workplace safety among prehospital personnel and its correlation with retention in the EMS field, and (4) solicit recommendations from staff for the prevention and mitigation of WPV in the future. Methods We conducted virtual focus groups and individual interviews with 22 prehospital personnel using a descriptive qualitative design within a large multistate Midwest EMS agency between 4/5/2023-6/20/2023. Data were analyzed using Thematic Analysis to identify common perceptions among and across participants. Results Major themes of personal impact; impact on patient interactions; influence of WPV on career longevity/sustainability; and relationship between EMS culture and WPV were identified. Overall, participants shared the perception that WPV is “part of the job”, and that verbal abuse was so common that they hadn’t previously considered it as violence. Participants provided several examples of WPV and described how these experiences impacted them personally (e.g., hypervigilance) and impacted their subsequent interaction with patients (e.g., quicker to use restraints, loss of empathy). Participants shared the perception that EMS is no longer valued or respected by patients or communities. Several voiced concerns for the next generation of colleagues and nearly all participants reported the need for education and training in situational awareness, de-escalation, and self-defense tactics. Participants referenced desire for more coordination and communication with law enforcement, change in culture of abuse from patients without repercussions, and improved agency mental health support and peer support/mentoring following a violent event. Despite experiences with WPV, the majority reported plans to remain in EMS. Conclusions Emergency Medical Services personnel are commonly traumatized by violence in their work and nonphysical violence is underappreciated. Despite its impact on staff and subsequent patient interactions, most participants reported plans to remain within EMS. Multi-faceted system-focused efforts are needed to shift toward and support a zero-tolerance culture for WPV.

The prevalence and consequences of workplace violence among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background and objectiveThere has been increasing concern globally about the rise in workplace violence (WPV), which is considered a persistent problem generally overlooked by the public and professional organizations. WPV is a significant challenge faced by psychiatrists internationally, yet little is known about WPV among psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of WPV against psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia and identify the types and sources of violence experienced as well as the associated risk factors that contribute to WPV.ResultsAmong 239 psychiatrists, the prevalence of WPV in Saudi Arabia was 56.3%. The prevalence was particularly high among those working in the central region (55.4%) and in Ministry of Health hospitals, Violent behavior was exhibited mostly by patients 133 (99.3%), and the most common type of violence was verbal abuse 75 (56.0%). Respondents reported that patients’ health conditions, denial of admission to the hospital, and staff shortages were the most common triggers for violence. More than two-thirds of the psychiatrists (74.6%) did not require medical intervention after incidents of violence. The majority of psychiatrists felt either stressed (39%) or angry (22.0%) after such incidents. Reasons for not reporting violent events included feeling that violence is part of the job (76.9%) and being unaware of the violence reporting system (50.8%).ConclusionThis study underscores the significant prevalence of WPV among Saudi Arabian psychiatrists, especially in the central region and in Ministry of Health hospitals, notably in emergency rooms. Perpetrators are primarily psychiatric patients and their relatives. The issue is compounded by staffing shortages. WPV poses physical risks and causes psychological stress, negatively impacting productivity. Underreporting persists due to a lack of awareness or violence being perceived as part of the job. Addressing these challenges through raising awareness, providing support mechanisms, and enforcing regulations is essential to bolster workplace safety and patient care for psychiatrists.

Ergonomic Practice in Medical Laboratory Workers in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Lahore

Objective: To evaluate the ergonomics practice pattern among medical laboratory professionals to determine the ergonomic deficiencies to improve the workplace quality and safety at a tertiary care hospital in Lahore Methodology: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in department of pathology, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore from November 2019 to January 2020. All the workers engaged in all the sections of the clinical laboratory were included in the study. The results were collected using a self-administered questionnaire, which included demographic information, ergonomic practices, workplace layouts and equipment utilization pattern. Individuals were instructed to complete the questionnaires in accordance to their own specific time range and return it after filling. All the data was gathered from the surveys and then coded and securely stored in a database for further analysis and interpretation. Results: Average age of the participants was 26.80±5.70 years. Several participants reported appropriate bench heights (70.7%) and tools within arm’s reach (62.2%), deficiencies were noted in foot and knee clearance, with only 50.0% and 53.7% respectively. Limited provision of foot rails (11.0%) and floor mats (31.7%) for prolonged standing tasks was seen. Seated benches showed similar disparities, with notable deficiencies in adjustable armrests (32.9%) and footrests (29.3%). Microscope usage demonstrated challenges in maintaining neutral posture (65.1%), while pipette use and micro-manipulation tools highlighted the need for improved accessibility and ergonomic support. Conclusion: Study revealed the varying levels of ergonomic appropriateness across the workplace and equipment among medical laboratory workers, with significant inadequacies in foot and knee clearance, the presence of foot rails, floor mats, adjustable armrests, and foot rests. Difficulties in using a microscope, as well as concerns about pipettes and micro-manipulation equipment, underscored the need for improved accessibility and ergonomics.

Understanding the Social Worker Experience with Organizational Changes in HSOs During the COVID-19 Pandemic

ABSTRACT Drawing on Lewin’s three-stage change theory (i.e. unfreezing, changing, and refreezing), this study explored social workers’ experience with organizational changes in human service organizations during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative content analysis was conducted using secondary data from a cross-sectional survey (June–August 2020). Responses for 2447 participants (78.5%) who answered the open-ended question, “How have services, functions or operations changed in response to COVID-19?” were thematically coded. Four overarching themes were identified and discussed: (1) changes to organization capacity; (2) technology/infrastructure and workers arrangements; (3) workplace safety; and (4) impact on clients and workers.