Family Support to Improve Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in the Informal Sector

@#Introduction: Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) for formal sector workers is held along with regulations, joint commitments, training, and continuous monitoring. This condition cannot be applied for informal sector, so it approaches that can be performed such as activating social support from workers’ environment. This study aimed to determine for social support to improve the knowledge, attitude and practice of OHS workers in informal sector. Methods: This study a quasi-experimental with pre-posttest and control group design. Subjects were 90 limestone workers taken by Multistage Sampling from Gunungkidul Regency, Indonesia. Subjects were divided into health promotion by family support and peer support (FS&PS), peer support (PS), family support (FS), and control (C) group with treatment period of one month. Variables were measured using a knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire. The obtained data then analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney test. Results: There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the knowledge, attitude and practice of OHS in limestone workers. FS&PS group gave the highest score for knowledge variable. There was no significant differences between OHS attitude between FS&PS and FS only (p=0.787). The biggest influence of attitude changes was from the FS group. The OHS practice has no significant differences between PS and C group (p=0.696), while other groups have significant differences. Conclusion: The biggest influence of changes in OHS practice was in the FS group. The combination of FS&PS is more effective in increasing knowledge, while attitude and practice are more effective if involving FS.

Aspects of the occupational health and safety program: competence of nurses in hospital

This study aims to identify the proxy determinants of the Occupational Health and Safety Program (OHS) implementation among nurses in a hospital in Indonesia. Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study conducted on a sample of 100 nurses from 4 services: perinatology, medicine, surgery and pediatrics, with criteria such as having a minimum education level equivalent to a diploma in nursing and still be actively working. Information on the variables length of work, level of education, training and supervision profiles, occupational health and safety of nurses was collected using an independently developed questionnaire. Results: Education level related to OHS implementation among nurses (p value 0.004

El estudio tiene como objetivo identificar los determinantes proxy de la implementación del Programa de Seguridad y Salud Ocupacional (SSO) en enfermeras de un hospital en Indonesia. Material y método: Estudio transversal realizado en 100 enfermeros como muestra de los servicios de perinatología, medicina, cirugía y pediatría, con criterios como tener una formación mínima de título profesional en enfermería y seguir trabajando activamente. La información respecto de las variables duración del trabajo, nivel de educación, perfiles de capacitación y supervisión, salud y seguridad ocupacional de los enfermeros fue recolectada mediante un cuestionario que se desarrolló de forma independiente. Resultados: Nivel de educación relacionado con implementación del SSO en enfermeros (valor de p 0,004

O estudo tem como objetivo identificar os determinantes proxy da implementação do Programa de Segurança e Saúde Ocupacional (SSO) em enfermeiros de um hospital na Indonésia. Material e método: Estudo transversal realizado em uma amostra composta de 100 enfermeiros de 4 serviços: perinatologia, medicina, cirurgia e pediatria, com critérios como ter um nivel de escolaridade mínimo equivalente a um título profissional de enfermagem e ainda exercer atividade profissional. As informações sobre as variáveis duração do trabalho, nível de escolaridade, perfis de treinamento e supervisão, saúde e segurança ocupacional dos enfermeiros foram coletadas por meio de um questionário desenvolvido de forma independente. Resultados: Nível de escolaridade relacionado à implementação do SSO em enfermeiros (p valor 0,004

Well-being at work, productivity, and coping with stress during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract This study aims to analyze the mechanisms through which the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic impacts on well-being at work and on productivity. The secondary objective is to identify stress management strategies for the work environment during the pandemic. This is an integrative review. Phase 1 consisted of searches of open access electronic databases (MEDLINE, SciELO, Bireme, and LILACS) for papers published in 2020 addressing mental health, work, and pandemics. Phase 2 consisted of selecting literature recommended by specialists in occupational psychiatry and positive psychology. These materials were read and critically analyzed. Forty references were included in the literature review. The articles reviewed were classified into the following categories: articles concerning work relationships in Brazil; articles describing the impact of pandemics on mental health and work; articles focusing on the work of health professionals during pandemics; articles about well-being at work; and papers proposing strategies to improve well-being and productivity and to promote mental health. The COVID-19 pandemic can have a significant impact on workers' mental health and productivity. Most professionals face a need to adapt to changes, which can decrease their feeling of well-being. Consequently, strategies to promote well-being and mental health in the work environment should be a priority. Work routines were modified after the COVID-19 pandemic set in and assessing these changes is essential to maintain workers' mental health. By so doing, it is possible to promote general well-being and post-traumatic recovery and reduce stress levels.

Intensidad del trabajo de conocimiento en la gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo / Intensity of the knowledge work in the occupational health and safety management activities

Introducción: La mejor gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo es la que practica la prevención; su eficacia se basa en conocimientos especializados para la evaluación de riesgos y la búsqueda de buenas soluciones. De ahí que el éxito dependa de la comprensión de la intensidad de conocimiento que requiere cada vez más esta tarea. Objetivo: Analizar la intensidad de trabajo de conocimiento que demanda la gestión de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo en una empresa. Métodos: El estudio se llevó a cabo en la Empresa Nacional de Análisis y Servicios Técnicos durante el periodo en que se realizó la investigación para la acreditación de su sistema de gestión de la seguridad y salud en el trabajo por la NC ISO 45001. Se evaluó la intensidad de trabajo de conocimiento a partir de la descomposición del trabajo en tareas, las que se evaluaron según las dimensiones de: calificación requerida, autonomía, innovación, intensidad de información, interdependencias y variabilidad de las situaciones. Se calculó la intensidad total, el aporte de cada tarea y de cada dimensión. Resultados: La dimensión más demandante fue la intensidad de información, tanto por lo referido a aspectos tecnológicos como a aspectos médicos y legales. Las tareas con más demanda de intensidad de conocimiento fueron la identificación de peligros y evaluación de riesgos, la capacitación de los trabajadores y la relacionada con la realización y análisis de chequeos médicos. Conclusiones: La efectividad de la gestión de la salud y seguridad en las empresas requiere de apoyos informáticos que respondan a sus necesidades e intercambios sistemáticos interdisciplinares entre ingenieros, psicólogos y médicos dedicados a la salud y seguridad ocupacional(AU)

Introduction: The best management of work safety and health is the practice of prevention; its efficiency is based in specialized knowledge for the assessment of risks and the search of good solutions. Therefore, the success depends on the comprehension of the knowledge intensity that this task requires. Objective: Analyze the intensity of the knowledge work that demands the management of safety and health in the functions of a company. Methods: The study was carried out in the National Company of Analysis and Technical Services during the period when it was performed the research for the accreditation of their Occupational health and safety management system by the NC ISO 45001. It was assessed the intensity of knowledge work from the division of the work in tasks, which were assessed according to the dimensions: required calification, autonomy, innovation, intensity of information, interdependencies and variability of the situations. It was calculated the overall intensity, the contribution of each task and of each dimension. Results: The most demanding dimension was the intensity of information, because of the technological aspects as well as due to the medical and legal aspects. The tasks with most demand of knowledge intensity were: the identification of dangers and assessment of risks, the training of workers, and the one related with the conduction and analysis of medical checkings. Conclusions: The effectiveness of health and safety's management in companies requires informatics supports that actually respond to their needs, and interdisciplinary systematic exchanges among engineers, psychologists and physicians devoted to occupational health and security(AU)

A reforma trabalhista e as implicações para a saúde do trabalhador / Labor reform and its implications for workers' health

A Lei n. 13.467/2017, conhecida como Reforma Trabalhista, trouxe várias modificações ao texto da Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho. Várias dessas mudanças desrespeitam as normas relativas à saúde do trabalhador, dispostas tanto na Constituição Federal de 1988 quanto na legislação infraconstitucional. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar as possíveis implicações da Reforma Trabalhista para a saúde do trabalhador, tendo em vista os regramentos constitucionais. Para o desenvolvimento do estudo, utilizou-se a metodologia qualitativa com adoção da técnica de análise de conteúdo de documentos. Foram analisadas quatro alterações propostas pela Lei n. 13.467/2017, quais sejam: a possibilidade de alterar o enquadramento do grau de insalubridade mediante negociação coletiva; a possibilidade de reduzir o intervalo intrajornada também por negociação coletiva; a possibilidade de trabalho em condições insalubres durante a gravidez/fase de lactação; e a liberação da terceirização de qualquer atividade. Verificou-se que a "modernização" trazida pela reforma trabalhista consiste, na realidade, na desconstrução da estrutura constitucional e infraconstitucional de proteção ao trabalhador, com desrespeito aos padrões de saúde e segurança até então presentes no ordenamento jurídico brasileiro. Como consequência, o estudo aponta para a probabilidade de aumento nos números de acidentes de trabalho e de doenças relacionadas ao trabalho.

Law 13.467/2017, known as the Labor Reform, brought several modifications to the text of the Consolidation of Labor Laws. Several of these changes disregard the norms related to workers' health, both in the Federal Constitution of 1988 and in the infraconstitutional legislation. The objective of this study was to identify and analyze the possible implications of the Labor Reform for workers' health, considering the constitutional regulations. For the development of the study, the qualitative methodology was used with the adoption of the document content analysis technique. Four amendments proposed by Law 13.467/2017 were analyzed, namely: the possibility of changing the framework of the degree of unhealthiness through collective bargaining; the possibility of reducing the work break also through collective bargaining; the possibility of working in unhealthy conditions during pregnancy/ lactation, and the liberation of outsourcing of any activity. It was found that the "modernization" brought by the labor reform consists, in fact, in the deconstruction of the constitutional and infraconstitutional structure of worker protection, with disregard for health and safety standards hitherto present in the Brazilian legal system. As a consequence, the study points to the likelihood of an increase in the number of accidents at work and work-related diseases.

Reliability and validity of Health and Safety Climate Survey / 环境与职业医学

Background The health and safety climate of workplace has an important impact on the physical and mental health of workers. There is no available scale for the evaluation of workplace health and safety climate in China at present. Objective This study aims to sinicize and evaluate the reliability and validity of the Health and Safety Climate Survey. Methods The English version of Health and Safety Climate Survey was translated to Chinese and back-translated to English, and followed by expert evaluation to develop a Chinese version. Quota sampling method was used to select 2600 employees from 16 enterprises and public institutions in Pudong New Area of Shanghai and to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the scale. Structural validity, convergent validity, and discriminant validity were included in validity evaluation. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were used to test structural validity. In EFA, an acceptable factor loading of items on their respective dimensions was > 0.60. In CFA, an acceptable root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA), a standard absolute fitness index, was < 0.05. Comparative fit index (CFI) and parsimony-adjusted non-normed fit index (PNFI), measures of incremental improvement and fit, > 0.90 indicated a good fit. Convergent validity was evaluated by average variance extracted (AVE), and an AVE > 0.50 indicated good convergent validity. Discriminant validity was determined as good by the square root of AVE greater than the correlation coefficient between latent variables. Cronbach’s α coefficient was used to evaluate the internal consistency of the scale; the internal consistency considered was very good with an α > 0.90. Cronbach’s α coefficient may cause underestimation of reliability in the case of error correlation. Therefore, composite reliability (CR) calculated based on structural equation model >0.70 indicated that the CR was good. Results The response rate was 95.69%. The Chinese version of Health and Safety Climate Survey included 22 items belonging to six dimensions which was extracted by the EFA, and the cumulative variance contribution rate was 74.79%. The corrected RMSEA was 0.045, the PNFI was 0.970, and the CFI was 0.975 in the CFA, indicating good fit. The dimensional AVE values were all greater than 0.50, indicating good CV. The square root of AVE was greater than the correlation coefficient between latent variables, indicating good DV. The Cronbach’s α was 0.90 for the total scale and were above 0.70 for all dimensions. The CR was 0.93 for the total scale and were above 0.70 for all dimensions, indicating that the overall reliability of the scale was good. Conclusion The Chinese version of Health and Safety Climate Survey has good reliability and validity, and can be further improved in field application.

Fishing methods and occupational safety practices of fishermen in a coastal municipality of Central Luzon

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Objective:</strong> This study aims to explore the fishing methods and occupational safety practices of fisherfolk in a coastal municipality in Central Luzon.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods:</strong> Key informant interviews were conducted with leaders of fishing organizations and the Municipal Agricultural Officer using a semi-structured interview guide.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> Fisherfolk in the selected municipality adopted a variety of fishing practices, equipment, and methods suitable for each individual or group of fisherfolk. Safety practices were either self-learned from observation of elders and family members or arose from a trial-and-error basis, with an emphasis on precautionary measures to avoid injury.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Fishing practices highly varies, the most prominent of which is using numerous equipment for catching fish and other marine products by hand. Occupational safety practices are mainly focused on the avoidance of hazards.</p>

Occupational risk exposures and adverse health findings among farmers in Southern Philippines

Introduction@#Pesticides are widely used in the agricultural sector to increase production by cutting costs and improving product quality. However, these chemicals come with serious health effects when individuals are exposed to large quantities at once or low amounts over time. @*Objective@#This study aimed to identify the health symptoms and physical assessment findings affecting farmers from their repeated occupational exposure to pesticides in a rural region in the Philippines. @*Methods@#This research study used a cross-sectional design, and samples were drawn based on a multistage sampling of 387 agricultural workers. The target site was in the southern Philippines, and the sample was selected randomly from the identified municipalities. Survey questionnaires were given to the respondents, and a physical assessment was made by medical doctors and trained registered nurses. The data were encoded using SPSS™ 13.0. The statistics used were both descriptive and inferential. @*Results@#The farmers used pesticides in their farms with an average of 2.3 days per week (SD: 2.13). The mean total spraying time was 3.07 hours (SD: ± 14.76) per day. The average amount of pesticide used in an application was 1.33 L per application (SD: ± 6.53). Sixty-three percent (63%) had spills while spraying, and 47% reported having spilled pesticides while mixing. Farmers were assessed and found to have experienced symptoms and exhibited physical assessment findings surrounding the following body systems: general, EENT, neurologic, gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, and integumentary systems. Abnormalities in laboratory parameters were also observed among the respondents. The mini-mental state examination was done to test if the respondents showed signs of cognitive impairment. The results showed that most respondents (93.95%) had normal cognitive function, while 6.05% of respondents had some level of cognitive impairment. Associations were also tested using Phi Coefficient, and certain pesticide exposure variables were associated with farmers' physical findings and symptoms experienced by farmers. @*Conclusion@#This study translates pesticide’s health impact by identifying the common symptoms experienced by farmers and concerning physical assessment findings. The study found that farmers suffered from various symptoms concerning the general health, eye, ears, nose, and throat region, neurological system, gastrointestinal system, respiratory system, cardiovascular system, and the integumentary system. In addition, the laboratory parameters of the participants also exhibited abnormalities indicative of exposure and possible adverse effects from pesticides.

The Effects of Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety Management System on Functional Indices: A Five-year Study in Casting Industry

@#Introduction: Assessment of the performance of management systems is one of the main concerns of managers. The measure of success of an occupational health and safety management system is the ex-tent of its effectiveness. The effects of implementing an OHSMS on health and safety perfor-mance indices in a casting site located in Iran between 2015 and 2019 were examined. Methods: A retrospective descriptive-analytical study was conducted over five years on 21 depart-ments of a casting site. All the functional indices one year before the implementation of OHSAS 18001:2007 in 2015 until a year after the implementation (2019) were monitored and the data were analyzed using SPSS (v.19). Results: There was a significant decrease in occupational accidents after the implementation of OHSAS 18001:2007. Mechanical and ergonomic factors demonstrated significant improvements. There were improvements in the indices of opening health files for the personnel, personal protective equipment, education, instructions, legal requirements, commitment, and leadership. There was no significant change in chemical and physical factors. Conclusion: Implementation of the occupational health and safety manage-ment system was effective in the indices that needed managerial control with no or low expenses. However, it was not effective in indices in engineering and technical areas that needed more expenses.

Bernardino Ramazzini: un pionero de la medicina del trabajo / Bernardino Ramazzini: a pioneer of work medicine

Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714), médico italiano, es considerado el padre de la medicina del trabajo por su tratado sobre las enfermedades de los trabajadores, publicado en latín hace más de 300 años. Su fecha de nacimiento, 4 de octubre, se ha tomado como el Día de la Medicina del Trabajo. Fue un precursor de la salud pública y de la seguridad y salud laborales. Se recuerda en este artículo la vida y obra de este eminente clínico, que poseía una amplia formación humanística. (AU)

Bernardino Ramazzini (1633-1714), an Italian doctor considered the father of occupational medicine, for his treatise about workers' diseases, published in Latin more than 300 years ago. His date of birth, October 4, is the Day of Occupational Medicine. It was a precursor to public health and occupational health and safety. This article recalls the life and work of this eminent clinician, who had an extensive humanistic training. (AU)

An organization based cross-sectional study of occupational injuries among bridge construction workers in an urban area of Mumbai

Background: Occupational injuries are matter of consideration and purport to be raising cost directly like in illnesses and accidents, loss of employment, disability and loss of productivity and subsequently to families and Society. However, there is paucity of studies to elucidate the state of affairs in most of the part of India. The Present study dictates the prevalence of injury and associated factors among Bridge Construction workers in urban area of Mumbai. Objectives are (1) to study prevalence of injury among bridge construction workers, (2) to identify the factors related to such occupational injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among bridge construction workers in urban area of Mumbai from August 2017 to December 2017. Sample size was 150 by convenient method sampling which were selected randomly.Results: The prevalence of injury among Bridge making was 25.7% in past 3 months. Factors like not using protective devices, smoking, tobacco chewing, lack of sleep, work experience were factors associated with suffering.Conclusions: In the study dictating construction workers health and safety in an urban area of Mumbai, where higher prevalence of injury (25.7%) reported in bridge workers in an urban area of Mumbai. If intense mediation are not established then work absenteeism, drooping of work output, occupation related ailments, disabilities and casualties would remain in existence a major problem among construction workers .Therefore programmes to alleviation the load exhibited by construction related injuries should focus on work safety training, monitoring of health and substance abuse in work area.

The Interplay Between Supervisor Safety Support and Occupational Health and Safety Vulnerability on Work Injury

BACKGROUND: Workers exposed to hazards without adequate protections are at greater risk of injury and illness. Supervisor activities have also been associated with injury risk. We examined the interplay between supervisor safety support and occupational health and safety (OHS) vulnerability on workplace injury and illness. METHODS: A survey was administered to 2,390 workers employed for more than 15 hrs/week in workplaces with at least five employees who had a direct supervisor. We examined the combined effects of hazard exposure with inadequate protection (OHS vulnerability) and supervisor support on workplace injury and illness, using additive interactions in log-binomial regression models. RESULTS: OHS vulnerability and lack of supervisor support independently increased the likelihood of physical injuries at work. Crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of physical injury was at least 3.5 times higher among those experiencing both OHS vulnerability and a lack of supervisor support than individuals without OHS vulnerability and with a supportive direct supervisor.Workers who experienced vulnerability were at less risk if they had a supervisor who was supportive. CONCLUSION: In workplaces where workers experience one or more types of OHS vulnerability, having a supportive supervisor may play an important role in reducing the risk of injury and protecting workers.

Health Promotion at Work: A Comparison of Policy and Practice Across Europe

BACKGROUND: Promoting healthy lifestyles at work should complement workplace safety programs. This study systematically investigates current states of occupational health and safety (OHS) policy as well as practice in the European Union (EU). METHODS: OHS policies of EU member states were categorized as either prevention or health promotion provisions using a manifest content analysis. Policy rankings were then created for each prevention and promotion. Rankings compared eight indicators from the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks-2 data on prevention and promotion practices for each member state using Chi-square and probit regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 73.1% of EU establishments take preventive measures against direct physical harm, and about 35.4% take measures to prevent psychosocial risks. Merely 29.5% have measures to promote health. Weak and inconsistent links between OHS policy and practice indicators were identified. CONCLUSION: National OHS policies evidently concentrate on prevention while compliance with health and safety practices is relatively low. Psychosocial risks are often addressed in national policy but not implemented by institutions. Current risk assessment methods are outdated and often lack psychosocial indicators. Health promotion at work is rare in policy and practice, and its interpretation remains preventive. Member states need to adopt policies that actively improve health and well-being at the workplace.

The Fourth Industrial Revolution and Its Impact on Occupational Health and Safety, Worker's Compensation and Labor Conditions

The “fourth industrial revolution” (FIR) is an age of advanced technology based on information and communication. FIR has a more powerful impact on the economy than in the past. However, the prospects for the labor environment are uncertain. The purpose of this study is to anticipate and prepare for occupational health and safety (OHS) issues.In FIR, nonstandard employment will be common. As a result, it is difficult to receive OHS services and compensation. Excessive trust in new technologies can lead to large-scale or new forms of accidents. Global business networks will cause destruction of workers' biorhythms, some cancers, overwork, and task complexity. The social disconnection because of an independent work will be a risk for worker's mental health. The union bonds will weaken, and it will be difficult to apply standardized OHS regulations to multinational enterprises.To cope with the new OHS issues, we need to establish new concepts of "decent work” and standardize regulations, which apply to enterprises in each country, develop public health as an OHS service, monitor emerging OHS events and networks among independent workers, and nurture experts who are responsible for new OHS issues.

Health And Safety Situation At Non-Public Primary Schools

@#Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in societies and promoting their health and safety in school should be one of the goals of education systems. Evaluating the current status of schools is the first step toward the prevention of crises in schools and coping with them. The present study investigates the health and safety status of non-public primary schools in Tehran. The present cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on a statistical population of non-public primary schools in Tehran, including 65 schools that were selected through multistage cluster sampling. The study tool was the School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS), which was completed by the researcher upon observing the current status of schools, and a statistical analysis was then carried out in SPSS-23 using deductive analysis with the single-sample t-test and the cumulative percentage analysis. The results obtained showed that the schools met the required standards in indicators including health policies, safety policies, emergency conditions and personal hygiene; however, they lacked these standards in indicators including health measures, safety measures, attendance, departure and meals/snacks. In general, there was a significant difference between the mean health and safety indices in the schools and the required standards (t=-8.19, P<0.001), and the schools did not meet the required health and safety standards in view of the size of the mean difference. Regarding the role of supervisory authorities and attitudes of staff and parents related to educational environment, it seems that schools need to improve and resolve their deficiencies in various dimensions of health and safety in order to be ready to deal with emergencies. Assessments can be carried out in schools in the form of periodical self-evaluations to improve their performance. In this process, the school environment provides a safer and more enjoyable way for children to learn and create a sense of belonging to the school.

Health And Safety Situation At Non-Public Primary Schools

@#Children are one of the most vulnerable groups in societies and promoting their health and safety in school should be one of the goals of education systems. Evaluating the current status of schools is the first step toward the prevention of crises in schools and coping with them. The present study investigates the health and safety status of non-public primary schools in Tehran. The present cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical study was conducted on a statistical population of non-public primary schools in Tehran, including 65 schools that were selected through multistage cluster sampling. The study tool was the School-Age Care Environment Rating Scale (SACERS), which was completed by the researcher upon observing the current status of schools, and a statistical analysis was then carried out in SPSS-23 using deductive analysis with the single-sample t-test and the cumulative percentage analysis. The results obtained showed that the schools met the required standards in indicators including health policies, safety policies, emergency conditions and personal hygiene; however, they lacked these standards in indicators including health measures, safety measures, attendance, departure and meals/snacks. In general, there was a significant difference between the mean health and safety indices in the schools and the required standards (t=-8.19, P<0.001), and the schools did not meet the required health and safety standards in view of the size of the mean difference. Regarding the role of supervisory authorities and attitudes of staff and parents related to educational environment, it seems that schools need to improve and resolve their deficiencies in various dimensions of health and safety in order to be ready to deal with emergencies. Assessments can be carried out in schools in the form of periodical self-evaluations to improve their performance. In this process, the school environment provides a safer and more enjoyable way for children to learn and create a sense of belonging to the school.

Analysis of Factors Related to Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Laboratory

Abstract@#Introduction: Laboratories are not inseparable from the risk of work hazards. Laboratory workers are exposed to a high risk of occupational accidents and with contracting occupational diseases originating from specimens or human body fluids, such as blood and urine. The availability of PPE is very important and needed to protect laboratory staff from possible unwanted events. This study describes what factors are associated with the use of PPE in the laboratory. Methods: This research is an analytic study with a cross sectional study approach. 31 students from the Epidemiology Department of the Faculty of Health, Universitas Airlangga in 2018 were taken as respondents in this study. Data collection was done by using questionnaire method and interview with several students. The independent variables are knowledge, perceptions, compliance, motivation, attitudes, PPE regulations in the workplace, supervision, availability, and dissemination of PPE. Results: The results showed that there was a relationship between the use of PPE with several independent variables, which are, student perceptions, student compliance, student motivation, student attitudes, availability of PPE, and socialization of PPE. Several independent variables that have no relationship with the use of PPE are student knowledge, regulations on the use of PPE, and monitoring the use of PPE. Conclusion: Some independent variables that showed an association with the use of PPE included perceptions, compliance, motivation, attitudes, availability, and socialization of the use of PPE.

Occupational Health and Safety Related Knowledge, Attitude and Practice among Wood and Metal Workers in Hawassa, Ethiopia

Background: Workplace accidents affect young people and developing countries share the largest job related incidences and diseases. Micro and small enterprises (MSE) are in rapid expansion in Ethiopia and they consist mostly of young age groups. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in Hawassa (Jan. to Mar., 2014), Ethiopia. The subjects were 382 respondents, all eligible workers at MSE wood and metal workshops in Hawassa. The study design was institution based cross-sectional and the data were collected by interviewing and administering semi-structured questionnaires which included demographic characteristics, and questions specifically designed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) of the study subjects. Knowledge and attitude were measured using composite score and data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 computer software to determine descriptive statistics. Results: The response rate of the study was 92.7%. The majority, 84.9% (299), of the respondents was males and 15.1% (53) were females; 36.2% (128) were aged 25 – 29 years and 34.7% (123) completed secondary school. Regarding their work environment 94.2% (325) reported presence of excessive dust, 99.2% (350) disturbingly high sound, 89.5% (316) radiation from welding and 99.4% (338) used chemicals in the workplace during painting / spraying. Only 30.5% (108) knew that exposure to chemicals (inhaled sprays, spilled on body etc.) during work causes problem on health. Regarding knowledge related to occupational health and safety (OHS) 83.1% (294) responded 75% and above correctly while regarding attitude 87.2% (309) have shown to have 75% and above favorable attitude towards acceptable OHS principles. Concerning practice on using personal protective equipment (PPE) , out of the 6 PPE mentioned, only 37.3% (132) reported that they use three or more of them sometimes or always. Only 33.9% (120) and 5.4% (19) of the respondents reported that they had training on OHS before they started work and within the last one year respectively. Conclusion and Recommendation: The overall knowledge, attitude and practice related to OHS MSE wood and metal workers in Hawassa pose a public health concern. This calls for urgent intervention in providing on job training as well as implementing safer work environment, medical checkups and improved pre-service training for new staff.

Analysis of gaps among stakeholders of occupational health and safety in the Philippines

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> Increase of occupational injuries, accidents or diseases, has become a global trend. Implementation of programs on Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) programs are weak, however. Strengthening the OHS, stakeholders and their constituents must take the driver's seat for policy formulation program development and services. This study determined the gaps of the OHS stakeholders in the Philippines.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODS:</strong> Data were gathered through review of relevant documents, series of key informant interviews and a workshop.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS:</strong> The investigators were able to identify 27 stakeholders. Results showed gaps that focused mainly on governance. These include: (1) lack of a dedicated national agency that will oversee all OHS initiatives across industries and sectors; (2) inadequate awareness on OHS mandate of some agencies; (3) unclear delineation of roles and responsibilities among stakeholders; (4) poor coordination among government agencies; and (5) poor enforcement of OHS legislations. These gaps should be addressed to ensure effective and efficient implementation of the policies.</p>

Occupational noise exposure of traffic enforcers in selected streets in the City of Manila

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>OBJECTIVE:</strong> The study aimed to evaluate the sound pressure levels of selected traffic enforcer sites in the City of Manila.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>METHODOLOGY:</strong> A Brüel & Kjær Integrating Sound Level Meter type 2225 was used to measure sound pressure levels in dB(A) to estimate personal noise exposure of traffic enforcers designated at Quezon Boulevard near Quiapo Church and Recto - Rizal Avenue on a weekday and a weekend. Graphs were generated while appropriate measures were calculated for the noise exposure levels. The mean exposure levels were compared with the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health standards by computing the corresponding permissible exposure limit for each work shift using the Equal Energy Principle.17</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>RESULTS:</strong> Noise exposure levels at Quezon Boulevard ranged from 75.0 dB(A) to 91.5 dB(A) with mean noise exposure level of 84.3 ± 3.7 dB(A) and 82.5 ± 2.6 dB(A) for the weekday AM and PM shift, respectively. The mean noise exposure level at Quezon Boulevard for the weekend AM shift was 82.4 ± 2.6, whereas 80.4 ± 2.8 for the PM shift. The noise exposure levels at Recto - Rizal Avenue ranged from 81.5 dB(A) to 99.3 dB(A) with mean noise exposure level of 86.7 ± 2.6 dB(A) and 86.0 ± 2.1 dB(A) for the weekday AM and PM shift, respectively. The mean noise exposure level at Recto - Rizal Avenue for the weekend AM shift was 86.7 ± 2.3, whereas 89.0 ± 4.0 for the PM shift.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>CONCLUSION:</strong> The study showed that traffic enforcers designated at Quezon Boulevard and Recto - Rizal Avenue are exposed to noise levels that do not exceed the Philippine Occupational Safety and Health standards.</p>