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)

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)

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.

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.

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.

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>

The ethics of occupational health and safety in Turkey: responsibility and consent to risk / La ética de la salud ocupacional y temas de seguridad en Turquía: responsabilidad y consentimiento al riesgo / A ética da saúde e segurança ocupacionais na Turquia: responsabilidade e consentimento para o risco

Work-related diseases, injuries, risks and deaths are the issues that have been recently gaining importance especially in developing countries. The ethical dimensions of occupational health and safety have remained as relatively understudied areas. Concepts such as responsibility, consent, autonomy, paternalism, choice, and certain values or justifications that are used in medical ethics and bioethics are also applicable to occupational health and safety. This article examines the ethical issues of responsibility and consent to occupational risk. It will first define the concepts of consent and risk, and then different views on responsibility and consent to risk will be discussed. The article will also examine the responsibility of the society and government regarding these concepts.

Enfermedades relacionadas con el trabajo, lesiones, riesgos y muertes son temas de mayor importancia, especialmente en países en desarrollo. Las dimensiones éticas de la salud ocupacional y los temas de seguridad han sido relativamente menos examinados. La responsabilidad, el consentimiento, la autonomía, el paternalismo, la elección y otros conceptos, como valores y justificaciones usados en ética médica y bioética, son también aplicables al ámbito de la salud ocupacional y seguridad. Este artículo examina los temas éticos de responsabilidad y consentimiento relativos a riesgo ocupacional. En este artículo, primero, se definen los conceptos de consentimiento y riesgo, entonces se discuten puntos de vista diferentes sobre responsabilidad y consentimiento al riesgo y finalmente se examina la responsabilidad de la sociedad y el gobierno.

Doenças relacionadas com o trabalho, lesões, riscos e mortes são temas que ganham importância, especialmente nos países em desenvolvimento. As dimensões éticas de questões de saúde e segurança no trabalho têm sido relativamente pouco examinadas. Responsabilidade, consentimento, autonomia, paternalismo, escolha e outros conceitos, valores ou justificativas usadas em ética médica e bioética são também aplicáveis ao domínio da saúde e segurança ocupacionais. Este artigo examina as questões de ética da responsabilidade e o consentimento ao risco ocupacional. Neste artigo, em primeiro lugar, os conceitos de consentimento e de risco são definidos; em seguida, diferentes pontos de vista sobre a responsabilidade e consentimento ao risco são discutidos e, finalmente, a responsabilidade da sociedade e do governo são examinados.

Evolución de un sistema de gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo e impacto en la accidentalidad laboral: estudio de caso en empresas del sector petroquímico en Colombia / Progress of an occupational health and safety management system that impacts workplace accidents: case study of petrochemical companies in Colombia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La adopción de sistemas para la gestión de la salud y seguridad en el trabajo trata de responder a las demandas y presiones de los entes regulatorios, empleadores y trabajadores para garantizar un ambiente de trabajo seguro previniendo los accidentes y reduciendo el número de lesionados. OBJETIVO: analizar el impacto en la accidentalidad laboral que tiene la implementación de un sistema de gestión de seguridad y salud en el trabajo bajo el estándar OHSAS 18001. MÉTODO: se recopilaron los datos de la accidentalidad de cuatro empresas del sector petroquímico, tres años antes y después de la certificación en la norma OHSAS, y se realizó una revisión documental y una entrevista al responsable de seguridad y salud en el trabajo para observar el grado de evolución del sistema de gestión a partir de seis elementos: política, identificación de peligros, objetivos y programas, control operacional, medición del desempeño e investigación de accidentes. RESULTADOS: en relación con los índices de frecuencia, severidad y lesiones incapacitantes de los accidentes, de las cuatro empresas analizadas, no presentan una tendencia clara de disminución en los tres años posteriores a la certificación. Sin embargo, el reporte de observaciones si aumentó en tres de las empresas estudiadas. CONCLUSIÓN: En general, se evidenció que la evolución del sistema de gestión se ha dado como resultado de los cambios en la normatividad legal y no hay una tendencia clara frente a la disminución de la severidad y frecuencias de los accidentes.

INTRODUCTION: The adoption of occupational health and safety management systems is a response to the demands and pressures of regulatory agencies, employers and workers to guarantee a safe work environment free that prevents accidents and reduces the number of people injured. Given Colombian companies' tendency to seek certification in those systems, particularly under the OHSAS 18001:2007 standard. OBJECTIVE: Goal was defined of analyzing the impact on workplace accidents of implementing an occupational health and safety management system under the OHSAS 18001 standard. METHOD: all the data on workplace accidents was compiled, with ratios of severity, frequency and disabling injury of petrochemical companies three years before and after their OHSAS standard certification. Overall, we found that the progress of the management system has come about as the result of changes in the country's standards, and not so much as a product of continuous improvement processes according to the system's performance results. RESULTS: In relation to accidents rates of frequency, severity and disability injuries, four companies analyzed do not show a clear downward trend in the three years following certification. However, if the report of observations increased in three of the companies studied. CONCLUSION: we did not find a clear trend toward a decrease in the severity nor the frequency of accidents. However, there has been improvement in terms of observations of unsafe conditions.

Occupational Health and Safety and Organizational Commitment: Evidence from the Ghanaian Mining Industry

BACKGROUND: This study seeks to examine the relationship and impact of occupational health and safety on employees' organizational commitment in Ghana's mining industry. The study explores occupational health and safety and the different dimensions of organizational commitment. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey design was used for this study. The respondents were selected based on simple random sampling. Out of 400 questionnaires administered, 370 were returned (77.3% male and 22.7% female) and used for the study. Correlation and multiple regression analysis were used to determine the relationship and impact between the variables. RESULTS: The findings of this study revealed positive and significant relationship between occupational health and safety management, and affective, normative, and continuance commitment. Additionally, the results revealed the significant impact of occupational health and safety on affective, normative, and continuance commitment. CONCLUSION: Management within the mining sector of Ghana must recognize the fact that workers who feel healthy and safe in the performance of their duties, develop emotional attachment and have a sense of obligation to their organization and are most likely committed to the organization. Employees do not just become committed to the organization; rather, they expect management to first think about their health and safety needs by instituting good and sound policy measures. Thus, management should invest in the protection of employees' health and safety in organizations.

Morbidity patterns among the welders of eastern Nepal: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Welding process has many hazards that the welders are exposed to resulting in numbers of health effects and diseases. Safety measures and practices among welders are important ways of preventing or reducing the health hazards associated with this occupation. We conducted this study to find out the morbidity patterns among the welders working in eastern Nepal. METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 300 welders using semi structured questionnaire. Morbidity categories were classified based on symptoms experienced in past 6 months. RESULTS: All the welders learned welding by apprenticeship, without any formal health and safety training. Injury was the most common problem at work followed by skin problems and eye symptoms. Age of the welders, duration of employment & welding hours per day were associated with the morbidities among the welders. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for occupational health services for welders in Nepal. While further research may be required to make policy recommendations, the current study provides a baseline morbidity burden among these welders to look for interventions to promote health and safety at work for this neglected group of workers in Nepal.

Occupational safety indicators for forest operations, sawmilling and wood-based panels manufacture: an international benchmarking / Indicadores de seguridad ocupacional para operaciones forestales, aserraderos y fabricación de tableros en base a madera: una evaluación comparativa internacional

BACKGROUND: Given the lack of updated comparison to establish safety levels at where Chilean forestry and wood companies are facing with foreign competitors, a study of international statistical benchmarking was performed to find the rankings on occupational accidents and international excellence levels to achieve. METHOD: A survey was sent to 79 institutions and 96 contacts specialized in OHS from 37 countries to request data from years 2010 to 2012. The sample represented the workforce exposed to labor accidents that produces around 50% of roundwood and sawnwood, but 30% of wood-based panel globally. RESULTS: The study reinforces that the most accurate, reliable and easy indicator to calculate, and also, to compare the accidentability, is fatal cases per million cubic meter harvested in the forest or processed in wood industries. Zero fatality was recorded only in some activities on forest operations (Belgium and Germany) and wood-based panels manufacture (Belgium, Finland, Italy, Lithuania and Sweden). Also, all countries improved their previous results on fatalities per 1 million m3 in the forest. CONCLUSIONS: Chile exhibits an intermediate international position for Fatality rate and Production v/s fatalities in forestry & logging, sawmilling and wood-based panels operations. There are no clear trends to build reliable rankings for Frequency rate, Severity rate, Production v/s nonfatal accidents and Production v/s lost time in wood processing. Also, to make obvious the impact of labor accidents in forest and wood products, the study provides updated data and proposes to establish comparative indicators for the occupational accidents footprint between companies and/or countries.

ANTECEDENTES: Ante la falta de datos actualizados para establecer niveles referenciales de seguridad laboral a los cuales las empresas forestales y madereras chilenas se enfrentan versus sus competidores extranjeros, se realizó un estudio estadístico internacional comparativo para definir rankings y establecer niveles de excelencia a lograr en accidentalidad ocupacional. MÉTODO: Se distribuyó una encuesta a 79 instituciones y 96 contactos especializados en SST de 37 países, solicitando datos del 2010 al 2012. La muestra representó a trabajadores expuestos a accidentes laborales que producen alrededor del 50% de la madera rolliza y aserrada y el 30% de paneles en base a madera del mundo. RESULTADOS: El estudio reconfirma que el indicador más preciso, fiable y fácil de calcular, y también para comparar la accidentabilidad, es cantidad de casos fatales por millón m3 cosechados en el bosque o procesado en industrias madereras. Cero mortalidad se registró sólo en algunas operaciones forestales (Bélgica y Alemania) y fabricación de paneles de madera (Bélgica, Finlandia, Italia, Lituania y Suecia). Además, todos los países mejoraron sus resultados de trabajadores fallecidos por millón m3 en el bosque respecto a estudios previos. CONCLUSIONES: Chile exhibe una posición internacional intermedia para tasas de Fatalidad y Producción v/s Casos Fatales en cosecha forestal, aserraderos y fabricación de paneles a base de madera. No hay tendencias claras para elaborar rankings fiables con tasas de Frecuencia, Gravedad, Producción v/s Accidentes no fatales y Producción v/s Tiempo perdido en procesamiento de la madera. Para evidenciar el impacto de los accidentes de trabajo en productos del bosque y elaborados de la madera, el estudio presenta datos actualizados y propone establecer indicadores comparativos para la huella de accidentalidad laboral entre empresas y/o países.