Health status of photovoltaic module production workers in Shanghai / 环境与职业医学

Background Photovoltaic (PV) cells can convert solar energy into electricity and alleviate the dilemma of energy supply shortage. Shanghai's PV module industry is booming, but there are few reports on the health status of the workers and there is an urgent need for health risk assessment. Objective To evaluate the health status of PV module production workers and the association between work and health status, in order to provide a direction for the health management of the workers. Methods Among the PV module production workers who completed prescriptive occupational health examination by a designated medical institution in 2021, 2453 workers with more than one year of working age were selected as the exposure group and 538 newly hired workers as the control group. On the basis of the Technical specifications for occupational health surveillance (GBZ 188−2014), the health examination included physical examination and laboratory examination and information such as sociodemographics, living habits, and disease history. We compared the indicators of pure-tone hearing test, blood routine examination, electrocardiogram (ECG), liver function, and kidney function between the two groups. The blood routine results included erythrocyte-related indicators, leukocyte-related indicators, and platelet-related indicators, and the results of liver function included hepatocyte injury indicators, hepatic secretory function indicators, and hepatic synthesis function indicators. The workers were divided into four groups by quartiles of working age. Trend chi-square test was used to analyze differences in health status between the four working age groups. Multiple logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between working age and health indicators. Results Among the exposure group workers, 2035 (83.0%) were male and 418 (17.0%) were female. The median (P25, P75) age was 34.0 (30.0, 39.0) years and the median (P25, P75) working age was 6.0 (3.0, 10.0) years. The abnormality rate of blood routine was 61.7%. Among them, the abnormality rates of platelet-related indicators and liver secretory function indicators were 39.8% and 48.1% respectively. The risks of abnormal hepatocyte injury-related indicators, fatty liver, and platelet-related indicator abnormalities among the exposure group were 1.471 (95%CI: 1.060, 2.054), 1.691 (95%CI: 1.208, 2.385), and 7.576 (95%CI: 4.967, 11.994) times higher than those in the control group respectively. The single-factor analysis demonstrated a positively linear trend between working age and hypertension prevalence, electrical audiometry abnormality rate, or liver secretory function indicator abnormality rate. Corrected for gender, age, smoking status, hypertension, etc., the results of logistic analysis showed that quartile working age was positively related to abnormal liver secretion function and abnormal platelet-related indicators respectively (OR=1.047, P=0.005; OR=1.037, P=0.014), and inversely associated with the abnormal rate of renal function (OR=0.953, P=0.044). Conclusion Negative associations between health status and working age are identified in PV module production workers. The target PV module production employees are in younger age, and with the increase of working age, the abnormalities of liver function and platelets may increase. Therefore, the enterprises should extend occupational health work from workplace to workers.

Visual analysis of occupational health and safety research among medical staff / 中国职业医学

Objective: To study the current status, hotspots and frontiers in the field of occupational health and safety (OHS) research among medical staff. Methods: A comprehensive search on OHS of domestic and international literature on medical staff was conducted using the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and Web of Science databases from 2002 to 2022. The collected literature was subjected to bibliometric analysis and visualized using CiteSpace 6.1.R6 software. Results: A total of 5 858 articles related to medical personnel OHS comprising 2 144 Chinese articles and 3 714 English articles, were included. The publication of Chinese articles showed an initial increase followed by a decline, while English articles exhibited a sustained increase followed by a sudden decline. Domestic research mainly focused on hospitals and academic institutions, with few collaboration between institutions and regions in China. Research abroad demonstrated strong collaboration and exchange between countries and institutions. The OHS related research hotspots were occupational exposure, occupational health, and occupational safety of medical personnel at home and abroad. The key department of interest was operating rooms, and the key group personnel was nurses. Advanced research in foreign countries has extended to fields such as personal protective equipment and medical personnel sleep issues. Conclusion: There is still a gap on OHS research among medical staff between China and foreign countries. Domestic scholars need to grasp the academic frontiers, strengthen collaboration and exchange among domestic institutions, regions, and international counterparts, enlarge the research scope and content to ensure the OHS of medical personnel.

Knowledge, skills and practices on Occupational Safety and Health among healthcare workers of Local Government Units (LGUs) in CAMANAVA

Background@#The need for better Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) protection for healthcare workers is increasingly being recognized as a major priority in the Philippines. The OSH Law ensures a safe and healthy workplace for all workers while the OSH Standards in the Public sector guarantees protection to all government employees from work-related injury and accident.@*Objective@#This study determined the knowledge, skills, and practices on OSH among healthcare workers after the passage of the OSH Standards for the Public Sector of four local government units: Caloocan City, Malabon City, Navotas City, and Valenzuela City@*Methods@#The descriptive evaluative and descriptive comparative research designs were utilized using a self-made questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were: current employment as healthcare workers from the Health Department, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection of the four LGUs. Data gathered were statistically analyzed using frequency and percentage, simple mean, weighted mean and standard deviation.@*Results@#More than half of the 306 respondents do not have a safety and health role in their respective LGUs. In terms of the level of knowledge on OSH, findings showed that majority were unaware of the OSH Law and the OSH Standards in the Public sector and to some of the duties of employers and rights of workers. The respondents were generally moderately skillful on OSH activities and the extent of OSH Practice showed unfamiliarity with the Mandatory 8-hour OSH Training, Safety officers, Health and Safety committees, and risk assessment for hazards.@*Conclusion@#A positive safety and health culture for government workers is fundamental especially for those working in the healthcare sector. This can be achieved more effectively if there is awareness, commitment, and correct implementation of the OSH Law, OSH Standards in the Public Sector and mandatory health programs and policies in the government institutions.

Occupational safety and health status and protection strategies of workers in new business forms / 环境与职业医学

The new business forms are the new patterns of the job market extended by the use of mobile internet, big data, cloud computing, and other information technologies in the context of a new round of information technology development. In recent years, under the catalysis of the new employment model, a large number of new business employees have emerged such as food delivery riders, couriers, and online car-hailing drivers, whose employment forms are flexible and don’t fully conform to the establishment of labor relations with the employers, and whose problem of overtime work is common. The employment characteristics of new business forms of "focusing on performance and ignoring responsibility" make workers at great risks of occupational injuries and occupational health problems such as work-related musculoskeletal disorders, mental disorders, and overwork. However, the current research on occupational safety and health of workers in new business forms is insufficient, and the experience of institutional practice and supervision is also limited. Therefore, based on relevant research progress at home and abroad, this paper discussed the health injuries of workers in new business forms, summarized associated influencing factors from four aspects: employment form, employment affiliation, long working hours exposure, and institutional guarantee, and then proposed countermeasures to strengthen occupational safety and health protection of workers. For the current problems in the employment of new business forms, the government, enterprises, and workers need to work together to improve the legal and regulatory system for employment of new business forms, and standardize occupational safety and health management, thus effectively protect the occupational safety and health rights and interests of workers in new business forms.

Framework and enlightenment of European Union's Occupational Injury Surveillance System / 环境与职业医学

In order to promote the development of China's occupational injury surveillance system, this paper presented the legal basis, project overview, reporting procedures, definitions and stati statistical scope, data sources and collection standards, statistical data management and analysis points of the European Statistics on Accidents at Work (ESAW), and combined with existing research and related surveillance management system in China, five key points were proposed for constructing China's occupational injury surveillance system: 1) Establish and improve laws and regulations related to occupational injury surveillance; 2) Promote utilization of nation-level data systems; 3) Establish and optimize a sound national occupational injury surveillance system; 4) Provide standardized protocols for data collection and data application of occupational injury statistics; 5) Strengthen supervision and law enforcement targeting industries and enterprises.

Situações de violência física produzidas pelos bloqueios injustos no trabalho de entrega de comida por aplicativos / Situations of physical violence produced by unfair blockades in the work of food delivery by apps / Situaciones de violencia física producidas por los bloqueos injustos en el trabajo de entrega de comida por aplicaciones

O objetivo principal deste artigo é apresentar e compreender o risco de violência física envolvendo entregadores via aplicativos e clientes, cujos fatores imediatos são os chamados bloqueios indevidos. Por meio de etnografia digital que consistiu no acompanhamento de grupos de WhatsApp e de vídeos produzidos por motoboys, deparamos com esse risco emergente relacionado ao trabalho e levantamos elementos que ajudam a compreender o fenômeno. O medo de ser excluído da plataforma devido à reclamação de um cliente aparece como fator de risco dessa violência. Fatores políticos e socioeconômicos também podem estar relacionados a essas situações de violência entre entregadores e clientes, como, por exemplo, a dependência econômica que esses trabalhadores têm de plataformas digitais e o ambiente de permissividade regulatória.

The main objective of this article is to present and understand the risk of physical violence involving deliv-erers by app and customers, whose immediate factors are the so-called unfair blockades. Through digital ethnography that consisted in monitoring WhatsApp groups and videos produced by food deliverers, we found out this emerging occupational risk and raised elements that help to understand the phenomenon. The fear of being excluded from the platform due to a customer's complaint appears as a risk factor for that violence. Political and socio-economic factors can also be related to these situations of violence between deliverers and customers, such as, for example, the economic dependence of these workers on digital plat-forms and the environment of regulatory permissiveness.

El objetivo principal de este artículo es presentar y comprender el riesgo de violencia física que envuelve repartidores de comida mediante aplicaciones y clientes, cuyos factores inmediatos son los llamados bloqueos indebidos. A través de la etnografía digital, que consistió en monitorizar grupos de WhatsApp y videos producidos por repartidores de comida, encontramos este riesgo emergente relacionado con el trabajo y levantamos elementos que ayudan a comprender el fenómeno. El miedo de ser excluido de la plataforma debido a alguna reclamación de un cliente aparece como un factor de riesgo para esa violencia. Factores políticos y socioeconómicos también pueden estar relacionados con estas situaciones de violencia entre repartidores y clientes, como, por ejemplo, la dependencia económica que estos trabajadores tienen de las plataformas digitales y el ambiente de permisividad regulatoria.

As manifestações de segunda vítima de evento adverso: uma análise dos profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital público de Minas Gerais / The manifestations of the second victim of an adverse event: an analysis of nursing professionals from a public hospital in Minas Gerais

Introdução: A assistência à saúde pode resultar em eventos adversos (EA) que atingem diretamente a saúde do paciente e sua experiência no cuidado à saúde, podendo causar mortes, sequelas definitivas e temporárias, sofrimento psíquico aos pacientes, a seus familiares e aos profissionais de saúde, além de elevar o custo assistencial. Dentre os problemas relacionados à ocorrência dos EA estão os prejuízos sofridos pelos profissionais de saúde que se envolvem em um EA, denominados na literatura como "segunda vítima". Estes indivíduos experimentam efeitos psicológicos profundos, como raiva, culpa, inadequação, depressão e suicídio, devido a falhas reais ou percebidas. Objetivo: Compreender as manifestações dos profissionais de enfermagem de um hospital frente a ocorrência de EA e a relação com o fenômeno da segunda vítima. Método: Foi realizado um estudo transversal e explicativo, com métodos quantitativos. O instrumento utilizado foi o questionário Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (HSOPSC), acrescido por questões para definição do perfil da população e para caracterização dos EA baseados no sistema de notificação de eventos adversos (Notivisa) da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. A população foi composta por 203 profissionais de enfermagem envolvidos na assistência direta aos pacientes de um hospital geral, público, de alta relevância para o atendimento da população da região noroeste de Minas Gerais. Resultados: A amostra foi predominante feminina (85%), com idade média de 40,7 anos, sendo 74% técnicos de enfermagem, 25% enfermeiros e 1% auxiliares de enfermagem. Relataram ter se envolvido em pelo menos um EA nos últimos dois anos, 60% dos profissionais entrevistados. Destes, a maioria foi com dano leve (47%) e sem danos (24%). Informaram também que 75% dos eventos foram notificados ao Núcleo de Risco. A maior parte dos profissionais (55%) que se envolveu em um EA apresentou pelo menos um tipo de manifestação física e/ou psicológica. Ansiedade foi a manifestação mais relatada (24%). Se consideramos os casos em que o EA causou dano moderado, grave ou óbito (n = 36), apenas 22% dos profissionais se mostraram indiferentes, os demais apresentaram ansiedade (33%), irritação (25%), insônia (5%), perda de apetite (5%), dificuldade em retornar a rotina (5%) e, dentre outras (28%), preocupação, frustração, medo, indignação e maior atenção no trabalho. Três profissionais (3%) relataram ter sido necessário buscar assistência emocional especializada. Conclusões: Os resultados deste estudo, em conformidade com o que a literatura apresenta sobre esta problemática, demonstrou o quão deletéria e impactante para um profissional de saúde pode ser a experiência do fenômeno da segunda vítima. Esses efeitos podem ser agravados se na instituição de saúde predomina uma cultura da punição e repreensão pelas falhas cometidas.

Introduction: Health care can result in adverse events that directly affect patients' health and their experience in health care, and can cause deaths, permanent and temporary sequelae, psychological distress to patients, their families and health professionals, in addition to raising costs of medical assistance services. Among the ills related to the occurrence of adverse events are the losses suffered by health professionals who are involved in an adverse event, referred to in the literature as "second victim". These individuals experience profound psychological effects, such as anger, guilt, inadequacy, depression, and suicide, due to real or perceived flaws. Objective: to identify the manifestations, in the face of the occurrence of an adverse event, of nursing professionals in a hospital and their relationship with the phenomenon of the second victim. Method: a cross-sectional and explanatory study was carried out, using quantitative methods. The instrument used was the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture questionnaire (HSOPSC). Questions to define the population profile and to characterize adverse events based on the Notivisa adverse event notification system of Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) were added. The population consisted of 203 nursing professionals involved in direct assistance to patients at a general, public hospital, of high relevance for the care of the population of the northwest region of Minas Gerais. Results: The sample was predominantly female (85%), with an average age of 40.7 years, with 74% nursing technicians, 25% nurses and 1% nursing assistants. 60% (n. 119) of the professionals reported to have been involved in at least 1 adverse event in the last 2 years. Of these, the majority were with slight damage (47%) and without damage (24%). They also reported that 75% of the events were notified to the Risk Center. Most professionals (55%) who were involved in an adverse event presented at least one type of physical and/or psychological manifestation. Anxiety was the most reported manifestation (24%). If we consider the cases in which the adverse event caused moderate, severe or death damage (n. 36), only 22% of the professionals were indifferent; other professionals showed anxiety (33%), irritation (25%), insomnia (5%), loss of appetite (5%), difficulty in returning to routine (5%) and other experiences (28%), worry, frustration, fear, indignation and greater attention at work. Three professionals (3%) reported that they needed to seek specialized emotional assistance. Conclusions: The results of this study, in accordance with what the literature on this issue presents, demonstrate how harmful and impactful for a health professional can be the experience of the phenomenon of the second victim. These effects can be aggravated if a culture of punishment and reprimand for failures prevails in the health Institution.

State and trends of occupational health and safety in the Philippines

Introduction@#In the Philippines, industries began to recognize the importance of workers’ health after occupational safety and health were introduced in the early 1900s. Ever since, several legal bases have existed to protect the people’s welfare. However, data regarding this matter is limited in the country. @*Objective@#This paper aimed to develop a comprehensive review of occupational safety and health data, including hazard exposures and occupational diseases for various Filipino occupational groups. @*Methods@#A comprehensive analysis of the latest records and statistics from various government agencies, non-government organizations, academe, and research institutions was done. Data analysis was completed through a critical appraisal of the Philippines' current occupational health and safety regarding occupational diseases, injuries, accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. Data were also extracted from reviews of literature and other related research studies. Data analysis was done through a critical appraisal of the Philippines' current occupational health and safety in terms of occupational diseases, injuries, accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. @*Results@#Most of those working in the informal sectors do not have enough social protection in the Philippine context. Others in the same situation involve construction workers, farmers, miners, and waste or garbage pickers. Child labor was also seen to be prevalent, risking these children's health and safety. Another issue is on gender, and wherein women were found to have lesser protection than their counterparts. Among the industries present in the country, administrative and support service activities, manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, financial and insurance activities, education except for public education, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing were seen to have a high prevalence of occupational diseases. The study has shown occupational safety and health among various occupational groups and categories, the profile of occupational diseases in Philippine industries, and the OSH programs implemented in industries. @*Conclusion@#Analysis of available data confirmed the presence of threats of unsafe and unhealthy conditions in various jobs and workplaces. To keep up with other nations, the country should strive more with its local developments.

Assessment of Knowledge, Attitude and Practice on Occupational Safety and Health Among Laboratory Workers in OSHMS Certified and Non-Certified Public Universities in Malaysia

@#Introduction: The use of chemicals in teaching laboratories exposes students and laboratory staff to risk arising from hazardous chemicals. Accidents related to poor management and handling of chemicals have been reported in teaching laboratories. Good implementation of occupational safety and health (OSH) in organisation that has implemented OSH-Management System (OSH-MS) plays an important role in reducing accidents at the workplace. The aim of this study is to assess the level of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to the OSH aspect in chemical handling among workers in OSH-MS certified and non-certified public universities in Malaysia. Method: This is a cross-sectional survey involving laboratory workers in four public universities in Malaysia. A total of 120 laboratory staff were recruited and data on KAP was collected using self-administered questionnaires disseminated physically and via online platforms. Items in the questionnaire were adapted from previous studies and published guidelines. Data obtained were entered into statistical software for analysis. Results: About 76% of workers in certified universities have high knowledge, 94% have a positive attitude, and 88% have good practice in OSH. In non-certified universities, 70% have high knowledge, 97.1% have a positive attitude and 81.4% have good practice in OSH. Good practice level was significantly higher in certified universities. Knowledge, in general, was associated with younger age and higher education level while attitude was linked to gender. Conclusion: There were higher percentages of good OSH practice among laboratory workers in OSH-MS certified universities. Structured and systematic OSH governance can facilitate better OSH practice and implementation in certified public universities.

Trend of work-related injuries in the Philippines from 2010-2020

INTRODUCTION@# Although Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) has been introduced as early as 1971, the protection of workers remained insufficient globally as 360 million occupational accidents occurred annually. In the Philippines, the incidence rate of occupational injury is 4.27 percent which indicates that there are around 4 cases of occupational injuries with workdays lost per 100 workers.@*OBJECTIVE@#The study aims to determine the trend of work-related injuries using hospital data entries from 2010-2020, and factors that contribute to work-related injuries and worker fatalities in the Philippines. @*METHODS@#The work-related data from the Department of Health’s Online National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (ONEISS) from 2010 to 2020 was processed and analyzed in the study using exploratory data analysis presented as table and graphs, and logistic regression and phi-coefficient analysis for statistical inference. The relationships between patient fatality, type of injury sustained, and external factors for occupational injuries and fatalities were analyzed. @*RESULTS@# A total of 72,897 (6.6%) work-related injuries and worker fatalities were analyzed in this study. The reports of occupational injuries and fatalities increased and peaked in 2019 and declined by 2020. Phi coefficient determined that all injuries sustained were significantly associated with work-related activities. Phi coefficient showed that all types of injuries were significantly associated with patient fatality. The external causes that were found to be significantly associated with patient fatality using phi coefficient were contact with sharp objects, exposure to forces of nature, fall, and transport and vehicular crash. Fall was significantly associated with patient fatality while also increasing its odds (OR=2.57, 95% CI: 1.76 – 3.75), and increased odds for multiple injuries (OR=2.30, 95% CI: 2.17 – 2.45), abrasion (OR=2.10, 95% CI: 1.97 – 2.24), and fracture (OR=9.66, 95% CI: 8.92 – 10.46). Transport/vehicular crash was significantly associated with increased patient fatality (OR=2.94, 95% CI: 2.22 – 3.88), multiple injuries (OR=6.77, 95% CI: 6.48 – 7.07), abrasion (OR=12.87, 95% CI: 12.34), and fracture (OR=4.12, 95% CI: 3.82 – 3.45).@*CONCLUSION@#The study determined the relationship between work-related injuries, patient fatalities, types of injuries, and external causes of injuries based on the ONEISS data from 2010 to 2020. It is recommended that the study results be used in evaluating work-related accidents and in conducting comprehensive health assessments.

Risk Factors for Working in Confined Spaces: Contributions for Psychosocial Assessment / Fatores de Risco no Trabalho em Espaços Confinados: Contribuições para a Avaliação Psicossocial / Factores de Riesgo en el Trabajo en Espacios Confinados: Contribuciones para la Evaluación Psicosocial

Abstract The recommendation of standards for companies supports the safety of workers. This study aimed to describe the psychosocial risk factors perceived by personnel that work in confined spaces. Qualitative study, conducted via interviews with 50 employees. Data were processed using the Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires software, with a descending hierarchical classification. The psychosocial risk management model identified five risk dimensions and described the interface between the categories of work context and content: interpersonal relationships (29.58%), task planning (23.50%), role in the organization (17.83%), home-work interface (15.10%), and workload and work pace (13.97%). The risk factors identified from the workers'' perspective allow reviewing psychosocial assessment, management practices, and the advancement of scientific knowledge, essential to rethink current legislation and mental health care for professionals that work in confined spaces.

Resumo As normas regulamentadoras oferecem diretrizes às empresas para execução do trabalho, inclusive para a área de segurança. O objetivo foi descrever fatores de risco psicossocial percebidos por trabalhadores atuantes em espaços confinados. Estudo qualitativo, conduzido por meio de entrevistas com 50 trabalhadores. Os dados foram processados, segundo classificação hierárquica descendente, pelo software Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. O modelo de gestão de riscos psicossociais, identificou cinco dimensões de risco distribuídas nas categorias de contexto e conteúdo do trabalho: relacionamento interpessoal (29,58%), planejamento de tarefas (23,50%), papel na organização (17,83%), interface casa-trabalho (15,10%) e carga e ritmo de trabalho (13,97%). Os fatores de risco identificados, na perspectiva dos trabalhadores, possibilitam a revisão de práticas de avaliação psicossocial, gestão e o avanço no conhecimento científico, importantes para subsidiar tomadas de decisão para o cuidado à saúde mental de profissionais atuantes em espaços confinados.

Resumen Las normas de reglamentación contienen lineamientos de ejecución de trabajo para las empresas, incluso para el área de seguridad. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los factores de riesgo psicosocial percibidos por los trabajadores que actúan en espacios confinados. Este estudio es cualitativo, en que se aplicaron entrevistas a 50 trabajadores. Los datos fueron procesados, según la clasificación jerárquica descendiente, por el programa Interface de R pour les Analyses Multidimensionnelles de Textes et de Questionnaires. El modelo de gestión de riesgos psicosociales identificó cinco dimensiones de riesgo, distribuidas en las categorías de contexto y contenido del trabajo: relación interpersonal (29,58%); planificación de tareas (23,5%); papel en la organización (17,83%); interface casa-trabajo (15,1%); y carga y ritmo de trabajo (13,97%). Los factores de riesgo identificados por los trabajadores posibilitan la revisión de prácticas de evaluación psicosocial, gestión y avance en el conocimiento científico, importantes elementos para repensar la toma de decisión en la atención a la salud mental de profesionales que actúan en espacios confinados.

Occupational safety and health development and challenges in Ethiopia: a case study of the Hawassa Industrial Park

Background: In Ethiopia, industrial parks that specialise in garment production are increasing in number and have created job opportunities for more than 45 000 workers. However, healthcare services, including occupational safety and health (OSH), are not commensurate with the growth and needs of the industry. Objectives: We assessed the supply and demand, barriers, governance, and regulation of health services and OSH at Hawassa Industrial Park, the largest industrial park in Ethiopia. Methods: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected via interviews with 260 randomly selected workers, focus group discussions with workers and health professionals, and key informant interviews with industrial park management, and government and non-government stakeholders. Ethiopian OHS polices, regulations, guidelines, directives, and strategies were also reviewed. Results: Hawassa Industrial Park hosts 21 globally known companies and more than 23 000 workers. Of the 260 workers interviewed, most (83.1%) were aged 18-24 years. Findings included that the delivery of OSH and primary healthcare is inadequate to ensure safety and meet workers' needs. Use of personal protective equipment is erratic; conditions in the cafeteria are unsanitary, as is the water; use of bathrooms is restricted; workers work long shifts with short breaks; wages are low; and healthcare is expensive, increasing the risk of occupational injuries and diseases. Workers have no OSH committee or trade unions, and Ethiopian Government regulations and enforcement are weak. There is no collaboration between the Park and the Ministry of Health to provide primary healthcare services for the workers. Conclusion: The workers in Hawassa Industrial Park urgently need improved access to, and coverage for, primary healthcare, including OSH; higher wages; and empowerment to exercise their right to organise. All stakeholders need capacity building to enable them to implement OSH.

Work, health, and safety conditions of delivery riders in the Philippines during COVID-19 pandemic

INTRODUCTION@#The delivery sector has experienced a remarkable expansion in recent years, owing mainly to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, numerous elements, like practices, regulations, and health and safety conditions, impact their efficiency. Similarly, the issues and complaints of delivery services, notably its on-the-ground workers/riders, have grown.@*OBJECTIVE@#This research aims to describe delivery riders' work-related health and safety conditions in the Philippines.@*METHOD@#An online survey was conducted for delivery riders to inquire about working conditions, and health and safety issues. Eighty survey respondents were included via snowball sampling. The survey focused on seven variables: precautions at work, health risks due to work, accident involvement, bad driving practices, road conditions, potential dangers for riders, and employer regulations and support. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. @*RESULTS@# Most riders are low-income married men who have finished at least high school and work more than eight hours a day, six days a week. Most of them also work for food delivery businesses during the day. The findings show a general adherence to traffic and safety laws, a propensity to push oneself to work despite poor conditions, and a lack of company support for riders' health, safety, and other requirements. The regular delivery rider's everyday difficulties include dirt roads, a lack of traffic signals, the presence of wandering animals and irresponsible pedestrians, and an insistence on showing up to work despite weather or health concerns. Furthermore, responders have high esteem for and thoroughly grasp local traffic laws.@*CONCLUSION@# Although the riders are generally perceived to comply with safety standards, their employers’ rules and support indicate that delivery firms are deficient in providing adequate safety and health measures for their workers. There is low importance on strategies to prevent transmission and contraction of COVID-19, such as vaccinations, testing, face masks, face shields, and sanitizers, among others.

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)

Factores psicosociales del personal de una organización educativa y su relación con desgaste psíquico / Psychosocial Factors in Workers of an Educational Organization and their Relationship with Psychic Exhaustion

Resumen. Objetivo. Evaluar los factores psicosociales percibidos por los trabajadores en una organización pública de educación superior y su relación con el desgaste psíquico. Método. La investigación fue transversal, participaron 292 trabajadores y se utilizó una batería que evalúa las dimensiones: Contexto de Trabajo, Contenido de Trabajo y Factores Individuales, como variables independientes y Desgaste Psíquico como variable dependiente. Resultados. La percepción de los participantes resultó favorable en más del 80%. Las dimensiones psicosociales indicaron una correlación media, positiva y estadísticamente significativa con el Desgaste Psíquico, consistente con los análisis Odds Ratio. Factores Individuales fue la dimensión de mayor influencia acorde con el modelo de regresión lineal múltiple, seguida de Contenido de Trabajo.

Abstract. Objective. To evaluate the psychosocial factors perceived by workers in a higher education public organization and their relationship with the psychic exhaustion. Method. Research was cross-sectional, 292 workers participated and it was used a test battery to evaluate the dimensions: Work Context, Work Content and Individual Factors, as independent variables and Psychic Exhaustion as a dependent variable. Results. Perception of the participants was favorable by more than 80%. Psychosocial dimensions indicated a medium, positive and statistically significant correlation with the Psychic Exhaustion, consistent with Odds Ratio analysis. Individual Factors was the dimension with the greatest influence according to the multiple linear regression model, followed by Work Content.

Investigation on workplace violence countermeasures in a Grade 2A hospital / 中国职业医学

OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of perpetrators of hospital workplace violence(WPV) on healthcare workers(HCWs) and the countermeasures. METHODS: A total of 978 HCWs was selected as the research subjects in a Grade 2 A hospital using a typical sampling method. The source of the perpetrators of hospital WPV, the subjects′ response to WPV, their degree of worry, their final coping styles and their satisfaction with the coping styles were investigated by the Workplace Violence in the Health Sector Country Case Studies Research Instruments--Survey Questionnaire. RESULTS: The incidence rate of workplace physical violence among HCWs was 8.79%(86/978). The perpetrators were mainly from patients and their family members(82.28%). The main responses to physical violence were to stop the perpetrator with words, talk to colleagues, inform the leaders in charge and try to prevent physical violence from recurring(58.59%). The degree of worry about physical violence was mainly very worried(52.33%). The final coping style was ″nothing was done″(76.75%). The satisfaction of HCWs to physical violence coping styles was very unsatisfied, unsatisfied and uncertain(86.05%). The incidence rate of workplace psychological violence among HCWs was 47.14%(461/978). The perpetrators were mainly patients and their family members(80.40%). The main responses to psychological violence were talking to colleagues, not responding, using language to stop the perpetrator and informing the leaders in charge(71.41%). The degree of worry was very worried and uncertain(71.58%). The final coping style was ″do nothing″ and verbal warning(83.08%). The satisfaction of HCWs to psychological violence coping styles was very unsatisfied, unsatisfied and uncertain(83.08%).CONCLUSION: Patients and their family members are the main perpetrators of hospital WPV, but the parallel violence from HCWs can′t be ignored. We do not have a good way to deal with most of the hospital WPV. The number of HCWs seeking legal protection and union support is extremely low. It is urgent to explore effective management mode to deal with hospital WPV.

Intervention Protocol of the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department of a High-Complexity University Hospital to Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic / Protocolo de intervenção do Departamento de Ortopedia e Traumatologia de um hospital universitário de alta complexidade para enfrentamento da pandemia de COVID-19

Abstract Objective To describe the protocols implemented to adapt the orthopedic team to the COVID-19 pandemic; a secondary objective is to assess the behavior of hospital and departmental variables when implementing such measures. Methods The present is a retrospective study describing three protocols: 1) reduction in the risk of infection for patients and healthcare workers; 2) adaptation of work, academic and scientific activities; and 3) adaptation of the orthopedic treatment during the pandemic. We analyzed hospital and departmental variables, including the number of patients seen in the emergency room and outpatient clinic, the number of hospitalized patients, suspected and confirmed cases in patients and orthopedic team members, changes in teaching activities from on-site attendance to videoconferencing, and number of surgeries. Period A, from March 3 to 16, was compared with period B, from March 17 to 30, 2020, which corresponded to the implementation of the protocols. Results There was a decrease in the number of outpatients and inpatients. One confirmed and two suspected cases were notified. Among the departmental members, there were 12 suspected and 6 confirmed cases. The weekly frequency of classes was maintained, while the clinical-scientific meetings decreased from ten to three. In addition, the number of surgeries was reduced. Conclusions The present study demonstrated the feasibility and efficiency of the rapid implementation of intervention protocols in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The protocols focused on reducing the risk of infection for patients and healthcare professionals, adapting work, academic and scientific activities, and modifying the orthopedic treatment. With the application of the protocols, the healthcare, academic and scientific activities remained functional, prioritizing measures to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever os protocolos implementados para adequar a equipe ortopédica à pandemia de COVID-19 e, secundariamente, avaliar o comportamento de variáveis hospitalares e departamentais frente à implementação das medidas. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo com descrição de três protocolos: 1) Redução do risco de contágio dos pacientes e profissionais de saúde; 2) Adaptação das atividades laborais, acadêmicas e científicas; e 3) Adaptação do tratamento ortopédico frente à pandemia. Foram analisadas variáveis hospitalares e departamentais como: número de pacientes atendidos no pronto-socorro e ambulatórios, pacientes internados, casos suspeitos e confirmados nos pacientes e na equipe ortopédica, mudança das atividades de ensino do modo presencial para videoconferência, e número cirurgias. Foi comparado o período A, de 03 a 16 de março, com o período B, de 17 a 30 de março, que corresponde à implementação dos protocolos. Resultados Houve diminuição do número de pacientes atendidos e do número de pacientes internados. Foram notificados dois suspeitos e um confirmado. Dos integrantes do departamento, 12 foram suspeitos e 6 confirmados. Manteve-se a frequência semanal das aulas e as reuniões clinico-científicas diminuíram de dezpara três. Houve redução no volume de cirurgias. Conclusões O presente estudo demonstrou a viabilidade e a eficiência da rápida implementação de protocolos de intervenção em meio ao cenário de pandemia por COVID-19. Os protocolos focaram na redução do risco de contágio dos pacientes e profissionais de saúde, na adaptação das atividades laborais, acadêmicas e científicas, e na adaptação do tratamento ortopédico. Com sua aplicação, mantiveram-se as atividades assistencial, acadêmica e científica funcionantes, priorizando-se medidas de enfrentamento à COVID-19.

Gerenciamento do comportamento seguro para manutenção da vida na Estação Antártica Brasileira / Management of safe behavior to maintain life at the Brazilian Antarctic Station / Gestión del comportamiento seguro para mantenimiento de la vida en la Estación Antártica Brasileña

Em regiões polares, o gerenciamento do comportamento seguro é fundamental às operações de abastecimento para manutenção da vida (OPAMV). O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar aspectos do comportamento seguro nas OPAMV na Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz (EACF) durante o inverno. A pesquisa foi descritiva, de abordagem qualitativa e procedimento de triangulação de observações e levantamento de dados. Foram realizadas observações da rotina de trabalho e entrevistas com a tripulação da Força Aérea Brasileira (n=12) e com o grupo-base (GB) da EACF (N=30). A autonomia do GB no trabalho minimiza o impacto das características extremas do inverno. As OPAMV na EACF repercutem diretamente na subsistência e na manutenção de laços afetivos externos. O estudo do gerenciamento do comportamento seguro aponta fatores com potencial de reduzirem riscos de acidentes e adoecimentos, impactando na permanência salutar no contexto. O aperfeiçoamento dos estudos pode contribuir para a atenção dos fatores humanos em condições polares.

In polar regions, the management of safe behavior is fundamental to supply operations to maintain life (OPML). The objective of this study was to control OPML at the Comandante Ferraz Antarctic Station during the winter. The research was descriptive, with a qualitative approach and the procedure of triangulation of observations and survey. Routine questions and interviews with the crew (n = 12) and with the base group (BG) of Ferraz Station (N = 30) were conducted. The autonomy of the BG in the work minimizes the impact of extreme winter characteristics. OPML at Ferraz Station has direct repercussions on subsistence and on the maintenance of external affective bonds. The study of safe behavior points to factors with the potential to reduce the risks of accidents and illness, having impact on healthy permanence in this context. Improvement of these studies can contribute to attending to human factors in polar conditions.

En regiones polares, la gestión del comportamiento seguro es fundamental para las operaciones de aprovisionamiento y el mantenimiento de la vida (OPAMV). El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar aspectos del comportamiento seguro en las OPAMV en la Estación Antártica Comandante Ferraz (EACF) durante el invierno. La investigación fue descriptiva, cualitativa y de triangulación de observaciones y datos. Se realizaron observaciones de rutina de trabajo y entrevistas con la tripulación de la Fuerza Aérea Brasileña (n = 12) y con el grupo base (GB) de la EACF (N = 30). La autonomía del GB minimiza el impacto de las características extremas del invierno. Las OPAMV en la EACF repercuten directamente en la subsistencia y mantenimiento de vínculos afectivos externos. El estudio de la gestión del comportamiento seguro indica riesgos de accidentes y enfermedades, afectando a la permanencia saludable en el contexto. El perfeccionamiento de los estudios puede contribuir a la atención de los factores humanos en condiciones polares.

Review of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Among Laboratory Workers Towards Occupational Safety and Health

@#Laboratory workers exposed to diverse occupational exposures to accidents. Evidently, extant, yet very limited empirical underpinnings suggest that knowledge, practices and awareness of safety precautions are uncharacteristically poor among laboratory workers. As such, their demonstration of safety-related attitudes and practices have remained questionable. This paper, thus presents a systematic search of the literature on laboratory workers’ safety-related knowledge, attitudes, and practices. Specifically, literature published between 2007 and 2017 that characteristically attempted to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices among laboratory workers on Occupational Safety and Health were reviewed. Evidently, results from the review indicate poor knowledge, attitude and practice among the laboratory workers. It is critical that strategies be put in place by the management of the health facilities to institute and undertake activities in the form of training, improved safety management practices, organizational commitment and improved safety culture.

Formaldehído: revisión bibliográfica sobre biomarcadores de efecto para la medición de la exposición ocupacional / Formaldehyde: A literature review on biomarkers of effect for measuring occupational exposure / Formaldeído: revisão da bibliografia sobre biomarcadores de efeito para medir a exposição ocupacional

Resumen A pesar de las grandes cantidades de formaldehído que se usa en la industria, la vigilancia de los efectos sobre la salud, derivados de la exposición ocupacional, sigue siendo un aspecto por mejorar en los programas de prevención de riesgos laborales. Objetivo: Identificar los diferentes biomarcadores de efecto que han sido propuestos para ser utilizados como indicadores indirectos de exposición a formaldehído y que se encuentran reportados en la literatura científica. Metodología: Se hizo una revisión bibliográfica desde el año 1990 hasta el primer trimestre del año 2018, usando los descriptores: "Formaldehído", "Biomarcador", "Exposición profesional". Se consultaron las bases de datos y se complementó la búsqueda inicial, mediante la consulta de la bibliografía citada por los autores de los artículos seleccionados. Se revisaron los resúmenes de los artículos y se seleccionaron aquellos que, luego de un análisis preliminar, se identificó contenían información relevante para la investigación. Resultados: Se encontraron 57 artículos relevantes para la revisión que contenían información sobre biomarcadores de efecto en poblaciones de trabajadores expuestos a formaldehído, algunos estudios en animales y células in vitro. Se resumieron los biomarcadores usados, listaron los estudios y describieron brevemente los hallazgos de cada uno. Conclusiones: La falta de conocimiento y entendimiento de los mecanismos toxicocinéticos y toxicodinámicos del formaldehído en los seres humanos limita la aplicación de un biomarcador de efecto que mida de manera práctica y sencilla la exposición al formaldehído exógeno.

Abstract Despite the large amounts of formaldehyde used in the industry, monitoring the health effects of occupational exposure remains an aspect of further improvement in occupational risk prevention programs. Objective: To identify the different biomarkers of effect that have been proposed to be used as indirect indicators of formaldehyde exposure and that are reported in the scientific literature. Methodology: A bibliographic review of literature from 1990 to the first quarter of 2018 was made using the descriptors: "Formaldehyde", "Biomarker", "Professional exposure". Databases were consulted and the initial search was supplemented by consulting the bibliography cited by the authors of the selected articles. Abstracts of articles were reviewed and those that, after preliminary analysis, were determined to contain information relevant to the research were selected. Results: The study found 57 articles relevant to the review which contained information on biomarkers of effect in populations of workers exposed to formaldehyde, some animal studies, and in vitro cells. Used biomarkers were summarized, studies were listed, and the findings of each of them were briefly described. Conclusions: The lack of knowledge and understanding of the toxicokinetic and toxicodynamic mechanisms of formaldehyde in humans limits the application of a biomarker of effect that measures in a practical and simple way exposure to exogenous formaldehyde.

Resumo Apesar da grande quantidade de formaldeído usado na indústria, o monitoramento dos efeitos na saúde, derivados da exposição ocupacional, continua sendo um aspecto a ser aprimorado nos programas de prevenção de riscos ocupacionais. Objetivo: Identificar os diferentes biomarcadores de efeito propostos para serem utilizados como indicadores indiretos da exposição ao formaldeído e relatados na bibliografia científica. Metodologia: Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica entre 1990 e o primeiro trimestre de 2018, utilizando os descritores: "Formaldeído", "Biomarcador", "Exposição Profissional". As bases de dados foram consultadas e a busca inicial foi complementada consultando a bibliografia citada pelos autores dos artigos selecionados. Os resumos dos artigos foram revisados e aqueles que, após análise preliminar, foram identificados, continham informações relevantes para a investigação. Resultados: Foram encontrados 57 artigos relevantes para a revisão que continham informações sobre biomarcadores de efeito em populações de trabalhadores expostos ao formaldeído, alguns estudos em animais e células in vitro. Os biomarcadores utilizados foram resumidos, os estudos listados e descritos brevemente os achados de cada um. Conclusões: A falta de conhecimento e entendimento dos mecanismos toxicocinéticos e toxicodinâmicos do formaldeído em humanos limita a aplicação de um biomarcador de efeito que mede de maneira prática e simples a exposição ao formaldeído exógeno.