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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Management of psychosocial risks?: An S. O. S in cuban organizations / Gestão de riscos psicossociais?: Um S. O. S em organizações cubanas / ¿Gestión de riesgos psicosociales?: Un S. O. S en organizaciones cubanas

This article aims to motivate reflection on the need to manage risks and psychosocial risk factors within the health and safety systems in Cuban organizations. It is based on the critical analysis of the authors about the Cuban regulatory framework on health and safety, the bibliographic review and the experiences accumulated in consulting work. Several arguments support the need to manage risks and psychosocial risk factors in Cuban organizations. These include: its prevalence as a result of the changes engendered by the organization of work, the harmful consequences for the health of the workers and the organization, the complexity of their management and the lack of knowledge about them displayed by the labor community. All this forces us to give them greater visibility and importance in safety and health management practices, in order to guarantee the sustainability of our organizations.

Este artigo tem como objetivo incentivar a reflexão sobre a necessidade de gerenciar riscos e fatores de risco psicossociais no âmbito dos sistemas de segurança e saúde em organizações cubanas. Baseia-se na análise crítica dos autores sobre o quadro regulamentar cubano para a segurança e a saúde, revisão da literatura e experiência acumulada no trabalho de consultoria. Vários argumentos sustentam a necessidade de gerenciar riscos e fatores de risco psicossociais nas organizações cubanas, incluindo sua prevalência, produto das modificações engendradas pela organização do trabalho, as consequências nefastas para a saúde dos trabalhadores e da organização, a complexidade de sua gestão e a falta de conhecimento sobre eles mostrado pela comunidade de trabalho. Tudo isso requer dar-lhes maior visibilidade e importância nas práticas de gestão de segurança e saúde, a fim de garantir a sustentabilidade das nossas organizações.

El presente artículo persigue motivar la reflexión acerca de la necesidad de gestionar los factores y riesgos psicosociales dentro de los sistemas de seguridad y salud en organizaciones cubanas. Se basa en el análisis crítico de los autores acerca del marco regulatorio cubano en materia de seguridad y salud, la revisión bibliográfica y las experiencias acumuladas en labores de consultoría. Varios argumentos sostienen la necesidad de gestionar los factores y riesgos psicosociales en las organizaciones cubanas. Entre ellos: su prevalencia producto de las modificaciones engendradas por la organización del trabajo, las consecuencias nocivas que conllevan para la salud de los trabajadores y la organización, la complejidad de su gestión y el desconocimiento sobre ellos mostrado por la comunidad laboral. Todo ello obliga a otorgarles mayor visibilidad e importancia en las prácticas de gestión de seguridad y salud, en aras de garantizar la sostenibilidad de nuestras organizaciones.

Perspectivas do uso de mineração de dados e aprendizado de máquina em saúde e segurança no trabalho / Data mining and machine learning perspectives for occupational safety and health

Resumo Introdução: a variedade, volume e velocidade de geração de dados (big data) possibilitam novas e mais complexas análises. Objetivo: discutir e apresentar técnicas de mineração de dados (data mining) e de aprendizado de máquina (machine learning) para auxiliar pesquisadores de Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho (SST) na escolha da técnica adequada para lidar com big data. Métodos: revisão bibliográfica com foco em data mining e no uso de análises preditivas com machine learning e suas aplicações para auxiliar diagnósticos e predição de riscos em SST. Resultados: a literatura indica que aplicações de data mining com algoritmos de machine learning para análises preditivas em saúde pública e em SST apresentam melhor desempenho em comparação com análises tradicionais. São sugeridas técnicas de acordo com o tipo de pesquisa almejada. Discussão: data mining tem se tornado uma alternativa cada vez mais comum para lidar com bancos de dados de saúde pública, possibilitando analisar grandes volumes de dados de morbidade e mortalidade. Tais técnicas não visam substituir o fator humano, mas auxiliar em processos de tomada de decisão, servir de ferramenta para a análise estatística e gerar conhecimento para subsidiar ações que possam melhorar a qualidade de vida do trabalhador.

Abstract Introduction: variety, volume and data generation speed allow for new and more complex analyses. Objective: to discuss and present data mining and machine learning techniques to aid occupational safety and health (OSH) researchers to choose the suitable technique when dealing with large volumes of data. Methods: literature review to discuss data mining and machine learning predictive applications for aiding diagnosis and risk prevention in OSH. Results: literature shows that data mining with machine learning algorithms for predictive purposes in OSH and public health present better performance when compared to traditional analysis. According to the research purpose, different techniques are recommended. Discussion: data mining has become a common alternative when dealing with large databases in public health, making it possible to analyze large volume of morbidity and mortality data. These techniques are not meant to replace the human factor, but rather to assist in decision-making processes, to work as a tool for the statistical analysis of OSH data and to build up knowledge to subsidize actions that may improve worker's quality of life.

Comparison of risk-assessment tools for cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVD) in male shipyard workers: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Periodic revision of assessment tools is essential to ensure risk assessment reliability and validity. Despite the recent revision of the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA) 2018, there is no evidence showing that the revision is superior to other cardio-cerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) risk-assessment tools for workplace health management. We conducted a comparative analysis using the Framingham risk score (FRS) as a gold standard to identify the most relevant CVDs risk-assessment tool for workplace health management. METHODS: We included 4,460 shipyard workers who had undergone a workers' health examination during January–December 2016. Risk levels for CVDs were calculated based on the FRS, KOSHA 2013, KOSHA 2017, KOSHA 2018 (2 methods), National Health Screening Program health risk appraisal (NHS HRA) 2017, and NHS HRA 2018. Study participants were categorized into low-risk, moderate-risk, or high-risk groups. Sensitivity, specificity, correlation, and agreement of each risk-assessment tool were calculated compared with the FRS as a gold standard. For statistical analyses, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient and the linearly weighted kappa coefficient were calculated. RESULTS: Sensitivity of the risk assessments was highest in the KOSHA 2018 (health risk appraisal [HRA]). The FRS showed correlation coefficients of 0.354 with the KOSHA 2013, 0.396 with the KOSHA 2017, 0.386 with the KOSHA 2018, 0.505 with the KOSHA 2018 (HRA), 0.288 with the NHS HRA 2017, and 0.622 with the NHS HRA 2018. Kappa values, calculated to examine the agreement in relation to the KOSHA 2013, KOSHA 2017, KOSHA 2018, KOSHA 2018 (HRA), NHS HRA 2017, and NHS HRA 2018 with the FRS, were 0.268, 0.322, 0.352, 0.136, 0.221, and 0.559, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The NHS HRA 2018 risk calculation method is a useful risk-assessment tool for CVDs, but only when appropriate classification criteria are applied. In order to enhance the risk-group identification capability of the KOSHA guideline, we propose to apply the classification criteria set in this study based on the risk group definition of the 2018 Korean Society of Hypertension guidelines for the management of hypertension instead of the current classification criteria of the KOSHA 2018.

Worker Safety in the Rare Earth Elements Recycling Process From the Review of Toxicity and Issues

Although the rare earth elements (REEs) recycling industry is expected to increase worldwide in high-tech industry, regulations for worker safety have yet to be established. This study was conducted to understand the potential hazard/risk of REE recycling and to support the establishment of regulations or standards. We review the extensive literature on the toxicology, occupational safety, and health issues, and epidemiological surveys related to the REEs, and propose suitable management measures. REE recycling has four key steps such as collection, dismantling, separation, and processing. In these processes, hazardous substances, such as REEs-containing dust, metals, and chemicals, were used or occurred, including the risk of ignition and explosion, and the workers can be easily exposed to them. In addition, skin irritation and toxicities for respiratory, nervous, and cardiovascular systems with the liver toxicity were reported; however, more supplementary data are needed, owing to incompleteness. Therefore, monitoring systems concerning health, environmental impacts, and safety need to be established, based on additional research studies. It is also necessary to develop innovative and environment-friendly recycling technologies, analytical methods, and biomarkers with government support. Through these efforts, the occupational safety and health status will be improved, along with the establishment of advanced REE recycling industry.

Current Status and the Future of Occupational Safety and Health Legislation in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

This article addresses three key issues. First, the commonalities, differences, strengths, and limitations of existing occupational safety and health (OSH) legislation of low- and middle-income countries were determined. Second, required revisions were identified and discussed to strengthen the laws in accordance with the best international practice. Finally, proposals for additional OSH laws and interventions were suggested. A literature search of OSH laws of 10 selected low- and middle-income countries was carried out. The laws were subjected to uniform review criteria. Although the agricultural sector employs more than 70% of the population, most of the reviewed countries lack OSH legislation on the sector. Existing OSH laws are gender insensitive, fragmented among various government departments, insufficient, outdated, and nondeterrent to perpetrators and lack incentives for compliance. Conclusively, the legal frameworks require reformation and harmonization for the collective benefit to employees, employers, and regulatory authorities. New OSH legislation for the agricultural sector is required.

Occupational Safety and Health Activities Conducted across Countries in Asia

Three occupational safety and health (OSH) activities, one international and two national workshops, were documented as part of OSH activities conducted under the International Labor Organization/Korea Partnership Program in the year 2011-2012. This study aimed to provide information on what the three OSH activities were implemented and how they contributed to the improvement of OSH in Asian countries. The international workshop was useful for the participants to understand a variety of information on OSH as well as participatory action-oriented training (PAOT) approaches at the regional and global levels. The two national workshops were practical for participants to strengthen their knowledge and skills on the PAOT at the enterprise and national levels. The study shows that the three OSH activities contributed to the understanding of the participants on OSH and PAOT, and that the activities promoted the improvement of OSH across countries in Asia.

Factors Influencing Learning Satisfaction of Migrant Workers in Korea with E-learning-Based Occupational Safety and Health Education

BACKGROUND: E-learning-based programs have recently been introduced to the occupational safety and health (OSH) education for migrant workers in Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate how the factors related to migrant workers' backgrounds and the instructional design affect the migrant workers' satisfaction with e-learning-based OSH education. METHODS: The data were collected from the surveys of 300 migrant workers who had participated in an OSH education program. Independent sample t test and one-way analysis of variance were conducted to examine differences in the degree of learning satisfaction using background variables. In addition, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were conducted to examine relationships between the instructional design variables and the degree of learning satisfaction. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the degree of learning satisfaction by gender, age, level of education, number of employees, or type of occupation, except for nationality. Among the instructional design variables, "learning content" (beta = 0.344, p < 0.001) affected the degree of learning satisfaction most significantly, followed by "motivation to learn" (beta = 0.293, p < 0.001), "interactions with learners and instructors" (beta = 0.149, p < 0.01), and "previous experience related to e-learning" (beta = 0.095, p < 0.05). "Learning environment" had no significant influence on the degree of learning satisfaction. CONCLUSION: E-learning-based OSH education for migrant workers may be an effective way to increase their safety knowledge and behavior if the accuracy, credibility, and novelty of learning content; strategies to promote learners' motivation to learn; and interactions with learners and instructors are systematically applied during the development and implementation of e-learning programs.

Conocimiento y evaluación acerca de las mutuales de seguridad en Chile / Public knowledge and evaluation of occupational safety and health insurance institutions in Chile

Este artículo presenta el nivel de conocimiento y evaluación de las mutuales de seguridad, aseguradoras privadas de accidentes laborales y enfermedades profesionales en Chile. Se aplicó una encuesta telefónica a 300 trabajadores dependientes residentes en hogares ubicados en las zonas urbanas de Santiago de Chile. Los hogares fueron seleccionados de forma aleatoria sobre la base de un listado público de teléfonos de hogares. Los resultados muestran que la mayor parte de los encuestados sabe en qué consisten estas instituciones, pero aproximadamente un tercio afirma no tener conocimiento del sistema. Las evaluaciones más altas respecto a la información recibida de las mutuales están en el área de beneficios no relacionados al trabajo (por ejemplo, descuentos en establecimientos educacionales y tiendas) y a las coberturas en salud en caso de accidente. Para aquellos usuarios que han sufrido un accidente laboral, las valoraciones más altas están en el área de atención médica y rehabilitación, mientras las más bajas se encuentran en las prestaciones asociadas a traslado hacia los centros asistenciales, así como de los procedimientos administrativos asociados al tratamiento del accidente. Se concluye que resulta necesario promover el conocimiento de las actividades de las mutuales y mejorar las estrategias de promoción de actividades de prevención de accidentes ocupacionales con el objeto de hacer más eficiente su rol público. De igual manera, la información recolectada permite identificar los procedimientos de apoyo al tratamiento de accidentes como una de las áreas de mejora en el marco de la atención de salud ocupacional.

This article presents the level of public knowledge and evaluation towards Mutuales de seguridad -private occupational safety and health insurance institutions- in Chile. The sample is composed by phone interviews to 300 adult dependent workers living in households located in urban areas of Santiago de Chile. Households were selected through random dialling. The results show a high proportion of workers declaring to know what these institutions are, while about a third declares not to have information about them. Regarding information provided by mutuales, they report higher satisfaction-with information associated to benefits non-related to health and safety (for instance, discounts) and with those associated with the coverage in case of accident. For those who have suffered an occupational accident, the most valued areas of the service are the medical attention and the rehabilitation process, while the least valued areas are the process of transportation from the site of accident to the medical centre and the administrative process associated to the accident's treatment. These results highlight the need for better strategies to promote activities aiming to prevent occupational accidents. They also make clear that there is space for improvement in the area of support activities related to accidents treatment.

Contribuições da Atenção Primária em Saúde para a implementação da Política Nacional de Saúde e Segurança no Trabalho (PNSST) / Contributions of the Primary Health Care system for implementation of the Brazilian National Occupational Safety and Health Plan (PNSST)

INTRODUÇÃO: o texto descreve a contribuição do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) para a atenção integral à saúde dos trabalhadores de acordo com a Política Nacional de Segurança e Saúde no Trabalho, considerando a organização das Redes de Atenção e o papel de coordenação atribuído à Atenção Primária em Saúde (APS). MÉTODO: realizaram-se revisão bibliográfica e análise de documentos normativos para identificar ações de atenção aos trabalhadores a serem desenvolvidas pelas equipes da APS. RESULTADOS: as ações foram organizadas em seis grupos: a) diagnóstico situacional, incluindo a identificação das atividades produtivas; b) caracterização do perfil demográfico e epidemiológico dos trabalhadores; c) planejamento das ações com priorização de intervenções sobre problemas de saúde de maior frequência, risco e vulnerabilidade; d) assistência ao trabalhador vítima de acidente ou doença relacionada ao trabalho; e) ações educativas e de promoção da saúde; f) ações caracterizadas como de Vigilância em Saúde do Trabalhador. Discute-se as potencialidades e limitações da APS para desenvolver as ações e recomenda-se o fomento da educação permanente e o matriciamento das ações pelos Centros de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador (Cerest) e outras instâncias do SUS.

INTRODUCTION: This paper describes the contribution of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS) for a comprehensive approach to workers' health care as established by the National Occupational Safety and Health Plan (PNSST). It takes into account the Health Care Network organization, as well as the health surveillance coordination assigned to the Primary Health Care (PHC). METHOD: Through literature review and analysis of normative documents the authors identified health surveillance actions to be implemented by the PHC teams and their potentialities for workers' health purposes. RESULTS: The identified actions were organized and discussed according to: a) a situational diagnosis, including work activities held in the region; b) workers' demographic and epidemiological profiles; c) planning of actions with priority to interventions aimed at the most frequent, hazardous and vulnerable health problems; d) assistance to victims of work-related injuries or diseases; e) educational actions and health promotion; f) workers' health surveillance actions. The authors discuss the PHC's potentialities and limitations in implementing Workers' Health Care actions and recommend that Workers' Health Reference Centers (Cerest) and other organizations included in the SUS system should provide permanent educational programs and appropriate technical support.

A study on the state of occupational safety and health in the Philippines

OBJECTIVES: This study looked into the state of occupational health and safety in the country. Specifically, the objectives were 1) to show to current condition of workers, both local and migrant, in terms of their workplace conditions and hazard exposures; and 2) to present occupational diseases and illnesses in various industries and occupational groupings in the Philippines. METHODS: Data were gathered using documentary research targeting agencies that deal with occupational safety and health in the Philippines in terms of occupational diseases, injuries, and accidents, and existing occupational health and safety policies. RESULTS: The study revealed occupational hazards and health and safety conditions in various industries, occupational settings, and job groupings such as in the industrial sector, manufacturing, mining, agriculture, fishing, and cement manufacturing. It also looked into small-scale and informal industries such as tanning, laundry work, and pyrotechnics manufacture. Special segments of the labor force including women workers, child laborers and migrant workers were also covered. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: In all these sectors and industries, the stdy found attendant occupational diseases and injuries from occupational hazards. In general, OSH in the Philippines requires further improvements in data collection, coverage of industries and occupational sectors, and dissemination to both public and private sectors.

Study on design of nursing occupational safety and health curriculum / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To design nursing occupational safety and health curriculum reasonably.Methods With a semi-structured interview outline,focus group interviews among eight clinical nursing and nursing education specialists were conducted to develop the occupational safety and health curriculum design.Results It was important to set up nursing occupational safety and health curriculum.The main object,contents,teaching and evaluation methods were identified.Conclusions Occupational safety and health curriculum can be involved in nursing curriculum system to reduce occupational hazards and maintain physical and mental health of nursing students.