Dissertations / Theses: 'Environmental and occupational health and safety'

1

Gonzales, Melissa 1963. "Occupational exposure to azinphos-methyl: Correlating biological markers to environmental residue levels." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1992. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/291604.

Full text

Abstract:

Peach harvester exposure to azinphos-methyl (AZM) residues estimated by the Transfer Factor (TF) ratio of Dislodgeable Foliar Residue (DFR) to Daily Dermal Exposure (DDE) was compared to estimates based on the relationship between dermal exposure and dialkylphosphate metabolite excretion. DFR was monitored in four orchards from the time of pesticide application through harvest. Eleven male harvesters wore cotton tee-shirt dosimeters and provided area-specific skin washes and wipes for DDE monitoring during work operations. Urinary dialkylphosphate metabolites of AZM were also monitored and compared to DDE results. During a later harvest for which DDE was not determined, the dermal exposure estimated by the TF (1,310 μg) was comparable to the estimates based on dialkylphosphate excretion (1,456-1,534 μg). A repeated measures ANOVA showed that harvesters' cholinesterase levels were significantly lower than 'non-harvesters'. No significant reductions in cholinesterase levels were detected over time.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Reynolds, Tiffany L. "Analysis of Occupational Safety Practices across Regional Campuses at Ohio University." Ohio University / OhioLINK, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398849131.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Hassan, Syed Ahmed. "Health, safety and environmental practices in the construction sector of Pakistan." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för geovetenskaper, 2012. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-183327.

Full text

Abstract:

Many south Asian countries are deficient in appropriate documentation, legislation and surveillance related to occupational health and safety (OHS). All these countries have high OHS incidence rate and labourers working in these countries are constantly exposed to occupational accidents and diseases. Although occupational accidents and work-related concerns have been in debate for a long time, no concrete moves have been taken, making situations worse and posing consistent coercions to an increasing labour force. The current research was carried out to examine the main hazards faced by construction workers in Pakistan and the response of health, safety and environment (HSE) department in plummeting these hazards and in certaining sustainability in construction companies in Pakistan. Workers working in the construction industry are incessantly bared to unsafe working conditions and have to confront several kind of hazards. This embraces exposure to sound, dust and toxic substances, issues of ergonomics, stress etc. This study employed a comprehensive fact-finding design. Data was harbored using interviews, academic articles and reports from international and national organisations. Employer, administration and labourers all lack knowledge about OHS issues in Pakistan. The majority of the labourers are unskilled, uninformed and unregistered. There are no native directives, which are coupled with both OHS and the construction industry. There is an absence of safety ethics, and neither reporting nor monitoring is conducted in the construction business. Companies see HSE issues as an economic burden which will eventually end up mounting production costs. Labourers don’t follow safety instructions; they don’t wear personal protective equipment (PPE), they reckon wearing this equipment would cause obstruction in their work and would influence their productivity. The use of PPE is essential in the construction activity, as it is considered as the last line of defence. All this has affected the construction industry tremendously collectively in terms of financial loss, human loss and image loss, and injury incidence rates have increased alarmingly. Implementation of sustainable development is a core responsibility of an HSE department. Dearth of HSE means lack of sustainability in the construction sector. Today, sustainability is an important aspect of development. It means that development should not only be economically feasable but also socially and environmentally viable both for current and future generations. There is much need to formulate new strict policy and laws or to amend old ones, laws which are effective and practical in promoting HSE and sustainability norms in the construction sector of Pakistan. The main hazards that are faced by construction workers are falling from height, lifting activity and electrocution. HSE departments play a chief role in minimizing worksite accidents and in promoting sustainable development in work settings. For ensuring sustainable practices on construction sites, HSE departments formulate integrated working policy, keeping in mind social, environmental and econmical aspects and considering inputs from all stakeholders. In addition, they look for innovative green technologies and green materials which are more environmental friendly, economical and require less energy.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Allen, Andre Ramon. "A Technical Communication Internship at The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)." Miami University / OhioLINK, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=miami1102077601.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Farmer, Ruan Alexander. "Improving occupational health and safety in a petrochemical environment through culture change / R.A. Farmer." Thesis, North-West University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/4444.

Full text

Abstract:

In spite of the vast technological progress and improvement in the standard of management systems within hazardous industries around the world, occupational health and safety incidents and fatalities continue to devastate thousands of lives each year. Throughout the last decade, significant improvement has been achieved in the reduction of health and safety incident rates across the South African petrochemical environment. However, a persistent roller-coaster fatality rate still prevails. Recent studies have shown that in order to conquer the relentless battle in realizing sustainable world-class health and safety performance, an organisation has to move beyond the traditional compliance orientated safety focus towards an interdependent safety culture in which safety is ubiquitous and embedded in the hearts of all employees. The root causes of more and more occupational health and safety incidents are no longer as a result of mechanical or systems failure, but instead originate from the attitude, values and beliefs of management and employees with regard to the significance of safety, also known as the safety culture. This has ignited a rising interest in the concept of safety culture among organisations because of the positive impact on occupational health and safety in reducing the potential for fatalities, injuries and workplace incidents. Hence the primary objective of this study is to determine the maturity of the current safety culture in the South African petrochemical environment by identifying particular culture shortfalls which could lead to hesitant progress towards the desired interdependent state. In order to reach this objective, three secondary objectives have also been set. Firstly, an understanding of the concept of organisational culture and safety culture is crucial. In simple terms, organisational culture can be described as the shared values, assumptions and beliefs in an organisation that ultimately direct employee behaviour. Organisational culture is characterised by three layers known as artefacts, espoused values and basic assumptions. These layers represent the manifestation of the organisational culture and vary in terms of outward visibility and resistance to change. Understanding and analysing these layers provide the reasons why employees behave in certain ways. Safety culture is a subset of organisational culture; in other words, it is the manifestation of the organisation?s attitude, values and commitment in regard to the importance of health and safety. Companies which have developed effective safety cultures have demonstrated unequivocal results in closing the elusive health and safety performance gap. Secondly, the fundamental components conducive of an effective safety culture were explored. These components include management and employee commitment to health and safety, accountability and involvement, communication and trust, risk awareness and compliance, competency and learning and finally recognition. Most of the components can be assigned to the artefact level or a combination of the level of artefacts and espoused values with only a small number more appropriately associated with the level of basic assumptions. The effectiveness within each of these areas ultimately dictates the nature of the safety culture and the success in preventing health and safety incidents. The focus of the last secondary objective was to determine the development stages leading to an effective safety culture known as an interdependent safety culture. Each of these stages represents the degree of maturity of the attitudes and commitment of management and employees in relation to the ongoing health and safety improvement in the organisation. The DuPont model suggests that in a reactive safety culture, safety is merely a natural instinct with no real perceived value for the individual or organisation. Moving towards a dependent safety culture, employees start to value safety but only so they do not get caught. The next stage called an independent safety culture is characterised by self preservation. In this stage, the mindset of employees changed towards an attitude of ?I do things safe so I do not get hurt?. In the final stage known as interdependent safety culture, employees embrace safety as a personal virtue not only for their own safety but also in contribution to the safety of their peers. In such a culture it is employees? desire to do things safely so that no-one gets hurt. An empirical study was conducted through a quantitative research approach in the form of a safety climate questionnaire. The target population consisted of first-line managers and non-managerial personnel within the production; maintenance; laboratory; technical, and the safety, health and environment departments in a petrochemical organisation. In light of the results emanating from the empirical study it can be concluded that an overall positive perception was observed towards the selected safety culture components indicative through the mean response scores above the neutral scale of 3. Older and more experienced employees demonstrated a more positive response to the safety compared to younger employees. However, several distinctive safety culture shortcomings were also identified. In the current safety culture, health and safety is sometimes overlooked due to productivity or cost implications. Employees tend to withhold safety related information to themselves as a culture of guilt prevails and mere compliance to safety standards is considered adequate. Solutions to health and safety problems are most of a short-term nature and do not address the root cause. It therefore provides evidence that the organisation under evaluation has not yet reached the desired safety culture maturity stage of interdependence. Although the study population is limited to a single organisation, the shortfalls identified could relate to the larger petrochemical environment and thus could explain the recent fluctuating health and safety performance. This assumption, however, can only be validated through further research within a much greater sample size inclusive of more than one organisation in the petrochemical environment. It is thus clear that the existing safety culture within the petrochemical organisation could lead to potential health and safety incidents if the shortcomings are not appropriately addressed.
Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Augustine, Steven. "Sound Attenuation Performance of Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composite Circumaural Hearing Protection Devices." Thesis, University of South Florida, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=1595804.

Full text

Abstract:

Personnel who work on the flight deck of an aircraft carrier are exposed to extreme levels of jet engine noise often in excess of 140 decibels (dB). The current circumaural hearing protective devices (CAHPD) employed by flight deck crewmen are inadequate for the level of protection required for these extreme levels of noise. Fiber-reinforced thermoset polymer composite (FRPC) materials such as aramid fibers used in body armor, have high theoretical values of acoustic impedance due to a fundamentally high modulus of elasticity and may offer a superior level of hearing protection over original equipment (OE) thermoplastic CAHPDs. The objective of this project was to measure and evaluate the attenuation of CAHPD’s constructed from FRPC materials. FRPC CAHPD ear cups were paired with OE thermoplastic CAHPD ear cups of equal shape and thickness, and the protected and unprotected A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) was measured in continuous and impulse noise environments >80 dBA using a JOLENE manikin. These data were evaluated for paired differences between the protected and unprotected mean SPL, and OE protected and FRPC protected mean SPL and indicates that OE thermoplastic CAHPDs provide greater sound attenuation of continuous noise >80 dBA and aramid FRPC CAHPDs provide greater sound attenuation of impulse noise >80 dBA.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Gubernot, Diane M. "Occupational Heat-Related Mortality in the United States, 2000-2010| Epidemiology and Policy Recommendations." Thesis, The George Washington University, 2015. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3670444.

Full text

Abstract:

Heat stress due to ambient outdoor temperatures is a workplace hazard that has not been well studied or characterized. The incidence of occupational heat-related illness is unknown. Heat-related morbidity and mortality have been well-studied at the population level, however it cannot be determined if these findings extend systematically to workers exposed to high heat conditions. Remarkably, there is no U.S. federal standard to protect workers from the peril of elevated environmental temperatures and few states have protective regulations. This dissertation research will add to the limited knowledge base of occupational heat-related illnesses, by characterizing worker fatalities due to environmental heat stress. Three independent, but related, research strategies were designed, executed, and completed to evaluate the current research, as well as knowledge gaps, and to thoroughly describe these fatalities based on available information.

This work was initiated with a thorough literature review to summarize research findings that characterize U.S. occupational heat-related morbidity and mortality and identify gaps in the existing research literature. This review of science, health, and medical databases found that few studies examine ambient heat stress or characterize the incidence of occupational heat-related illnesses and outcomes. Significantly more research examining the heterogeneity of worker and environmental risk factors to heat exposure is needed to identify unsafe working conditions and implement practical, evidence-based heat-stress policies and interventions. The subsequent study describes the epidemiological characteristics of heat-related deaths among workers in the U.S. from 2000 to 2010. Fatality data were obtained at the Bureau of Labor Statistics from the confidential on-site Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries database. Fatality rates and risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated by year, sex, age group, ethnicity, race, state, and industry. Between 2000 and 2010, 359 occupational heat-related deaths were identified in the U.S., for a yearly average fatality rate of 0.22 per 1 million workers. Highest rates were found among Hispanics, men, the agriculture and construction industries, the states of Mississippi and Arkansas, and very small establishments. This study provides the first comprehensive national profile of heat-related deaths in the U.S. workplace. Prevention efforts should be directed at small businesses, states, industries and individuals who may be at increased risk of heat stress.

Lastly, to further characterize these fatalities, research was performed to: 1) determine the ranges of heat index and temperature at which workers fatally succumb to environmental heat; 2) identify risk factors that may influence heat-related deaths; and 3) translate these findings to policy recommendations. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries and the National Climate Data Center were used to identify worker heat-related deaths in the U.S., 2000- 2010, and to assign a maximum daily temperature and heat index to each case. Demographic, meteorological, and geographical variables were analyzed to evaluate any differences in fatal heat exposure. The National Weather Service temperature alert tools, the Excessive Heat Event warning and the heat index category chart, were utilized to assess community threshold suitability for workers subjected to exertional heat stress. Of the 327 cases that qualified for the analysis, there were no differences found in mean temperatures and heat indexes between the sexes, races, age groups, ethnic groups, and industries. Southern workers died at significantly higher temperatures than workers in the North. This study supports the use of heat index and temperature as a guide when evaluating environmental conditions for workers.

Population-level heat index threshold alerts are unsuitable for preventing exertional heat stress and new warning systems should be developed. Since heat-related health hazards at work can be anticipated before they manifest, preventive measures can be implemented before illness occurs. With no federal regulatory standards to protect workers from environmental heat exposure, and with climate change as a driver for adaptation and prevention of heat disorders, it is increasing sensible and imperative for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to take action. National leadership is needed to promulgate regulations, develop new heat alert tools using the heat index as a metric, and promote state-specific occupational heat stress prevention policies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Cartwright, Elizabeth 1959. "Malignant emotions: Indigenous perceptions of environmental, social and bodily dangers in Mexico." Diss., The University of Arizona, 1998. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/282765.

Full text

Abstract:

This dissertation is based on ethnographic fieldwork conducted in San Pedro Amuzgos, Oaxaca and on La Coasta Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. In it I trace the movements of migrant farmworkers who come from southern Mexico to work in the grape fields of Sonora. Within that context of movement and change, I focus on understanding how illnesses are perceived and how they are healed. First I explore this issue, in depth, in their homeplace in rural Oaxaca. I follow specific illness events among residents of Amuzgos and I allow individuals actions and their reflections on those actions act as a corrective to static notions of the "Latino Folk Illnesses" that exemplify the way in which residents of this small village conceptualize their bodily problems. Local understandings of illnesses are embedded in the village as a specific Place where the topography of the village is inhabited by dangerous spirits that cause health problems for the Amuzgos. To heal, is to heal the Place where negative things occurred as well as the bodies that manifest negative symptoms. Following the Amuzgos up to the fields of Sonora, I focus on how the changing environmental context influences their perceptions of the sources of illnesses and the ways in which they treat them. In particular, I focus on the ways in which they conceptualize the health problems that arise from exposures to the pesticides that are ubiquitous in the fields and camps where they live and work.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Simon, Philippe 1964. "Long-term integrated sampling to characterize airborne volatile organic compounds in indoor and outdoor environments." Thesis, McGill University, 1997. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=34455.

Full text

Abstract:

Sampling methods used for the assessment of exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in the workplace or for environmental studies are now limited to an upper integrative sampling time of 24 hours or less. Generally, these methods lack versatility and are difficult to use. A passive sampler that can extend sampling periods was developed as part of this research. This novel sampler relies on capillary tubes to restrict and control ambient air entry into an evacuated sample container.
A mathematical model was derived by modifications to the Hagen-Poiseuille and ideal gas laws. This model defines the relationship between container volume and capillary geometry (length/internal diameter) required to provide selected sampling times. Based on theoretical considerations, simulations were performed to study the effects of dimensional parameters. From these results, capillaries having 0.05 and 0.10 mm internal diameters were selected according to their ability to reduce sampling flow rates and to increase sampling times. Different capillary lengths were tested on various sampler prototypes. It was found that a constant sampling flow rate was delivered when a maximum discharge rate was established under the influence of a pressure gradient between a vacuum and ambient pressure. Experimental flow rates from 0.018 to 2.6 ml/min were obtained and compared with model predictions. From this comparison, empirical relationships between capillary geometry and maximum discharge rate given by the pressure gradient were defined. Essentially, based on these empirical relationships, capillary sampling flow controller specifications can be calculated to offer extended integrated sampling periods. On this basis, sampler prototypes were configured for stationary sampling and personal sampling.
Studies, based on theory, have indicated that factors such as temperature, humidity and longitudinal molecular diffusion are not likely to influence the passive sampling process. Subsequent experiments confirmed that temperature changes should not significantly affect flow rates delivered by controllers, and that molecular diffusion does not have any impact on the representativeness of long-term samples. Recovery tests provided acceptable results demonstrating that selected capillaries do not contribute to adsorption that could seriously affect the validity of this sampling approach.
Field demonstration studies were performed with both stationary and personal sampler prototypes in the indoor and outdoor environments. The performance of the sampler compared favorably, and in some instances, exceeded that of accepted methodology. These novel samplers were more reliable, had greater versatility and principally, allowed sampling periods extending from hours to a month. These inherent qualities will assist industrial hygienists and environmentalists in the study of emission sources, pollutant concentrations, dispersion, migration and control measures. This novel sampler is presently the only device available for the effective study of episodic events of VOC emission.
Selected capillary geometries acting as a restriction to the entry of ambient air into evacuated sample container can provide a simple, versatile and reliable alternative for the collection of VOCs. This approach can contribute to a better understanding of VOC effects on human health and the environment.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Rossner, Alan. "The development and evaluation of a novel personal air sampling canister for the collection of gases and vapors /." Thesis, McGill University, 2002. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=84428.

Full text

Abstract:

A continuing challenge in occupational hygiene is that of estimating exposure to the multitude of airborne chemicals found in the workplace and surrounding community. Occupational exposure limits (OELs) have been established to prescribe the acceptable time weighted average for many different chemicals. Comparing the OELs to the measured workplace concentration allows occupational hygienists to assess the health risks and the need for control measures. Hence, methods to more effectively sample contaminants in the workplace are necessary to ensure that accurate exposure characterizations are completed. Evacuated canisters have been used for many years to collect ambient air samples for gases and vapors. Recently, increased interest has arisen in using evacuated canisters for personal breathing zone sampling as an alternative to sorbent samplers. A capillary flow control device was designed at McGill University mid 1990s. The flow control device was designed to provide a very low flow rate to allow a passive sample to be collected over an extended period of time. This research focused on the development and evaluation of a methodology to use a small canister coupled with the capillary flow controllers to collect long term time weighted air samples for gases and vapors.
A series of flow rate experiments were done to test the capillary flow capabilities with a 300 mL canister for sampling times ranging from a few minutes to over 40 hours. Flow rates ranging from 0.05 to 1.0 mL/min were experimentally tested and empirical formulae were developed to predict flow rates for given capillary geometries. The low flow rates allow for the collection of a long term air sample in a small personal canister.
Studies to examine the collection of air contaminants were conducted in laboratory and in field tests. Air samples for six volatile organic compounds were collected from a small exposure chamber using the capillary-canisters, charcoal tubes and diffusive badges at varied concentrations. The results from the three sampling devices were compared to each other and to concentration values obtained by an on-line gas chromatography. The results indicate that the capillary-canister compares quite favorably to the sorbent methods and to the on line GC values for the six compounds evaluated.
Personal air monitoring was conducted in a large exposure chamber to assess the effectiveness of the capillary-canister method to evaluate breathing zone samples. In addition, field testing was performed at a manufacturing facility to assess the long term monitoring capabilities of the capillary-canister. Precision and accuracy were found to parallel that of sorbent sampling methods.
The capillary-canister device displayed many positive attributes for occupational and community air sampling. Extended sampling times, greater capabilities to sample a broad range of chemicals simultaneously, ease of use, ease of analysis and the low relative cost of the flow controller should allow for improvements in exposure assessment.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

Tedestedt, Ronny. "An Occupational Health and Safety Conversation : The Swedish and New Zealand Perspective." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Institutionen för pedagogik, didaktik och utbildningsstudier, 2014. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-216211.

Full text

Abstract:

ABSTRACT There has been a change in the nature of work over recent decades with an increase in the use of non-standard forms of work. Non-standard work includes for example the use of contractors and sub-contractors. These forms of employment lead to a greater vulnerability of the workforce. These workers are missing out on union representation, training opportunities and basic employment protection. This directly impacts the safety of the workers due to the confusing legislation over duty of care. It is often unclear who is responsible for providing occupational health and safety (OHS) training for these workers. It is for this reason the following report will attempt to gain a better understanding of the policies and regulations surrounding OHS in two countries. Sweden and New Zealand have been chosen as a focus for this research because they represent two different governing systems. The aim of this research was to describe what structures and policies regulate occupational health and safety matters in Sweden and New Zealand comparatively. It was also the aim of this research to seek insight into the policy conversation around OHS training in both Sweden and New Zealand. Three research questions have been used throughout the report to guide the researcher when selecting relevant documents collating the main themes and overall ensuring that the research stays on track. The questions are as follows: What structures and policies regulate occupational health and safety matters in Sweden and New Zealand? What characterises both the Swedish and the New Zealand work environment? What is the policy conversation around OHS training in Sweden and New Zealand? The methodology choosen for this research was a qualitative approach because greater in-depth understanding for OHS matters were sought after. The research was focused around policy documents from both Sweden and New Zealand. The documents from each country were chosen because of their current and topical relevance to each country. The main findings from this research were grouped into five themes based on key termes identified in both countries documents. The five themes are as follows: Work Environment and Regulation OHS Training and Attitudes Worker Participation OHS Research Longer Working Life Conclusions were made based on these themes. OHS regulation was found to be adequate in Sweden in contrast to New Zealand. In New Zealand there is a call for major reforms to be made to the OHS legislation because due to its lack of adequate coverage for the current workforce. The term work environment is used in Sweden and includes a more holistic view, compared to the term occupational health and safety which is used in New Zealand and focuses more on safety and the prevention of work-related harm. Inadequate training for safety representatives were found to be an issue both in Sweden and New Zealand. In Sweden safety representatives are entitled to sufficient paid leave to fulfill their duties including training, in contrast to New Zealand where the safety representatives are entitled to only two days paid leave annualy. OHS training was suggested to be a necessary component in many tertiary education programs both in Sweden and New Zealand. The suggestion was made to better prepare prospective managers who will have OHS responsibilities. Worker participation was found to be a necessary component of a well functioning OHS scheme in both the countries. It was not adequately regulated in New Zealand until the implementation of the Health and Safety in Employment Amendment Act 2002. In both Sweden and New Zealand new OHS research functions were suggested to be established. The changing nature of work is highlighted as a concern in both countries, because legislation does not adequately cover the new forms of work and is not conducive to OHS.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Didla, Shama. "Influence of leadership and safety climate on employee safety compliance and citizenship behaviours." Thesis, Available from the University of Aberdeen Library and Historic Collections Digital Resources, 2008. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?application=DIGITOOL-3&owner=resourcediscovery&custom_att_2=simple_viewer&pid=25498.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Abdulkhaleq, Sania Mohammed Saleh. "Association between Work-Related Safety and Work-Related Injuries among Home Health Care Providers." Thesis, Walden University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10746442.

Full text

Abstract:

Home care nurses (HCNs) have reported a high rate of exposure to work-related injuries (WRIs). Nurses are challenged by the multidimensional problems associated with home care safety. These contextual risk factors increase the physical and social health problems of health care workers and of community suffering as a whole. This quantitative, cross-sectional study was designed to examine the relationship between the organization-related factors (ORFs) and the environment-related factors (ERFs) and their influences on safety behaviors (SBs) and the WRIs of HCNs. The PRECEDE framework was used to guide the study. Self-reported data were obtained from 74 home health care (HHC) nurses using the Safety Home Care Nursing questionnaire. A linear regression model was applied to determine the nature of the association between the independent variables and dependents variables. Findings showed the ORFs demonstrate a stronger effect on the SBs than the impact of the ERFs. The management commitment and the home-based care significantly affected the SBs. The supervisory support and safety access to a client's home were decreasing the WRIs. Therefore, the integration of efforts: The management and leadership of the health organization, the health care providers, and the clients’ family would improve safety of HHC. This study is expected to help develop safety strategies for home care and thus attempt to minimize WRIs among HCNs. Nurses free of injuries are able to provide a quality of care and improve patients’ health outcomes that in turn have an effect on reducing community suffering and financial costs.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Mobli, Nasim, and Pillamari Prasad Ramlubhai. "Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace : A study on Emotional Intelligence in Workers’ Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) in the workplace." Thesis, Jönköping University, Internationella Handelshögskolan, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-50384.

Full text

Abstract:

Work-related accidents emerge from potential hazards that can cause different negative outcomes in different situations. Human errors are specific actions that can either directly (active errors) or indirectly (latent errors) cause an accident in the workplace. Nowadays in order to establish an applicable system in the way of maintenance and preferment of a work environment without any accidents that are trying to develop the HSE system. In fact, this management system has been using as a significant tool to control and improve the performance of health and safety and the environment in all development programs of industries and organizations. In this term, one of the important perspectives of HSE management is Emotional Intelligence which deals with the management’s ability and safety performance in the workplace. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between Emotional Intelligence and Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management in the workplace, to reduce industrial incidents of human factors. Therefore, there is a requirement for a better understanding of how Emotional Intelligence factors influence health and safety performance in the workplace. A qualitative study has been done to achieve this purpose. In this case, data has been collected through eight semi-structured interviews with HSE managers and officers that participated from different industries around the world. The main focus of this collection data was extracting the perspectives of the individual’s views. Afterward, to create a theory, the data has been analyzed according to different steps for a grounded analysis regarding discovering how the Emotional Intelligence factors of employees impact their health and safety performance in the workplace. The results of this study have shown that there are mainly two areas to study which are key roles of Emotional Intelligence in safety performance and key roles for effective Healthy, Safety, and Environment management. It has shown that the key roles of Emotional Intelligence in safety performance is being able to manage your own and being able to deal with other’s emotions. Besides, key roles for effective Healthy, Safety, and Environment management only three factors have been important to improve the safety act which is being able to make the correct decision in the emergency situation’ and ability to prevent incidents at the workplace as well as the level of perception of risk. These results demonstrated that strong factors of Emotional Intelligence are vital to improve the health and safety performance at the workplace and the improvement of these abilities should be approached for the workplace.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Bågfeldt, Ted. "Middle manager's work for occupational health and safety in the shipping industry." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Sjöfartshögskolan (SJÖ), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-105560.

Full text

Abstract:

The middle manager situation is sometimes squeezed between requirements from different parties at the same time as they are crucial for the development of the organization. Masters, chief engineers and managers in the catering department onboard are middle managers squeezed between the office requirements and the working conditions of their crew. The purpose of this study was to look into the middle managers conditions with focus on the work for good working environment onboard ships in the commercial shipping industry. A study was made consisting of two main parts, first a literature review and secondly focus group interviews. The literature review looked for findings about the middle managers work for occupational health and safety, which were mostly about industries and organisations ashore. These findings were tested in the focus groups in order to find out if they applied also for the commercial shipping industry and if there are any special things to consider there. The focus group members were of both genders, from different management positions and companies within the Swedish commercial shipping industry. So what recommendations can be made in order to improve the middle managers work for a good working environment or occupational health and safety (OHS)? Recommendations are given about competence, staff engagement, policies, shared leadership and administrative workload. Three findings are suggested for further research, shared leadership, administrative workload and client pressure. It is interesting that the type of shared leadership that are found onboard seems to be rather unique for the commercial shipping industry.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Silver, Ken, Ying Li, Emmanuel Odame, and Yuqiang Zhang. "Effects of Global Warming on Work-Rest Routines for Crop Workers in Appalachia." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 2017. https://dc.etsu.edu/etsu-works/2629.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Workers in outdoor occupations are expected to be at high risk of increased morbidity and mortality, and diminished productivity, as a result of global warming in the 21st century. A previous modelling study of geographic variations in heat-related mortality risk in projected U.S. populations mid-century showed the states of Tennessee, Kentucky and North Carolina to be highly vulnerable. Methods: Under both the RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 emissions scenarios of IPCC AR5, we evaluate the effect of future warming on estimated Wet Bulb Globe Thermometer (WBGT) temperatures using model-simulated future climate variables that were dynamically downscaled by a regional meteorology model for years 2049-2052. Select Appalachian counties in the three states that are presently dependent upon agricultural crop production are the focus of this analysis. Results: Using predicted WBGT temperatures, together with estimated work loads for hand harvesting of crops, alterations in work-rest routines under heat stress prevention guidelines are presented. Conclusions: Assumptions needed to translate these altered work-rest routines into measures of productivity and economic loss are discussed. Issues in extending the modelling to heat-related morbidity and mortality in outdoor worker populations are considered in terms of data gaps and major sources of uncertainty.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Shockey, Taylor Morgan. "Analysis and Interpretation of Occupational Exposure Monitoring Data from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) and OSHA Information System (OIS), 1979 – 2015." The Ohio State University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu155715411553358.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Lilley, Rebbecca Catherine, and n/a. "The development of an occupational health and safety surveillance tool for New Zealand workers." University of Otago. Dunedin School of Medicine, 2007. http://adt.otago.ac.nz./public/adt-NZDU20071011.112802.

Full text

Abstract:

World-wide, working life is undergoing major changes. Established market economies are increasingly characterised by demands for vastly greater market flexibility. New Zealand (NZ) has been no different with rapid changes occurring over the last 2 decades in the organisation of labour, of work and of the work environment. Recent international research suggests that work change significantly impacts upon worker health and safety. Many OECD nations undertake routine cross-sectional surveys to monitor changes in working conditions and environments, assessing the health and safety impact of these changes. Similar monitoring is not undertaken in NZ, with the impact of the work environment on health and injury outcomes poorly understood. This lack of knowledge (monitoring) is considered to be a significant impediment to the progression of health and safety initiatives in NZ. The aim of this thesis was to develop a tool (questionnaire) and methodology suitable for use in the surveillance of working conditions, work environments and health and injury outcomes using workers� surveys. The survey development was undertaken in 3 phases: i) development of tool through critical review; ii) empirical methodological testing and iii) an empirical validation study. Questionnaire development was a stepwise process of content selection. Firstly key dimensional themes were identified via critical review of literature and existing international surveys leading to the establishment of a dimensional framework. Secondly a critical review of questions to measure key dimensions based upon selection criteria occurred. Finally the selected questions and design were pre-tested before piloting. A similar development process was undertaken for the development of a calendar collecting occupational histories. A methodological study was undertaken piloting the questionnaire. Two methods of data collection were evaluated: face-to-face and telephone interviews, and two methods of occupational history collection: calendar and question set. Telephone interviewing was found to be the more efficient and effective data collection method while occupational history collection was found to be less time consuming by question set. Focus groups indicated questions were acceptable and suitable to NZ workers. A validation study was undertaken with a cross-sectional study in distinctly different occupational groups: cleaners and clerical workers. Comparisons were made between the groups with cleaners expected to be identified as employed under more hazardous working conditions and be exposed to more hazards of a physical nature, while clerical workers were expected to be exposed to more psychological hazards of a psychological nature. Results indicated the questionnaire provides data capable of making valid comparisons, identifying work patterns of high risk and provides good predictive validity. The final survey has the potential to generate population data on a wide range of work-related exposure and health variables relevant to contemporary working life. The survey results will contribute to understanding the range of working conditions and work environments NZ workers are currently exposed to and to assessing the health and safety impact of these exposures. Therefore it is recommended this tool initially be used in a national workforce survey to establish baseline surveillance data of working conditions, work environments and health and safety outcomes in NZ.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Ince, Elif. "Perceptions Of Turkish Contractors Toward Iso 9001 Quality, Iso 14001 Environmental And Ohsas 18001 Occupational Health And Safety Management Systems." Master's thesis, METU, 2006. http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12607843/index.pdf.

Full text

Abstract:

The objective of this thesis is to reveal the perception of the Turkish contractors toward ISO 9001 Quality, ISO 14001 Environmental and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems using questionnaires. All of the companies participating in the survey have already been ISO 9000 certified. Thus, the questionnaire prepared included more details for the Quality Management System. The results of the questionnaire outcomes are statistically analysed. Analysis of the survey results show that the most common motivators of Management Systems for Turkish contractors are to qualify to tender for local and international projects and to increase competitiveness in overseas markets, however the vision approach of top management is not less important than the financial issues. Most of the companies stated that they implement Management Systems as a part of their improvement strategy as well. This proves that the companies are aware of the benefits of certification in the long term period. Although the most expected advantages of the systems are qualification to tender for projects both locally and internationally, as well as gaining competitive advantage, it has been observed that other benefits are realizedby the Turkish contractors such as
more systematic record keeping, higher company prestige, increased client satisfaction. The major disadvantages realized by practicing the Management Systems are increased documentation and workload. The solution is proposed as to set an internal network and to integrate the systems to reduce paperwork. In conclusion, all of the Management Systems were believed to be as useful tools and Turkish contractors think that their advantages overcome disadvantages.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Mcknight, Peggy Ann. "Strategies Small Construction Business Managers Use to Reduce Safety Incidents in Their Organization." ScholarWorks, 2018. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/5574.

Full text

Abstract:

Globally the construction industry struggles to prevent injurious and fatal safety incidents. The purpose of this single case study was to explore strategies used by construction business managers that had significantly reduced the occurance of safety incidents in a Northwest Ohio construction company. Data were collected from organizational records and interviews with 6 construction managers. The conceptual framework for this research was the concept of safety management systems. Data were compiled and organized, disassembled into fragments, grouped, and then interpreted for meaning. Methodological triangulation and member checking were used to enhance reliability and validity. Four themes emerged from the data: senior management's commitment to a culture of safety, comprehensive safety training, safety accountability, and the importance of engaged employees. These findings indicate that senior managers established a safety-oriented culture by systematically implementing the safety management systems principles and practices in every organizational process and procedure. Safety training ensured that workers have the necessary skills to perform safely. All leaders, at every level of the organization, were held accountability for monitoring and measuring safety performance. Engaged workers were receptive to and compliant with safety rules. The positive social implications of these findings include the potential of contributing to the efforts to establish safer and healthier workplaces that protect workers from injuries and fatalities, thereby contributing to overall safety and health of communities.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Umukoro, Peter Eloho. "Fine Particulate Exposure and Cardiac Autonomic Effects in Boilermakers." Thesis, Harvard University, 2015. http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:16121134.

Full text

Abstract:

Background: Heart Rate Variability (HRV) as a research outcome has the potential for misclassification due to its inability to account for changes in the heart rate. HRV can be parsed into Acceleration Capacity (AC) and Deceleration Capacity (DC) which address these limitations. Objectives: To investigate the associations between AC and DC with short-term and long-term metal PM2.5 exposures; and examine if these associations are mediated by inflammation. Methods: A panel of 45-50 male welders, mean age 39-40 years, had continuous PM2.5 exposure during typical welding work shifts for 4-6 hours repeated 2-5 times over sampling periods in 2010-2012. We also obtained continuous recordings of digital electrocardiograms (ECG) over their work shift using Holter monitors during the same time; and analyzed blood samples before and after each welding shift for potential mediators of inflammation. In our first analysis, we used linear mixed models to assess the association between hourly PM2.5 exposure and each of simultaneously measured hourly AC and DC, controlling for covariates. Then, mediation analysis was done using linear mixed models to assess the associations between shift PM2.5 exposure, potential mediator levels, and AC and DC, controlling for relevant covariates in order to deduce the direct and indirect effects (via the mediator) of PM2.5 on AC and DC. In our final analysis, we used linear regression to assess the association between CEI PM2.5 exposure and each of current AC and DC, controlling for confounders. Results: Negative exposure-response associations were found for AC and DC with increased PM2.5 both in the short-term and long-term exposure after adjusting for covariates. In our mediation models, the proportion of the total effect of PM2.5 on AC or DC (indirect effect) mediated through IL-6 on AC was at best 4%. Conclusions: There are sustained acute and chronic effects of metal particulates on AC and DC even after exposure has ceased. These findings suggest that there may be more pathways that sustain response following exposure other than a direct effect of metal particulates on AC and DC. Furthermore, there may be complex mediating pathways involving interleukin 6.
Environmental Health

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Deadman, Jan-Erik. "Estimation of exposures to extremely low frequency electric and magnetic fields." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1997. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk2/ftp03/NQ29919.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Balkhyour, Mansour. "Factors that affect respirator fit-testing programs." Diss., The University of Arizona, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/289239.

Full text

Abstract:

Respirators are used to minimize the exposure to air contaminants. A good fit is essential for the effective functioning of a respirator. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires an annual respirator fit testing. Respirator fit can be assessed either qualitatively or quantitatively. Two studies were conducted to assess the fit testing program with specific objectives to: (1) assess leak rates in full and half mask respirators; (2) assess the effectiveness of "feedback"1 on the quality of fit; (3) evaluate the effect of daily beard growth on respirator leak rates. In the first study, it was found that the half mask respirator has a significantly lower leak rate than the full face respirator. A significant reduction in leak rate in both respirator types with "feedback" was also observed. The finding that half mask respirators have lower leak rates directly contradicts American National Standard Institute's (ANSI) guidelines of higher Assigned Protection Factor (APF) for full mask respirator. Further studies are necessary to determine these findings and to amend respirator recommendations in the future. As expected in the second study, beard growth was associated with respirator leak rate. The effect of daily growth on leak rate over a period of twelve days could be defined by a second order regression equation. An attempt was made to describe some characteristics of beard that affect the leak rate. After 12 days of beard growth, it was found that the aspect ratio (length/diameter) of hair was inversely correlated with leak rate (r = 0.64). 1Feedback: A numerical value measuring the minimum leak rate that can be gotten from a respirator fitting with a normal donning.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Traviss, Nora M. "Integration of Analysis and Deliberation to Evaluate Biodiesel Occupational and Environmental Exposures." Antioch University / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1216924432.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Weatherford, Barbara H. "Patient Safety: A Multi-Climate Approach to the Nursing Work Environment: A Dissertation." eScholarship@UMMS, 2011. https://escholarship.umassmed.edu/gsn_diss/20.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore Zohar’s Multi-Climate Framework for Occupational Safety to determine the effects of staff nurse perceptions of safety priorities in their organization (safety climate) and their work ownership climate (Magnet Hospital designation) on safety citizenship behaviors viewed as in role or extra role. Safety citizenship behaviors are described as behaviors that go beyond the job description to ensure safety. Participants from a convenience sample of three Magnet designated community hospitals in New England completed three scales (Zohar’s Safety Climate Questionnaire, Essentials of Magnetism II and the Safety Citizenship Role Definitions Scale) representing the study variables via an online survey platform. Multivariate analysis of covariance informed the results. Findings include a positive unadjusted relationship between safety climate and work ownership climate (rs=.492, pF (1, 86) = 8.4, p=.005, N=92), controlling for work ownership climate and hospital. Implications include support for a continued focus on better understanding the importance of a positive nursing work environment, a characteristic shared by Magnet designated hospitals, on the presence of safety citizenship behaviors in the acute care environment. A professional work environment should be considered as an important factor in reducing errors in the acute care setting.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Al-shabbani, Zamaan. "IMPROVING SAFETY PERFORMANCE OF HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE CREWS THROUGH PRE-TASK SAFETY TOOLBOX TALKS." UKnowledge, 2019. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ce_etds/78.

Full text

Abstract:

The dangerous work environment in the construction industry and the inherent high risks associated with construction work make it the focus of safety training and regulations. Highway construction and maintenance has unique hazards but seemingly less directly applicable safety standards, regulations, and programs. Department of Transportation (DOT) employees working in highway maintenance are exposed to a variety of unique hazards specifically associated with their work and not relating to the adjacent traffic. Yet, highway construction and maintenance work has not received sufficient attention in terms of safety research and programs. The lack of safety training and education in highway construction and maintenance work leaves a significant portion of DOT employees prone to different work-related hazards that can be avoided with additional safety awareness. As part of the efforts of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) to improve safety of their employees, the study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of a pre-task safety briefing toolbox. By analyzing recordable incidents of KYTC maintenance employees and identifying frequent hazards present within their typical work operations and the causes behind the frequent incidents, the final product of design phase is a toolbox that is relatable and relevant to KYTC maintenance crews. The toolbox presents these hazards along with incidents causes and the appropriate safety practices to avoid or mitigate the associated risk. The goal of this safety toolbox is to improve safety awareness of KYTC maintenance crews. The second part of the study is a comprehensive systematic evaluation of the effectiveness of the toolbox. Three evaluation phases including reaction and knowledge evaluation, implementation evaluation, and behavior change evaluation were carried out to assess the effectiveness of the toolbox. With 22% improvement in workers safety knowledge, 23% improvement in workers hazards identification skills, and 33.24% increase in the likelihood of safe behavior, the results showed that pre-task safety toolbox talks can increase highway workers’ safety awareness, improve their hazards identification skills, and increase their safe behavior. In addition to serving an underserved audience of the construction workforce, this study contributes to the body of knowledge in different ways. First, it sheds the light on a significant underserved portion of construction workers and the unique hazards present in their work environment. Second, it presents the design, implementation, and evaluation of a data driven safety intervention that addresses the most frequent safety issues in highway maintenance operations. Finally, it presents an empirical trial to evaluate the effectiveness of a common practice used in the construction industry in a unique sector of the industry that has not received sufficient research efforts.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Awaragi, Pierre. "Overcoming delays and enhancing subjective comfort in virtual environments." Thesis, National Library of Canada = Bibliothèque nationale du Canada, 1999. http://www.collectionscanada.ca/obj/s4/f2/dsk1/tape8/PQDD_0015/MQ55017.pdf.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Burns, Calvin George. "The role of trust in safety culture." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2004. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=165707.

Full text

Abstract:

A deficient safety culture has been implicated in a number of organisational accidents from a range of high hazard industries. Despite its implications for safety, many questions about safety culture remain unanswered. In order to contribute to the literature on this topic, this thesis set out to investigate the role of trust in safety culture. The oil and gas industry was chosen as the context for study due to the hazardous nature of its work, the industry’s focus on continuous improvement in safety performance and the interest shown by oil companies in participating in safety research. Leading models of safety culture have stressed the importance of trust in developing and maintaining patterns of safe behaviours at work. This thesis proposed a new model of safety culture based on dual attitudes about trust. This model states that explicit attitudes about trust are part of safety climate and that implicit attitudes about trust comprise some of the basic underlying assumptions that are the deepest level of safety culture. In order to test this model, this thesis developed a method to measure implicit attitudes about trust in an industrial setting. Using this method, two studies of dual attitudes about trust were conducted at different UK gas plants. In both of these studies, different patterns of results were found for measures of explicit and implicit attitudes about trust for workmates, supervisors and the plant leadership, respectively. These findings support the proposed model suggest that explicit and implicit attitudes about trust are separate constructs that may influence different types of safety behaviours. Positive relationships were found between measures of explicit attitudes about trust and self-report items about safety behaviours like reporting incidents and challenging unsafe acts. These findings were taken as a step toward validating the proposed model.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Moayed, Farman Amin. "Constructing the Function of “Magnitude-of-Effect” for Artificial Neural Network (ANN) Models and Their Application in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Engineering." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1217519927.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Vickous, Kim Elaine Young. "An All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Educational Program: Is It Effective in Improving Attitudes, Safety Knowledge, and Behaviors in Adolescents Ages 12 to 18?" TopSCHOLAR®, 2008. http://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/23.

Full text

Abstract:

All terrain vehicles (ATVs) are a popular source of recreation. For some rural adolescents, ATVs are frequently used for agricultural work. Whether for work or recreation, many adolescents operate ATVs improperly either from a lack of knowledge, poor judgment or they engage in risky behaviors resulting in injuries and fatalities. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has devoted resources to provide ATV safety programs to educate adolescents statewide. However, there are no known studies evaluating the effectiveness of this KDA intervention. Therefore, a pilot study was proposed to determine the effectiveness of The KDA ATV safety program in improving ATV safety knowledge, attitudes and behaviors of adolescents ages 12 to 18. Following HSRB approval, a pre-experimental one group, pre-test, post-test design pilot study was conducted. A convenience sample (n=18) was drawn from adolescents registered to attend an ATV safety program provided by the KDA. The study was conducted in a south central Kentucky city. Haddon’s Matrix was used as the theoretical framework using the dual axis approach to injury prevention and injury control. On one axis are the host, the agent and the environment. In this study the host is the adolescent ATV driver, and the agent is the all-terrain vehicle. The environment includes the terrain, applicable ATV laws and societal attitudes toward ATV safety. On the second axis are the pre-event, event and post-event phases. Haddon’s Matrix is a process mechanism in which opportunities to reduce ATV related injuries and fatalities can be identified. It is believed that knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding ATV safety can be positively influenced through effective educational strategies, ATV engineering design changes and ATV law enforcement issues as identified through the use of Haddon’s Matrix. Descriptive statistics and paired t-tests were used to analyze the data. The analysis revealed no statistically significant changes in adolescent knowledge following the intervention. However, there were statistically significant improvements in ATV related safety attitudes and behaviors. In conclusion, efforts should continue to prevent ATV-related injuries and fatalities via educational strategies to change behaviors and attitudes regarding ATV safety in communities and individuals. Implications include the need for further research to determine best practice ATV educational strategies that create positive change.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Byrne, Jill. "Occupational Heat Stress May Impact Surgeons' Thermal Comfort, Body Temperature, and Cognitive Performance." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2021. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1620764717903713.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Aquino, Theodore. "Comparison of Urinary PAHs among Firefighters and Asphalt Pavers." Thesis, University of South Florida, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10103851.

Full text

Abstract:

Firefighters and asphalt pavers are exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during various work activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate urinary PAH levels and compare these bio-monitoring levels among firefighters, asphalt pavers, and non-occupationally exposed individuals. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) urinary PAH levels were used for non-occupationally exposed controls. When compared to the NIST standard for smokers and non-smokers, firefighters demonstrated statistically significant differences in urinary concentration differences for the following metabolites: 2-OH-fluorene, 3-OH-fluorene and 1-OH-pyrene, which were lower in firefighters than the NIST mean for smokers. 1-OHphenanthrene, 2-OH-phenanthrene and 3-OH-phenanthrene were higher among world trade center exposed firefighters than the NIST mean for smokers. When firefighters were compared to the NIST non-smoker standard, firefighters demonstrated elevated levels in all tested PAH biomarkers due to a mixture of smokers and non-smokers in the firefighter cohort.

Asphalt workers had statistically significant higher urinary concentration elevations in 2OH-fluorene, 1-OH-phenanthrene and 3-OH-phenanthrene as compared to the NIST smoker mean. When asphalt pavers were compared to the NIST non-smoker mean, asphalt pavers had statistically significant increases in all tested PAH biomarkers, with the exception of 2-OHphenanthrene. While firefighters did not demonstrate a substantial change in urinary PAH metabolite levels compared to control populations of smokers and non-smokers, asphalt pavers experienced concentrations that were in some cases increased by orders of magnitude compare to NIST controls. Future research may be needed to evaluate any potential health risk posted to occupational exposed asphalt pavers.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Morelock, Deborah F. "A Correlational Study of Hardiness, Health, and Burnout among Teachers in the Sullivan County School System." Digital Commons @ East Tennessee State University, 1994. https://dc.etsu.edu/etd/2753.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships among hardiness, health and burnout and to investigate the relationships of the subscales of hardiness to health and to the subscales of burnout among teachers in the Sullivan County School System. The Hardiness Test was used to measure hardiness and the Maslach Burnout Inventory Form Ed to measure burnout. Results of the Health Evaluation and Risk Test was reported on the Educators Demographic Data Survey. The study sample consisted of 501 teachers. A statistically significant relationship was revealed between hardiness and health; among the hardiness subscales, commitment accounted for the largest amount of variance in health. Multiple regression was used to analyze the relationships among the subscales of hardiness and the subscales of burnout. Of the hardiness subscales, commitment and control equally accounted for the greatest amount of variance in depersonalization and personal accomplishment. To determine the extent to which the subjects' demographic variables were related to any study variables, correlation coefficients were computed between demographic variables and each of the study variables. While age, years teaching experience, and level taught were significantly related to the study variables, the extremely low correlations indicate that only 1% of the variance in these three variables were explained by the study variables, preventing meaningful interpretation. Kobasa's health and hardiness theory is supported by the results of this study. These results also support previous research findings which suggest that hardiness buffers against burnout.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Chikono, Nathan Nomore. "Leadership Practices that Improve the Workplace Safety Environment." Thesis, Walden University, 2017. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10259015.

Full text

Abstract:

Inadequate leadership is the reason workplace accidents in the mining industry remain high, making the industry one of the most hazardous operational activities in the world. Unsafe leadership practices may result in death or injury to workers. A group of 30 mining company leaders from 3 gold mines in Zimbabwe revealed an exception to these hazardous practices, however, notable through their outstanding safety improvement records. To better understand what these practitioners were doing, this multicase study research design explored their strategies to improve the workplace safety environment in the mines. Data were collected using audio-recorded semistructured interviews and document analyses. Shewhart’s plan-do-check-act conceptual framework anchored the study. Data analysis followed the thematic data analytic approach involving classification, coding, and interpretation to identify common themes. The following themes emerged: planning and organizing, leading, and risk management. The findings indicate that the business leaders created a safe work environment by planning the work to be performed; how the task would be executed; and when, where, and who performed the task. The results of study also indicate that leaders designed the work environment, trained, empowered, and equipped employees with the relevant skills, and provided appropriate technology and personal protective equipment to improve workplace safety. Finally, the research findings indicate that leaders embedded risk management principles and practices in every process or activity, and continuously learned from each event to create a safe work environment. The findings promote social change by encouraging safe behavior and risk-based thinking and practices in the workforce and the community.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Wright, Rodger. "Exploring a paradigm shift: An Australian case study of the adoption of multimedia occupational health, safety and environment inductions." Thesis, Wright, Rodger (2011) Exploring a paradigm shift: An Australian case study of the adoption of multimedia occupational health, safety and environment inductions. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2011. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/5799/.

Full text

Abstract:

Despite research suggesting the superiority of face-to-face communication in the transmission of vital information and contrary to the lack of productivity/profitability evidence for IT in general and multimedia in particular, classroom style Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (OHSE) inductions in Australia are increasingly being replaced by interactive multimedia. The research described in this thesis investigates this trend. On the practitioner side, it contributes to the knowledge base of OHSE and multimedia professionals and practitioners by describing the paradigm shift to the use of multimedia in OHSE inductions. The research describes current practice including the delivery media and content of the inductions. On the theoretical front, this research uses the data collected in achieving the practice-oriented objective to test theoretical aspects of the paradigm shift to the use of multimedia in OHSE inductions. Case study data was collected from 21 adopting organisations that were paired across industry sectors. The data included personal interviews with the OHSE managers and analysis of their multimedia OHSE inductions. A number of theoretical platforms were tested including Technology Push/Market Pull, Unique Selling Propositions (USP), Product Positioning, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM2), Media Richness Theory (MRT), the Productivity-Profitability Paradox (PPP) and the role of Disruptive and Revolutionary technologies in paradigm shifts. Adoption by others (the ‘herd’), Demonstratability, Job Relevance, Image and Output Quality were identified as important change factors. The PPP was both contradicted and supported – multimedia was found to be very cost effective, but on the other hand ‘profits’ were traded away before they hit the bottom line. Major factors in influencing enterprises to ‘take the leap’ were transaction efficiency (more inductions, employing less infrastructure, delivered in less time) and the superior consistency of multimedia delivery. Keywords: Occupational Health, Safety, Environment, Paradigm Shift, Multimedia, Technology-Push, Market-Pull, USP, Product Positioning, Technology Acceptance Model, TAM, Media Richness Theory, MRT, Duty of Care, DOC, Productivity Paradox, Profitability Paradox, Information Productivity, Transaction Efficiency

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Lippert, Julia Ford. "Determination of Laser Generated Air Contaminant Emission Rates in a Simulated Surgical Procedure." Thesis, University of Illinois at Chicago, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3573411.

Full text

Abstract:

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) estimates that half a million surgical staff are exposed to laser smoke or plume each year. It has been suggested that the type and intensity of exposure is dependent in part on the way a laser is used during surgery. The purpose of this study was to estimate emission rates of the gas phase constituents of laser generated air contaminants using a validated emission chamber methodology while differentiating the effects of the laser operational parameters power, pulse-repetition frequency, and beam diameter, and ultimately to model a set of plausible occupational exposures.

An emission chamber was designed, fabricated, and validated to quantify the emission rates of gases and particles associated with laser generated air contaminants (LGACs) during a simulated surgical procedure. The emission chamber was built of inert materials, including a glass hood section connected to a duct section for collection and allowing for lasing of tissue. The performance, plume capture, and air flow of the emission chamber system were validated. This validated emission chamber and methodology enabled accurate estimation of emission rates with low experimental variability that can be used in mathematical modeling of exposure.

Two medical lasers (Holmium Yttrium Aluminum Garnet [Ho:YAG] and carbon dioxide [CO₂]) were set at varying operational parameters in a simulated laser surgery on porcine skin to generate a plume in an emission chamber. Porcine skin was pyrolyzed with a medical laser set to a range of surgically plausible operational parameters. Consistency in the rate and depth of incision was established by a system to control the speed of laser movement and aim angle of the laser tip, and was validated by measurement of tissue loss. The plume was sampled for seven gas phase contaminants of combustion products (volatile organic compounds [VOC], formaldehyde, hydrogen cyanide [HCN], carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide [CO]). The effect of each operational parameter was determined using a fractional factorial design coupled with a sequential screening process that evaluated the parameters for their influence on emission rates.

Measured concentrations of the gas phase contaminants were below the limit of detection (LOD). Confined to the experimental conditions of this investigation, results indicated that beam diameter was significantly influential to emission rates when using the Ho:YAG laser but not with the CO₂ laser. Power and pulse repetition frequency were not influential to emission rates of these gas phase contaminants.

Emission rates of LGAC from the experimentally determined concentrations were used to estimate a range of physically plausible occupational exposures to surgical staff. A two-zone semi-empirical model was implemented with input variables varied over a range based on the general requirements of a laser surgical suite in compliance with regulatory agencies. Twenty-minute time weighted averages were developed for the near- and far-field zones within the surgical suite as estimates of the occupational exposure to LGAC. These values were compared to relevant occupational exposure limits; estimated exposures were at least three times in magnitude less than the exposure limits and thus do not appear to present an occupational hazard.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Sevilla-Zeigen, Nicole. "A Grounded Theory Approach to Healthy Work Environment| Its Impact on Nurses, Patient Safety, and Significance in Healthcare Settings." Thesis, University of San Diego, 2016. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10193644.

Full text

Abstract:

A healthy working environment has been an area of interest for occupation health providers. There is anticipation that a safe working environment improves patient safety, which is associated with reduction in clinical nurse errors. Issues with medication errors and poor working environment pose a greater risk to patient safety. The aim of this qualitative study was to provide a broad understanding on nurses’ perceptions on the processes that influence a healthy working environment and the impacts of a healthy working environment on patient safety. An interpretive grounded theory methodology was used in this study to evaluate nurses’ perceptions in acute care settings. The study was carried out in a large city of Southern California and the participants consisted of a community-based purposive population of registered nurses (RNs) in a telemetry. A total of 10 participants with three years working experience in surgical units were recruited and tiered scheduled approach was used for the analysis and refinement of interview questions. The participants were all female registered nurses with three years working experience in acute care settings. The majority of the nurses had a bachelor’s degree (44%), masters degree (22%) and 11 % had associate degree. Grounded theory method was used to identify the relevant themes from the interview responses. The transcripts revealed nurses’ perceptions on the process that facilitate a healthy working environment and HWE impacts on patient safety. The findings of the study showed that communication, teamwork and collaboration within healthcare environment are the most important factors for the development of a healthy working environment. The findings also showed the influence of a health care working environment on medication errors. Nurses reported that lack of communication, nurse shortages and micromanagement increases the chances of medical errors. Nurses reported that effective communication with the nurse leaders, managers and patients provide a stress-free working environment that result in a better care for patients. Enough nursing staff s well as teamwork and collaboration also influences patient safety.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Hezel, Claudia Regina 1977. "Avaliação do impacto das exigências do contratante nos sistemas de gestão integrados de empresas de montagem industrial na indústria do petróleo." [s.n.], 2014. http://repositorio.unicamp.br/jspui/handle/REPOSIP/258286.

Full text

Abstract:

Orientador: Flávio Augusto Picchi
Tese (doutorado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Engenharia Civil, Arquitetura e Urbanismo
Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-25T16:52:17Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Hezel_ClaudiaRegina_D.pdf: 3682699 bytes, checksum: 27bcde77fb2c02e5bd6641e28f21aa08 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014
Resumo: Para fazer frente às exigências do mercado, as empresas buscam sempre a maximização dos seus resultados, primando pela excelência em todas as áreas que compõem o seu negócio, assim para atender às novas exigências do mercado quanto à qualidade, ao meio ambiente e à saúde e segurança dos trabalhadores, as empresas prestadoras de serviços passam por uma transformação nos seus Sistemas de gestão, de forma a agregar ao produto final as novas exigências mercadológicas e torná-las mais competitivas. Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo avaliar o impacto das exigências do contratante nos Sistemas de Gestão Integrados (SGI) dos prestadores de serviços de construção e montagem industriais que atuam na indústria do petróleo. Dentre as questões pesquisadas destaca-: como os prestadores de serviço têm se adequado às exigências, como os contratantes têm formalizado estas exigências quanto a Qualidade, Segurança e Saúde Ocupacional, Meio Ambiente e Responsabilidade Social (QSMSRS), as motivações, os benefícios e as dificuldades para implementação do SGI nas empresas contratadas, se os contratantes têm atingido seus objetivos e se há benefícios às empresas contratadas. A pesquisa tem as seguintes fases: pesquisa bibliográfica, estudo exploratório e estudo de caso. Primeiramente foi realizado um levantamento bibliográfico onde são apresentados os aspectos conceituais e revisão bibliográfica dos assuntos relacionados com a tese, dividido em duas partes principais: indústria do petróleo e sistemas de gestão. Em seguida um estudo exploratório das empresas a serem pesquisas, seguindo de análise da contratante e por último o levantamento, análise e estudo de caso das empresas contratadas. Neste caso, foram utilizadas como opção metodológica questionário e entrevistas semi-estruturadas com profissionais da contratante e das empresas contratadas, bem como consulta a relatórios, banco de dados e documentos contratuais. Como resultado verificou-se que os benefícios citados foram essencialmente relacionados à lucratividade, gestão, retorno social e imagem. Quanto às dificuldades são referentes a aspectos organizacionais, sistêmicas, comportamentais, técnicas e econômicas. Verificou-se como resultado que as exigências contratuais da contratante, quanto aos sistemas de gestão integrados, influenciam e contribuem para o aprimoramento dos sistemas e bons resultados de QSMSRS das empresas, ocorrendo uma adequação do sistema das empresas às exigências contratuais, cujos processos são incorporados na empresa como um todo
Abstract: In order to meet market demands, companies always seek to maximize their results, striving for excellence in all areas that make up your business, so to meet new market demands for quality, environment and health and safety of workers, service providers undergo a transformation in their management systems, in order to add to the final product the new market demands and make them more competitive. This research aims to evaluate the impact of the requirements of the contractor in Integrated Management Systems (IMS) providers of construction and industrial assembly working in the oil industry. Among the issues surveyed stands:: how service providers have appropriate requirements, as contractors have formalized these requirements for Quality, Occupational Health and Safety, Environment and Social Responsibility (QHSESR), motivations, benefits and difficulties in the implementation of SGI contractors, whether contractors have met their goals and there are benefits to contractors. The research has the following phases: literature review, exploratory study and case study. The oil industry and management systems: first a literature where the conceptual aspects and literature review of issues related to the thesis are presented, divided into two main parts was performed. Then an exploratory study of companies to be research, following analysis of the contractor and the last survey, analysis and case study of contractors. In this case, were used as methodological questionnaire and semi -structured interviews with professionals in the contractor and the contractors option, and consultation reports, database and contractual documents. As a result it was found that the benefits cited were primarily related to profitability, management, social return and image. As for the difficulties are related to organizational, systemic, behavioral, technical and economic aspects. It was found as a result that the contractual requirements of the contractor, as the integrated management systems, influence and contribute to the improvement of systems and good results QHSESR enterprises, occurring an adaptation of the system of the companies to contractual requirements, the processes are incorporated the company as a whole
Doutorado
Arquitetura e Construção
Doutora em Engenharia Civil

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Grundy, Susan Erin. "Perceived work-related stressors, personality, and degree of burnout in firefighters." Scholarly Commons, 2000. https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/uop_etds/2436.

Full text

Abstract:

Occupational burnout continues to be a topic of great interest to those individuals who are concerned with the influence of work stress on mental health. Although many workers from a variety of occupations have been the focus of studies of burnout, there are few studies of burnout in firefighters. In conjunction with studying the obvious factors which are believed to be related to burnout in workers, there has been a call for researchers to include personality variables in the study of work stress. Neuroticism has been found to be related to the identification of work-related stressors as well as to be related to the impact of the stressors on workers. The purpose of this study was to determine the perceived work-related stressors of firefighters and to determine the predictors of burnout after controlling for age and the personality variable of neuroticism. The research participants for this study included 142 firefighters from the Western U.S. Participants completed questionnaires that included demographic data, work-related background information, perceived work-related stressors, a measure of burnout, and a measure of neuroticism. Following an analysis of the quantitative data obtained from the questionnaires, ten firefighters were interviewed for the purpose of gaining in-depth information regarding the responses in the questionnaires. The findings of this study indicated that there was a great deal of variety in what each participant perceived to be a work-related stressor. A content analysis technique yielded 12 categories of stressors: coworker conflict, patient-related, general work duties, administration, sleep-related, budget-related, change in work station, personal, danger to self, 9-1-1 abuse, public-related, and child abuse. The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that after controlling for age (step 1), neuroticism (step 2) predicted approximately 21% of the variance in emotional exhaustion, 9% of the variance in depersonalization, and almost 7% of the variance in personal accomplishment. After controlling for age and neuroticism, objective and perceived work-related stressors accounted for an additional 14.6% of the variance in emotional exhaustion and for 13.9% of the variance in depersonalization. Only the objective work-related stressors accounted for an additional 8.9% of the variance in personal accomplishment.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Olsson, Johannah. "From safety code to safety in operations : A qualitative study of safety management within five companies operating in the Swedish shipping industry." Thesis, KTH, Ergonomi, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-284671.

Full text

Abstract:

The maritime industry is vital to the Swedish trade and economy. Shipping has less environmental impact per ton transported goods than other transport modes. Furthermore, ships use the sea as their roads, thus not requiring additional impact on the environment in the form of building roads or tracks to be able to transport goods or people. The aim of this thesis is to identify the characteristics of the safety management approach and safety management systems (SMS) in five Swedish companies operating in the Swedish shipping industry. It furthermore explores whether a new approach to safety management such as Safety II and resilience engineering can offer a complementary view to the current safety management. The study design of this thesis has been a multiple case study. A literature review has been performed to gain insights into the domain and safety management in the domain in specific. Data has been gathered through semi-structured interviews with 10 respondents working within shipping or crew management companies. Five of the respondents work ashore with safety management and five of the respondents work onboard as Chief Officers or Chief Engineer. Chief Officers as well as Chief Engineers have responsibilities regarding safety for their respective department and thus have management positions within the operations. The results show that the participating companies’ safety management and SMSs are of the reactive kind. There is furthermore a gap between work as imagined, WAI, and work as done, WAD, that affects the suitability of the routines, procedures and equipment used in operations. Complexity of a system is also a contributing factor when it comes to safety management, and in the participating companies, aspects regarding complexity were identified at a regulatory, organisational and operational level. This affects the possibility to create routines and procedures that correspond to the demands, variations and situations encountered in operations. It is suggested in this thesis that a Safety II approach to safety management, along with the use of resilience engineering to develop and enhance the domain’s adaptability, can serve as a complement to the current safety management approach. Being able to adapt, respond and manage various unforeseen situations is a way of ensuring safety in operations even in complex socio-technical systems. The resilience assessment grid, RAG, is suggested as a tool to be developed to be usable in the participating companies. The RAG could serve as a tool to taper the gap between WAI and WAD, as well as to provide input to the development of indicators other than accidents for improving safety. Furthermore, it could also facilitate learning from everyday operations and what is going well – the everyday successes in everyday execution of tasks involved in operations.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Paul, Suzanna. "Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of online vs paper based post graduate courses in occupational and environmental safety and health at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2006. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/88.

Full text

Abstract:

Although online / e-learning is shifting the teaching paradigm at tertiary institutions, there are limited studies that assess the effectiveness of online courses, particularly in the occupational and environmental health field and among mature aged students. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of online "Blackboard" units as compared to traditional "paper based" units taught as part of the Professional Masters in Occupational and Environmental Health at the Edith Cowan University. Unit commencement and completion questionnaires were designed and distributed over two academic semesters (in 2004 and 2005) to evaluate students' perceptions of the effectiveness of the modes of delivery. Some questions about characteristics of the students, their knowledge of technology and their expected learning outcomes were included. To obtain more detailed information, a focus group meeting was conducted. In addition lecturers were interviewed prior to and after teaching in the courses. The interview questions from lecturers provided information about their expectations from the unit content, rationale for selecting online as opposed to traditional paper based methods and their experience in teaching in traditional paper based mode versus virtual teaching methods.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Paul, Suzanna. "Comparative assessment of the effectiveness of online vs paper based post graduate courses in occupational and environmental safety and health at Edith Cowan University, Perth, Western Australia." Connect to thesis, 2006. http://portal.ecu.edu.au/adt-public/adt-ECU2007.0030.html.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Eturki, Mohamed. "Industrial Hygiene Exposure Estimation Accuracy: An Investigation of Micro-Environmental Factors Impacting Exposure." University of Cincinnati / OhioLINK, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1563273672613013.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Almario, David R. "The Ability of the U.S. Military’s WBGT-based Flag System to Recommend Safe Heat Stress Exposures." Scholar Commons, 2019. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7727.

Full text

Abstract:

The U.S. military currently uses a flag system based on wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT) and metabolic rate to recommend heat stress exposure limits. This paper addresses the ability of the flag system to recommend safe heat exposures in a non-military population. Two progressive heat stress studies provided data on 528 observations of safe or unsafe exposures of 4 hours over a range of WBGT conditions and metabolic rates using 29 participants wearing woven cotton clothing. For the two studies, range of WBGT conditions was 25 to 42C, and the range of metabolic rates was 100 to 650 watts. These exposures were compared with the flag system’s recommendations of safe exposure to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the flag system. A separate study provided 62 observations with participants undergoing a time-limited protocol at constant WBGT conditions. Observed durations of safe exposure time were compared to the flag system’s recommended safe limits to determine sensitivity and specificity. Based on the progressive protocol, sensitivity and specificity of the flag system for five ranges of WBGT and three categories of metabolic rate were 0.98 and 0.25, respectively. For the time-limited protocol, which applied only to the highest range of WBGT and light and moderate metabolic rate, both sensitivity and specificity were zero. This study suggests that the flag system has high sensitivity but low specificity for long duration exposures, along with low sensitivity and specificity for time-limited exposures. However, the WBGT exposures in the time-limited trials were substantially higher than the threshold for the highest WBGT range in the flag system, which may account for the system’s unexpected performance in the time-limited protocol.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

McLaren, Stuart Joseph. "Noise in early childhood education centres: the effects on the children and their teachers : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand." Massey University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10179/977.

Full text

Abstract:

Although the effects of noise on children’s learning in school classrooms is well documented, there is very little on the effects of noise on preschool children. There are strict legal requirements for the daily noise exposure an adult worker can received in the workplace but nothing to control the noise children can receive in school and early education. There is also little or no data on how sound affects a child, compared to an adult. The early years of life are critical for the development of speech, hearing and auditory processes, as well as being the most vulnerable time for middle ear infections. This work sets out to determine the typical noise levels in early childhood centres and the effects on a range of children and their teachers. Reverberation times in most centres were found to well exceed the 0.6 seconds prescribed by the Australasian standard for schools and learning spaces. Very high levels of noise were recorded in a number of centres with a significant number of children and staff members, exceeding the maximum daily sound exposure of 100% permitted for workers in industry. A range of special needs children were identified as being particularly at-risk to noise, with the most adverse outcomes reported for those experiencing sensory integration disorder. Yet, even though high levels of noise were recorded, the majority of respondents in a survey of teachers rated the lack of sufficient space for the number of children present as the main issue, and inclement weather as the greatest environmental condition contributing to noise (by confining children indoors, especially over long periods of time). Hearing tests on the children were not permitted under the strict human ethics criteria to which this study had to conform, but simple hearing tests on a small group of teachers, revealed that hearing loss could be a serious occupational health issue. The legal issues of noise control and management in early childhood education have been addressed in this thesis, current legal frameworks reviewed, and recommendations presented for future consideration.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Scott, Eunice. "Wellness Education and Job-Related Injuries and Illnesses for Federal Employees." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/3510.

Full text

Abstract:

Work-related injuries and illnesses may lead to absenteeism, which affects the level of productivity. The purpose of this study was to determine the success of an employee workplace training program on work-related injury and illness rates at selected federal districts within a federal organization. Newman's model, which describes internal and external factors that may have an effect on an individual's health, was the framework that guided this project. A pre-post design was used to compare data from 2 publically available data sets, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Illness and Injury and the Voice of the Employee Survey, for the years 2013 and 2014, before and after a wellness training program. According to a descriptive analysis of 91 illness and injury events that occurred during the 2-year period, the greatest number of employees who reported illnesses were mail handlers and mail processing clerks. Slips/trips and falls, strikes by machine/equipment or other objects, and repetitive motion were the top 3 types of injuries. After training, the total number of illness and injury days away from work and days of limited duty were decreased, indicating a positive impact of this workplace wellness program and a need for future training for these workers. This project has the potential to affect social change by supporting the benefits of workplace wellness in improving employee health and reducing workplace injuries at federal agencies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Gadde, Divya. "Assessment of Ergonomics in Indian Dental Practice: A Workplace Analysis." TopSCHOLAR®, 2018. https://digitalcommons.wku.edu/theses/2332.

Full text

Abstract:

Dental practice requires unique working conditions such as prolonged working hours, strained body postures and laborious, high finesse dental techniques. However, it can be more efficiently performed by the application of ergonomics, rather than physically forcing the worker's body to fit the job. Posture is highly influenced by factors such as inadequate working level, incorrect patient positioning, and poor visual comfort. In order to eliminate musculoskeletal disorders it is necessary to control these and other factors, and design the human work environment to be more ergonomic. The aim of this study was to assess ergonomics within Indian dental practice and elucidate factors that prevented application of ergonomics. An observational study was conducted among 58 Indian dentists, both from a private dental hospital and clinics. A questionnaire that consisted of 37 open-ended and closed-ended questions was used as a research tool for the study. Information on background characteristics, work environment, equipment, work administration, and ergonomic awareness was collected using the questionnaire. Sampling consisted of observing 37 male and 21 female dentists. A total of 58 individuals, 62 % ( 36), worked for a private dental hospital, and 38% (22) for dental clinics. A majority, 84.5% (49), of the dentists reported that they did not receive ergonomic training from their work administration. Most dentists, 96% (56), reported that there was no system of recordkeeping for workplace accidents. Lack of proper ergonomic training and no system of recordkeeping for workplace accidents were found to be the primary factors for not applying ergonomics by Indian dentists. Ergonomic training programs are needed in India to help educate dentists on workplace safety and health, and thus aid in reducing musculoskeletal pain. Finally, a system is needed in Indian dental practice to promote workplace safety and health by identifying workplace hazards that result in injuries.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Tebbe, Hope M. "Evaluation of Indoor Air Quality in Four Nursing Home Facilities in Northwest Ohio." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1493411129998087.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Guros, Frankie. "Thinking About Work at Home: Implications for Safety at Work." PDXScholar, 2015. https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/2624.

Full text

Abstract:

Safety at work is of the utmost importance to employees and the organizations they work for, and as such, it is a central issue for occupational health psychology. Although dramatic decreases in the number of worker injuries and fatalities have been observed over the last several decades, safety remains a principal concern for organizations. This is especially true in occupations in which employees face serious threats to their personal safety, such as correctional officers (COs). While a number of studies have identified workplace factors that contribute to worker safety, few have attempted to draw a link between employee nonwork experiences and safety at work. In the current study, a model was tested to examine whether the relationship between cognitive nonwork recovery experiences and safety performance at work was mediated by safety motivation. Specifically, the effort-recovery model (Meijman & Mulder, 1998) and the concept of self-regulatory resources (Muraven & Baumeister, 2000) were utilized to test these relationships. It was hypothesized that psychological detachment during nonwork time can replenish cognitive resources that employees need in order to feel motivated to be focused on safety in the workplace, and negative work reflection can drain these resources. Furthermore, drawing on Broaden-and-Build theory (Fredrickson, 1998) it was posited that positive work reflection during nonwork time would have a positive relationship with safety motivation. Additionally, it was hypothesized that the relationship between these cognitive recovery experiences and safety motivation would be moderated by individual perceptions of safety climate. The hypotheses were examined in a sample of COs (N = 166) from two correctional facilities in Oregon. The results overall did not provide strong empirical support for the model. No support was found for the role of psychological detachment or negative work reflection. Additionally, perceptions of safety climate did not moderate the relationship between cognitive recovery experiences and safety. However, positive work reflection during nonwork time was significantly associated with safety participation motivation, which in turn had a positive association with safety participation. Additionally analyses revealed that this relationship was reciprocal in nature when utilizing an additional sample four months after data collection, such that safety participation motivation and safety participation predicted positive work reflection. The findings from the current study build on the research between the work-life interface and safety at work, suggesting that positive nonwork experiences can potentially be related to discretional safety performance at work. Implications for practical applications and suggestions for future research are discussed.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Hägg, Green Karin. "Hur chefer som ansvarar för arbetsmiljöåtgärder upplever förutsättningar för kunskapsspridning inom organisationer." Thesis, Högskolan i Gävle, Avdelningen för arbets- och folkhälsovetenskap, 2016. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-21610.

Full text

Abstract:

Problem definition: There must be a knowledge transfer within the organisation to prevent illness and accidents at work. Aim: Is to examine and describe how opportunities to share knowledge with other organisational members experienced by managers with occupational health and safety responsibilities. Method: A qualitative case study with semi-structured interviews from N=10 informants. Main results: Managers' experience are perceived to be the possession of a superior power and that they need to bring in non-relational resources to dissemination knowledge. Conclusion: Theory suggests that by creating relationships by using communication and interaction to access trust and reciprocity, there are great opportunities for knowledge transfer. We have taken part of the informants' experiences, we have come to the conclusion it's not the easy to implement relationships in the work environment because it does not always precondition for this. Because of cultural differences, experience-and competence differences and organisational characteristics.
Problemformulering: I arbetet förekommer det stora risker för ohälsa och olyckor, för att kunna minimera dessa risker måste det ske en kunskapsspridning inom organisationen. Att sprida kunskap gällande arbetsmiljö är en viktig faktor i alla arbetsområden i samhället, dock är spridningen inte det enklaste. För att kunna sprida kunskap behöver vi undersöka hur chefer som ansvarar för arbetsmiljö upplever sina förutsättningar för kunskapsspridning inom organisationer. För att sedan ta del av detta och skapa förutsättningar som främjar spridningen av kunskap. Syfte: Att undersöka och beskriva hur förutsättningar att dela med sig av kunskap till andra organisationsmedlemmar upplevs av chefer med arbetsmiljöansvar Metod: En kvalitativ fallstudie med semistrukturerade intervjuer från N=10 informanter. Innehållsanalys har används för att analysera data. Huvudresultat: Skapandet av relationer är inte det enklaste tillvägagångsättet för att sprida kunskap. Chefernas förutsättningar upplevs vara att inneha en överordnad position och att de behöver/vill ta in icke-relationella resurser för att kunskapen enklare skall spridas. Slutsats: Teorin menar att nära relationer som byggs upp med hjälp av kommunikation och interaktion för att komma åt tillit och ömsesidighet medför stora förutsättningar för kunskapsspridning. Denna studie visar att tänket att skapa värdefulla relationer finns hos cheferna. Men på något vis är det inte det enklaste att genomföra, eftersom det inte alltid finns förutsättningar för detta. Det vill säga förutsättningar som, kulturella skillnader, erfarenhet- och kompetenskillnader och organisatoriska egenskaper.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Environmental and occupational health and safety'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles