• Title/Summary/Keyword: Accidents occupational

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Health and Safety at Work: Analysis from the Brazilian Documentary Film Flesh and Bone

  • Mendes, Luciano;dos Santos, Heliani Berlato;Ichikawa, Elisa Yoshie
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.8 no.4
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    • pp.347-355
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    • 2017
  • Background: The objective of this article is to make some analysis on the process of work and accidents occurring in slaughterhouses, evidenced in the Brazilian documentary film called Flesh and Bone. As such, it was necessary to discuss an alternative theoretical concept in relation to theories about health and safety at work. This alternative discussion focuses on the concepts of biopower and biopolitics. Methods: The use of audiovisual elements in research is not new, and there is already a branch of studies with methodological and epistemological variations. The Brazilian documentary Flesh and Bone was the basis for the research. The analysis of this documentary will be carried out from two complementary perspectives: "textual analysis" and "discourse analysis." Results: Flesh and Bone presents problems related to health and safety at work in slaughterhouses because of the constant exposure of workers to knives, saws, and other sharp instruments in the workplace. The results show that in favor of higher production levels, increased overseas market sales, and stricter quality controls, some manufacturers resort to various practices that often result in serious injuries, disposal, and health damages to workers. Conclusion: Flesh and Bone, by itself, makes this explicit in the form of denunciation based on the situation of these workers. What it does not make clear is that, in the context of biopolitics, the actions aimed at solving these problems or even reducing the negative impacts for this group of workers, are not efficient enough to change such practices.

The Influence of Organizational External Factors on Construction Risk Management among Nigerian Construction Companies

  • Adeleke, A.Q.;Bahaudin, A.Y.;Kamaruddeen, A.M.;Bamgbade, J.A.;Salimon, Maruf Gbadebo;Khan, Muhammad Waris Ali;Sorooshian, Shahryar
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.115-124
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    • 2018
  • Background: Substantial empirical research has shown conflicting results regarding the influence of organizational external factors on construction risk management, suggesting the necessity to introduce a moderator into the study. The present research confirmed whether rules and regulations matter on the relationships between organizational external factors and construction risk management. Methods: Based on discouragement and organizational control theory, this research examined the effects of organizational external factors and rules and regulations on construction risk management among 238 employees operating in construction companies in Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria. A personally administered questionnaire was used to acquire the data. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results: A significant positive relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management was asserted. This study also found a significant positive relationship between rules and regulations and construction risk management. As anticipated, rules and regulations were found to moderate the relationship between organizational external factors and construction risk management, with a significant positive result. Similarly, a significant interaction effect was also found between rules and regulations and organizational external factors. Implications of the research from a Nigerian point of view have also been discussed. Conclusion: Political, economy, and technology factors helped the construction companies to reduce the chance of risk occurrence during the construction activities. Rules and regulations also helped to lessen the rate of accidents involving construction workers as well as the duration of the projects. Similarly, the influence of the organizational external factors with rules and regulations on construction risk management has proven that most of the construction companies that implement the aforementioned factors have the chance to deliver their projects within the stipulated time, cost, and qualities, which can be used as a yardstick to measure a good project.

Comparison of Safety Perception between Foreign and Local Workers in the Construction Industry in Republic of Korea

  • Korkmaz, Serdar;Park, Dal Jae
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.9 no.1
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    • pp.53-58
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    • 2018
  • Background: Since the Republic of Korea became a labor-force-importing country, the number of foreign workers has increased gradually, especially in the construction industry. The main objective of this study was to examine the differences in safety perception between domestic and foreign workers at Korean construction sites. Methods: A total of 891 Korean and foreign workers were surveyed: 140 foreign and 751 Korean workers. The general characteristics and 25 factors influencing safety perception were considered in the questionnaire. Regression and correlation analyses were conducted to examine the variables of workers' safety perception. Results: Differences of nationality (F = 7.379, p < 0.001) and workplace accidents were statistically significant for both domestic (F = 1.503, p < 0.05) and foreign workers (F = 7.868, p < 0.05). In contrast, age, education, and Korean language level were significant variables only for foreign workers. Correlation coefficients of $0.428^{**}$ for Korean and 0.148 for foreign workers between two items - namely, "management's commitment to safety" and "blaming staff when they make mistakes" - support the conclusion that foreign workers do not trust management's commitment to safety, while Korean workers have confidence in these commitments. Conclusion: Foreign workers' level of safety perception should rise to the same level as Korean workers, especially in terms of obeying safety rules, safety education performance, and safety beliefs. Therefore, an improvement plan for the Korean construction industry is suggested in order to have a better safety level at construction sites with foreign workers.

Effects of an Online Imagery-Based Treatment Program in Patients with Workplace-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study

  • Lee, Won Joon;Choi, Soo-Hee;Shin, Jung Eun;Oh, Chang Young;Ha, Na Hyun;Lee, Ul Soon;Lee, Yoonji Irene;Choi, Yoobin;Lee, Saerom;Jang, Joon Hwan;Hong, Yun-Chul;Kang, Do-Hyung
    • Psychiatry investigation
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    • v.15 no.11
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    • pp.1071-1078
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    • 2018
  • Objective We developed easily accessible imagery-based treatment program for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to workplace accidents and investigated the effects of the program on various PTSD related symptoms. Methods The program was based on an online platform and consisted of eight 15-min sessions that included script-guided imagery and supportive music. Thirty-five patients with workplace-related PTSD participated in this program 4 days per week for 4 weeks. Its effects were examined using self-report questionnaires before and after the take-home online treatment sessions. Results After completing the 4-week treatment program, patients showed significant improvements in depressed mood (t=3.642, p=0.001) based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), anxiety (t=3.198, p=0.003) based on the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item (GAD-7) scale, and PTSD symptoms (t=5.363, p<0.001) based on the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Check List (PCL). In particular, patients with adverse childhood experiences exhibited a greater degree of relief related to anxiety and PTSD symptoms than those without adverse childhood experiences. Conclusion The present results demonstrated that the relatively short online imagery-based treatment program developed for this study had beneficial effects for patients with workplace-related PTSD.

The Complex Interrelationship of Work-Related Factors Underlying Risky Driving Behavior of Food Delivery Riders in Athens, Greece

  • Papakostopoulos, Vassilis;Nathanael, Dimitris
    • Safety and Health at Work
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    • v.12 no.2
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    • pp.147-153
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    • 2021
  • Background: In this study, the association of work and demographic characteristics with different traffic offenses committed by food delivery riders in Greece was examined. Previous research has identified various factors related to risky driving however, there is a need for exploring the complex interrelationship of work-related factors underlying risky driving behavior. Materials and Methods: A 2-items uestionnaire was used exploring delivery riders demographic characteristics, terms of employment, issues of concern during work and type of traffic offenses committed. In total, uestionnaires were analyzed using logistic regression in order to identify characteristics independently associated with serious traffic offenses, namely, red-light running and helmet non-use. Results: The analysis showed that: (i) typical health and safety measures had no effect on serious traffic offenses, (ii) young age was related to both offenses however (iii) different sets of work conditions were associated with reports of red-light running (i.e. low work experience, use of personal vehicle for work, and payment by hour) and helmet non-use respectively (i.e. intense work pace, high tip income per day and low concern about vehicle condition). Conclusion: The above findings provide evidence that serious traffic offenses are manifestations of underlying conflict experienced by the riders between safety and various performance criteria. Each one of the two offenses is related to different rider profiles aiming to satisfy different goals, namely, those mainly trying to maximize profit non-helmet users and those, mostly inexperienced ones, trying to cope with work pressure red light runners. Potential regulatory measures to alleviate risky practices are discussed.

A Comparative Study ISO 45001 and the Safety and Health Management System under the Serious Accident Punishment Act (ISO 45001과 중대재해처벌법상 안전보건관리체계에 대한 비교 연구)

  • Young-Gwan, Kim;Jin-Woo, Jung
    • Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
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    • v.32 no.4
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    • pp.393-401
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    • 2022
  • Objectives: OHSMS, which was introduced by Serious Accident Punishment Act as a means for safety and health management at work place, but it is not effective according to recent statistical data. Therefore, I intend to compare the OHSMS regulations of SAPA based on ISO 45001, the international standard of OHSMS, and examine the differences and problems. Methods: The OHSMS regulation of Serious Accident Punishment Act was compared and analyzed using the content standard of ISO 45001, the international standard of OHSMS. The construction and operation aspects and differences in key concept definitions of OHSMS were analyzed in depth. Results: ISO 45001 aims to provide OHSMS with an autonomous framework to manage risks and opportunities in safety and health management, whereas Serious Accident Punishment Act aims for safety and health management through an interest and effort in safety and health management on the premise of legal responsibilities of corporations and CEO. As a result, comparing to ISO 45001 in construction and operation aspects and differences in key concept definitions of OHSMS, the OHSMS of Serious Accident Punishment Act do not cover the entire business in concept definition and construction. Conclusions: In order for Serious Accident Punishment Act to achieve its original purpose of preventing serious accidents through systemic safety and health management, it is necessary to correctly understand the contents of ISO 45001 and to revise the OHSMS regulations in a direction that can ensure predictability and feasibility.

A Study on the Effect of Safety Leadership on Organizational Trust at Construction Site: Focusing on the Moderating Effect of Communication and Motivation (건설 현장의 안전리더십이 조직신뢰에 미치는 효과에 관한 연구 : 소통 및 동기부여의 조절효과를 중심으로)

  • Choo, Geun Ho;Lim, Sung Jun;Jeong, Jae Wook;Lee, Jae Hyun
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Safety
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    • v.37 no.3
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    • pp.24-33
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    • 2022
  • Construction site fatalities accounted for 51.9% of the total fatalities recorded in 2020. It is known that the safety leadership of site managers is important in reducing occupational accidents at construction sites. According to previous domestic and foreign studies, the safety leadership role of managers has significant effects on the safety behavior and safety culture of workers. Therefore, in this study, we identified the factors affecting organizational trust, which are known to be prerequisites for building a safety culture, and sought ways to enhance organizational trust. In this study, measurement data were collected using a self-report questionnaire. A total of 4,373 copies were distributed to workers and managers of business partners who are highly likely to be exposed to occupational injuries, and 3,873 copies were used as final data for analysis, excluding insincere responses and non-responses. As a result of the study, safety leadership was found to have a positive (+) effect on organizational trust, and communication and motivation moderated the relationship between safety leadership and organizational trust. Therefore, for safety leadership to have a positive effect on organizational trust at construction sites, it is imperative that leadership participation includes communication and motivational efforts.

Development Plan of Licence Holders Health Management System (항공종사자 건강관리 제도의 발전방안)

  • Han, Bok Soon;Kwon, Young Hwan;Kim, Soo Geun;Choi, Eun Hi;Jang, Joung Soon;Shin, Yun Young;Ha, Yoon
    • Korean journal of aerospace and environmental medicine
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    • v.29 no.2
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    • pp.67-71
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    • 2019
  • The health of licence holders (flight crew members and air traffic controllers) is recognized as an important element of aviation safety. The medical emergency symptoms that occur during the flight duty period without prior notice can interfere with human performance capabilities and threaten aviation safety. To prevent this, ICAO has been required to conduct a periodic medical assessment process of licence holders including routine analysis of in-flight incapacitation events and medical findings during medical to identify areas of increased medical risk and continuous reevaluation of the medical assessment process to concentrate on identified areas of increased medical risk. The supply and demand of licence holders have become a major issue due to the increase in air traffic around the world, and the pilot retirement age has been extended to 65 years. But, there is no significant change in the aviation medical assessments process. The follow up of the result of medical examination discovered through aviation medical examination is a very important part, but it has not been properly implemented, and the sick leaves and medical inflight incapacitation reporting system should be improved. The management of health risk factors for licence holders must be implemented to prevent aircraft accidents or aviation safety problems caused by health problems. In this paper, we propose the development plan and concrete improvement plan of the health risk management system of licence holders in Korea in terms of aviation safety.

A study on Preventive Measures for Fire and Explosion Accidents During Acetic Acid Handling in Manufacturing the Semiconductor Material (반도체 소재 제조 공정에서 아세트산 취급 작업 시 발생한 화재·폭발 사고 예방대책에 관한 연구)

  • Dae Joon Lee;Sang Ryung Kim;Sang Gil Kim;Kyo Shik Park;Joon Won Lee
    • Journal of the Korean Institute of Gas
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    • v.27 no.2
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    • pp.65-70
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    • 2023
  • Flammable materials used in semiconductor supply facilities are manufactured at high temperatures and high pressures, and as the semiconductor industry becomes more sophisticated and larger, the amount of materials used is rapidly increasing. Recently, fires and explosions occurred during the handling of acetic acid, which is a raw material for making products in the semiconductor material manufacturing process. Overall problems such as lack of air inflow prevention for fire and explosion prevention were identified. Therefore, in this study, in order to accurately identify the cause of the accident and prevent fire and explosion that may occur in the process of handling large amounts of flammable liquids, opinions from various perspectives, such as construction of facilities such as hoppers, installation of AOPS components, and change in workers' perceptions would like to present.

Study on Improvement of Safety Standards for Blasting Operation (발파 관련 산업안전보건규칙 개선을 위한 연구)

  • Hoyoung, Jeong;Yeon-Ho Jin;Sik Kim;Yong Cheol Bae;Sangho Cho;Sungyun Kang;Kwangyeom Kim
    • Explosives and Blasting
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    • v.42 no.2
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    • pp.1-11
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    • 2024
  • The purpose of this study is to suggest amendments for the effective operation of safety and health regulations that stipulate safety standards for the prevention of industrial accidents in blasting and tunneling works. Because the regulations on Occupational Safety and Health Standards have not been revised for a long time, the regulations do not meet the requirements in site, and it is reported that it is difficult to implement the regulations at workplaces due to various deficiencies. Therefore, this study aims to abolish or improve unreasonable regulations that do not fit reality due to changes in the technology environment, or to modify low-operability regulations considering domestic conditions in blasting and tunneling workplaces. By comparing domestic laws and standards related to blasting and tunneling works with foreign ones, the improvement measures were suggested.