Safety

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the leading causes of work-related disability, traditionally attributed to physical and ergonomic factors, though psychosocial and demographic factors also play a crucial role in their progression. This systematic review aimed to evaluate how these three domains are jointly analyzed and modeled in research on work-related MSDs. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Taylor & Francis were searched for publications from 2000 through 2025, selecting 655 articles for general analysis and 36 for the systematic review; methodological quality was assessed using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklists, and results were synthesized narratively. The lower back and neck were the body regions most affected across sectors. Job insecurity (risk factor) and job control/autonomy (protective) were the psychosocial factors most consistently associated with MSD outcomes, while workload alone was not significant when tested independently. Repetitive movements and forced postures predominated among ergonomic factors. Age and sex modified these associations consistently, whereas BMI showed a mixed direction, indicating context-dependent susceptibility rather than universal risk. A seven-category taxonomy was developed to classify the statistical relationships tested between domains; only five of the 36 studies formally tested statistical interaction (four across domains), with mixed results, while most reported independent or independent adjusted associations. This gap between the field’s theoretical assumption of synergy across domains and the limited empirical testing of it underscores the need for multidimensional assessment. The evidence is limited by predominantly cross-sectional designs; future research should prioritize longitudinal designs and formal interaction testing.

Learning from incidents is central to construction occupational safety management, yet information collected during incident investigation interviews may be influenced by cognitive bias. This study introduces Check Yourself, a web-based reflective tool designed to support construction incident investigators in recognizing and managing cognitive biases during interviews. The tool was developed with industry input and evaluated through an exploratory within-subjects simulated role-play experiment involving 20 construction safety professionals with an average experience of approximately 12 years conducting or participating in incident investigations. Participants completed two rounds of incident investigation interviews, with the Check Yourself tool introduced between rounds. Changes in observable bias indicators were assessed through transcript-based analysis, supported by participant reflections and post-study feedback. The results showed that 70% of participants exhibited fewer observable bias indicators during post-intervention interviews, according to the study’s coding framework. Participants also reported that the tool supported greater awareness of bias, encouraged more structured questioning, and was relevant to real-world investigation practice. Although participant responses varied, findings suggest that Check Yourself may provide a practical reflective resource for improving interview quality and supporting more balanced incident investigations in construction. Findings from this study should be interpreted cautiously given the exploratory within-subjects design and the absence of a control group.

This technical note describes a protocol for the safe excavation of asbestos-bearing serpentinite and the management of the associated spoil during tunnel construction. Asbestos fibers occur naturally in serpentinites belonging to greenstone formations and may pose serious health risks if released and inhaled. Detailed, site-specific risk assessment is therefore required for tunnelling and earthworks involving these lithologies. Where excavation through greenstones cannot be avoided, as in the construction of major national and international infrastructure networks, dedicated safety and waste-management procedures are necessary to minimize occupational and environmental risks. The protocol was implemented considering Italy’s extensive experience with tunnel construction sites and integrates operational controls, environmental monitoring, personal protective equipment, and procedures for the characterization and management of rocks potentially containing asbestos. Drawing on practical site experience, it provides a structured framework for risk assessment, worker protection, exposure prevention, and appropriate spoil classification and handling. The proposed approach is also consistent with circular-economy principles, as more detailed material characterization can enable greater recovery of excavated material for reuse. The present technical note may therefore serve as a practical reference for comparable tunnelling projects involving naturally occurring asbestos.