Search Results (123)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 and its attendant regulations in South Africa require industries to implement occupational health programmes informed by corresponding occupational health (OH) hazards. The programmes are only inferred and, in certain instances, non-prescriptive, leaving employers with the discretionary latitude to adopt and adapt preferred model programmes. On the other hand, the cited act and the health regulations are enforced using a combination of both prescriptive and performance-based regulatory approaches. Amidst implemented OH programmes and regulatory inspection and enforcement, occupational disease prevalence in the South African industry persists. This study identified the regulatory organisation, enforcement, and reporting practices of occupational health programmes in South Africa. This qualitative study analysed seven health-related regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 in South Africa, and 114 company reports (51 sustainability and 63 integrated reports). The frequency of conducting OH programme aspects was clearly prescribed and enforced through the prescriptive regulatory framework. Training, personnel, and risk assessment methods were the most ambiguously regulated programme aspects, and their enforcement varies between prescriptive and performance-based regulatory frameworks. Ninety-nine companies reported implementation of generic occupational health and safety programmes, with twenty-one reporting specific OH programme implementation. The current state of affairs complicates both employer compliance obligations and regulator enforcement efforts. The situation is compounded by an absence of model programmes in some instances and requires policy reforms. Full article

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) in educational settings is a vital responsibility that is often inconsistently implemented. There is a need for research to bridge the gap between policy and practice. This study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods design in six schools in the capital city of Indonesia to identify key implementation barriers, strategies, and compliance levels in OHS. Data were collected from 217 teachers using a structured KPAP (Knowledge, Attitudes, Perceptions, Practices) survey and from an additional 38 teachers via Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Quantitatively, teachers showed highly positive attitudes (99.4% viewing OHS as a professional duty) and generally positive perceptions but implementation practices were sub-optimal (e.g., low participation in drills and PPE usage), showing a gap between awareness and action. Qualitatively, the main barriers identified were a lack of specific OHS regulation or guidance for schools, limited resources/infrastructure, and the perception of OHS as a low priority. Management strategies focused on external collaboration and ongoing in-school initiatives. In conclusion, a significant gap exists between OHS awareness and its integration into school management, highlighting the urgent need for strengthened governance, comprehensive policies, and sustained capacity-building to ensure a proactive, safe, and sustainable school environment for staff and students. Full article

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent occupational health challenges in the U.S. construction industry, where physically demanding tasks such as heavy lifting, kneeling, and working in awkward postures contribute to elevated injury rates. This study aims to identify significant job-related determinants of MSDs in construction-sector occupations. By integrating publicly available datasets from the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (SOII) and the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) datasets, a stepwise multiple regression analysis was conducted on 344 occupation-condition observations representing 86 construction occupations, yielding a final model that explained 49% of the variance. Ten significant predictors of MSD events were identified and classified as either risk amplifiers or mitigators. Amplifiers included factors such as exposure to noise, disease, hazardous conditions, and time pressure, all of which heightened MSD risk, while mitigators—such as reduced cramped-space exposure and regulated work environments—were associated with lower risk. MSDs resulting from sprains, strains, or tears accounted for 62.8% of all cases, frequently leading to days away from work (36.3%) or job restrictions (26.5%). The findings underscore that ergonomic risk in construction extends beyond physical strain to include scheduling, equipment design, and work organization. These results provide actionable insights for employers and safety professionals to redesign tools, optimize task rotation, and implement realistic work pacing strategies, ultimately reducing MSD incidence and improving productivity in this high-risk sector. Full article

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are a major occupational concern in polyurethane foam production, where exposure may impact worker health. This study identified key VOCs and evaluated their concentrations across different sections of a polyurethane manufacturing facility. Area (n = 5) air samples were collected during routine full-load production using short-duration active sampling and analyzed by thermal desorption gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results revealed marked spatial variability in VOC concentrations, with the curing section showing the highest totals. Dichloromethane (DCM) constituted the dominant VOC in high-emission zones. All measured concentrations of DCM and other regulated substances remained well below European and Polish short-term exposure limits. Quantitative health risk assessment demonstrated that lifetime cancer risk values for DCM and benzene were in the 10⁻⁶ range, far below the regulatory threshold of concern (10⁻⁴). Non-carcinogenic risk indices (HQ) were generally low; however, a markedly elevated HQ was identified for 1-hexanol, 2-ethyl- in the cutting area (HQ = 5.7), indicating a potential localized non-cancer health concern. Overall, existing protective measures appear effective, but additional targeted precautions are warranted in zones with elevated emissions. Enhanced ventilation, strengthened personal protective equipment, and routine air monitoring are recommended to minimize potential health risks. Regular updates of occupational safety standards should reflect evolving toxicological evidence to ensure sustainable protection of workers in polyurethane foam production. Full article

Women in mining face unique health and safety challenges due to anatomical and physiological differences, making the assessment and management of ergonomic risks in underground coal mines critical. This study examines the ergonomic experiences of female mineworkers through six focus-group discussions, each comprising eight participants, using a qualitative research design involving women actively engaged in core mining activities at three South African mines. Findings reveal that mining equipment and work environments often fail to accommodate the physiological needs of female workers, exposing them to a range of ergonomic hazards. Beyond physical risks, the study highlights organizational and systemic shortcomings, including inadequate implementation of existing policies and regulations. Poor hygiene in toilet facilities was also reported, with three out of eight participants taking medication for urinary tract infections, underscoring gaps in occupational health provision. The findings emphasize the urgent need for mine-specific ergonomic programs developed through participatory approaches, as part of a broader strategy to prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve working conditions for female mineworkers. The establishment of the Women in Mining Forum further indicates that the industry is not yet fully prepared to support women in underground mining, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to create a safer, more inclusive work environment. Full article

Prolonged exposure to high ambient temperatures, heat stress, and inadequate mitigation measures increases the health and safety risks of construction workers. Following the PRISMA guidelines, our goal was to synthesize recent evidence on the impacts of ambient heat stress on construction workers. A literature review of articles published between 2019 and 2024 was conducted, selecting 42 out of 883 articles that focused on occupational heat stress, extreme ambient temperatures, and their effects on the health, safety, and injury risks of construction workers. The findings highlighted a relationship between occupational heat exposure, increased injury, illness, and mortality among construction workers. Elevated ambient temperatures, during summer and peak work hours, significantly increased the risk of falls, cardiovascular events, and thermal discomfort. Younger, unacclimatized workers in regions with extreme ambient heat and a lack of regulation, observation, and regulation enforcement were at risk. Evidence revealed gaps in worker training, compliance, enforcement, and the integration of individualized monitoring. This review highlights the increasing risks associated with occupational heat exposure in construction workers, driven by rising ambient temperatures. It emphasizes the need for integrated strategies combining personalized wearable technologies, inclusive training, and regulatory reform to improve worker safety and productivity and promote policy development. Full article

This article examines the integration of salutogenic design principles into the legal and regulatory framework for buildings in Poland, situating the analysis within a broader European and international context. The study combines a systematic literature review, a comparative analysis of Polish building law and technical conditions with international standards and empirical evidence from case studies and Post-Occupancy Evaluations (POE) conducted in hospitals, offices, and schools. This triangulated approach allowed for both qualitative and quantitative assessment of key salutogenic factors, including daylight access, acoustic comfort, air quality, thermal conditions, aesthetics, ergonomics, and opportunities for social interaction. The results demonstrate that Polish regulations continue to focus on minimum hygienic and safety requirements, thereby reflecting a pathogenic rather than salutogenic approach. While some factors—such as daylight and ventilation—are partially included, critical dimensions of psychosocial well-being remain underrepresented. By contrast, both European EN standards and voluntary frameworks such as WELL systematically incorporate broader salutogenic dimensions. Evidence from Polish POE studies further highlights gaps between regulatory compliance and actual user experiences, e.g., excessive hospital noise, insufficient lighting in operating rooms, and the absence of biophilic or therapeutic features. The discussion highlights challenges of measurability, economic feasibility, and stakeholder acceptance, while also emphasizing long-term health and social benefits. The conclusions recommend incorporating salutogenic principles into Polish law and sustainability policies, promoting pilot projects, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration. In this way, buildings can evolve from merely preventing harm to actively supporting health, well-being, and resilience—aligning with global trends in human-centered sustainable design. Full article

Healthcare workers, particularly those in training, face significant exposure to biological risks, including needlestick and sharps injuries, which remain a critical occupational hazard. This study examines the incidence and nature of such injuries among young healthcare trainees at the University of Campania “L.Vanvitelli,” with the aim of providing useful information for designing an effective preventive program. From 2014 to 2023, a study population of 14,908 health students was subject to health surveillance, of which 141 workers suffered an occupational injury. Needlestick injuries were most common (67.4%). Surgical residents were the most affected subgroup (24.8%). Injuries occurred more frequently after the first year of training (74.5%). Multivariate logistic regression showed significantly higher odds of injury for nursing students (OR = 8.673; 95% CI: 3.196–35.634) and residents (OR = 50.726; 95% CI: 17.789–214.279) compared to medical students. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced risk management strategies, targeted education programs, and stricter adherence to safety regulations to protect this vulnerable population. Full article

Compliance with occupational safety and health (OSH) standards and safe employee behaviour largely depend on the level of management’s commitment to respecting occupational safety and health laws and regulations. A safe work environment is one that is consistent with the idea of sustainability and supports the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including in particular: SDG3 Good health and well-being, SDG8 Decent work and economic growth. and SDG16 Peace and justice. The purpose of this article is to provide an employee assessment of mine leaders commitment to creating safe working conditions as one element in shaping an OSH culture. The analysis is based on the results of a survey conducted in 21 rock quarries in Poland, which collected 444 questionnaires completed by employees at various organizational levels—from workers, managers, administrative and engineering employees. The questionnaire included basic socio-demographic characteristics and statements concerning the level of involvement of mine management in workers compliance with safety and health rules and regulations. The results of the survey indicate that in the analysed rock mines, the leaders fulfil their duties in accordance with OSH rules and regulations and organise the work of all employees at a high level of safety. Despite this, many survey participants do not see managers responding to unsafe behaviour by employees. Respondents indicate that the existence of OSH regulations and their enforcement by leaders is necessary to maintain a high level of safety in mines. This study has helped to characterise the state of rock mining in the context of creating a safety culture and can provide important information in the search for solutions to increase safety levels in Polish rock mining making it more sustainable. Full article

This study investigated the occupational hazard effects of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) from soil in several critical mining activity areas at the Majdanpek copper mine in Serbia. Soil contamination and associated ecological and health risks to workers were evaluated through an apportionment of sources and a quantitative evaluation of ecological and health risks. The majority of soil samples had increased concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, Mo, and Sb. The results of the multivariate statistical analysis suggested the existence of multiple sources. The positive matrix factorization further explained these associations between HMs and defined three main pollution sources: natural (Factor 1), mixed source (Factor 2), and mining pollution (Factor 3). According to the RI, the average value was 1215, with more than half of the samples (57.4%) showing very high pollution levels, while 3.3% of the samples had an RI lower than 150. The ecological risk was dominated by Cd, Cu, and Hg, with Factor 3 contributing the most to the RI values. Assessment of worker exposure to soil revealed that outdoor workers had a higher potential for adverse health effects, with mean HI and TCR being 0.18 and 2.9 × 10⁻⁵, respectively. The identified sources had similar impacts on non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, with a decreasing trend: Factor 3 > Factor 2 > Factor 1. Indoor workers were exposed to neither non-carcinogenic or carcinogenic risks, whereas outdoor workers suffered from possible health issues regarding TCR. Source-specific health risk assessment indicated mining pollution as the only risk contributing factor. A Monte Carlo simulation of risks revealed that the probability of developing carcinogenic issues for outdoor workers was within the safety threshold (TCR < 10⁻⁴). The findings of this study emphasize the need for regulation and control strategies for worker health risks from HM-contaminated soil in mining areas. Full article

This study provides a comparative analysis of noise exposure and its occupational implications for two types of vessels operating in the Strait of Gibraltar: a conventional steel roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry (Ro-Pax) and an aluminium high-speed catamaran (HSC). A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating objective acoustic measurements with subjective assessments of fatigue, workload, and circadian typology using validated survey instruments. The comparative framework is based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.468(XII), which establishes design-based noise limits for both vessel types. This framework is supported by the High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code and European Union (EU) Directive 2003/10/EC, both of which address occupational exposure. While both vessels comply with IMO design standards, the HSC consistently exceeds the noise limits set out in the HSC Code and European regulations in the accommodation and bridge areas. These elevated noise levels correlate with higher fatigue and workload scores among HSC crew, particularly in the engine and deck departments. In contrast, the Ro-Pax ferry demonstrates better acoustic insulation due to its steel construction, resulting in lower overall exposure and improved rest conditions. The results highlight the inadequacy of applying uniform noise standards to structurally distinct vessels, emphasising the importance of vessel-specific acoustic management strategies. Crucially, the study reaffirms the importance of maintaining compliance with both IMO design standards and EU occupational health regulations to ensure the comprehensive protection of seafarers’ well-being and safety. Full article

Zoonotic Campylobacter species (ZCS), particularly C. jejuni and C. coli, cause major foodborne gastroenteritis and poultry is the principal reservoirs. However, there is limited data on Campylobacter transmission risk practices and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Nigeria. Therefore, this study determined the prevalence, AMR, and risk practices aiding Campylobacter transmission in two major slaughterhouses processing poultry carcasses in Enugu State, Nigeria. Four hundred poultry faecal samples were analysed for zoonotic Campylobacter organisms using standard protocols. Antimicrobial resistance was profiled via Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion technique, against eight antimicrobial agents. Risk practices were assessed through slaughterhouse observations and interviews with 56 workers. The overall prevalence of Campylobacter infections was 14.5% (58/400), while the species-specific prevalence were 13% (52/400) and 1.5% (6/400) for C. coli and C. jejuni, respectively. Campylobacter colonisation was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in broilers, and during the wet season. The AMR profile of the isolates against the eight antibiotics tested was: Amoxicillin/clauvlanic acid (100%), vancomycin (100%), tetracycline (96.6%), ciprofloxacin (55.2%), chloramphenicol (44.8%), ceftazidime (10.3%), azithromycin (3.4%) and streptomycin (3.4%). All the 58 Campylobacter isolates were multidrug-resistant. The multiple antibiotic resistance indices ranged from 0.4 to 0.9, with a mean of 0.7. Major risk practice associated with ZCS transmission include non-use of personal protective equipment (100%), slaughtering on unsanitary surfaces (100%), using visibly unclean water for meat processing (100%), improper manual evisceration (75%), eating or drinking during processing (64.4%), slaughtering sick animals (37.5%), inadequate cleaning of surfaces and equipment after use (21.4%) and consuming raw meat during carcass processing (19.6%). The findings reflect critical gaps in food safety, occupational health, prudent antimicrobial use in poultry farming and zoonotic disease control, emphasizing the need for antibiotic regulation, training on hygienic meat processing, public education, infrastructural development of slaughterhouse facilities, and inter-sectorial collaboration to curb Campylobacter contamination and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Modern technologies are transforming occupational health and safety training by enhancing education, innovation, fire prevention, and promoting sustainability conditions in various sectors of industries. Digital tools such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and interactive simulations improve learning efficiency, engagement, and risk awareness. By integrating the technologies, companies can better prepare employees for hazardous situations, reduce workplace accidents, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Fire courses on fire prevention and control are an essential element in health and safety trainings, and a crucial aspect of safety management. In any business, employees should be prepared for emergency situations, including fires by using modern tools like artificial intelligence. This article aimed to assess the implementation of modern technologies in Polish occupational health and safety training across various industrial sectors. Additionally, this research considered variations in training program development based on company size and financial capacity, highlighting the importance of integrating training, education, and innovative technologies into the company’s overall development strategy. The relationships between safety training programs, education, and innovation in 597 industrial companies were evaluated. The research findings suggest that integrating innovative technologies into training can improve working conditions in a more sustainable way and enhance the market competitiveness of enterprises. Full article

Background: Informal welders in Pretoria West face growing occupational safety risks due to hazardous working environments and limited regulatory oversight. Despite the high-risk nature of their work, many remain unaware of relevant safety legislation and inconsistently use personal protective equipment (PPE). This study aimed to investigate the occupational safety risks, challenges, and levels of compliance with safety practices among informal welders in Pretoria West, South Africa. Methods: A cross-sectional mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative designs. Data were collected from 40 male welders (aged 20–55 years) using structured questionnaires, observational checklists, and semi-structured interviews. Descriptive statistics were generated using Microsoft Excel, while thematic content analysis was applied to the qualitative data. Results: Eighty-five percent (85%) of welders reported using gas welding, and more than half had received training in welding and PPE use; however, 47.5% had no formal training. A high prevalence of work-related injuries was reported, including burns, cuts, and eye damage. Common safety concerns identified were burns (42.5%), electric shocks (35%), and malfunctioning equipment. Observational data revealed inconsistent PPE use, particularly with flame-resistant overalls and eye protection. Qualitative insights highlighted challenges such as demanding client expectations, hazardous physical environments, and inadequate equipment maintenance. Many sites lacked compliance with occupational safety standards. Conclusion: The study reveals critical gaps in safety knowledge, training, and PPE compliance among informal welders. These deficiencies significantly elevate the risk of occupational injuries. Strengthening occupational health and safety regulations, improving access to PPE, and delivering targeted training interventions are essential to safeguard the well-being of welders and those in their surrounding communities. Full article

Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) and para-phenylenediamines (PPDs) are emerging classes of anthropogenic contaminants that are environmentally persistent (most often found in ground and surface water sources), bioaccumulative, and harmful to human health. These chemicals are currently regulated in the US by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Analysis of these contaminants is currently spearheaded by mass spectrometry (MS) coupled to liquid chromatography (LC) because of their high sensitivity and separation capabilities. Although effective, a major flaw in LC-MS analysis is its large consumption of solvents and the amount of time required for each experiment. Direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry (DART-MS) is a new technique that offers high sensitivity and permits rapid analysis with little to no sample preparation. Herein, we present the qualitative and quantitative analysis of PFASs and PPDs by high-resolution DART-MS, interfaced with ion mobility (IM) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) characterization, demonstrating the utility of this multidimensional approach for the fast separation and detection of environmental contaminants. Full article