Search Results (1,012)

Background/Objectives: Patient- and family-initiated abuse of nurses is widely recognized as workplace violence, but it also raises a distinct professional-regulatory question: when may a nurse end or restrict an established therapeutic relationship without creating an allegation of abandonment or discriminatory denial of care? This perspective focuses on Alberta and examines whether the province’s nursing regulator provides a comprehensive, nurse-specific, all-registrant standard comparable in clarity to Alberta’s physician standard. The concern is not the absence of every form of protection but the absence of a clearly defined regulatory pathway for all Alberta RNs and NPs. Methods: Publicly available legal, occupational health and safety, regulatory, legal-risk and scholarly materials were purposively selected where they addressed relationship termination, discontinuing or declining care, workplace violence, immediate safety risk, abandonment, documentation, continuity of care or patient safeguards. Results: The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta standard provides a clearly defined regulatory pathway, including immediate discharge where a patient poses a safety risk, is abusive or fails to respect professional boundaries. Alberta nursing materials contain important elements but do not yet constitute a dedicated Alberta RN/NP standard applicable across office-based, community, virtual, home care and independent nursing practice. Interprovincial nursing standards demonstrate feasibility, operational detail, emerging professional consensus and potential templates for policy transfer; however, they do not bind the CRNA or create an Alberta regulatory benchmark for complaint review. Conclusions: Alberta should adopt a nurse-specific standard for ending or restricting abusive patient- and family-initiated relationships. Such a standard should include ordinary and urgent safety pathways, prohibited grounds, documentation requirements, continuity safeguards, employer integration and practical templates. Nurse protection and patient protection are mutually reinforcing regulatory objectives. Full article

Psychosocial stressors are increasingly recognized as critical determinants of workplace safety, yet their mechanisms in construction settings remain poorly understood. This study examines how family–work conflict (FWC) is associated with safety behavior among construction workers, with mental and physical fatigue as parallel mediators and perceived supervisor support (PSS) as a moderator. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, cross-sectional data were gathered from 527 construction workers across three regions of Jordan and analyzed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro. The findings indicate that FWC is negatively associated with safety behavior both directly and through its positive associations with elevated fatigue levels. Supervisor support was found to attenuate the FWC-to-physical-fatigue pathway and buffer safety behavior under high-conflict conditions. These associations should be interpreted as statistical patterns consistent with the proposed theoretical model rather than evidence of causal relationships, given the cross-sectional design. Theoretically, the study extends COR theory into occupational safety by distinguishing two fatigue dimensions and demonstrating a boundary condition for resource loss. Practically, the findings support supervisor-led safety programs and organizational fatigue management as complementary strategies for addressing psychosocial risk factors in high-risk construction environments. Full article

The rapidly urbanizing peripheries of the Global South face significant demographic pressures, leading to governance deficits that often neglect the long-term structural safety of new buildings. While regulatory frameworks predominantly emphasize initial construction quality, they frequently overlook the critical “post-occupancy” phase, during which distinct structural risks accumulate. This study introduces a reproducible, open-data risk identification framework designed to trace theoretical “windows of vulnerability” in Çekmeköy, a peripheral district of Istanbul. By triangulating temporal, spatial, and demographic municipal administrative records from 2018 to 2024, we illustrated how low-cost data can serve as proxies for prioritizing structural risk assessments. The findings demonstrate that a 103% population increase between 2008 and 2023, coupled with a 21% reduction in the average household size, has generated urgent housing demand that outpaces supply. We hypothesize that these conditions create high-probability zones for “informality creep,” where demographic pressures induce informal practices, such as unauthorized structural modifications within ostensibly formal high-rise settings. The primary contribution is a transferable algorithmic tool, the Weighted Post-Occupancy Vulnerability Index (POVI). Rather than serving as a deterministic building-level diagnostic, this framework operates much like an epidemiological screening process; it acts as a macroscopic prioritization heuristic that allows resource-constrained municipalities to proactively direct their inspection efforts. By mathematically quantifying the conditions under which post-occupancy risks develop, this framework provides an essential resource for enhancing urban resilience during reactive urbanism planning. Full article

Cruise ship fire evacuation is affected not only by fire product spread, but also by how evacuation information is delivered and how passenger flow is organized. However, existing fire evacuation studies have mainly focused on fire products or individual occupant characteristics, while the effects of evacuation organization strategies under dynamic fire conditions, especially in cruise ship environments, remain insufficiently investigated. Therefore, this study designs and compares three evacuation strategies representing different levels of information availability and organizational coordination: a static signage strategy, in which passengers mainly follow predefined evacuation signs; a system warning strategy, in which passengers adjust routes according to threshold-triggered risk information; and a centralized diversion strategy, in which passenger flow is coordinated across zones based on global risk and congestion information. The strategies are evaluated under representative cruise ship fire scenarios. The results show that static signage does not account for the dynamic influence of fire products on the evacuation environment, while system warning strategy provides relatively limited improvement in evacuation performance because of its threshold-triggered mechanism. In contrast, centralized diversion improves evacuation safety by redistributing passenger flow and reducing local congestion, achieving a 98.53% evacuation success rate and reducing the average cumulative congestion time to 4.1159 s in the galley fire scenario. Full article

Mosquito control personnel work within health departments, public works, private companies, and other agencies. These essential outdoor workers have highly specialized training and are faced with a variety of potential health and safety hazards (e.g., arthropod bites and stings, exposure to insecticides and other chemicals, working with heavy equipment, noise, heat, solar ultraviolet radiation, slips, trips, and/or falls). Mosquito control personnel undergo employer-provided and other types of training on a variety of topics from regulatory updates to new surveillance and control techniques that are required for safety purposes and to maintain their applicator license. Here, an exploratory baseline survey was conducted among members of the North Carolina Mosquito and Vector Control Association (NCMVCA) and the Virginia Mosquito Control Association (VMCA). There was a 28% response rate so results should be interpreted with caution in this pilot study. Most respondents reported utilizing ultra-low volume insecticide application equipment for controlling adult mosquitoes. Backpack sprayers were utilized by less than half of respondents. Those who reported using respirators showed higher concern about insecticide-related health effects than those who did not use respirators. Outdoor workers encounter various potential hazards and utilize several forms of personal protective equipment to reduce risks. This baseline work can be considered a starting point for implementing and strengthening occupational safety and health awareness and preventive measures for mosquito control workers. Knowledge of health and safety hazards can reduce workplace risk. Full article

Surface mining represents a significant intervention into the natural environment, negatively affecting air, water, soil and local ecosystems. In cement production, these impacts are closely connected to occupational health and safety risks, particularly in processes involving blasting operations. The aim of the article is to design, implement, and empirically verify an integrated model for assessing occupational and environmental risks in the cement production process, with an emphasis on the surface mining of raw materials stage, which will enable a comprehensive assessment of the interrelationships between risks, increase the accuracy of their evaluation, and support effective decision-making in OSH management and the environmental performance of the enterprise. The research was conducted as a case study using a combination of scientific quantitative methods focused on designing and verifying the integrated IMORM model in the cement industry. The methodological approach included an analysis of the requirements of ISO standards, methodological recommendations of EU-OSHA, comparison of approaches, expert interviews, observation in practice, application of a checklist, point-based method, risk catalogue, synthesis of knowledge, modelling, and verification. The application of an integrated approach to risk management demonstrated higher effectiveness compared to traditional approaches, whereby all unacceptable OSH risks were reduced to an acceptable level after the implementation of measures. In the environmental area, the risk score decreased significantly by 52.9%, and in the OSH area, the risk index decreased by 31%. At the same time, the model’s ability to effectively prioritize measures and identify cross-cutting solutions with a high impact was confirmed. The contribution of the article lies primarily in expanding knowledge in the field of integrated risk management and in proposing a practically applicable model that reflects the requirements of management systems according to the standards ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 31000. The IMORM model represents a tool applicable to enterprises with a high level of occupational and environmental risks, particularly in the mining and processing industries. The model also supports more comprehensive decision-making in the field of OSH and environmental management and contributes to improving the safety and environmental performance of the enterprise. Full article

This study develops and validates risk-based emergency response scenarios for Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) and Animal Biosafety Level 2 (ABSL-2) facilities. Utilizing Bow-tie analysis, three multidimensional scenarios were constructed: infrastructure failure, biosecurity breach, and compound disaster. Four domain experts independently evaluated the scripts using the Content Validity Index (CVI), with an absolute consensus threshold of I-CVI = 1.00. To address operational gaps identified during initial evaluations, the revised protocols were strictly aligned with the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) mandatory reporting thresholds for high-hazard incidents. Furthermore, the scripts explicitly defined the Incident Command System (ICS) to prevent communication fragmentation and integrated the NC3Rs tunnel handling technique to minimize occupational bite risks. Following these targeted refinements, all items achieved absolute expert consensus. This research translates static biosafety regulations into dynamic, stress-tested training tools. By providing a standardized instrument for resilience assessment, this study equips frontline personnel with the critical capacity to navigate cascading crises while strictly adhering to a “life safety first” paradigm. Full article

Pesticides are commonly used in agriculture to ensure disease-free products; however, comprehensive evidence of their mucocutaneous effects among Asian agricultural workers is limited. This scoping review aimed to map the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and contributing factors of pesticide-related mucocutaneous conditions among agricultural workers in Asia. The study was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and the Directory of Open Access Journals to identify studies published between 2005 and January 2025. Observational and cross-sectional studies involving agricultural workers in Asia and examining pesticide exposure with associated mucocutaneous effects were included. Data were charted using a standardized form, including study details, participant demographics, prevalence of mucocutaneous symptoms, types of pesticides used, and exposure-related outcomes. A total of ten studies were included in the study. Skin-related symptoms ranged from 4.8% to 37.5%, while ocular symptoms ranged from 6.0% to 41.2%. Allergic contact dermatitis was reported in 26.1% of workers, and acute dermatitis accounted for 24.0% to 54.0% of pesticide-related dermatitis cases. Organophosphate insecticides, bipyridylium herbicides, and fungicides were commonly reported in relation to these effects. Limited personal protective equipment use and unsafe practices may have increased exposure risk. This review highlights the need for standardized exposure assessment, improved protective measures, and stronger occupational safety interventions. Full article

Background: Type II workplace violence by patients, relatives, or visitors is an occupational health and patient-safety concern in primary care. Cranston Ridge Medical Clinic (CRMC), a single urban family medicine and walk-in primary care clinic in Calgary, Alberta, plans to implement a universal, risk-informed workplace-safety bundle that is based on observable behaviour, situational risk, and documented safety concerns rather than demographic profiling. Methods: This article describes a single-site internal quality improvement and workplace-safety evaluation protocol. The comparison is CRMC usual practice during the pre-implementation baseline period; there is no concurrent external control group. The planned evaluation will use aggregate, de-identified operational data from a 12-month pre-implementation baseline, a four-week implementation period, and 12 months of post-implementation monitoring. All clinic staff will receive workplace-safety training as part of routine implementation. No staff, patients, or visitors will be recruited as research participants, and the evaluation will not use individual-level staff survey, interview, or focus-group data. Patient/visitor information will be used only as aggregate operational monitoring data when needed to assess safety, access, patient flow, and complaints. Intervention and analysis: The bundle includes worksite analysis, staff training, a brief arrival safety screen, a response algorithm, standardized reporting, monthly safety huddles, and post-incident support. The primary metric will be the Type II workplace-violence incident rate per 1000 clinic visits. Planned analyses include run charts, pre–post rate ratios, and Poisson or negative binomial segmented regression if monthly counts are sufficient. Implementation learning will be summarized from routine training records, safety-huddle summaries, post-incident debrief themes, and other aggregate de-identified operational indicators. Expected contribution: The protocol contributes a transparent, equity-sensitive, and operationally feasible model for balancing staff safety with patient access in primary care. Full article

Although asbestos has been banned in the European Union since 2005, asbestos-containing materials, such as brake pads and clutch linings, may still occur in waste streams due to the long service life of vehicles, legacy equipment, and international trade in spare parts. The persistence of these materials raises environmental and occupational health concerns, particularly in waste management systems. This study aims to assess the presence, temporal trends, and sectoral distribution of asbestos-containing friction materials in the Hungarian waste management system two decades after the EU ban, and to evaluate the associated regulatory and occupational risk implications. The analysis is based on national hazardous waste datasets classified under EWC code 16 01 11* (asbestos-containing brake pads), with a specific focus on this waste category rather than on the full range of asbestos-related waste streams recorded in the national database. The results indicate that asbestos-containing friction materials are still present in the waste stream, with measurable quantities recorded annually. Despite regulatory control, identification challenges and potential misclassification may contribute to underreporting. The continued occurrence of asbestos-containing materials highlights the persistence of legacy hazardous materials within circular economy systems. Strengthened monitoring, improved identification protocols, and enhanced occupational safety measures are necessary to mitigate residual exposure risks. The findings underline that asbestos is not merely a historical issue but remains a contemporary environmental and public health challenge. Full article

Pesticide-residue risk perceptions among agricultural professionals are shaped by factors that extend beyond knowledge gaps. This study examines how trust in regulatory systems and information sources jointly shape residue-related attitudes among Greek agronomists. We used principal components analysis (PCA) to identify coherent domains and then latent profile analysis (LPA) to derive person-centered profiles based on standardized component scores. Two dominant profiles emerged, differing in regulatory confidence, reliance on institutional/scientific information channels, and comparative risk framing. Residue-Concerned Skeptics expressed lower confidence in enforcement capacity (implementation and staffing) and in the system’s alignment with other EU Member States, together with concerns about chronic pesticide exposure. The System-Confident profile reported higher regulatory confidence and greater reliance on official and scientific channels, as well as stronger endorsement of IPM effectiveness and comparative risk rankings. External validation supported profile differences in perceived training adequacy, IPM beliefs, and organic avoidance behavior. Professional involvement in plant protection and older age were associated with membership in the System-Confident profile. These findings suggest that interventions should emphasize clear communication, capacity building, and address concerns about chronic exposure, beyond information provision alone. Full article

This study addresses the critical importance of fire safety considerations during the design phase of commercial buildings, particularly in Saudi Arabia, where urbanization and climate-specific risks pose unique challenges. Recognizing that high-risk structures often experience fire-related incidents due to inadequate safety measures, this research develops a comprehensive framework to guide design professionals in integrating effective fire safety strategies. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study combined a literature review, qualitative expert interviews, and a questionnaire survey. The final quantitative analysis was based on 86 valid survey responses, including 29 authority or regulation implementers, 28 designers, and 29 stakeholders. The survey results highlighted significant gaps in knowledge and implementation, particularly among stakeholders. Key challenges identified included cultural attitudes toward safety, lack of training, and inadequate use of fire-resistant materials. The framework proposes a structured methodology for enhancing fire safety measures across the design stages, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among architects, engineers, safety consultants, and regulatory bodies. Recommendations include regular updates to fire safety documents, fostering a culture of safety awareness, and conducting post-occupancy evaluations to assess the effectiveness of implemented measures. Ultimately, this research aims to benefit various stakeholders, including design professionals and regulatory agencies, by promoting a proactive approach to fire safety that enhances building resilience and protects lives and property in commercial environments. Full article

The safe disposal of sharps, particularly acupuncture and dry needling needles, remains a challenge in clinical and therapeutic environments, where inadequate management increases the risk of occupational injuries and infections. Commercial needle disposal devices are often costly, non-portable, and closed-source, limiting their adoption in small clinics and low-resource contexts. This work presents the design, construction, and validation of an open-source electric needle incinerator developed as a low-cost, safe, and reproducible alternative for biomedical waste management. The device was designed using accessible materials, 3D-printed components, and standard electronic parts, ensuring ease of replication. Detailed build and operating instructions are provided, to facilitate reproduction and future development of the system. Validation tests confirmed that the prototype incinerates individual needles in 3–5 s, processing typical sessions of 5–20 needles without performance degradation. Safety was ensured through thermal insulation, protective casing, and compliance with international standards. The fabrication cost of approximately 199 USD represents a reduction of over 65% compared to commercial devices priced at 600–1500 USD. By openly releasing the design, this contribution supports the hardware community with a replicable solution that enhances occupational safety, reduces costs, and fosters innovation in therapeutic and educational contexts. Full article

Risk assessment is a cornerstone of effective occupational health and safety (OHS) management, yet its efficacy often varies in practice. Evaluating legislative frameworks is essential for enhancing the practical application of safety standards. This study examines the state of the risk assessment process in Croatia from the perspective of OHS experts to provide recommendations for improvement and standardization. A digital survey was conducted among registered OHS experts via the national Information System for Occupational Safety (ISZNR). Data from 967 OHS experts were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypothesis that current risk assessment processes are insufficiently effective was partially accepted, as a significant portion of the surveyed OHS experts perceive them as having limited functional effectiveness. While 33% of experts view the current prescribed mandatory risk assessment methodology as effective, more than half of respondents (56%) identified that risk assessments are predominantly adjusted to formal requirements rather than to actual work conditions. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in perceptions of risk assessment effectiveness based on OHS experts’ support for mandatory legal frameworks for standardization (Q19; p = 0.259) or the active usage of digital tools (p = 0.984). However, a statistically significant relationship was observed regarding general attitudes toward quality improvement through standardization (Q17; p < 0.05) and the perceived utility of digitalization (p < 0.001). The study concludes that the current process requires further improvement and suggests detailed sectoral analyses for future research. Full article

The holistic assessment of building life cycles requires integrating economic, environmental, and social dimensions, including occupational risks and cost management. However, building maintenance planning is often treated separately from sustainability assessment and construction cost classification systems. This study proposes a methodology that integrates maintenance and repair budgets with sustainability evaluation through a unified coding structure linking construction and maintenance work units. The approach combines economic cost analysis, environmental footprint indicators (carbon, water, energy, and ecological footprints), and occupational risk assessment within a life cycle framework. The methodology incorporates prevention through design by analyzing ergonomic and safety risks associated with construction work units and predicting future risks throughout the building’s service life. The structure has four phases: temporal planning of interventions, classification and coding of work units, impact analysis using sustainability indicators, and synthesis of results in a maintenance planning model. The data is integrated in a database using an exchange format compatible with sustainability analysis tools and BIM environments. The methodology is applied through a case study of social housing in Andalusia. Results show that maintenance interventions can be connected to construction work units in the assessment of the three dimensions. Full article