Search Results (104)

In an increasingly technologized and automated world, workplace safety and health remain a major global challenge. After decades of regulatory frameworks and substantial technical and organizational advances, the expanding interaction between humans and machines and the growing complexity of work systems are gaining importance. In parallel, the digitalization of Industry 4.0/5.0 is generating unprecedented volumes of safety-relevant data and new opportunities to move from reactive analysis to proactive, data-driven prevention. This review maps how artificial intelligence (AI), with a specific focus on natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs), is being applied to occupational risk prevention across sectors. A structured search of the Web of Science Core Collection (2013–October 2025), combined OSH-related terms with AI, NLP and LLM terms. After screening and full-text assessment, 123 studies were discussed. Early work relied on text mining and traditional machine learning to classify accident types and causes, extract risk factors and support incident analysis from free-text narratives. More recent contributions use deep learning to predict injury severity, potential serious injuries and fatalities (PSIF) and field risk control program (FRCP) levels and to fuse textual data with process, environmental and sensor information in multi-source risk models. The latest wave of studies deploys LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation and vision–language architectures to generate task-specific safety guidance, support accident investigation, map occupations and job tasks and monitor personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance. Together, these developments show that AI-, NLP- and LLM-based systems can exploit unstructured OSH information to provide more granular, timely and predictive safety insights. However, the field is still constrained by data quality and bias, limited external validation, opacity, hallucinations and emerging regulatory and ethical requirements. In conclusion, this review positions AI and LLMs as tools to support human decision-making in OSH and outlines a research agenda centered on high-quality datasets and rigorous evaluation of fairness, robustness, explainability and governance. Full article

Background/Objectives: Return to work (RTW) after an industrial accident is crucial for an individual’s well-being and socioeconomic recovery. This study investigated factors influencing RTW among workers who sustained physical or brain lesion-related disabilities following industrial accidents. Methods: Using five-year panel data (2018–2022) from the Panel Study of Workers’ Compensation Insurance of South Korea, we analyzed 340 individuals with physical or brain lesion-related disabilities sustained from industrial accidents. We used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with RTW and return to employed (RTE) status. Results: The RTW and non-RTW groups comprised 160 and 180 participants, respectively. Factors associated with non-RTW included female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.86; p = 0.023), injury caused by disease (aOR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.05–0.66; p = 0.010), long recovery periods (aOR, 0.27; 95% CI, 0.10–0.72; p = 0.009), low self-confidence (aOR, 0.16; 95% CI, 0.07–0.35; p < 0.001), and older age (aOR, 0.08; 95% CI, 0.02–0.34; p = 0.001). Workers with no blood pressure problems (aOR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.11–4.38; p = 0.024) and longer employment durations (aOR, 3.84; 95% CI, 1.15–12.81; p = 0.029) had a higher chance of RTW. Similar factors were associated with RTE, with more emphasis on older age, long recovery periods, low self-confidence, and injury caused by disease. Conclusions: Our findings contribute to developing targeted support services and informing policy decisions to improve RTW for workers with physical or brain lesion-related disabilities caused by industrial accidents. Full article

Physical fatigue is a major cause of work-related accidents and musculoskeletal injuries in the construction industry, and additional means are needed for their identification and management to prevent long-term consequences. Based on recent scientific literature, fatigue can be detected with wearable inertial measurement units (IMUs). However, IMUs for detecting fatigue have been so far tested mainly in the laboratory; therefore, a research gap exists in application of IMU sensors for detecting fatigue in real-life work settings. The aim of this paper is to bring the fatigue trend detection with IMUs closer to real-life context by using wearable IMU sensor data from an actual construction site measuring actual workers with simulated work tasks. The paper also presents advancements in fatigue trend detection with frequency domain investigations to gain access to more detailed fatigue relevant features. Machine-learning methods are used to predict fatigue trends based on IMU data, resulting in fatigue trend detection accuracy that advances the state of the art. More knowledge is also unearthed about relevant sensor locations and features. Full article

Background: Occupational accidents, injuries, and illnesses are serious problems for organizations. Workplace sleepiness is a major issue that affects occupational safety and productivity. Workplace sleepiness is influenced by sleep, diet, and blood glucose levels, but the causal relationship is unclear. This scoping review aimed to investigate the factors affecting work productivity, with a particular focus on the impact of sleepiness caused by food intake and blood glucose level on productivity. Methods: PubMed, and Web of Science were used to search terms, such as “workplace,” “sleepiness or postprandial hypoglycemia,” “productivity,” and “measurement.” The following studies were included: (1) those with working hours evaluations; (2) that excluded patients with diabetes, heart diseases, or other diseases; (3) that excluded patients with mental illness; (4) that did not limit the evaluation of sleepiness at work to sleep only; (5) with publications after 2014; and (6) that were research articles. Results: The search yielded 521 articles. Nine papers met the inclusion criteria. Six studies assessed blood glucose levels, six assessed sleepiness, and one simultaneously assessed blood glucose and sleepiness. The Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS) is the most frequently used sleep measure. Most studies have assessed the effects of controlled diets. Although some studies have used continuous glucometers, their evaluation of blood glucose levels has been limited. The extracted literature also included mild exercise and control of environmental illumination as a countermeasure against sleepiness. Conclusions: Although few studies have analyzed the causes and countermeasures of sleepiness in the workplace, sleepiness affects work productivity, diet affects sleepiness, and several methods for suppressing sleepiness have been researched. However, a few studies have directly evaluated the effects of blood glucose fluctuations and sleepiness on work productivity. These results suggest that further research into the relationship between sleepiness at work and related biological signals and blood glucose fluctuations will be important in understanding the causes, as it will form the basis for measures to improve work productivity. Full article

Background: Seafarers are highly susceptible to work-related injuries, which can result in serious consequences or permanent disabilities. Understanding the frequency and characteristics of occupational injuries is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies and identifying their underlying patterns and causes. This study aimed to determine the frequency and characteristics of telemedicine-assisted work-related injuries among seafarers on board Italian-flagged vessels. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted to analyze occupational injuries using medical data recorded in the Centro Internazionale Radio Medico (C.I.R.M.) database from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2022. Injuries in the database were coded according to the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Variables extracted from the database included injury type, seafarers’ age, rank, nationality, worksite, gender, date of injury, affected body region, clinical outcomes, and other demographic and occupational characteristics. Injury frequency and characteristics (e.g., location, type, and cause) were analyzed and stratified by seafarers’ rank and worksite groups. Results: The analysis included 793 seafarers who sustained injuries. Their average age was 39.15 ± 10.49 years (range: 21 to 70 years). Deck ratings and engine officers accounted for 27.9% and 20% of those who claimed injuries, respectively. 39.2% of injured seafarers were aged between 30 and 40 years. In terms of affected body parts, the most reported injuries were to the hand/wrist (33.3%), followed by the knee/lower legs (21%), and the head/eye (19%). Open wounds (38%) and burns/abrasions (14%) were the most common types of injury. Slips/falls (32%), burns/explosions (16.6%), and overexertion while lifting or carrying (14.8%) were the leading causes of injury during the study period. Nearly 35% of injuries affected workers on the deck and were due mainly to slips/falls, 19% in the engine room were due to being caught in machinery or equipment, and 32.5% in the catering department were due to burns/explosions. Conclusions: One-third of seafarers who suffered work-related injuries sustained hand and/or wrist injuries, with slips/falls being a significant cause. The results of this study emphasize the need for preventative measures in the marine sector, particularly to reduce risks associated with slips and falls, overexertion, and other injury-causing factors. Campaigns for the larger use of protective equipment are desirable to reduce occupational accidents at sea and provide better health protection for seafarers. Full article

Bats have decreasing population trends around the world, and knowledge on the causes for this decline is the first step to improving conservation and management strategies to restore their populations. An important source of data for the study of the causes of bat mortality is the admissions to rescue centres. The aim of this work was to identify the different causes of bat admissions to rescue centres in Castilla y León (Spain) over more than 30 years, analyzing the importance of the threats for different species, as well as the tendency of anthropogenic causes over the years, such as the increase in industrial wind-power facilities. The dataset included 791 bats (568 dead and 223 injured). The species with the largest number of entries was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 451, followed by 82 Hypsugo savii, 64 Plecotus sp., 63 Tadarida teniotis, 42 Eptesicus serotinus and 24 Nyctalus lasiopterus. The most important known causes of entry for these selected species were collisions with wind turbines (n = 160); immaturity-related causes (e.g., orphan individuals with insufficient foraging and flight skills prone to injury or starvation) (n = 93); weakness due to starvation (n = 75); trauma: blow of unknown origin (n = 69); shooting: vandalism with a gun (n = 15); carnivore bite: predation (n = 8); road kill: road accident (n = 3); and disease: sickness (n = 3). In addition, there were many admissions which lacked a known cause (n = 294). The species with the most carcasses for collisions with wind turbines was Pipistrellus pipistrellus at 100, followed by 40 Hypsugo savii and 15 Nyctalus lasiopterus. As expected, the number of bats that collided with wind turbines showed a significant temporal correlation with the number of wind farms deployed in the territory, and they mainly occurred in September and October, as has also been found in other studies. Full article

Background: The consequences of injuries resulting from accidents are among the most common health disorders in children. A scar forms at the site of the injury. In the treatment of scars, not all methods used in adults can be used in children. The authors attempted to assess the effectiveness of using KT kinesiology taping on scars in children. The aim of the work is to assess the effect of KT on the treatment of keloid, hypertrophic scars, and postoperative adhesions in children. Methods: The study included 30 patients aged 4 to 10 years. The subjects were divided into three groups: group G1-9 patients with keloid scars, group G2-14 with hypertrophic scars, group G3-7 with postoperative adhesions. The patients underwent kinesiology taping for 8 weeks. The analyzed parameters were determined using the VSS scale and ultrasonography. Results: The analysis of the VSS scale results in relation to the type of scars showed a significant (p < 0.001) downward trend in the measured parameters for keloid and hypertrophic scars. Analysis of ultrasound results in relation to the type of scars showed a significant (p < 0.001) downward trend in the measured parameters, comparing parameters I and II for all types of scars. Conclusions: Kinesiology taping significantly changes the following scar parameters: deformability, pigmentation, and perfusion in the case of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Full article

Background: Work-related injuries remain a considerable global burden; nevertheless, progress in occupational safety has been made in decreasing the time to return to work. This study aimed to assess the pooled incidence of Return to Work (RTW) among workers with occupational injuries and to identify the key factors influencing RTW outcomes. Methods: A systematic review was conducted by searching electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Web of Science, and Scopus) to include eligible cohorts. Meta-analysis was undertaken using R software 4.5.1 with random-effects models, and heterogeneity was evaluated using the I² statistic. Results: This meta-analysis included 16 cohorts, with 4164 workers. A pooled analysis of 14 studies showed that 79% of workers successfully returned to their jobs after treatment for work-related injuries (95% CI: 0.67–0.88; p < 0.0001; I² = 97.5%). Meta-regression identified age as a significant moderator, with older workers showing a higher incidence of RTW. The mean time to RTW, pooled from 9 studies, was approximately 102 days, with no significant age association (p = 0.222). Regarding predictors, male workers had a significantly higher RTW rate than females (p < 0.0001). Married persons showed greater RTW rates (p < 0.0001). Also, workers with higher education levels were more likely to return to work (p = 0.0033). For injury type, lacerations were related to a greater RTW rate than crushing injuries. Conclusions: This meta-analysis underscored a significant overall return-to-work rate after work-related injuries, with age, sex, marital status, education level, and injury type affecting results. Advanced age and male sex were substantially correlated with increased return-to-work rates. These findings support the necessity for personalized rehabilitation programs and focused support to enhance work reintegration following occupational accidents. Full article

This study applied data analysis techniques to analyze work-related accidents in Brazil’s mining sector from 2019 onward, identifying key risks and patterns. Using public datasets from governmental sources, it categorized accidents by the type of injury, causal agents, and affected body parts. The methodology employed included data cleaning, processing, and the development of interactive visualizations using advanced analytical tools, such as Python and Power BI, to facilitate data interpretation. Among the most significant events, the Brumadinho tailings dam collapse in 2019 emerged as a major outlier, substantially affecting multiple aspects of the analysis. This single incident accounted for 71.7% of all work-related fatalities recorded during the four-year period under study, highlighting its disproportionate impact on the dataset. This study also examined the main causes and consequences of mining accidents and facilitated the creation of victim profiles based on gender and age group, incorporating psychological theories regarding risk perception. It was concluded that, although the mining sector represents a small fraction of all work-related accidents in Brazil, the proportion of accidents relative to the number of workers in the sector is substantial, highlighting the need for stricter occupational safety management. The results can guide regulations and help companies and institutions to create safer, more sustainable mining policies. The methodology proved to be highly suitable, indicating its potential for application in safety analysis across other sectors. Full article

Background: Electric motorized rental scooters (ES) were introduced in Italy in 2019 as an alternative form of urban transportation, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. As their popularity has grown, a parallel increase in ES-related injuries has been observed. This study aims to investigate the types and patterns of ES-related injuries and to identify potentially modifiable risk factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients admitted to the Emergency Department of Policlinico Umberto I in Rome between January 2020 and December 2022 following ES-related trauma. Collected data included demographics, injury mechanisms and types, helmet use, Injury Severity Score (ISS), blood alcohol levels, and patient outcomes. Results: A total of 411 individuals presented to the Emergency Department due to ES-related injuries, either as riders or pedestrians. The mean age was 31 years (range: 2–93); 38 patients (9%) were under 18 years of age. Fifty-six accidents (14%) occurred during work-related commutes. Only three riders (0.7%) wore helmets, and nine patients (2%) had blood alcohol levels > 0.50 g/L. Cranial injuries (134 cases, 32%) and upper limb fractures (93 cases, 23%) were the most frequently reported serious injuries. The mean ISS was 4.5; 17 patients (4%) had an ISS ≥ 16. A total of 270 orthopedic injuries and 118 (29%) maxillofacial injuries were documented. Head trauma was reported in 115 patients (28%), with 19 cases classified as severe traumatic brain injuries. Twenty-three patients (5.5%) were hospitalized, three (0.7%) required intensive care, and one patient (0.2%) died. Conclusions: ES-related injuries are becoming increasingly common and present a significant public health concern. A nationwide effort is warranted to improve rider safety through mandatory helmet use, protective equipment, alcohol consumption control, and stricter enforcement of speed regulations. Full article

Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze service-related musculoskeletal injuries of professional firefighters in 2021–2023. Material and methods: Analysis was completed on the basis of annual reports on the injury status of the State Fire Service (SFS) obtained from the Office of Occupational Safety and Health (OOSH) at General Headquarters. The report databases were searched using keywords typical of bone injuries and including anatomical names: “sprain”, “fracture”, “dislocation”, “bone injury”, “bone”, “joint”, “spine”, “skull and “musculoskeletal injury”. Results: Events matching the analysis target of N = 1944 (2021—n = 707; 2022—n = 589; 2023—n = 648) accounted for 49.4% from all accidents in the State Fire Service in Poland in the analyzed period. A significant increase in the analyzed period 2021–2023 was observed in events where the cause of injury was sports activities (45% vs. 49% vs. 63%, p < 0.001). A significant decrease was observed in events where the cause of injury was interventions (26% vs. 27% vs. 17%, p < 0.001), technical and maintenance (TM) work (8% vs. 6% vs. 5%, p = 0.008) and category “other” (15% vs. 14% vs. 11%, p = 0.034). Statistically significant differences were found between cause and the type of injury (p = 0.002), season (p < 0.001) and the location of injury (p < 0.001). Conclusions: A large number of musculoskeletal injuries are associated with sports activities, which is inherent in the risks of the activities. The lower extremities are most affected by injuries during sports activities The spring period dominates in the season category, which may be related to the difficulty of the terrain and return to increased sports activity after the winter period. Full article

Chemical plants inherently handle and operate with a wide range of hazardous materials, making them more prone to accidents compared to other industrial sectors. Consequently, safety management in chemical plants tends to be systematically organized based on elements of process safety management (PSM) systems. In June 2023, South Korea’s Ministry of Employment and Labor released the Serious Injury and Fatality (SIF) report, which summarized 4432 major accident cases that occurred over six years (2016–2021), including 1834 cases in manufacturing and related industries and 2574 cases in construction. The report provided an overview of these accidents, their causes, and measures to prevent their recurrence, with a focus on fatalities and severe injuries associated with critical losses across different industries. This study examined 16 accident cases that occurred at PSM-regulated facilities, which are managed on the basis of a systematic safety framework established by regulatory requirements. Among these, particular attention was paid to an explosion accident in the organic catalyst packaging process at a facility with no prior accident history and exhibiting unique accident characteristics. A systemic root cause analysis was conducted using the barrier-based systemic cause analysis technique (BSCAT) and the system theoretic accident model and process (STAMP-CAST) methodologies. The systemic analysis highlighted the critical importance of clearly identifying materials or factors that may inadvertently mix during the process design or mass production phases and evaluating whether such interactions could lead to accidents during the hazard assessment stage. Beyond incorporating the risk mitigation measures identified in the process design and procedural development phases without omissions, it is essential to periodically conduct “worker-centered risk assessments”. These assessments help evaluate the potential for accidents resulting from human errors, such as workers’ non-compliance with established procedures, which is a key aspect of preventing chemical accidents. Although this study did not include an evaluation of the impacts of high pressures or high temperatures on workers near chemical accident sites—hence, no specific recommendations regarding safe working distances are made—the findings are expected to contribute to the development of preventive measures for chemical accidents in smaller-scale plants where workers directly manage and operate processes. Full article

This retrospective observational study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on occupational accident rates by analyzing over 500,000 Emergency Department (ED) visits from 2014 to 2022 in a Northern Italian city. Work-related injuries comprised 3.6% of total ED visits, with significant gender disparities, particularly in commuting accidents among women. During the pandemic’s initial wave, the overall ED visits decreased by 41%, while work-related injuries saw a 60% reduction. Post-pandemic, ED visits began returning to pre-pandemic levels, reflecting the healthcare system’s adaptability. Notably, high-intensity admissions requiring intensive care remained relatively stable throughout the pandemic, suggesting that individuals with urgent medical needs continued to seek care at the ED, demonstrating the healthcare system’s resilience in handling critical cases. This study highlights the complex relationship between the pandemic and workplace safety, emphasizing the need for further research to fully understand COVID-19’s impact on healthcare services. Full article

Aircraft hangars are essential in the aviation industry, providing crucial maintenance and protection for aviation assets. However, constructing these upper structures involves significant safety risks. Due to the complexity of upper structure construction, it is vital to prioritize safety to prevent workplace accidents. Ensuring construction safety is not only crucial for operational efficiency but also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) and Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9). This study assesses the safety risks associated with hangar construction using activity-based failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA). A mixed-method approach is adopted, incorporating insights from five construction safety experts and data from 100 individuals directly involved in the upper structure construction of the spaceframe hangar. Descriptive data analysis was employed to establish the foundation for computing risk priority numbers (RPNs) using the FMEA technique. Three primary activities were identified as having extremely high risks: workers falling from heights during the lifting and erection of the space frame, workers falling from heights during basement excavation while installing floor slab formwork, and workers falling from heights during the casting of floor slabs. These activities present safety risks with RPN values ranging from 64 to 100, including incidents of workers falling from heights and being struck by materials. This study serves as a crucial reference for formulating construction safety plans that encompass risk identification, assessment, and control measures. The findings provide essential insights into various safety hazards in construction projects, particularly those related to military infrastructure. By identifying and assessing these risks, the research facilitates the development of more effective and comprehensive safety protocols. Implementing the recommended control measures ensures a proactive approach to mitigating potential accidents and injuries. Consequently, this research contributes to academic knowledge and enhances safety standards and practices within the construction industry. Full article

This paper provides information about (a) 15 wildfire-related accidents that took place during 12 wildfires due to eruptive fire behavior in the 1982–2016 period and (b) six additional cases of “chimney effect” and “flame attachment” occurrence that caused no deaths or injuries, in the 2007–2019 period, in Greece. The work is based on (i) detailed documentation and reconstruction of wildfire behavior and spread, (ii) coupling of wildfire behavior with geospatial data and analysis, (iii) location information and field evidence for firefighter and citizen fatalities, and (iv) events surrounding those fatal accidents. These are matched with corresponding weather and fuel information, creating a rather complete picture of the conditions that entail a great risk to firefighters and citizens. The objectives of our effort are (a) to identify the common elements present in these cases and extract conclusions about the common denominators that may lead to fatal or near-fatal firefighter accidents, (b) to discuss how the findings compare with similar accidents in other countries, and (c) to develop clear messages for firefighters and citizens to help improve their safety. Full article