International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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Competency and other factors associated with the selection of OSH professionals within the UAE industries
No full textIntroduction: The evolving industrial landscape of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) necessitates a strategic approach to selecting competent occupational safety and health (OSH) professionals. Despite global frameworks, a contextual gap remains in aligning competencies with regional industry needs. This study identifies the most suitable competency factors for selecting OSH Officers and OSH Managers within United Arab Emirates (UAE) industries.
Methods: A pragmatic mixed-methods study was conducted across the UAE (June–November 2024). Forty-two OSH recruiters and influencers participated in focus group discussions (8-12 per session) to identify core competencies. A web-based survey was administered to 351 randomly selected stakeholders from a 695-member sampling frame. The survey, validated for reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.89), used Likert scales to rate competencies. Content analysis refined definitions, while descriptive statistics and logistic regression identified demographic predictors of high-priority competencies. Ethical protocols and confidentiality were maintained.
Results: Findings from the focus groups and survey revealed structured, role-specific expectations. OSH officers are expected to possess bachelor’s degrees (59.0%), NEBOSH/IOSH certifications (International General Certification/Managing Safely), and practical readiness through fire safety and first aid training. English proficiency (99.4%), local availability (92.3%), and good health status were prioritized. For OSH managers, leadership (90.9%), planning (71.2%), and strategic thinking (61.3%) were emphasized alongside higher qualifications - bachelor’s (57.3%), master’s (35.6%), and an OSH diploma (72.9%).
Conclusion: OSH recruitment in the UAE follows a tiered competency framework. Incipient roles focus on technical readiness and availability, while managerial positions require strategic skills and maturity. Standardized, competency-based recruitment aligned to local context is essential to enhance safety performance across UAE industries
Safety Performance in Malaysia’s Manufacturing Industry: Unveiling Safety Challenges and Initiatives
No full textIntroduction: Despite the rapid growth of the manufacturing industry, data from relevant agencies indicate the rising number of accidents that highlights the recurrence and criticality of safety issues that have remained unresolved over the years. This study aims to identify the key challenges faced by manufacturing companies in ensuring workplace safety, as well as the specific initiatives undertaken at the organizational level to mitigate occupational risks.
Methods: This qualitative research was adopted a case study approach, whereby the data were collected through semi-structured interviews involving 12 informants from seven manufacturing companies located in Selangor, Malaysia. The participants included safety practitioners directly involved in workplace safety functions. In addition to interviews, this study also incorporated document analysis to triangulate and validate the findings.
Results: Two main themes were identified in this study: safety challenges and safety initiatives. The safety challenges identified in this study are related to work processes, the working environment, and individual factors. The companies have introduced several safety initiatives, which include improving work processes and increasing management involvement in safety practices.
Conclusion: Safety challenges can hinder an organization’s ability to maintain effective safety performance. However, with preventive planning and the implementation of appropriate safety initiatives, these challenges can be addressed, thereby supporting the continuous improvement and sustainability of safety performance within the organization
The Italian Implemented De-escalating Aggressive Behavior Scale (IIDABS): Development and Validation of a Comprehensive De-escalation Assessment Tool
No full textIntroduction: Workplace aggression and violence are significant psychosocial risks. While de-escalation is a critical skill for prevention, there has been a lack of objective, quantitative assessment tools. Building on the original German DABS and its English version, the EMDABS, which focused on verbal de-escalation skills, this study aims to validate the Italian Implemented De-escalating Aggressive Behavior Scale (IIDABS). A key innovation is the addition of an item on non-verbal language, making it a more complete measure.
Methods: The study involved a convenience sample of 73 workers from the Veterinary Department of the University of Pisa. The effectiveness of a conflict management training program was assessed using the IIDABS. Three independent, trained raters measured participants\u27 skills during role-playing scenarios before and after the training.
Results: The IIDABS demonstrated strong psychometric properties, with excellent inter-rater reliability (ICC) and an internal consistency (Cronbach\u27s alpha) of 0.951. The "non-verbal language" item had a strong ICC of 0.733. A comparison of pre- and post-training scores showed a statistically significant improvement in all evaluated skills, confirming the training program\u27s effectiveness.
Conclusions: This study provides a validated and objective Italian tool for the quantitative assessment of de-escalation skills. The inclusion of the non-verbal language item strengthens the scale, making it a valuable instrument for evaluating training programs and improving worker safety
Status of Oxidative Stress, Antioxidants and Liver Function Tests among Nepalese Workers from Gulf Countries and Malaysia
Full text linkIntroduction: Nepalese migrants to the Gulf countries and Malaysia are prone to poor health because of their low status as migrants, challenging living and working conditions, changes in lifestyle, and inadequate access to health care. The main aims of this study were to assess the status of oxidative stress, antioxidants, and liver function among Nepalese workers from Gulf countries and Malaysia.
Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 332 Nepalese migrant workers to Gulf countries and Malaysia arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport during May 15 and June 15, 2019. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire, anthropometric measurements, and venous blood sample to access the status of oxidative stress, antioxidants, and liver function. Blood samples were analyzed at the laboratory of Janamaitri Foundation Institution of Health Sciences.
Results: Results revealed that 5% had an abnormal liver panel test. The mean value for Serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) was 1.57± 1.25 µmol/L while 38.8% had an increased level of MDA. The mean value for total Protein was 7.19 ± 0.97 gm %, albumin was 4.43 ± 0.75 gm %, and Albumin/ Globulin Ratio was 1.8. There was a significant difference in MDA, SOD, and A/G ratio among migrant workers as per country of work.
Conclusion: Nepalese migrant workers in Gulf countries and Malaysia are vulnerable to developing liver diseases. The high levels of serum MDA among Nepalese migrant workers is an important concern for the health care system. Thus, strengthening policy for regular health screening among these migrant workers is warranted
Ergonomic evaluation of work related musculoskeletal disorders in informal work: a study on fish vendors in Ampara, Sri Lanka
No full textIntroduction: Fish vending, an informal work, is expected to cause WMSDs due to prolonged standing, shoulder elevation, bending and twisting, repetitiveness and high physical activities. The study was carried out to investigate the prevalence of WMSDs and the associated factors among fish vendors.
Methods: In a cross sectional study, 202 fish vendors were selected using simple random sampling technique with face to face interview to solicit data on working conditions and WMSDs in the coastal areas of the Ampara district during June to August 2022. Fish vendors were video recorded for postural analysis using RULA.
Results: The WMSDs among fish vendors in neck, shoulder, upper back, lower back, elbow wrist, hip, knee and feet were 52%, 55%, 53.3%, 49.1%, 52%, 65.3%, 56%, 57.4% and 46% respectively. The final RULA score of 7 was obtained for 56% of fish vendors. The awkward working posture was significantly associated with WMSD in wrist while heavy lifting was associated with WMSDs in neck. The humidity was significantly associated with WMSDs in shoulder, lower back and knees and thermal comfort was significantly associated with WMSDs in lower back and knees. The age and experience significantly associated with WMSDs in all the body regions investigated.
Conclusion: The majority of fish vendors had WMSDs in different body regions. The awkward posture, heavy lifting, age, experience, humidity and thermal comfort were associated with WMSDS. Fish vendors are required to use a recommended size of boxes to lift and carry fish and to have correct standing work surface height and also to use knife designed with proper weight, handle size and shape
Prevalence and determinants of depression, anxiety, and stress among IT professionals working from home in Kerala, India
Full text linkIntroduction: Working from Home (WFH) has become a defining aspect of the modern work landscape, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Information Technology (IT) sector, in particular, seamlessly transitioned to WFH during the pandemic, thanks to both the urgent need and the technological infrastructure supporting this alternative work arrangement. The objectives of this study were to measure the prevalence and factors associated with anxiety, stress and depression among IT professionals working from home in two districts of Kerala.
Methods: Data was collected from 400 IT professionals working in four IT companies located in two districts in Kerala, through a simple random sampling method between December 2022 and March 2023. The study questionnaire consisted of two parts - the socio demographic and the Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scale (DASS) 21. Data was analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences V20. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Among the study participants, 48.5% were female, majority were between 22 and 45 years and 80.25% were undergraduates. The prevalence of depression among IT professionals WFH was found to be 22.75%; 0.75% had severe and 1.5% had extremely severe depression. The prevalence of anxiety was 24%; 1.75% had severe and 2.5% had extremely severe anxiety. The prevalence of stress was 11%; 1.5% had severe and 0.25% had extremely severe stress. There was a significant association between depression, anxiety and stress with employees in the low-income rage, those working in night shift and those without a weekly day-off.
Conclusion: This first study on Kerala IT professionals working from home highlights that lower income, night shifts, lack of weekly offs, substance abuse, physical inactivity, and long working hours are significantly linked to poor mental health. It underscores the need for organizational interventions to promote work-life balance, healthy lifestyles, adequate rest, and accessible mental health support to safeguard both employee well-being and productivity
Predictive modelling of whole-body vibration transmission through strategic locations of human body using artificial neural networks
Full text linkIntroduction: Modelling the seated human body\u27s response to whole-body vibration poses a formidable challenge due to its intricate reliance on factors encompassing anthropometry, postures, and vibration characteristics. While lumped parameter models are prevalent in this domain, their fixed weight necessitates modifications. Hence, a novel biodynamic model utilizing artificial neural network methodology was devised to simulate transmitted vibrations across strategic locations of body segments in seated individuals, facilitated by field vibration data.
Methods: Employing a multilayer feed-forward neural network integrated with the back propagation algorithm, an optimal setup was explored. Data were collected from 52 adult male subjects. Mean square error (MSE) values were evaluated during the training, validation and testing phases to assess the performance of the model. The study also compared the model-predicted values to the actual values using four unseen datasets, which were reserved for evaluating the model\u27s generalization performance.
Results: The neural network model achieved mean square error (MSE) values of 0.0015, 0.0030, and 0.0015, accompanied by regression (R) values of 0.992, 0.990, and 0.991 in training, validation, and testing, respectively. Comparison shows high accuracy between the model-predicted values and the actual values.
Conclusion: The well-trained artificial neural network demonstrated proficiency in forecasting vibration transmission along the vertical direction through different body parts of a seated human, based on parameters such as age, body mass index, posture, experience, seat-buttock interface clothing layer, frequency, and vibration intensity. The comparison between the model-predicted results and the experimental value affirmed high accuracy and reliability of the developed model
Risky beginnings: Attitudes, perceptions, and unsafe riding behaviors among novice motorcycle riders in Northern Thailand
No full textIntroduction: Thailand has the ninth-highest road fatality rate globally (32.7 deaths/100,000 population), with young adults accounting for 73% of motorcycle-related deaths. This study examines risk attitudes, perceptions, and riding behaviors among novice motorcycle riders at the University of Phayao to inform targeted interventions reducing road traffic accidents (RTAs).
Methods: A cross-sectional study (January–March 2025) surveyed 426 first-year public health undergraduates using a validated questionnaire (CVI=0.87; Cronbach’s α=0.82). Non-riders were excluded. Descriptive statistics, t-tests, Pearson’s correlation, and logistic regression were employed. Ethical approval and informed consent were secured.
Results: Participants (89.44% female; mean age=18.37±0.6 years) predominantly used motorcycles (91.78%), yet 46.24% were unlicensed. Informal training (77.46%) exceeded formal instruction (4.93%). Accident prevalence was 38.26% (3.28% hospitalized), primarily on multi-lane roads (31.92%). Key risk factors included speeding (AOR=1.65, 95% CI:1.09–2.49, p=0.017), phone use (AOR=2.40, 95% CI:1.30–4.40, p=0.005), and poor vehicle maintenance (AOR=1.66, 95% CI:1.04–2.63, p=0.033). Road law knowledge was moderate (46.48%) or low (30.52%), contrasting with predominantly good/excellent safety attitudes (79.11%) and behaviors (79.35%). Attitudes strongly correlated with safe riding (r=0.55, p<0.001).
Conclusion: Non-compliance with licensing, reliance on informal training, and risky behaviors elevate RTA risks. Policy priorities include mandating certified training, enforcing speed/phone-use laws, and upgrading high-risk infrastructure. The attitude-behavior link underscores the need for psychological interventions to reinforce safety mindsets, aligning with the UN Global Road Safety Framework (2021–2030)
Patterns and root causes of exposure to ergonomics risk factors among Malaysian office workers: retrospective study from practitioners’ reports
Full text linkIntroduction: Symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders are common among office workers worldwide. However, there has been limited published data that examine patterns and root causes of exposures to ergonomics risk factors, especially sourced from ergonomists’ assessment reports. This study investigates the prevalence rates of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) symptoms, ergonomics risk factor exposure patterns, and root causes of these exposures among office workers in Malaysia from ergonomists’ perspectives.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted among Malaysian office workers. Data were extracted from 399 individual ergonomics assessment reports prepared by professional ergonomists. These reports were obtained over a period of 17 years (March 2001 until November 2018), across 16 different offices in 5 states and 1 federal territory. In addition to self-reported body symptom data, extracted data includes ergonomics risk factors and root causes identified by professional ergonomists. Descriptive and statistical analyses were conducted to determine patterns from extracted data.
Results: Data showed high MSD symptoms prevalence (87%) of varying degrees among the sample population. The body parts most affected among sample population include shoulder (42%), lower back (38%), and neck (32%). Gender and age are seen to be associated with the reported MSD symptoms severity levels. Common ergonomic risk factors among office workers include poor posture (97%), static loading (90%), and contact stress (74%). The majority of the root causes of an individual’s ergonomic exposures can be traced to substandard workstation setups as well as poor work habits.
Conclusion: The study provides insight into patterns and root causes of exposure to ergonomics risk factors among Malaysian office workers from an ergonomist’s point of view
Impact of safety climate in manufacturing industries - A Review
Full text linkIntroduction: Manufacturing industries are inherently exposed to various hazards—from heavy machinery and hazardous materials to high-pressure production environments—that pose significant risks to employee well-being and operational efficiency. This review explores the pivotal role of a strong safety climate in mitigating such risks, promoting proactive safety behaviors, and ultimately enhancing both safety performance and productivity in manufacturing sector.
Methods: A systematic literature review was performed, targeting high-quality studies published between 2014 and 2024. Multiple databases, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate, SID, and Magiran, were meticulously searched using keywords such as “safety climate,” “safety culture,” “occupational safety,” and “manufacturing industry.” Strict inclusion criteria were applied to filter out duplicates and irrelevant studies, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of empirical evidence and practical interventions that affect safety climates in manufacturing settings.
Results: The analysis reveals a consistent and significant relationship between a robust safety climate and improved workplace outcomes. Effective leadership, comprehensive safety training programs, clear and open communication, and active employee engagement emerged as key drivers in reducing workplace injuries and enhancing overall operational performance. Furthermore, the review underscores the potential of integrating targeted safety interventions and digital tools to further strengthen the safety culture and mitigate risks.
Conclusion: Strengthening the safety climate is critical for achieving sustainable improvements in manufacturing safety and productivity. Organizations are encouraged to implement continuous safety education, proactive management practices, and innovative digital safety solutions. Future research should further explore long-term safety strategies and the evolving impact of technological advancements to ensure enduring enhancements in occupational safety and overall organizational performance