International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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A Review on Mechanical & Physical Hazards at Domestic Kitchen
Get PDFKitchen is one of the most important aspects in our life. We wait eagerly for the delicious foodstuffs of our kitchenette. However, many simple but repetitive kitchen activities can be a threat to our health. Such as peeling potatoes, chopping, and picking up heavy pots and kettles, overstretching to reach to utensils or ingredients etc. can cause or aggravate pain & discomfort in hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck (Physical hazards). Musculoskeletal problems are not only the one, but various accidents also happen in domestic kitchen (Mechanical Hazards). Traumatic and repetitive injuries related to kitchen tasks include lacerations, cut, slips & falls, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, thermal strains, burn etc. Those menaces generally occur due to poor ergonomics, as poor work practices, poor quality equipment and poorly maintained equipment.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5920 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012) 7-1
Assessment of cardiac strain in small - scale aluminium casting works.
Get PDFBackground: The occupational health status scenario in unorganised sector is not impressive. There is a lack of awareness on occupational health and safety issues and manual labour is still obligatory. Ergonomic and work physiological studies conducted among different unorganised sector occupations are scanty. Aims and Objective: The present study intended a physiological evaluation of workload in small scale aluminium casting works. In accordance, cardiac strain of the workers is assessed in actual work situation. Methods: Seventeen regular male workers (mean age 32.6 ± 10.9; range 22 – 55) years, were examined for the magnitude of physiological strain. Different tasks performed were identified including work and rest hours. Working heart rate, net cardiac cost, relative cardiac cost and recovery heart rates were determined. Tasks performed were analysed in terms of heaviness, recommended strain level and thermal stress of the workplace. Results: Work study revealed the predominant static nature of the tasks performed. Overall strain of the job appeared to be moderate in nature with mean working heart rate of 99 ± 5.2 beats/min. Recovery patterns were inadequate for majority of the workers. Thermal stress prevailing was more than the recommended level. Conclusion: The subjects were exposed to cumulative circulatory stress which might have deleterious long term effect particularly on older workers. Interventions are required to ameliorate ergonomic stressors, which indicate further scope of study.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6565 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 8-13
A Study on the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders among the Coalminers of Eastern Coalfields of India
Get PDFBackground: Mining is an ancient occupation, long recognized as being arduous and liable to injury and disease. The lifecycle of mining consists of exploration, mine development, mine operation, decommissioning and land rehabilitation. Objective: To explore the prevalence characteristics and influence factors related to the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders of underground coalminers in Eastern Coalfield mines. Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 55 coalminers from Saatgram Project, Raniganj, Eastern Coalfields, modified Nordic Questionnaire was performed to assess the musculoskeletal disorders. Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the correlation between the occupational factors and their work related musculoskeletal disorders. Results: In this study 36 out of 55 miners (65.45%) complained about the development of musculoskeletal disorders at different body parts. The maximum pain was identified at lower back. The presence of lower back pain was observed among 58.18% of miners. The prevalence of pain in different body sites of the miners increased significantly with their ages. According to the present study, the repetitive operations and awkward postures were the risk factors for the development of work related musculoskeletal disorders in neck, shoulder and upper limbs; moreover, the repetitive operation of moving heavy substances and stooping postures continuously were related significantly – with the development of lower back pain at lower limbs due to the long standing awkward posture. Conclusion: It may be concluded from the above study that Eastern Coalfield miners are suffering from work related musculoskeletal disorders. This condition may be rectified by changing working postures or by implementation of ergonomically designed tools and machineries.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6596 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 34-37
The Green Hazards: A Meta-Analysis of Green Tobacco Sickness
Get PDFGreen Tobacco Sickness (GTS) has been one of the unexplored areas of occupational health safety. The condition mainly affects the tobacco harvesters. The condition is prevalent in Asian and South American tobacco harvesters. Although transient, the condition can affect multiple organ systems. The objective of this review is to extensively discuss the background, epidemiology, clinical features and measures to counter the problem.A literature search of Medline with terms such as “green”, “tobacco” and “sickness” was done covering years 1970-2007. All studies, reviews and commentaries on health effects of farming green tobacco and preventing the disease were included.Green Tobacco Sickness is caused by the absorption of nicotine through the skin from wet tobacco plants who have direct contact with tobacco plants during cultivation and harvesting. The early symptoms often include headache and nausea followed by vomiting, weakness, pallor, dizziness, headaches, increased perspiration, chills, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, and increased salivation which may also progress to extreme conditions like prostration, shortness of breath, and occasional fluctuations in blood pressure or heart rate. The duration of the illness is usually between one and three days. The use of protective, water-resistant clothing, chemical-resistant gloves, plastic aprons and rainsuits with boots and socks has reduced the chances of contracting GTS.It is important to educate the tobacco workers and the employers about GTS in order to reduce its incidence. An international level awareness campaign has to be taken up and more stringent workers safety regulations have to be formulated.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.4963 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012) 11-1
Editorial
Get PDFDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i1.5916 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol. 2 No. 1 (2012)
A study of vibration exposure and work practices of Loader and Dozer operators in opencast mines
Get PDFBackground: Exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) at work and development of musculoskeletal disorders are well linked. Vehicle vibrations are usually perceived to occur in vertical direction and are likely to cause lumbar disorders in operators. Vibration characteristics of the machines need to be studied and compared with work practices which may indicate nature of health risk to operators. This may help in developing specific action plans to control vibration related health risk. Objective: The objectives of the study were, to measure and analyze vibration magnitudes, observe work practices of Loaders and Dozers, evaluate health risk to their operators and to formulate recommendations for control measures. Methods and Material: Frequency weighted Root Mean Square values of acceleration data was collected as per guidelines in ISO 2631-1:1997 using human vibration analyzers. WBV exposure of 40 (Forty) Loader and Dozer operators in eight opencast mines were evaluated to assess health risk using vibration magnitude and corresponding daily exposure durations. Results and Conclusion: The dominant axis of vibration in dozers was found to be X (front to back) in 80% of the equipments. This is different from transporting equipment like Dumpers which have Z axis as dominant axis of vibration. A continuous change of movement in forward and reverse direction and rash driving were found to be contributory factors for increased vibration intensity along X- axis. It was observed that 27(68%) of them showed moderate whereas 12(30%) equipment showed high health risk. It is suggested that vibration control measures should be designed and adopted based not only on the intensity but also on the dominant axis typical to the equipment and work practices.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v2i2.6144 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 2. No 2 (2012) 3-7
The study of effective factors on some of the biologic rhythms from the view point of hospitalized patients
Get PDFMany human vital actions like sleep and waken, defecation, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. are being done as rhythmic. The factors on these rhythms among hospitalized patients in the hospitals can outshine the patients recovery and hospitalization period so, the present research has been performed with the aim to study of the effective factors on some biological rhythms from point of view of hospitalized patients at medical ward of the Emam Sajad hospital of Yasouj city 2008-2009. This research is a descriptive sectional study, performed on hospitalized patients at medical wards of hospitals of Yasouj city during the years 2008-2009. Sampling method was as purposive accessible sampling and the numbers of samples were 100.0 persons. The data collection tool was questionnaire. Collected data were analyzed using SPSS software and descriptive statistical tests. 68.0% and 83.0% of samples were suffering from sleep reduction and anorexia respectively. 61.0% of samples also mentioned some change in their defecation. Among environmental factors, noise in the ward with 65.0%, among personal factors, anxiety regarding recovery and obtaining health with 60.0% and among caring factors, having serum and keep awake to receive medicine with 57.1% have been effective on the sleep reduction of patients with the rates of very much and much. Regarding the effective factors on appetite reduction of patients, smelly environment and undesirable food with 21.0% each, were among the most influential factors. Regarding the effective factors on defecation reduction also lack of activity with 25.5% had the maximum role. Since the most important effective factors in biologic rhythms which are under studying are adjustable and it is possible to remove them therefore, it is necessary for the caring personnel to prepare the rest possibility and comfortability of patients in desirable manner by more accuracy and removing such factors and giving education to the patients. Key Words: Sleep; Appetite; Defecation; Biologic rhythms; Patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4379 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 14-1
Occupational Safety and Health in Nepal
Get PDFDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.5224 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 1-
Occupational Safety and Health Studies in Nepal
Get PDFOccupational safety and health are key issues today, with growing industrialization and labor market. To introduce and maintain a high standard of safety and health at workplace, it is essential to have an overall picture of the present workplace scenario, different hazards and probable health effects. This is a review of all previously published articles on occupational safety and health in Nepal. Key words such as Nepal, Occupation, Safety, and Health were used to search for relevant articles in PUBMED and Google Scholar. A total of 15 research articles were found, which dealt with different forms of work, like agriculture, health services, child labor, small scale household industries, brick kilns, and textile factories. The overall status of occupational safety and health does not look satisfactory. Standard work situations and criteria have to be set up and regular monitoring should be done to ensure the maintenance of quality at work. Key Words: environment; exposure; hazards; labor; work place DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4725 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 19-2
When the exchange rate makes a difference: Noise Monitoring of Traffic Police in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal
Get PDFThis study demonstrates that when measuring wide swings in noise over short time periods, Time Weighted Average (TWA) calculated results may vary significantly depending upon the exchange rate used. The 3 dBA exchange rate, the ACGIH recommended criteria, results in statistically significant higher values than the 5dBA exchange rate recommended by OSHA, when noise levels vary from 70 dBA to 120 dBA while measurements are taken.A field study of noise levels among the traffic police in the Kathmandu Valley was conducted in the spring of 2009. Sampling was done at 5 high density traffic areas on and inside the Ring Road (valley perimeter road). To collect sufficient data, hourly integrated personal and area samples were simultaneously taken with a dosimeter to identify hazardous noise areas and work locations that should be included in a hearing conservation program. This study demonstrates the importance of taking several integrated samples over short periods of time when average noise levels vary. This study likewise illustrates that area samples may not accurately reflect personal exposure, particularly when there are large variations in temporal and areal measurements. This study is the first to collect personal noise data associated with traffic noise in Nepal.Key Words: personal noise monitoring; Integrated Sampling; 3 dBA exchange rate; traffic noise; NepalDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v1i1.4490 International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health, Vol 1 (2011) 7-1