International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health (nepjol.info)
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Coping strategies to workplace violence among nursing students: a cross-sectional study
No full textIntroduction: Nursing students, due to limited clinical practice and challenges in building relationships, are highly vulnerable to workplace violence. Understanding their responses to such incidents is critical, given its significant implications. This study aimed to investigate nursing students\u27 coping strategies for workplace violence in Vietnam
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 776 nursing students conveniently sampled from 10 Vietnamese universities through the KoBotool Box platform. The research instrument has been developed in accordance with findings from several antecedent studies. Frequencies and percentages were used to describe coping strategies, and χ2 test or Fisher\u27s exact test was used to test differences in reporting workplace violence experiences between student groups.
Results: Students used a variety of strategies to respond to workplace violence. Trying to stay calm to explain to the perpetrator was the most common strategy (71.8% for physical violence; 40.5% and 36.9% for non-physical violence). The rate of reporting experiences of workplace violence with physical violence and non-physical violence by patients/patients\u27 relatives and non-physical violence directed by medical staff/instructors was 35.9%, 9.5%, and 7.9%, respectively. The most common reason nursing students do not report an incident was because they believe it is part of their clinical placement.
Conclusion: Students\u27 response strategies to workplace violence are emotionally oriented and inadequate in their experiences of workplace violence. Appropriate training on how to respond to and report exposure to workplace violence should be provided and or enhanced for nursing students
Estimation of Atraumatic Hip Microinstability Among Long Distance Truck Drivers in Western Maharashtra : A Cross-Sectional Study
Get PDFIntroduction: Hip micro-instability is an upcoming concern and is gaining acceptance as an important contributing factor for hip joint dysfunction among adults and is a major risk factor for the development of early osteoarthritis. Around 20-25% of people at the age of 50 suffer hip pain and knee pain because of chronic wear and tear of joint articular cartilage. is typically described as painful extra-physiologic hip movements, either alone or in combination with symptoms of unstable hip joints. Truck drivers travel long routes for an extensive duration of time with their hips in an ergonomically compromised position. Occupational stress can cause pain which is an effect of vibrational forces and postural stress. Investigation suggests that hip musculoskeletal pain as a whole is one of the main causes of hip micro-instability. Hence, it is important to evaluate the presence of hip micro-instability among long-distance truck drivers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 4 May 2023 in a rural tertiary care hospital in Karad for about 6 months. Wherein a total of 103 long-distance truck drivers were randomly selected based on the inclusion criteria which included truck drivers by occupation within the age group of 35-45 years, working for more than 12 hours in a day and for 5 days/week with no history of trauma. They were assessed by using the Anterior Apprehension Test, Prone Apprehension Test, and AB-HEER test. The data was then analyzed using statistical procedures, and the results were obtained.
Results: The present study shows that over 12% of participants showed positive results for hip micro-instability. A significant positive correlation was observed between the number of years of driving in relation to pain (P value < 0.0001). On assessment, there was an increase in flexion, adduction, and internal rotation ranges which hence revealed anterior hip micro-instability (P value = 0.0121) as compared to extension, abduction and external rotation ranges which revealed posterior instability.
Conclusion: The study concluded that over 12% of participants showed positive results for hip micro-instability. Also, anterior hip micro-instability was more as compared to posterior hip micro-instability amongst the truck drivers due to capsular relaxation which was affected due to prolonged hours of poor ergonomics. This study also showed the existence of micro-instability despite the presence or absence of ligamentous laxity
Major Hazard Competent Person Profession in Malaysia: A document analysis of trends and demands
Get PDFIntroduction: The Malaysian Control of Industrial Major Accident Hazard (CIMAH) Regulations introduced in 1996 resulted in the creation ‘Major Hazard Competent Person’ (MHCP) profession. However, after two decades of its establishment, there has been limited study conducted on this specific profession. The objectives of this study are to analyze 1) the trend of application and passing rates of MHCP registrations; and 2) the trend of Major Hazard Installations (MHI) registrations, and its relationship with the available supply of registered MHCP.
Methods: The study used a document review approach, involving the extraction, examination, and interpretation of data from both published and unpublished documents by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), the regulatory body responsible for overseeing both MHCP and MHI registration status in Malaysia. The study looks into data from 1996 (beginning of 1996 CIMAH Regulation) to 2023, though the available data found and analyzed were from 1998 to 2021.
Results: The study reveals a concerning lack of growth in the number of professionals being certified as MHCP, despite an increase in the number of MHIs over the past two decades. Potential causes of this shortage identified include a demanding certification process, limited availability of MHCP competency courses, and a lack of clear career paths and growth opportunities in the profession.
Conclusion: The inadequate supply of MHCPs could potentially undermine their ability to provide sufficient coverage for MHIs, indirectly jeopardizing the quality of risk management in major hazard facilities. Therefore, there is merit in periodically reviewing the regulations and reforming the MHCP profession in response to changing trends
Prevalence of respiratory symptoms among female workers in the fish processing industry in Odisha
Get PDFIntroduction: The fish processing industry has shown a major scale of growth in recent years. The aim of the present study was to assess the respiratory and pulmonary problems of the female workers of the fish processing industry.
Methods: A total of 60 female workers out of which 40 were in pre processing unit and 20 were in post processing unit of fish processing work were selected randomly for the study held in a fish processing factory in Patia, Odisha, India. The study involved the assessment of physical parameters, application of a questionnaire based on respiratory and pulmonary issues, spirometry for monitoring lung function and Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR). The study also included an assessment of the worksite by OSHA – recommended ergonomics checklist.
Results: The fish processing workers were found to complain about respiratory symptoms. Continuous exposure to the fish processing environment leads to a significant reduction in peak expiratory flow rates and lung volumes respectively. The study indicated that female fish processing workers have respiratory and pulmonary problems which might be due to prolonged exposure to the low ambient temperature, cold air loaded with bioaerosols and allergens, and direct contact with chlorinated cold water in their respective work environment.
Conclusion: The fish processing workers were found to complain about respiratory discomfort in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to cold fish processing environments may lead to acute and chronic respiratory disorders
Prevalence and associated factors of chronic venous insufficiency among seafood processing workers in Hai Phong, Vietnam
Get PDFIntroduction: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that the function of venous system is impaired due to insufficiency of venous valves. The prolonged periods of standing or sitting is considered the most crucial risk factor of CVI. This study aims to determine the prevalence and associated factors of CVI among seafood processing workers.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through clinical examination and face-to-face interviews with 1160 seafood processing workers in Hai Phong from March to November in 2023 to assess the prevalence and associated factors to CVI.
Results: The prevalence of CVI was 51.9%; the prevalent symptom was restless legs (54.0%); nocturnal cramps (49.3%); tight feeling in calves (43.2%); pins and needles (36.4%); edema lower legs (28.6%). Of all participants 4.1% were C0, 82.9% were C1, 11.0% were C2 and 2.0% were C3. Some factors associated with CVI: female (OR = 2.51, p=0.002); advanced age; prolonged periods of standing or sitting (OR = 2.08, p=0.001); overweight and obesity (OR =1.82, p=0.037); Abdominal obesity (OR =2.11, p=0.025); diabetes (OR = 1.95, p=0.045); hypertension (OR =2.59, p=0.004); gave birth to 2 and 3 children (OR = 1.78 and 2.35, p=0.002); working time over 8 hours per day (OR =3.87, p<0.001).
Conclusion: CVI is a disease with high incidence in seafood processing workers. On average, 1 of 2 workers have varicose veins. To prevent CVI, it is crucial to recommend workers exercise between shifts or breaks, have regular health check-ups to detect signs and symptoms of CVI
Mental Health and Well-being of Healthcare Professionals Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Get PDFIntroduction: The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges to healthcare professionals (HCPs) with increased risk of mental health and well-being globally. However, the psychological impact of the pandemic on the mental health and well-being of HCPs in Canada is not fully understood. This paper critically reviews broadly available literature on the mental health and psychosocial status of HCPs amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.
Methods: A comprehensive online search was conducted using the guidelines outlined by the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination for combining the findings of diverse primary studies within a single review. Online search was conducted through databases such as AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine), Embase, Global Health, Ovid Healthstar, Mental Measurements Yearbook, EBM Reviews - ACP Journal Club, EBM Reviews - Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process, In-Data-Review, and Google Scholar for the period between March 2020 and May 2023. Twenty-two studies met the inclusion criteria and were analyzed systematically using a thematic analysis approach to identify the main themes across studies.
Results: The analysis uncovers three key themes: 1) HCPs face diverse mental health impacts during the pandemic; 2) HCPs are dissatisfied with organizational approaches to COVID-19; and 3) HCPs express concerns about personal well-being and the safety of others during the pandemic.
Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for HCPs to cope effectively with stressors for their own, their patients, and their families\u27 well-being. Therefore, future research should prioritize the ways in which HCPs can maintain their emotional, mental, and psychological well-being
Prevalence of Accidents and Injuries and Related Factors of Fishermen Fishing Offshore in the North of Vietnam
Get PDFIntroduction: Seafaring, particularly offshore fishing, exposes fishermen to various occupational risks leading to diseases and injuries. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of occupational risks, injury accidents, and contributing factors among offshore fishers in North Vietnam, to develop evidence-based recommendations to enhance their safety and well-being.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 420 fishermen with a minimum of two years of experience. Interviews were conducted between 2018 and 2020.
Results: The findings indicated that there is a 41.7% prevalence of accidents and an average injury rate of 280.2 per person per year. Most incidents occurred at night with 104 cases (59.4%), slips and falls 48 cases (27.4%), broken winch lines 40 cases (22.9%), and ship collisions 14 cases (8.0%) being the primary causes. The most common injuries included soft wounds in 92 cases (52.5%) and sprains/dislocations in 14 cases (8.0%). Fishermen with fewer than 10 years of experience exhibited a higher accident risk (odds ratio = 1.54; 95% confidence interval: 1.05-2.72), as did those in the role of a fisherman (odds ratio: 1.68; CI: 0.97-2.94) and those working without labor protection (odds ratio: 3.68; CI: 1.05-12.93).
Conclusion: Lack of labor protection equipment increased the risk by 3.68 times, and fishermen in the friend group had a 2.02 times higher risk of injury. Addressing these risks requires adherence to labor protection regulations and safe working procedures
Assessment of self-perceived risk and risk rating among chemical sprayers in selected tea plantations in South India
Get PDFIntroduction: Chemical sprayers of the tea plantation industry perceive various degrees of risk involved in their daily work. The objective of the study was to assess self-perceived risk and to rate these risks among the pesticide sprayers working in selected tea plantations in South India.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 290 chemical sprayers in six selected tea plantations in South India from September to October 2018 after approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee and permission from the plantations. Data was collected by structured interview schedule with the chemical sprayers and key informant interviews were conducted with their supervisors. The risks perceived by the sprayers were rated and expressed using the Risk Rating Matrix.
Results: The mean age of the participants was 45.6±8.5 years and all of them were males. The most common risks encountered were leech bites (76%), other insect bites (58%) and bruises (46%). Chemical spills, splashes, slips, falls and backaches were considered as minor hazards in risk rating. Animal attacks and falls from trees were assigned the highest risk rating scores.
Conclusion: Insect bite was the most common risk perceived and animal attacks attained the highest risk score. Regular supervision and monitoring of work-related risk factors can help in the reduction of common injuries thereby ensuring safety at the workplace
Aviation Podiatry - What place does podiatry have in aerospace medicine?
Get PDFIntroduction: With there being 12 commercial airlines within the U.K and over 4 billion passengers travelling by aircraft every year, it is of no surprise that thousands of men and women are employed as cabin crew. Physical demands imposed upon cabin crew have long been recognized and known to place this particular population at an increased risk of experiencing a work-related injury. Whilst previous research would also suggest that there is a relationship between footwear and the occurrence of musculoskeletal (MSK) lower limb symptoms, there is a need to consider such a relationship specifically among an aviation cabin crew population.
Methods: Quantitative data was obtained from a sample of 250 junior crew at a leading airline in the Middle East over 12 months. The sample involved both female and male crew of a healthy BMI who were aged between 22-30 years. All participants were asked closed questions with regard to their lower limb health and footwear. Dynamic gait scans utilizing a Podotech scanner were also used to assess the participant\u27s gait and validate other data.
Results: The screening found that 34% of the crew were found to have an MSK podiatric issue with 30% requiring orthoses. Of the 34%, 30% of this group had footwear issues. Common biomechanical issues were identified in the sample group. A holistic approach to care that included the provision of aviation podiatry allowed longer-term treatment outcomes to be achieved. The use of orthotics that were made from EVA and in accordance with recent podiatric research proved beneficial in helping to address underlying biomechanical issues.
Conclusion: The findings presented a more detailed analysis of lower limb biomechanical issues among cabin crew and how such issues could have wider implications for the occupational role of the sample group. Consideration to podiatric issues among aviation staff, as a whole, should not be overlooked. Given the incidence of lower limb issues among the sample group, future rehabilitation and prevention strategies would clearly benefit from the specialist insights of an aviation podiatrist contributing as part of a multi-disciplinary aeromedical team
Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Ailments and Associated Factors among Shoemakers in Kolkata, West Bengal
Get PDFIntroduction: Foot covering was one of the first things made by our primitive ancestors. Shoes have played an important role in human culture throughout history. Shoemakers and their health have attracted less attention than the shoes themselves. Musculo-skeletal problems were explored in this study to find out the prevalence and associated factors among the workers of the shoe making community in Kolkata, West Bengal.
Methods: The study was done where shoemakers of the study area were considered and basic information on socio-economic status, demographic characteristics, pattern of musculo-skeletal morbidities. Community based cross-sectional study design was adopted and data collection was done through observation, interview and clinical examination.
Results: This study found high prevalence (45.6%) of musculo-skeletal ailments among the shoe making workers and among all the ailments considered, most of them were suffering from ‘pain in limb joints’ (34.3%) followed by ‘low back pain’ (32.9%) and ‘neck pain’ (31.5%). Chi-square for linear trend analysis showed increasing odds ratio from 1 to 11.16 when the total duration of work for the shoemakers increased from less than 5 years to more than 21 years which was also statistically significant (χ2 = 21.82; p < 0.01). Similar trend was observed where odd ratio increased from 1 to 2.95 when daily working hours increased from less than 9 hours to more than 12 hours. (χ2 = 2.95; p < 0.09).
Conclusion: Our study concluded high prevalence of musculo-skeletal ailments among shoe making workers and those are in increasing in linear trend analysis