Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44912
Ezekiel James, FO Sanni, Abiodun Paul Olaiya
Introduction: Nigeria’s health system is characterized by gross underfunding, poor stakeholder coordination, and inadequate numbers and skills of health care workers. Thus, the study assessed the factors affecting the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Minna, Niger State, as well as the willingness of civil/public servants to enroll in the scheme. Methods: The study employed a descriptive research design that is also comparative. Data were collected using questionnaires and presented and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0 for Windows with the help of tables and graphs. The respondents were drawn from 10 ministries in Minna using a multi-stage sampling method. Results: A higher percentage of respondents (85.2%) said the scheme would be able to solve the problem of funding for health care delivery. However, more than half of the respondents, 56.1%, were either unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with their salaries. Nevertheless, 82.4% expressed good health status. All the respondents (100.0%) pay for their families’ healthcare services without receiving any financial support from any other person. Out of 127 that responded to the question asking about the effects of medical bills on their monthly expenditure. Yet, the majority, 265 (81.8%), were willing to part with a percentage of their salaries to contribute to NHIS. Conclusion: The State Government should see the willingness of the civil servants to participate in the scheme as an opportunity to commence the implementation of the scheme without further delay to enable civil servants to participate and enjoy the benefits that the scheme offers.
{"title":"Implementation of National Health Insurance Scheme for Civil/Public Servants in Nigeria","authors":"Ezekiel James, FO Sanni, Abiodun Paul Olaiya","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44912","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44912","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Nigeria’s health system is characterized by gross underfunding, poor stakeholder coordination, and inadequate numbers and skills of health care workers. Thus, the study assessed the factors affecting the implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in Minna, Niger State, as well as the willingness of civil/public servants to enroll in the scheme. \u0000Methods: The study employed a descriptive research design that is also comparative. Data were collected using questionnaires and presented and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 25.0 for Windows with the help of tables and graphs. The respondents were drawn from 10 ministries in Minna using a multi-stage sampling method. \u0000Results: A higher percentage of respondents (85.2%) said the scheme would be able to solve the problem of funding for health care delivery. However, more than half of the respondents, 56.1%, were either unsatisfied or very unsatisfied with their salaries. Nevertheless, 82.4% expressed good health status. All the respondents (100.0%) pay for their families’ healthcare services without receiving any financial support from any other person. Out of 127 that responded to the question asking about the effects of medical bills on their monthly expenditure. Yet, the majority, 265 (81.8%), were willing to part with a percentage of their salaries to contribute to NHIS. \u0000Conclusion: The State Government should see the willingness of the civil servants to participate in the scheme as an opportunity to commence the implementation of the scheme without further delay to enable civil servants to participate and enjoy the benefits that the scheme offers.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"63 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141699008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52660
Mazni Saad, Muhammad Sabri bin Sahrir, Norhidayah Abdullah, Mohammad Halim Jeinie, Muhammad Khalid Mokhtar
Introduction: An effective response to a safe and healthy work environment relies on advanced preparedness such as occupational safety training. The main objectives of this study are to describe and classify the most critical challenges and identify knowledge gaps in the literature that could inform future research. Methods: A systematic mapping review gathers information from six search engines; Francis and Taylor, Scopus, Science Direct, Emerald Insight, and SpringerLink, which yielded journal publications between 1948 and 2022. The data were analyzed using meta-analysis from 135,310 article search results, whereby 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in terms of aim, study design, and reporting detail. Results: The results showed that Canada and the United States are countries that study safety training in the tourism or hospitality industry, mainly in food management and food safety. The results also show that studies on occupational safety training in commercial kitchens are not common in the existing literature. The findings revealed that the highest number of articles involving safety training focused on food safety and food management in the tourism industry but less on kitchen workers' safety. Conclusions: This mapping review demonstrates hospitality workers' struggles, especially commercial kitchen workers. This review presents the types of technologies used for occupational safety training and provides an overview of different strategies that address the challenges. Among the most significant obstacles in occupational safety and health training are a lack of knowledge, high financial costs for implementation, and outdated policies from authorities.
{"title":"A mapping review of challenges in existing technology-based occupational safety training in the tourism and hospitality industry: Research potential in commercial kitchens","authors":"Mazni Saad, Muhammad Sabri bin Sahrir, Norhidayah Abdullah, Mohammad Halim Jeinie, Muhammad Khalid Mokhtar","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52660","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52660","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: An effective response to a safe and healthy work environment relies on advanced preparedness such as occupational safety training. The main objectives of this study are to describe and classify the most critical challenges and identify knowledge gaps in the literature that could inform future research.\u0000Methods: A systematic mapping review gathers information from six search engines; Francis and Taylor, Scopus, Science Direct, Emerald Insight, and SpringerLink, which yielded journal publications between 1948 and 2022. The data were analyzed using meta-analysis from 135,310 article search results, whereby 20 articles met the inclusion criteria. The studies varied in terms of aim, study design, and reporting detail.\u0000Results: The results showed that Canada and the United States are countries that study safety training in the tourism or hospitality industry, mainly in food management and food safety. The results also show that studies on occupational safety training in commercial kitchens are not common in the existing literature. The findings revealed that the highest number of articles involving safety training focused on food safety and food management in the tourism industry but less on kitchen workers' safety.\u0000Conclusions: This mapping review demonstrates hospitality workers' struggles, especially commercial kitchen workers. This review presents the types of technologies used for occupational safety training and provides an overview of different strategies that address the challenges. Among the most significant obstacles in occupational safety and health training are a lack of knowledge, high financial costs for implementation, and outdated policies from authorities.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"6 11‐12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141715682","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.60757
Muthuchamy Vigneshsamy, Devanbu Vinoth G Chellaiyan, Sadhasivam Sasithra, Sridharan Vijayalakshmi, Arumugam Sanjutha, Radha Krishnan Arun Kumar, Ramesh Harishma, E. D. T. Jeyapaul Rajan
Introduction: In the present century, women seem to flood into every industry/department on par with men with their knowledge and skill. The working woman’s job title, demands, and challenges she faces often result in incompatibilities between the necessities felt at the workplace and home leading to conflicts and loss of work-life balance (WLB). Eventually, a work-life balance is said to exist if the workplace and non-work domains have a proper compatibility. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study has been conducted among married female healthcare workers in the tertiary care hospital during the period November 2022 to April 2023. The healthcare workers included were Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacy staff, and lab technicians. A sample size 318 was derived and samples were drawn by stratified random sampling method. The chi-square test was employed to find an association in IBM SPSS v21. Results: Only 28.3% of the healthcare workers had adequate work-life balance and the majority (66 %) cited family factors as the key factor influencing their work-life balance. Statistically significant association (p<0.05) has been established for characteristics like occupation, marital status, type of family, presence of children, type of duty, place of work and travel time. Conclusion: A series of focus group discussions can be conducted as it serves as a forum for sharing ideas, concerns and information on work-life balance. Institutions can support their staff by developing flexible working schedules and also by ensuring that workplace demands are not penetrating their personal life.
{"title":"Assessment of work-life balance among married female healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital of Chengalpattu district, Tamil Nadu: A cross-sectional study","authors":"Muthuchamy Vigneshsamy, Devanbu Vinoth G Chellaiyan, Sadhasivam Sasithra, Sridharan Vijayalakshmi, Arumugam Sanjutha, Radha Krishnan Arun Kumar, Ramesh Harishma, E. D. T. Jeyapaul Rajan","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.60757","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.60757","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: In the present century, women seem to flood into every industry/department on par with men with their knowledge and skill. The working woman’s job title, demands, and challenges she faces often result in incompatibilities between the necessities felt at the workplace and home leading to conflicts and loss of work-life balance (WLB). Eventually, a work-life balance is said to exist if the workplace and non-work domains have a proper compatibility.\u0000Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study has been conducted among married female healthcare workers in the tertiary care hospital during the period November 2022 to April 2023. The healthcare workers included were Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacy staff, and lab technicians. A sample size 318 was derived and samples were drawn by stratified random sampling method. The chi-square test was employed to find an association in IBM SPSS v21.\u0000Results: Only 28.3% of the healthcare workers had adequate work-life balance and the majority (66 %) cited family factors as the key factor influencing their work-life balance. Statistically significant association (p<0.05) has been established for characteristics like occupation, marital status, type of family, presence of children, type of duty, place of work and travel time.\u0000Conclusion: A series of focus group discussions can be conducted as it serves as a forum for sharing ideas, concerns and information on work-life balance. Institutions can support their staff by developing flexible working schedules and also by ensuring that workplace demands are not penetrating their personal life.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"23 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141703837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.54624
Haris Setyawan
Introduction: The textile industry is one industry in the world with a high risk in its production process. The operation of weaving machines generates high levels of noise, which can cause various adverse effects on workers' health, especially work-related stress. IT Co. Ltd., one of the largest textile companies in Solo, Central Java, since 1975, has not been able to overcome the problem of the high noise intensity, especially in the weaving production room. Methods: This study aims to determine the effect of reducing noise exposure on work-related stress by installing sound-absorbing materials from coconut fiber waste. The study was carried out in 2 phases. The first phase measured noise intensity and work stress before the intervention. The second phase was carried out for 12 measurements daily after installing sound-absorbing material from coconut fiber waste. Results: Installing sound-absorbing material from the coconut fiber waste on the second to the thirteenth day positively reduced the average noise intensity and work-related stress score compared to the first day before the intervention. Conclusion: The study showed a significant difference in the average noise intensity and work-related stress before and after installing the sound-absorbing materials on 13 days of measurement.
{"title":"The effect of noise reduction on work-related stress: a quasi-experimental study on weaving workers exposed to high levels of noise","authors":"Haris Setyawan","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.54624","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.54624","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: The textile industry is one industry in the world with a high risk in its production process. The operation of weaving machines generates high levels of noise, which can cause various adverse effects on workers' health, especially work-related stress. IT Co. Ltd., one of the largest textile companies in Solo, Central Java, since 1975, has not been able to overcome the problem of the high noise intensity, especially in the weaving production room. \u0000Methods: This study aims to determine the effect of reducing noise exposure on work-related stress by installing sound-absorbing materials from coconut fiber waste. The study was carried out in 2 phases. The first phase measured noise intensity and work stress before the intervention. The second phase was carried out for 12 measurements daily after installing sound-absorbing material from coconut fiber waste. \u0000Results: Installing sound-absorbing material from the coconut fiber waste on the second to the thirteenth day positively reduced the average noise intensity and work-related stress score compared to the first day before the intervention. \u0000Conclusion: The study showed a significant difference in the average noise intensity and work-related stress before and after installing the sound-absorbing materials on 13 days of measurement.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"22 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141706475","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Suboptimal work design of maintenance tasks in railway industries often leads to adverse health effects for workers. This study aimed to determine the ergonomic risk levels and assess the extent of musculoskeletal symptoms associated with train maintenance tasks in the Indonesian railway industry. Methods: The study involved 34 workers responsible for the daily handling of locomotive components within a railway maintenance workshop in Indonesia. A musculoskeletal symptom survey was conducted using the Indonesian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to determine the prevalence and severity of such adverse health effects. Ergonomics assessments were conducted using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to evaluate the risk level and contributing risk factors associated with the investigated maintained tasks. Results: Participants predominantly experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back (100%), followed by shoulders (91%), and knees (88%), while the highest severity was also observed in these regions. The ergonomics assessments revealed that over 50% of the maintenance tasks were categorized as either high or very high risk, with higher REBA section scores noted in the neck, leg, and trunk compared to those of the lower arm, wrist, and upper arm. Conclusion: Workers performing train maintenance tasks experience a high prevalence and moderate severity of musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, most maintenance tasks performed were considered risky. Prompt interventions are necessary to address these findings.
{"title":"Musculoskeletal symptom survey and ergonomic assessments associated with maintenance tasks in the Indonesian railway industry","authors":"Najmuddin Muntashir Abdussalam, Ardiyanto Ardiyanto","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.63073","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.63073","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Suboptimal work design of maintenance tasks in railway industries often leads to adverse health effects for workers. This study aimed to determine the ergonomic risk levels and assess the extent of musculoskeletal symptoms associated with train maintenance tasks in the Indonesian railway industry.\u0000Methods: The study involved 34 workers responsible for the daily handling of locomotive components within a railway maintenance workshop in Indonesia. A musculoskeletal symptom survey was conducted using the Indonesian version of the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire to determine the prevalence and severity of such adverse health effects. Ergonomics assessments were conducted using the Rapid Entire Body Assessment (REBA) to evaluate the risk level and contributing risk factors associated with the investigated maintained tasks.\u0000Results: Participants predominantly experienced musculoskeletal symptoms in the lower back (100%), followed by shoulders (91%), and knees (88%), while the highest severity was also observed in these regions. The ergonomics assessments revealed that over 50% of the maintenance tasks were categorized as either high or very high risk, with higher REBA section scores noted in the neck, leg, and trunk compared to those of the lower arm, wrist, and upper arm.\u0000Conclusion: Workers performing train maintenance tasks experience a high prevalence and moderate severity of musculoskeletal symptoms. Additionally, most maintenance tasks performed were considered risky. Prompt interventions are necessary to address these findings.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"1999 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141707232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44651
Leelavathi T, Roopa Nagarajan
Introduction: Musicians are exposed to music at high intensities and are at risk for developing noise- induced hearing loss (NIHL). Since hearing is so important to their career, they deserve special consideration. To avoid the deleterious effects of loud music, the professionals should be sensitized to the noise exposure and the use of strategies to prevent NIHL. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and attitude towards noise induced hearing disorders, and hearing conservative practices among professional musicians. Method: A KAP questionnaire was administered online to 136 professional musicians belonging to folk/ light music genre in Chennai. The participants were 115 males and 21 females, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years with the mean age of 29 (SD= 11). Results: The findings revealed that musicians were aware of the nature and cause of NIHL, but knowledge of NIHL prevention and treatment was limited to few. They had common misconceptions about the sources of harmful loud sounds, the effects of hearing loss, and hearing conservation strategies. Only a few participants reported to have used Ear Protective Devices (EPDs). Conclusion: Although musicians are aware of the risks of exposure to loud noise, they seldom use hearing protection. It is therefore vital to provide crucial information regarding NIHL and its prevention and promote musicians for better hearing preservation practices.
{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) regarding hearing health and noise-induced hearing loss among folk/light music professionals from Chennai","authors":"Leelavathi T, Roopa Nagarajan","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44651","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.44651","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Musicians are exposed to music at high intensities and are at risk for developing noise- induced hearing loss (NIHL). Since hearing is so important to their career, they deserve special consideration. To avoid the deleterious effects of loud music, the professionals should be sensitized to the noise exposure and the use of strategies to prevent NIHL. The aim of the study is to determine the knowledge and attitude towards noise induced hearing disorders, and hearing conservative practices among professional musicians. \u0000Method: A KAP questionnaire was administered online to 136 professional musicians belonging to folk/ light music genre in Chennai. The participants were 115 males and 21 females, ranging in age from 18 to 75 years with the mean age of 29 (SD= 11). \u0000Results: The findings revealed that musicians were aware of the nature and cause of NIHL, but knowledge of NIHL prevention and treatment was limited to few. They had common misconceptions about the sources of harmful loud sounds, the effects of hearing loss, and hearing conservation strategies. Only a few participants reported to have used Ear Protective Devices (EPDs). \u0000Conclusion: Although musicians are aware of the risks of exposure to loud noise, they seldom use hearing protection. It is therefore vital to provide crucial information regarding NIHL and its prevention and promote musicians for better hearing preservation practices.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"5 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141694338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.50751
M. Gore
Introduction: Work from Home, (WFH) gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the emphasized positives of flexibility, productivity, efficiency, and saving on commute time. However, over a period of time, experiences of stress, anxiety, and depression started to daunt the WFH employees. A study of the impact of WFH on the work performance, mental health (stress and anxiety), and lifestyle of Indian employees is necessary for the generation of evidence that would contribute to WFH policy building. Methods: The study was done online during the COVID-19 pandemic in the months of April-June 2021. A link to the Google form was posted on the author’s social media platforms, Facebook and LinkedIn. The survey researched individual work performance, perceived stress, and anxiety, lifestyle practices, and experiences of WFH. Results: Participants scored high on the dimensions of task performance and contextual performance. (65.3%) were under moderate stress, and (8.9%) were under high stress, and more than fifty percent (55.4%) were experiencing high-state anxiety. The effect of work distraction on perceived stress and state anxiety was found to be significant (p = 0.004). Also, a significant association was observed between feelings of isolation and high-state anxiety (p = 0.005) and between anxiety and stress (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Teaching and training mindfulness to WFH employees would help in coping with the stress and anxiety attached to WFH. Industries have the opportunity to conceptualize innovative and context-specific strategies to support WFH arrangements and employees’ well-being.
{"title":"Loss of work-life balance, experience of stress and anxiety among professionals working from home - An exploratory study in a western Indian city","authors":"M. Gore","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.50751","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.50751","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Work from Home, (WFH) gained prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic because of the emphasized positives of flexibility, productivity, efficiency, and saving on commute time. However, over a period of time, experiences of stress, anxiety, and depression started to daunt the WFH employees. A study of the impact of WFH on the work performance, mental health (stress and anxiety), and lifestyle of Indian employees is necessary for the generation of evidence that would contribute to WFH policy building.\u0000Methods: The study was done online during the COVID-19 pandemic in the months of April-June 2021. A link to the Google form was posted on the author’s social media platforms, Facebook and LinkedIn. The survey researched individual work performance, perceived stress, and anxiety, lifestyle practices, and experiences of WFH.\u0000Results: Participants scored high on the dimensions of task performance and contextual performance. (65.3%) were under moderate stress, and (8.9%) were under high stress, and more than fifty percent (55.4%) were experiencing high-state anxiety. The effect of work distraction on perceived stress and state anxiety was found to be significant (p = 0.004). Also, a significant association was observed between feelings of isolation and high-state anxiety (p = 0.005) and between anxiety and stress (p = 0.000).\u0000Conclusion: Teaching and training mindfulness to WFH employees would help in coping with the stress and anxiety attached to WFH. Industries have the opportunity to conceptualize innovative and context-specific strategies to support WFH arrangements and employees’ well-being.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"20 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141716931","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.53597
Govindaraj Periasamy, Sudheep Sushil Kumar
Introduction: During cycling most of the people suffer from perineal pain due to the pressure acting on the perineal area by the nose of the seat. Also Unsupported sitting on the saddle in a forward bending posture for longer time induce low back pain (LBP) among cyclists. So this paper presents the design of noseless bicycle seat with backrest using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel. Methods: This seat is designed as per the anthropometric dimensions of human body. Various parameters such as Lumbar position, seat tilt angle, seat position, backrest angle, seat height, backrest height, seat and backrest width are considered and the optimal value is determined while designing. The material chosen for the base of seat is UPVC/Silica- Aerogel composite and the cushioning material is chosen as polyurethene foam. The design is executed in 3D modelling software and validated using FEA package. Results: The maximum stresses induced in the newly proposed material UPVC/Silica-Aerogel (4.41MPa) is lesser than its yield strength (59 MPa). The maximum anterior stress of noseless seat is found out to be 24.5 kPa which is lower than that of the saddle with nose (41 kPa). Conclusion: As the anterior stress of noseless seat is lesser, the perineal pressure of cyclists is greatly reduced and this decreases the health problems associated with the perineal pressure. Also the backrest of the seatpan enhances the supporting of back muscles and reduces LBP among cyclists.
{"title":"Ergonomic Design of Noseless Bicycle Saddle using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel","authors":"Govindaraj Periasamy, Sudheep Sushil Kumar","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.53597","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.53597","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: During cycling most of the people suffer from perineal pain due to the pressure acting on the perineal area by the nose of the seat. Also Unsupported sitting on the saddle in a forward bending posture for longer time induce low back pain (LBP) among cyclists. So this paper presents the design of noseless bicycle seat with backrest using UPVC/Silica-Aerogel.\u0000Methods: This seat is designed as per the anthropometric dimensions of human body. Various parameters such as Lumbar position, seat tilt angle, seat position, backrest angle, seat height, backrest height, seat and backrest width are considered and the optimal value is determined while designing. The material chosen for the base of seat is UPVC/Silica- Aerogel composite and the cushioning material is chosen as polyurethene foam. The design is executed in 3D modelling software and validated using FEA package.\u0000Results: The maximum stresses induced in the newly proposed material UPVC/Silica-Aerogel (4.41MPa) is lesser than its yield strength (59 MPa). The maximum anterior stress of noseless seat is found out to be 24.5 kPa which is lower than that of the saddle with nose (41 kPa).\u0000Conclusion: As the anterior stress of noseless seat is lesser, the perineal pressure of cyclists is greatly reduced and this decreases the health problems associated with the perineal pressure. Also the backrest of the seatpan enhances the supporting of back muscles and reduces LBP among cyclists.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"21 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141710766","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the main occupational health problems worldwide. Among different careers, the farming profession is highly prone to MSDs. A variety of factors to prevent MSDs can be named such as preventive behaviors. To determine the factors in health-related behaviors, protection motivation theory (PMT) is widely accepted as a framework. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to determine the MSD preventive factors using PMT in farmers in rural areas of Tuyserkan County. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 285 farmers living in Tuyserkan County in 2021. The farmers were selected through cluster random sampling from 54 health houses affiliated with the health center of the county. In the next stage, the participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data gathering was done online using a questionnaire of the constructs of PMT and a Nordic questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS 24 using linear and binary regression tests. Results: The mean work experience of the farmers was 22.11 years, and the activity in 81.8% of the participants was in standing and sitting positions. In addition, 55.4% of the participants had at least one of the MSD symptoms and the most common symptoms were back pain (67%) and pain in the knee area (35.5%). The majority of farmers did not observe MSD alleviation behaviors. The variables perceived susceptibility, fear, self-efficacy, and behavior had protective effects against MSDs in the farmers; while, monthly income, age, work hours per day, and type of activity had intensifying effects on MSDs. Conclusions: Farming is recognized as a risky job for health and several evidences show a relationship between failure to perform preventive behaviors and the prevalence of MSDs. Given the paucity of studies using health education theories and models to examine the factors in MSDs, the present study employed the PMT framework to examine MSD factors in farmers.
{"title":"Musculoskeletal disorders and related risk factors among Iranian farmers: applying Protection Motivation Theory","authors":"Maryam Afshari, Farough Mohammadian, M. Kangavari, Majid Barati, Behzad Gholamaliee, Shahnaz Maleki, Masomeh Bahrami","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.59390","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.59390","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the main occupational health problems worldwide. Among different careers, the farming profession is highly prone to MSDs. A variety of factors to prevent MSDs can be named such as preventive behaviors. To determine the factors in health-related behaviors, protection motivation theory (PMT) is widely accepted as a framework. Therefore, the present study is an attempt to determine the MSD preventive factors using PMT in farmers in rural areas of Tuyserkan County.\u0000Methods: This was a cross-sectional study among 285 farmers living in Tuyserkan County in 2021. The farmers were selected through cluster random sampling from 54 health houses affiliated with the health center of the county. In the next stage, the participants were selected through simple random sampling. Data gathering was done online using a questionnaire of the constructs of PMT and a Nordic questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed in SPSS 24 using linear and binary regression tests.\u0000Results: The mean work experience of the farmers was 22.11 years, and the activity in 81.8% of the participants was in standing and sitting positions. In addition, 55.4% of the participants had at least one of the MSD symptoms and the most common symptoms were back pain (67%) and pain in the knee area (35.5%). The majority of farmers did not observe MSD alleviation behaviors. The variables perceived susceptibility, fear, self-efficacy, and behavior had protective effects against MSDs in the farmers; while, monthly income, age, work hours per day, and type of activity had intensifying effects on MSDs. \u0000Conclusions: Farming is recognized as a risky job for health and several evidences show a relationship between failure to perform preventive behaviors and the prevalence of MSDs. Given the paucity of studies using health education theories and models to examine the factors in MSDs, the present study employed the PMT framework to examine MSD factors in farmers.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"2004 12","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141707025","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2024-07-01DOI: 10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52897
N. Jibiri, Deborah Selemon, I. Akomolafe
Introduction: Block-making industries owned by private individuals are cited in cities to utilize the existing market opportunity of supplying concrete blocks to developers. The study aimed to measure noise and vibration levels at selected block-molding industries and assess their health implications. Methods: The study design involves twenty-five block molding industries randomly selected in the Ibadan metropolis. These industries voluntarily agreed to participate in the research, and measurements were done between January and May 2022. The noise and vibration levels were measured using a digital multi-function environmental meter, Model DT-8820, and a vibration meter, Model VM-6360, respectively. Results: An overall mean noise level of 101.81 dB(A), 85.62 dB(A), 76.40 dB(A), 70.21 dB(A), 65.91 dB(A), and 63.61 dB(A) at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 m, respectively, away from the source to residential buildings were obtained. Results indicate that the noise level at 0 m and 10 m exceeded the occupational noise level standard. The results obtained for the vibration levels on the hand of the operators ranged from 42.2 ms-2 to 59.7 ms-2 and these exceeded the occupational vibration level standard. This may indicate that the operators of the block-moulding machine may be exposed to various adverse health detriments due to high noise and vibration levels at their workplace. Conclusion: The study recommends using safety gadgets such as hearing protection and anti-vibration gloves for workers in these industries. Moreover, environmental education and awareness should be carried out, and residential structures should be situated at least 20 meters from the block industries.
{"title":"Evaluation and implication of noise and vibration levels to the operators and proxy population around selected block molding industries in Ibadan, Nigeria","authors":"N. Jibiri, Deborah Selemon, I. Akomolafe","doi":"10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52897","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3126/ijosh.v14i3.52897","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction: Block-making industries owned by private individuals are cited in cities to utilize the existing market opportunity of supplying concrete blocks to developers. The study aimed to measure noise and vibration levels at selected block-molding industries and assess their health implications.\u0000Methods: The study design involves twenty-five block molding industries randomly selected in the Ibadan metropolis. These industries voluntarily agreed to participate in the research, and measurements were done between January and May 2022. The noise and vibration levels were measured using a digital multi-function environmental meter, Model DT-8820, and a vibration meter, Model VM-6360, respectively.\u0000Results: An overall mean noise level of 101.81 dB(A), 85.62 dB(A), 76.40 dB(A), 70.21 dB(A), 65.91 dB(A), and 63.61 dB(A) at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 m, respectively, away from the source to residential buildings were obtained. Results indicate that the noise level at 0 m and 10 m exceeded the occupational noise level standard. The results obtained for the vibration levels on the hand of the operators ranged from 42.2 ms-2 to 59.7 ms-2 and these exceeded the occupational vibration level standard. This may indicate that the operators of the block-moulding machine may be exposed to various adverse health detriments due to high noise and vibration levels at their workplace.\u0000Conclusion: The study recommends using safety gadgets such as hearing protection and anti-vibration gloves for workers in these industries. Moreover, environmental education and awareness should be carried out, and residential structures should be situated at least 20 meters from the block industries.","PeriodicalId":34250,"journal":{"name":"International Journal of Occupational Safety and Health","volume":"299 6","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141692296","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
京公网安备 11010802042870号
京ICP备2023020795号-1
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：