Authors:Md. Ripul Kabir, Mst. Taslima Khatun Toru, Golam Faruk Faruk Pages: 1 - 11 Abstract: This study aimed to find the factors affecting the fruit vendor’s safety measures and sanitation facilities during COVID-19 in Bangladesh. A quantitative research design was used to conduct this study. Random sampling techniques were executed to collect data from 416 fruit vendors through a field survey. The study reveals that 87% of the fruit vendors took safety measures during COVID-19. Most of them had better sanitation facilities at home compared to their workplaces. Their safety measures and sanitation facilities were associated with socioeconomic backgrounds. Age, type of house, place of business, and receiving financial support influenced fruit vendors’ safety measures. Sanitation facilities at home were affected by their sex, schooling, types of houses, and working hours. Types of houses, family income, and business duration impacted the workplace's sanitation facilities. Their socio-demographic and economic situations affected fruit vendors' safety measures and sanitation facilities during COVID-19. Fear of death and government market mechanisms also might have played a significant role in measuring the different steps against Coronavirus infection. Health and hygiene rules prescribed by the authorities should be followed strictly to avoid dire situations during the pandemic. Both government and non-government initiatives should be given the utmost priority to create sanitation awareness, whether about personal cleanliness or workplace hygiene and paired with financial support. Keywords:Articles
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Occupational accidents in Malta and the role of the occupational health and safety authority: A twenty-year analysis
Authors:Luke Anthony Fiorini, Liberato Camilleri, Mark Gauci Pages: 12 - 30 Abstract: The Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) was established in Malta in 2002. Since then, trends indicate that non-fatal accidents have decreased in Malta, while changes in fatal accidents are less clear. Since these trends have not been statistically investigated before, this study aims to do so. The study also aims to analyse the link between specific OHSA deterrent measures and changes in non-fatal accidents. A database compiled by the OHSA on the frequency of accident statistics in Malta and OHSA deterrent measures between 2002 and 2022 was analysed. The study demonstrated that the incidence of fatal and non-fatal accidents decreased significantly during the analysed period. The incidence of non-fatal accidents was more common in the transport and storage sector, the construction sector and the manufacturing sector. Fatal accidents were most frequent within the construction sector. Fatal accidents were common among the self-employed and foreign workers. Deterrents, especially those related to inspections and fines, were significantly associated with a decrease in fatal and non-fatal accidents. The study underscores those accidents have declined significantly since the establishment of the OHSA and demonstrates the benefits of specific deterrent measures. Continued focus is required on specific areas, including the construction sector, self-employed workers and foreign workers. Keywords:Articles
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Evaluation of work-related health and safety risks associated with hairdressers in Nairobi County, Kenya City
Authors:Winnie Koskei, Peterson Warutere, Bernard Awuonda Pages: 31 - 40 Abstract: Hairdressers are exposed to awkward posture, prolonged standing, long working hours and chemical hazards capable of causing adverse health effects. The present study aimed to evaluate hairdressers' safety and health risks. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional and analytical design. Systematic random sampling was used to select salons and hairdressers. Closed and open-ended questionnaires were distributed to 286 hairdressers who consented to participate in the study. An observation checklist, WISHA caution checklist, thermometer, light meter and noise level meter were used to collect data in the sampled salon. Data were analyzed descriptively and with regression analysis. It was found that the average space for salons was 8.79 m2, and 68.5% of hairdressers work for long hours (11-12 hours). It was established that 5.48% of salons have an adequate amount of light and that 8.22% of salons have high temperatures. Aprons were the most used personal protective equipment by hairdressers. Manual handling of salon equipment and awkward posture cause musculoskeletal disorders among hairdressers. Their odd ratios impacting the health and safety of hairdressers were 2.706 and 2.728, respectively. The study reveals that hairdressing salon designs, space, lighting, and temperatures affect the health and safety of hairdressers. The hours off work and minimal or no breaks also have negative impacts on the health and safety of hairdressers Keywords:Articles
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Occupational health problems among waste collectors in a metropolitan city: a cross-sectional study
Authors:Maheshor Kaphle, Sandhya Shai, Anjana Thapa, Rajesh Karki Pages: 41 - 52 Abstract: Waste collectors are often exposed to various occupational problems. This study aims to assess occupational health problems of waste collectors and personal protective equipment use in Kathmandu Metropolitan City. A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 among 158 household waste collectors. Data was collected using a self-constructed questionnaire through face-to-face interviews from April to September 2022. Twelve wards were randomly chosen among all thirty-two wards, and all workers from the selected wards were included in the study. Data entry was done in Epi-data, and analysis was in the SPSS version 25. The chi-square test measured the association between demographic and occupational diseases. Occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal disorders (65.2%), physical injuries (61%), gastrointestinal tract infections (18.4%), and skin allergies (32.9%) were reported. Almost all workers used masks and gloves. Sociodemographic factors such as age and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) showed significant association (p-value=0.001). Additionally, variables like sex showed a significant association with occupational health problems, such as disease faced by waste collectors (P-value of 0.049). Similarly, other variables like educational status and using separate clothing at work (p-value 0.004), changing clothes daily (p-value, <0.01), work experience and bathing daily after work (p=0.01), and changing clothes (p=0.003) also showed a significant association. Our study showed that almost all workers experienced occupational diseases. These findings highlighted the need to emphasize occupational health within municipal solid waste management to develop a safer and healthier work environment for waste collectors. Keywords:Articles
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Assessing the validity of a novel core temperature monitoring tool at rest and during strenuous physical activity
Authors:Frances Neal, Nicholas Bordonie, Matthew Miller; PhD, Philip Agostinelli, JoEllen Sefton, PhD Pages: 53 - 62 Abstract: Core temperature information is important for guiding prevention and treatment measures. Developing new physiological monitoring tools that provide reliable core temperature information is critical for heat injury prevention. The ThriveHRI sensor system is being developed as an efficient core monitoring tool in a smartwatch platform. The current study compared the ThriveHRI sensor/smartwatch to an Equivital LifeMonitor and a rectal thermistor. This study aimed to determine if the ThriveHRI sensor system provides an accurate and precise estimate of core temperature at rest and during physical activity, representing strenuous occupational tasks at elevated temperatures in healthy adults. Twenty-five healthy, physically active adults (N = 14 males; N = 11 females) between the ages of 19–45 years volunteered. Participants completed multiple rounds of deadlifting and treadmill walking in an environmental chamber set to 43.3°C and 50% relative humidity. Participants alternated between performing deadlifts and walking on the treadmill for 35 minutes. Core temperature was monitored continuously via a Datatherm rectal thermometer, Equivital Eq02+LifeMonitor, and a ThriveHRI heat watch. A significant difference in bias between devices was found for easy walking (t(21) = 5.55, p < 0.001, g = 1.01), deadlift (t(19) = 3.60, p = 0.002, g = 0.73), and treadmill (t(16) = 2.42, p = 0.028, g = 0.60). A significant difference in precision between devices was found for easy walking (t(21) = 4.23, p < 0.001, g = 1.21), but no significant difference in precision between devices was found for deadlift or treadmill (ps ≥ 0.067). This study demonstrates the agreeability between the Equivital EQ02+ LifeMonitor, ThriveHRI sensor, and the rectal thermometer remains consistent as core temperature increases and exposure to a heated environment is sustained. Keywords:Articles
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