Effectiveness of a school-based fire preparedness program on the knowledge and skills for fire response among primary school students

Introduction: In the border region of Thailand, the absence of a standardized school preparedness program exposes schools to the risk of fires, which can result in injuries, fatalities, and property damage. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a fire preparedness program for primary schools in Chiang Rai province\u27s border area, serving students from various ethnic backgrounds. Methods: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to assess the influence of a fire preparedness program on the knowledge and skills of fire response in primary school students. The study was conducted between July and October 2022, involving a total of 420 primary school students. Results: This program significantly increased students’ knowledge of fire composition (p<0.001), types of fire (p<0.001), fire response (p=0.049 and <0.001), and the basic inspection of a fire extinguisher (p<0.001). The fire preparedness program can enhance the fire prevention knowledge scores of students across all grade levels (p<0.001). Furthermore, the program has enhanced students\u27 fire response and evacuation skills, elevating their scores from 1.22±0.43 to 3.83±0.51 (p<0.001). Conclusion: These findings emphasize the vital role of fire preparedness programs in enhancing fire safety knowledge and equipping students with essential fire response skills. Such programs are important in preparing students from diverse ethnic backgrounds to effectively respond to fire emergencies

Heath impact of xylene exposure on laboratory workers at a selected healthcare facility in Oman

Introduction: Xylene is a commonly used chemical in medical laboratories for various purposes such as treating tissues, dyeing and covering sliding. However, exposure to xylene can pose potetial health risks for laboratory staff and healthcare professionals. In order to mitigate these risks, a research project has been proposed to investigate the impact of xylene on histology staff in healthcare facilities in Muscat. The study aims to provide alternative preventive measures and safety procedures to ensure laboratory technicians\u27 health and safety. Its primary objective is to assess the potential health impacts of xylene exposure on laboratory and healthcare staff in Oman. Methods: A close-ended and open-ended questionnaire was designed to collect data from 115 histhopatholgy workers achieving a 100% response rate. The data was analyzed in Excel. Results: Findings show that exposure to xylene mostly affects the eyes and nose. 21% of participants reported experiencing muscular problems like weakened muscles, loss of coordination, and impaired grip strength. The results also revealed that the third health issue was related to the skin, as 16% of the respondents experienced some form of skin problem due to exposure to xylene, such as skin irritation, itching, peeling, or burns. Conclusion: Based on the study findings, it is evident that xylene has various negative health effects. Alternative substances instead of xylene, such as d-limonene-based products, olive oil, pine oil, and rose oil, are recommended. These alternatives are environmentally friendly and cost effective, although they may not be as effective as xylene. Therefore, it is essential to implement effective measures that prioritize the well-being of histology staff while working with xylene

Occupational safety awareness, practice, and their correlation among employees of food and beverage industries of Telangana, India

Introduction: In all manufacturing sectors, it is very important to ensure workers are informed of potential safety risks because of the implications for public safety, employee welfare, and organizations. This research aims to examine safety hazard awareness in the food and beverage industry (FBI) in Telangana, India, and to investigate the relationship between safety awareness and workplace safety practices. Methods: The study utilized a cross-sectional survey design with data collected from June to August 2023. A random sampling technique was employed, selecting 110 employees from Telangana, India\u27s food and beverage industry. The collected statistical data was analyzed using key statistical indicators, including the Spearman rank correlation coefficient, the Kruskal-Walli’s test, and the Mann–Whitney U test for p-value determination. These analyses were conducted using SPSS. Results: With 90% male participants in the survey and 48.18% from the production department, a significant association between safety awareness and age group and level of education was found with p-values of 0.013 & 0.032 respectively. Similarly, there was a significant association between safety practice, age group, experience level, and job position with p-values of 0.006, 0.0049 & 0.011, respectively. A positive correlation coefficient value of 0.53 represented a noteworthy positive correlation between safety awareness and practice. Conclusion: The findings show that workers have a significant level of awareness regarding safety in the workplace. In addition to that, a noteworthy positive correlation was discovered between safety awareness and safety practices inside the selected food and manufacturing companies of Telangana. Subsequent investigations and studies on safety awareness and hazards will enhance the safety climate and culture across the manufacturing industry

Prevention of hearing loss among marble industrial worker: Outcome of educational intervention on awareness

Introduction: There is a high prevalence of hearing loss among marble and stone industry workers. Noise is the most pernicious industrial contaminant that affects every industry and results in significant hearing loss throughout the world. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of self instructional module on knowledge regarding prevention of hearing loss among marble industrial worker in selected marble industries. Methods: A total of 120 marble industrial workers were selected by using a purposive sampling technique under a pre-experimental research design (one group pre-test and post-test). The research setting was selected marble industries at Udaipur Rajasthan. The instrument used for the study was a knowledge questionnaire. Results:  The study revealed that the mean post-test knowledge score (23.59) was greater than the mean pre-test score (7.26). In addition, the mean difference between pre-test and post test score was 16.33. The paired t-test knowledge score is 36.24 is significant at a 0.05% level. This indicates that the educational intervention was effective in increasing the knowledge level regarding prevention of hearing loss among marble industry worker. Conclusion: There was an improvement in knowledge after educational intervention. Knowledge level was not associated with the demographic variables of the participants. The study suggests that periodical educational intervention is much needed for prevention of hearing loss among marble industry workers

Psychological morbidity and its risk factors among migrant construction workers in Chengalpattu district – A cross-sectional study

Introduction: Migrant construction workers, who form an essential workforce in the construction industry, face distinctive challenges such as job-related stress, workplace safety issues, financial instability, and difficulties arising from communication and cultural differences. Addressing psychological morbidity in this population is crucial not only to improve their quality of life. Hence, this study was conducted to assess the psychological factors such as anxiety, depression, and stress among migrant construction workers, as well as to evaluate the influence of social factors such as isolation, housing conditions, and cultural adaptation. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out among 350 migrant construction workers in the Chengalpattu district. A total of 4 construction sites were randomly chosen by lottery method and stratified random sampling was done in each construction site to obtain the required sample size. The Data was collected using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire and validated Depression, Anxiety, and Stress (DASS-21) Scale for assessing depression, anxiety, stress, and relevant data. Informed consent was obtained, and data were entered in MS Excel and analyzed by SPSS version 22. Results: Among the study participants, the prevalence of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress was found to be 44%, 32% and 38.6% respectively. Factors such as male gender, age ≤ 29 years, sleeping less than 6 hours per day, working more than 8 hours per day, lack of adequate housing facilities, and limited access to healthcare services were essential predictors for depression and stress. Working more than 8 hours per day was a necessary predictor of anxiety. Conclusion: Migrant construction workers are more prone for stress and other psychological health problems. Routine screening of both physical and mental health for workers should be carried out to ensure their well-being. Additionally, policies that address discrimination, improve living conditions, and enhance access to social services can contribute to a more equitable and fulfilling experience for migrant construction workers

Causes of workplace violence and preventive strategies in a tertiary care hospital in North India

Introduction: Workplace violence is a significant global issue, particularly in high-risk environments such as emergency departments (EDs), impacting the quality of care provision and mental health status of the healthcare professionals. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of workplace violence and its impact on employees working in emergency departments. Methods: 389 participants were enrolled consecutively after obtaining informed consent. A \u27Workplace Violence in Healthcare Setting’ questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of workplace violence. The Trauma Screening Questionnaire (TSQ) was used to evaluate an individual’s responses to traumatic events.  Results: About half (46%) of participants were between 30-39 years old. Maximum (53.4) were nursing officers, 17% were sanitary attendants, 12% were hospital attendants, 8.70% were doctors, 7.7% and 1.02% were security guards and lab technicians respectively. The majority of the participants (92.5%) faced verbal violence, and 25.71% encountered physical violence. Reporting to the seniors was often avoided due to perceived inaction, time concerns, and fear of career repercussions. Participants recommended providing education to the public, and improvements in healthcare facilities and infrastructure. The majority of the participants felt unrealistic expectations of the patients, inappropriate knowledge about disease conditions, lack of resources, overcrowding, and long waiting times as the responsible factors for workplace violence. Conclusion: Workplace violence in hospitals is linked to overcrowding, long waiting times, inadequate knowledge, and a lack of redressal systems. It may hamper care quality and staff morale. Preventive strategies include better resource management, communication skills, public education, infrastructure improvements, self-defense training, legislative measures, and effective complaint systems

Addressing the Challenges in Medical Training for Occupational Health in India\u27s Rapidly Industrializing Landscape

India\u27s rapid industrialization demands an equally robust occupational health framework, yet medical training in this field remains inadequate. With over 250 million industrial units, worker health is crucial for productivity and economic growth. Despite legislative efforts like the Factories Act and ESI Act, challenges persist, including limited practical training, lack of faculty expertise, and the complexities of adult learning. ESIC Medical College, Faridabad, has pioneered hands-on AFIH training to bridge these gaps. Key recommendations include integrating occupational health into MBBS, faculty CME programs, interdisciplinary collaboration, ethical considerations, and mental health sensitization. Strengthening medical education is vital for safeguarding India\u27s workforce

Enhancing safety climate through occupational safety and health practices mediating by management commitment in the hospital setting

Introduction: Hospitals encounter problems sustaining a favorable safety climate due to their inherent complexity and ongoing needs. This study examines the relationship between occupational safety and health (OSH) practices and safety climates mediated by management commitment in hospitals. Methods: Data was acquired from 400 healthcare professionals in hospitals in Kathmandu using a structured survey utilizing a cross-sectional quantitative approach. A stratified random sampling technique was employed to ensure representation across different healthcare professional roles in the hospital. The data was collected from February 15, 2023, to April 15, 2023. The complex relationships between OSH practices, management commitment, and safety climate were evaluated by Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results: The result findings reveal that the safety climate is significantly influenced by OSH practices, as evidenced by a standardized regression weight of 0.75. This result suggests that better OSH practices result in enhanced safety perceptions. Although management commitment also serves as a critical mediating factor, its effect size is lower, indicating that it remains a critical factor despite its less pronounced impact than direct OSH interventions. The safety climate is primarily driven by OSH practices, as confirmed by the validated framework, and their effectiveness is further enhanced by management commitment. The study\u27s uniqueness was that it inspected the mediating role management commitment plays in the relationship between OSH practices and safety climate. Conclusion: Hospitals should enhance OSH practices and promote management commitment to improving the safety climate. Future studies should examine additional mediators, use longitudinal studies, and analyze several healthcare settings to further investigate safety climate dynamics. 

Stress, anxiety and uncertainty in EMS provider during COVID-19 - an exploratory study

Introduction: EMS providers played a crucial role in the frontline response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Facing challenges and despite their critical role, EMS providers are not given the attention they deserve in research and practical applications. This study examined the early psychological impact of the pandemic on EMS providers. The study assessed the psychological impact of COVID-19 on EMS providers, exploring relationships between workplace stressors, COVID-specific variables, and psychological distress. Findings inform strategies for supporting EMS providers\u27 mental health. Methods: Data collection, during the early pandemic, involved online recruitment and surveys that included psychological scales, demographics, and COVID-specific variables. Findings: 34 EMS providers from the New York Metro area, mostly working full-time in private agencies, noted significant impacts of COVID-19 on both providers and their workspaces. Although perceived risk and inadequacy of personal protective equipment were noted, the primary COVID-specific variable affecting psychological outcomes was moderate. Psychological measures showed low to moderate distress, mild anxiety (higher in women), and low to moderate perceived stress. Stress correlated with work-related stressors and lower workplace satisfaction. Moderate uncertainty is linked to specific work challenges, while low PTSD scores are associated with poor work culture satisfaction, lack of flexibility, and negative work attitudes. Conclusion: This study challenges assumptions of high stress, anxiety, and PTSD in EMS providers during the early COVID-19 response. Workplace variables, not COVID-specific factors, are more linked to negative psychological symptoms. Recognizing and addressing EMS providers\u27 mental health needs during high-stress events is crucial, emphasizing the role of general workspace issues

Musculoskeletal Pain of Gastrointestinal Endoscopists

Introduction: Prolonged and repetitive musculoskeletal injuries are common among gastroenterologists who are overwhelmed with complex endoscopic procedures. Data is sparse regarding procedure-related musculoskeletal pain among endoscopists in Bangladesh. The objective of the study was to find out the frequency, sites, severity and factors related to musculoskeletal pain of practicing GI endoscopists in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted using Google Forms (a pre-designed structured questionnaire) among 91 Gastrointestinal Endoscopists of different gastroenterology centers of Bangladesh from 1st October 2021 to 30th June 2022. Data were collected using the total population sampling technique. Results: The average weekly duration of doing endoscopic procedures was 8.1 ± 7.7 hours (median 5 hours).  More than half (52.7%) of the endoscopists had musculoskeletal pain. The most painful site was the low back. On average, the severity of pain on a numerical rating scale is 3. 92 ± 1.74 out of 10. Musculoskeletal pain was significantly more common among endoscopists with more average weekly procedures (p = 0.029). Conclusion: Musculoskeletal pain is frequent among endoscopists in Bangladesh. Reducing the number of procedures may help to some extent in this regard