Occupational cognitive failure and its relationship with unsafe behaviors and accidents

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between occupational cognitive failures (OCFs) and unsafe behaviors, accidents and driving offences among municipal bus drivers in Tehran, Iran. Methods. Systematic random sampling was used to select 190 drivers from 3 transport and traffic Tehran districts. Data were collected with the occupational cognitive failure questionnaire (OCFQ), the driver behavior questionnaire and a data collection form. Results. The mean (SD) numbers of driving-related offences and road traffic accidents were 1.5 (2.6) and 0.37 (1.0), respectively. The mean (SD) numbers of deliberate driving violations, unintended violations, driving slips and mistakes were 6.97 (5.5), 1.61 (1.5), 13.6 (9.0) and 4.53 (3.28), respectively. The mean (SD) number of the OCFs was 28.9 (20.5). A significant correlation was found between occupational cognitive error and unsafe driving behavior subscales. The stepwise logistic regression results showed that, while controlling the effects of confounding factors, the OCF predicts 6, 9, 15 and 9 of deliberate violations, unintended violations, driving slips and driving mistakes, respectively. Conclusion. The results of this study show that the score of the OCFQ is a predictor of unsafe driving behaviors and its subscales

Factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites: A review

Objective. Construction is a hazardous occupation due to the unique nature of activities involved and the repetitiveness of several field behaviors. The aim of this methodological and theoretical review is to explore the empirical factors influencing unsafe behaviors and accidents on construction sites. Methods. In this work, results and findings from 56 related previous studies were investigated. These studies were categorized based on their design, type, methods of data collection, analytical methods, variables, and key findings. A qualitative content analysis procedure was used to extract variables, themes, and factors. In addition, all studies were reviewed to determine the quality rating and to evaluate the strength of provided evidence. Results. The content analysis identified 8 main categories: (a) society, (b) organization, (c) project management, (d) supervision, (e) contractor, (f) site condition, (g) work group, and (h) individual characteristics. The review highlighted the importance of more distal factors, e.g., society and organization, and project management, that may contribute to reducing the likelihood of unsafe behaviors and accidents through the promotion of site condition and individual features (as proximal factors). Conclusion. Further research is necessary to provide a better understanding of the links between unsafe behavior theories and empirical findings, challenge theoretical assumptions, develop new applied theories, and make stronger recommendations

Development of an Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ): Evaluation Validity and Reliability

Background and aims: Accident investigation show that more than 90 percent of accidents cause by human errors. Human errors are also due to cognitive failures. Cognitive failures can be defined as cognitive-based errors on simple tasks that a person is normally able to complete without fault; such mistakes include problems with memory, attention or action. The present study was designed to develop a measurement tool for the estimation of cognitive failures in industrial workplaces. Methods: In the present analytical-descriptive study, an Occupational Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (OCFQ) was developed. For the evaluation of validity, internal consistency and repeatability of the OCFQ the content validity, Cronbach α coefficient and test-retest methods were used, respectively.   Results: A draft of 35-items questionnaire was created and following the evaluation of validity, five items were rejected. The new measuring instrument with 30-items was developed. The CVI for the final OCFQ was found to be acceptable (CVI=0.7). Results showed that the final OCFQ was internally consistent (α=0.96) and repeatable (ICC =0.996 and P<0.001). Conclusion: For measurement of cognitive failure in industrial workplaces, a valid and reliable instrument is required. Based on the obtained results, it can be concluded that the developed questionnaire (OCFQ) is a valid and reliable tool for the estimation of cognitive failures in industrial workplaces

The Study of Implement of HCS Program at Hazardous Chemicals Knowledge and Safety performance in Tehran refinery, s laboratory unit

Background and aims   The HCS standard includes listing of chemicals, labeling of chemical  containers, preparation of material safety data sheets, writing plan and employee training  programs. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of implemented program to enhance the knowledge and safety performance level of employees.   Methods  &nbsp;The knowledge level and unsafe act ratio were measured using both questionnaire  and behavior checklist (with safety sampling method) before and after enforcing this interface.   Results   In this study, the mean and standard deviation of the knowledge level of employees  related to chemical safety before enforcing the interface was 46% and 14%. However, after  enforcing the interface, mean and standard deviation was 88% and 12%. The paired-t-test result   in this parameter was significant (p-value <0.0001). The mean and standard deviation of  knowledge level of employees related to warning labels before to enforcing the interface was 29%  and 22%. After enforcing the interface, mean and standard deviation was 80% and 16%. The paired-t-test result in this parameter was significant (p-value <0.0001). The mean and standard  deviation of the knowledge level of employees related to hazard communication methods before enforcing the interface was 25% and 11%. After enforcing the interface, mean and standard deviation was 79% and 16%. The paired-t-test result in this parameter was significant (p-value   <0.001).   Conclusion   The obtained result revealed that enhancement of the knowledge related to chemical safety, hazard communication methods and warning labels was significant. Statistical paired-t-test and control chart methods was used to comparison between unsafe act ratio before  and after enforcing the interface. The mean and standard deviation of unsafe act ratio before implementation of HCS program was 23.6% and 5.49%. However, mean and standard deviation of unsafe act ratio after implementation of HCS program was 18.1% and 6.18%. Therefore, after  implementation of HCS program unsafe act ratio decreased (5.45%) significantly (p-value   <0.0001). This result implies that chemical safety performance of employees was increased