The effects of psychological risk factors at work on cognitive failures through the accident proneness

Background Various agents such as psychosocial items and accident proneness can affect cognitive failures through different paths. The probable paths are the direct effects of workplace psychosocial items on cognitive failures and their indirect effects on cognitive failures through the mediator variable of accident proneness, which has not yet been studied by others. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate these paths. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted on 164 male employees of Karoon Sugar Company in 2018. The participants were asked to complete a background and demographic questionnaire, Broadbent cognitive failures scale, accident proneness questionnaire, and Copenhagen psychosocial questionnaire. Obtained data were analyzed and modeled using the statistical descriptive method, ANOVA, independent t-test, Pearson correlation test, and path analysis in the SPSS and AMOS software. Results The results of the path analysis showed that, not only, some psychosocial risk items had a significant direct effect on cognitive failures, but also, they could affect cognitive failures through the accident proneness, indirectly. Work-family conflict and social support from supervisors by coefficients of 0.188 and - 0.187 had the highest direct effects, respectively. The highest indirect effects belonged to justice and respect, and work-family conflict by coefficients of - 0.220 and 0.199, respectively. The highest total effects were also related to the work-family conflict and justice and respect by coefficients of 0.387 and - 0.381, respectively. Conclusions In total, our results showed that some psychological items could, directly and indirectly, increase cognitive failure through accident proneness

Relationship among noise exposure, sensitivity, and noise annoyance with job satisfaction and job stress in a textile industry

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among noise exposure, sensitivity, and noise annoyance with job satisfaction and job stress among the workers of a textile industry. In this study, Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale, Noise Annoyance Questionnaire (recommended based on ISO 15666-2003), Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Job Stress Questionnaire, and Job Satisfaction Scale were used to determine the degree of noise sensitivity, noise annoyance, occupational stress, and job satisfaction, respectively. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the mean of job satisfaction, job stress, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance between case and control groups. The results of multivariate analysis of covariance showed that noise exposure, noise sensitivity, and noise annoyance can justify 0.09, 0.19, and 0.06 of the variance of job stress, respectively. These variables also could justify 0.09, 0.12, and 0.05 of the variance of job satisfaction, respectively. Noise sensitivity had the greatest effect on increasing the occupational stress and job satisfaction

Relationship between the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Occupational Stress among Carpet Weavers in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran, in 2017

Introduction and purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most important causes of disinclination to work and reduced work incentives and can lead to occupational stress over time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the prevalence of MSDs and occupational stress among rural carpet weavers in Sistan and Baluchestan, Iran. Methods: This descriptive analytical study was conducted on 100 female carpet weavers living in four villages of Sistan province. The study population was selected through convenience sampling technique. The estimation of the prevalence of MSDs and job stress was accomplished using the Nodric questionnaire for Psychological and Social Factors at Work. Data analysis was performed in SPSS software (version 16) using t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient.Results: According to the results, the female carpet weavers had a high level of occupational stress. The most frequent MSD was observed in the upper back (98%), while the least frequent one was related to the knee disorders (45%). Occupational stress showed a positive relationship with MSDs and their components (except for the three components of the hip, knee, and leg) (P=0.001).Conclusion: Based on the findings of the research, it is essential to take effective measures to reduce occupational stress among rural female carpet weavers. Furthermore, considering the effect of six out of nine components of MSDs on occupational stress, the consideration of the improvement and proper design of the workplace, mental and emotional needs of carpet weavers, proper way of siting and mobility, and exercise at certain times can effectively reduce occupational stress and skeletal disorders

Improvement of Thermal Insulation Performance Using Nano -Materials in Heat Control: Systematic Review

Introduction: Numerous studies have been conducted on the development of modern insulators, including nano-insulators. However, a comprehensive study has yet to be performed to review and investigate the thermal properties of these insulators. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the effect of nanomaterials on thermal insulation function. Material and Methods: In this review, articles were searched for in English databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect), Persian databases (Magiran, SID), and Google Scholar. The keywords used in the search were Nano Material, Nano Insulation, Thermal Insulation, Thermal Insulator Stability, and Thermal Conductivity in both English and Persian. Results: Of the 4068 studies identified through search databases, 15 were selected according to the entry criteria. Among the studies, the three types of silicone, composite, and aerogel insulation had the highest frequency (each 26.67%), and SiO2 nanoparticles were the most prevalent nanomaterial (26.67%). According to the studies, the type of nanomaterial used in insulation will improve its properties such as thermal resistance, mechanical strength, dielectric strength, tensile strength, elasticity, and hardness. Conclusion: The results of this study showed that using nanotechnology could be an effective step in improving the properties of insulation materials, the most important of which is increased thermal resistance. Moreover, nanotechnology insulators can prevent thermal energy loss, reduce costs, and provide safety and comfort

Survey dataset on the externalizing self-esteem and gender effects on self-esteem subscales of students in Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Iran

The data presents the self-esteem examination of undergraduate students studying in Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Iran in 2017 and its relationship with gender. The total number of participants was 100 (49% female and 51% male). The 100 students were selected through random sampling method. The average age of participants was 21.61 years while the youngest and the oldest participants were 19 and 32 years old, respectively. The data were collected using the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (CSEI) and analyzed by descriptive statistics (frequency, mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum) using SPSS version 22 (statistical package for Social Sciences). The detailed dataset is presented in this paper. Keywords: Self-esteem, Gender, Zabol University Students, Data mining, Descriptive statistic

Noise Exposure and Job Stress – a Structural Equation Model in Textile Industries

Noise exposure is one of the most important physical agents in the workplace which can induce job stress in several ways. The aim of this study was to model the interactions between independent and mediating variables and job stress using structural equation modeling. In this study, Weinstein’s noise sensitivity scale, noise annoyance questionnaire, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) job stress questionnaire and job satisfaction scale were used. To assess worker’s noise exposure, the 8-hours equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq;8 h), was measured based on ISO 9612 (2009). To achieve the aims of study, the structural equation model was run using R software 3.4.1 and Cytoscape software 3.6.0. Based on the results, while there was a direct positive correlation of noise exposure on total job stress, there were also indirect positive effects through job satisfaction and noise sensitivity as mediator variables. Using hearing protective devices negatively affected total job stress through a direct pathway and an indirect pathway when job satisfaction was a mediator variable. Regarding the total effect of noise exposure and using hearing protection devices on job stress subscales, it can be concluded that noise exposure and using hearing protection devices had greatest effect on colleagues support and demand, respectively. It can be concluded that noise exposure and lack of hearing protective devices have a significant positive effect on job stress among workers of a textile industry. In addition to the direct effect, this factor can induce job stress through noise sensitivity, job satisfaction and noise annoyance. Therefore, measures which can decrease any of the mentioned factors, also can alleviate job stress

Investigation of the Effect of Control Measures on Reduction of Risk Events in an Edible Oil Factory in Tehran, Iran

Background & Aims of the Study: Identification of hazards is one of the first goals of risk analysis. Failure mode and effect analysis method (FMEA) is universally defined as efficient procedures for finding potential failures aimed to remove or decrease the risk which is related to them. This study aimed to investigate the effect of control measures on reduction of risk events in an edible oil factory in Tehran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in an edible oil factory in Tehran, Iran. For this, a four-member team of safety engineer experts was formed. Some factory units were selected randomly. After that, in all units, probability, severity and detection probability of hazards in all processes and tasks were assessed based on FMEA method. Regarding to the RPN, some control measures were taken to reduce the risk of events. After 9 months, risk assessment was repeated; primary and secondary RPNs were compared with each other to investigate the effect of interventions. Results: The results showed that highest and lowest probability of hazard were related to installation and can production unit, respectively. The highest and lowest severity of hazard were related to tool and can production unit, respectively. There was a significant difference between the probability of hazard in can-making and filling units, before and after the interventions. There was a significant difference between the severity of hazard in can-making, filling and neutralization units, before and after the interventions. As well, total probability, severity and RPN had a significant difference in all parts of the factory before and after the interventions. Conclusions: According to the results of this study and the overall risk reduction caused by interventional measures, it can be concluded that, FMEA is a successful method for identifying hazards and risk control measures

Assessment of role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure in a noisy industry

The present study aimed to determine the role of job components and individual parameters on the raised blood pressure among male workers of textile industry who were exposed to continuous high noise level. Information of all eligible subjects including demographic and individual characteristics, medical history and job characteristics were obtained by direct interview and referring to the medical records. All blood pressure measurements were done using mercury sphygmomanometer in the morning before work. The 8-hours equivalent A-weighted sound pressure level, the level of blood cholesterol and triglyceride, and noise annoyance was determined for each worker. As the result of weighted regression in path analysis (direct effect), only the work shift did not have a significant effect on blood pressure among the studied variables. It can be seen that variables including the level of triglyceride, cholesterol, and noise exposure have the most direct effects on blood pressure. The results of total effects showed that variables, including using the hearing protection device, age, work experience and visibility of sound source, did not have a significant effect on blood pressure. The results of this study indicate that occupational noise exposure alone and combined with other job components and individual parameters is associated with raised blood pressure. However, noise exposure was probably a stronger stressor for increased blood pressur