Coronavirus-Related Opportunities for Promoting Occupational Health and Safety

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LET’S GET BACK TO WORK: PREVENTIVE BIOLOGICAL CYCLE MANAGEMENT OF CORONAVIRUS IN THE WORKPLACE

BACKGROUND The primary response to the coronavirus pandemic has been to minimize social contact through lockdown measures. The closure of non-essential businesses to tackle the spread of coronavirus has had negative consequences for the global economy, production, and employment. OBJECTIVE To outline how known occupational health principles can be used for preventative management of the coronavirus in workplaces to support resumption of work. METHODS A discussion of current knowledge of COVID-19, the cost of the lockdown strategy, and preventative biological cycle management. RESULTS The literature indicates that biological cycle management can control for the risk of coronavirus infection, provide a suitable and sufficient exit strategy from lockdown, and support getting employees back to work. Adherence to PPE standards has been insufficient, indicating a need for workplace investment and education. CONCLUSION Imposed restrictions on workplace operations can be lifted without compromising worker health and safety when a workplace commits to practicing the three principles of biological cycle management

Conceptual Study of a Real-Time Hybrid Simulation Framework for Monopile Offshore Wind Turbines Under Wind and Wave Loads

As an attractive renewable energy source, offshore wind plants are becoming increasingly popular for energy production. However, the performance assessment of offshore wind turbine (OWT) structure is a challenging task due to the combined wind-wave loading and difficulties in reproducing such loading conditions in laboratory. Real-time hybrid simulation (RTHS), combining physical testing and numerical simulation in real-time, offers a new venue to study the structural behavior of OWTs. It overcomes the scaling incompatibilities in OWT scaled model testing by replacing the rotor components with an actuation system, driven by an aerodynamic simulation tool running in real-time. In this study, a RTHS framework for monopile OWTs is proposed. A set of sensitivity analyses is carried out to evaluate the feasibility of this RTHS framework and determine possible tolerances on its design. By simulating different scaling laws and possible error contributors (delays and noises) in the proposed framework, the sensitivity of the OWT responses to these parameters are quantified. An example using a National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) 5-MW reference OWT system at 1:25 scale is simulated in this study to demonstrate the proposed RTHS framework and sensitivity analyses. Three different scaling laws are considered. The sensitivity results show that the delays in the RTHS framework significantly impact the performance on the response evaluation, higher than the impact of noises. The proposed framework and sensitivity analyses presented in this study provides important information for future implementation and further development of the RTHS technology for similar marine structures

Understanding uptake of prevention and mitigation of COVID-19 at work actions in Iran

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus pandemic has required organizations to make changes to ways of working to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 in employees. OBJECTIVE: To assess the workplace response to COVID-19 in Iran. METHODS: 255 organizations completed a two-part survey. Part 1 collected data describing the business; Part 2 comprised the International Labor Organization (ILO) 30-item Prevention and Mitigation of COVID-19 at Work Actions Checklist. A four-point Likert scale was used to score each item according to whether preventative measures had been actioned. RESULTS: We found a dichotomy of commitment to managing COVID-19 at work. 42.5% of organizations had fully implemented the ILO recommended preventative actions, and 45.6% workplaces had not implemented any. Large organizations had significantly more preventative actions than SMEs; the Healthcare sector had significantly better COVID-19 mitigation measures in place than Construction projects; and organizations with a health & safety management system had significantly more prevention actions in place. CONCLUSIONS: ILO provided a good framework to support risk assessment of COVID-19, however only half the organizations were undertaking the necessary biological hazard control actions to prevent COVID-19 at work. There remains a need to understand the inaction of organizations who do not risk assess despite being in a pandemic

Developing a Computer Vision-Based Decision Support System for Intersection Safety Monitoring and Assessment of Vulnerable Road Users

Vision-based trajectory analysis of road users enables identification of near-crash situations and proactive safety monitoring. The two most widely used sur-rogate safety measures (SSMs), time-to-collision (TTC) and post-encroachment time (PET)—and a recent variant form of TTC, relative time-to-collision (RTTC)—were investigated using real-world video data collected at ten signalized intersections in the city of San Diego, California. The performance of these SSMs was compared for the purpose of evaluating pedestrian and bicyclist safety. Prediction of potential trajectory intersection points was performed to calculate TTC for every interacting object, and the average of TTC for every two objects in critical situations was calculated. PET values were estimated by observing potential intersection points, and frequencies of events were estimated in three critical levels. Although RTTC provided useful information regarding the relative distance between objects in time, it was found that in certain conditions where objects are far from each other, the interaction between the objects was incorrectly flagged as critical based on a small RTTC. Comparison of PET, TTC, and RTTC for different critical classes also showed that several interactions were identified as critical using one SSM but not critical using a different SSM. These findings suggest that safety evaluations should not solely rely on a single SSM, and instead a combination of different SSMs should be considered to ensure the reliability of evaluations. Video data analysis was conducted to develop object detection and tracking models for automatic identification of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Outcomes of machine vision models were employed along with SSMs to build a decision support system for safety assessment of vulnerable road users at signalized intersections. Promising results from the decision support system showed that automated safety evaluations can be performed to proactively identify critical events. It also showed challenges as well as future directions to enhance the performance of the system

Socio-Economic impacts of the deployment of improved Fuel Efficient Stoves: the ILF Uganda Commercialization Program

La biomasse représente 91 % de l'énergie totale utilisée en Ouganda, mais elle est souvent utilisée de façon non durable. Si la déforestation se poursuit au rythme actuel, elle pourrait conduire à la destruction de toutes les forêts ougandaises d'ici 2050. En conséquence, le bois et le charbon de bois sont de plus en plus rares et leur prix augmente. Les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique sont un moyen de s'attaquer à ces questions en diminuant la quantité de biomasse utilisée pour la cuisson. En 2008, l'ILF (International Lifeline Fund) a lancé le programme de commercialisation de cuisinières en Ouganda dans la région de Lira. Le programme consiste à produire localement des cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique et à les faire vendre à la population par des vendeurs locaux. Les conséquences socio-économiques de ce programme, à la fois sur les utilisateurs finals et sur l'économie locale, ont été étudiées au cours d'une mission de terrain menée par ENEA Consulting en 2012. Les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique d'ILF réduisent la consommation domestique de charbon de bois et les dépenses énergétiques. Des entretiens avec des utilisateurs finals ont confirmé qu'ils se sentent plus en sécurité avec les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique d'ILF qu'avec leurs anciens appareils. Ils perçoivent également une réduction des problèmes de santé liés à la pollution de l'air intérieur et une augmentation du temps libre des femmes. Les utilisateurs rapportent également un impact positif sur la vie domestique car l'utilisation de cuisinières réduit les querelles entre maris et femmes en gardant les repas au chaud et prêts. Enfin, le principal avantage économique local observé sur l'ensemble de la chaîne de valeur du projet est la création directe de plusieurs emplois à temps plein et de longue durée. Des améliorations possibles du modèle d'entreprise seront proposées, en particulier pour assurer sa viabilité économique à long terme.Biomass accounts for 91% of the total energy used in Uganda, but is often used unsustainably: if deforestation continues at the present rate, it could lead to the destruction of all Ugandan forests by 2050. As a consequence, wood and charcoal are becoming scarce and their price is increasing. Fuel Efficient Stoves are a way to tackle these issues by decreasing the amount of biomass used for cooking. International Lifeline Fund (ILF) has launched in 2008 the cookstove Uganda Commercialization Program in the region of Lira. The program consists in the local production of improved Fuel Efficient Stoves and their selling to households by local vendors. The socio-economic impacts of this program, both on end users and on the local economy, have been studied during a field mission conducted by ENEA Consulting in 2012. The ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves reduce the domestic consumption of charcoal and energetic expenditures. Interviews of end users confirmed that they feel safer with ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves than with previous devices. They also perceive a reduction of health problems linked to domestic air pollution and an increase in women’s free time. Users also report a positive impact on domestic life as the use of the cookstove reduces the quarrels between husbands and wives by keeping meals warm and ready. Finally, the main local economic benefit along the value chain of the project appears to be the direct creation of several long-term full-time jobs. Possible improvements of the business model will be suggested, in particular to ensure its long-term economic viability.La biomasa representa el 91% del total de la energía utilizada en Uganda, pero a menudo no se utiliza de forma sostenible: si la deforestación continúa al ritmo actual, podría conducir a la destrucción de todos los bosques de Uganda en el año 2050. Como consecuencia, la madera y el carbón escasean y su precio está aumentando. Las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible son una forma de abordar estos problemas al disminuir la cantidad de biomasa que se utiliza para cocinar. El International Lifeline Fund (ILF) lanzó en 2008 el Programa de Comercialización de cocinas para Uganda en la región de Lira. El programa consiste en la producción local de estufas de bajo consumo de combustible mejoradas y en su venta a los hogares por parte de proveedores locales. Las repercusiones socioeconómicas de este programa, tanto para los usuarios finales como para la economía local, han sido objeto de estudio durante una misión sobre el terreno llevada a cabo por ENEA Consulting en 2012. Las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible de ILF reducen el consumo doméstico de carbón y el gasto energético. Las entrevistas a los usuarios finales confirmaron que se sentían más seguros con las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible de ILF que con los anteriores aparatos. También perciben una reducción de los problemas de salud relacionados con la contaminación del aire doméstico y un aumento del tiempo libre de las mujeres. Los usuarios también señalan una repercusión positiva en la vida doméstica ya que el uso de la cocina reduce las peleas entre maridos y mujeres al mantener las comidas calientes y preparadas. Finalmente, el principal beneficio económico local a lo largo de la cadena de valor del proyecto parece ser la creación directa de varios empleos a jornada completa y a largo plazo. Se sugerirán posibles mejoras del modelo de negocio, en concreto para garantizar su viabilidad económica a largo plazo

EXCESSIVE DAYTIME SLEEPINESS AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE: COMPARING PROACTIVE AND REACTIVE APPROACHES

Sleep disorders and excessive daytime sleepiness have potential for a negative impact upon employees’ safety performance. This study investigated the relationship of excessive daytime sleepiness and obstructive sleep apnea on safety performance at an oil construction company in Iran. 661 employees consented. Excessive daytime sleepiness was measured using the STOP-BANG questionnaire, which screens for obstructive sleep apnea, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). To determine how sleepiness affects Occupational Incidents (accidents causing injury and near misses) both reactive data and proactive safety performance indices were measured. Demographic and predictor variables were analyzed using hierarchical multiple linear regression. Employees who met the criteria of excessive daytime sleepiness and obstructive sleep apnea had significantly poorer safety performance indicators. STOP-BANG and ESS were significant predictive factors for safety compliance (β = 0.228 and 0.370, respectively), safety participation (β = 0.210 and 0.144, respectively), and overall safety behavior (β = 0.332 and 0.213) respectively. Further, Occupational Incidents were 2.5 times higher in workers with indicators of excessive daytime sleepiness and 2 times higher in workers with obstructive sleep apnea than those without. These findings confirmed excessive daytime sleepiness as a serious safety hazard, and both reactive and proactive measures are important to understand the relative contribution of predictor variables. To reduce occupational incidents, it is essential that management procedures support good sleep hygiene with the aim of improving safety performance

Socio-Economic impacts of the deployment of improved Fuel Efficient Stoves: the ILF Uganda Commercialization Program

La biomasse représente 91 % de l'énergie totale utilisée en Ouganda, mais elle est souvent utilisée de façon non durable. Si la déforestation se poursuit au rythme actuel, elle pourrait conduire à la destruction de toutes les forêts ougandaises d'ici 2050. En conséquence, le bois et le charbon de bois sont de plus en plus rares et leur prix augmente. Les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique sont un moyen de s'attaquer à ces questions en diminuant la quantité de biomasse utilisée pour la cuisson. En 2008, l'ILF (International Lifeline Fund) a lancé le programme de commercialisation de cuisinières en Ouganda dans la région de Lira. Le programme consiste à produire localement des cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique et à les faire vendre à la population par des vendeurs locaux. Les conséquences socio-économiques de ce programme, à la fois sur les utilisateurs finals et sur l'économie locale, ont été étudiées au cours d'une mission de terrain menée par ENEA Consulting en 2012. Les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique d'ILF réduisent la consommation domestique de charbon de bois et les dépenses énergétiques. Des entretiens avec des utilisateurs finals ont confirmé qu'ils se sentent plus en sécurité avec les cuisinières à haute efficacité énergétique d'ILF qu'avec leurs anciens appareils. Ils perçoivent également une réduction des problèmes de santé liés à la pollution de l'air intérieur et une augmentation du temps libre des femmes. Les utilisateurs rapportent également un impact positif sur la vie domestique car l'utilisation de cuisinières réduit les querelles entre maris et femmes en gardant les repas au chaud et prêts. Enfin, le principal avantage économique local observé sur l'ensemble de la chaîne de valeur du projet est la création directe de plusieurs emplois à temps plein et de longue durée. Des améliorations possibles du modèle d'entreprise seront proposées, en particulier pour assurer sa viabilité économique à long terme.Biomass accounts for 91% of the total energy used in Uganda, but is often used unsustainably: if deforestation continues at the present rate, it could lead to the destruction of all Ugandan forests by 2050. As a consequence, wood and charcoal are becoming scarce and their price is increasing. Fuel Efficient Stoves are a way to tackle these issues by decreasing the amount of biomass used for cooking. International Lifeline Fund (ILF) has launched in 2008 the cookstove Uganda Commercialization Program in the region of Lira. The program consists in the local production of improved Fuel Efficient Stoves and their selling to households by local vendors. The socio-economic impacts of this program, both on end users and on the local economy, have been studied during a field mission conducted by ENEA Consulting in 2012. The ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves reduce the domestic consumption of charcoal and energetic expenditures. Interviews of end users confirmed that they feel safer with ILF Fuel Efficient Stoves than with previous devices. They also perceive a reduction of health problems linked to domestic air pollution and an increase in women’s free time. Users also report a positive impact on domestic life as the use of the cookstove reduces the quarrels between husbands and wives by keeping meals warm and ready. Finally, the main local economic benefit along the value chain of the project appears to be the direct creation of several long-term full-time jobs. Possible improvements of the business model will be suggested, in particular to ensure its long-term economic viability.La biomasa representa el 91% del total de la energía utilizada en Uganda, pero a menudo no se utiliza de forma sostenible: si la deforestación continúa al ritmo actual, podría conducir a la destrucción de todos los bosques de Uganda en el año 2050. Como consecuencia, la madera y el carbón escasean y su precio está aumentando. Las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible son una forma de abordar estos problemas al disminuir la cantidad de biomasa que se utiliza para cocinar. El International Lifeline Fund (ILF) lanzó en 2008 el Programa de Comercialización de cocinas para Uganda en la región de Lira. El programa consiste en la producción local de estufas de bajo consumo de combustible mejoradas y en su venta a los hogares por parte de proveedores locales. Las repercusiones socioeconómicas de este programa, tanto para los usuarios finales como para la economía local, han sido objeto de estudio durante una misión sobre el terreno llevada a cabo por ENEA Consulting en 2012. Las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible de ILF reducen el consumo doméstico de carbón y el gasto energético. Las entrevistas a los usuarios finales confirmaron que se sentían más seguros con las estufas de bajo consumo de combustible de ILF que con los anteriores aparatos. También perciben una reducción de los problemas de salud relacionados con la contaminación del aire doméstico y un aumento del tiempo libre de las mujeres. Los usuarios también señalan una repercusión positiva en la vida doméstica ya que el uso de la cocina reduce las peleas entre maridos y mujeres al mantener las comidas calientes y preparadas. Finalmente, el principal beneficio económico local a lo largo de la cadena de valor del proyecto parece ser la creación directa de varios empleos a jornada completa y a largo plazo. Se sugerirán posibles mejoras del modelo de negocio, en concreto para garantizar su viabilidad económica a largo plazo

Understanding occupational accidents in tunnelling construction using a natural experiment

Background: Reducing occupational accidents is of utmost importance. This research investigated how individual and job-related risk factors affect occupational accidents in one of the largest tunnelling companies in Iran. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional natural experiment utilizing data from 760 employees who consented to participate in the study. 150 individuals had a history of occupational accidents and 610 individuals did not. Information about accidents was extracted from reports, medical records, and interviews. Results: The main causes of accidents were unsafe acts performed by workers. 71% by unsafe acts alone, and another 12% unsafe acts in unsafe conditions. The odds ratio of occupational accidents was significantly higher in workers aged under 30 years (p = 0.016), with a high school diploma or lower educational achievement (p = 0.012), low job satisfaction (p = 0.035), work experience less than 16 years (p = 0.023), as well as lack of regular exercise (p = 0.001). Within the final adjusted logistic model, low levels of education (OR= 5.81; 95% CI, 1.03-9.03) and younger age group (OR= 2.38 95% CI, 0.24 to 8.02) remained significant. Conclusion: Use of young and inexperienced staff, low education, and lack of simple and understandable safety guidelines for workers in the tunnelling industry have led to unsafe acts that can increase the rate of occupational accidents. Changes in working conditions, and unstable job security also contribute to explaining the accident rates in this 12-month period. Managers should pay special attention to these individual-organizational factors to prevent accidents and promote safety