Uncovering Research Trends in Safety Culture in the Global Construction Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis (1995-2020)

Introduction: Safety culture has mainly been used across several safety management literatures to describe the level of safety within workplaces. This paper presents the research landscape and scientific developments on safety culture in the global construction industry. Methods: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) approach was employed to identify, screen, and analyze the published documents indexed in the Elsevier Scopus database. Next, the research landscape and scientific developments on the topic were examined by bibliometric analysis (BA) through co-authorship, keywords co-occurrence, and citations. Results: Results showed that 738 documents were published and indexed on the topic between 1995 and 2020. The findings showed that articles are the preferred medium, whereas Engineering is the preferred subject theme for published documents on the topic. The journal of Safety Science (published by Elsevier) is the most influential source of publications on the topic. In contrast, Dongping Fang, based at Tsinghua University (China), is the most influential researcher due to the substantial research grants and financial support from the National Natural Science Foundation. Further analysis showed that the most prolific authors on the topic are based in China, Australia, and Indonesia, although the United States has published the most documents. BA also revealed large networks of researchers and co-occurring keywords and the organizations and countries that currently exist, collaborate, and cite each other works on the topic. Conclusion: The findings indicate that safety culture in the global construction industry has undergone significant scientific developments resulting in high research impact mainly due to its role in preserving the health and safety of workers

An Efficacy of Covid – 19 Pandemic: Recovery of Workplace Environment and Ecosystem

The Covid-19 pandemic started in the late December 2019 and is still progressing globally at a rapid rate. The easy spreading nature of the covid-19 causative virus has made most of the countries to implement complete lockdown. The lockdown measure taken by most countries to combat the disease has not only assisted in decreasing the rate of spread but also the pollution of the workplace environment and environment as a whole. In the absence of most human and industrial activities that cause pollution, the nature is on its way in purifying itself. Without human intervention, the pollution free environment and its interaction with the ecosystem is bouncing back at a faster pace. The article explained the impact of lockdown measures on the reduction of environmental pollution on a global scenario.

Scientific Model Development for Machinery Safety using Machine Reliability, Integrity and Availability

Introduction: Machines are equipment that increases productivity and efficiency in a workplace. Machine Reliability, Integrity, and Availability are the most critical factors to ensure machinery safety in a workplace. Methods: Throughout this study, a series of reviews of previous literature are described in relation to the elements of reliability, integrity and availability. This study examines the methods used to investigate levels of each element as well as the results of performing the analysis. Each review is chosen from the aspect of the safety feature that can be interpreted from the research study. A scientific model that utilizes an improved Bottom-up Approach is proposed to further improve the worker's safety and enhance the productivity of an industry. Results: Research shows that the chosen reviews have positive and negative change towards the level of machinery safety and a more substantial approach is needed to further strengthen the issue. The proposed model combines the effort of employee and various management organization as a team. The model is validated using Bias- Variance Trade off method that analyses the proposed model in a 27MW power plant with a selection of employee and management. Conclusion:  Model validation proves that the proposed model is an effective method to increase the machinery reliability, integrity and availability in a workplace. The scientific methodology provided will help management as a team to avert mechanical accidents from occurring at an initial stage

Pulmonary Functions and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of Road Construction Workers of West Bengal, India

Introduction: Road paving construction workers are exposed to bitumen, asphalt, and other aliphatic amines. They are also exposed to high temperatures and dust during the processing of asphalt production and transport of hot asphalt and bitumen to the working site. Bitumen fumes and asphalt produce respiratory irritations and shortness of breath in asphalt workers. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the respiratory impairment of asphalt workers on exposure to bitumen fumes and to assess cardiovascular stress on exposure to high temperatures and heavy workload. Methods: This cross-sectional study has been made on 32 asphalt workers and 20 control group workers of Kolkata city of West Bengal and its surrounding. Anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, and heart rate were measured by standard procedure. Respiratory parameters were taken by Digital Spirometer (Spirovit SP1) and respiratory symptoms & musculoskeletal problems were recorded by a standard questionnaire. Results: The study indicated that prolong exposure to bitumen fumes may enhance the risk of lung impairment by reduction of all respiratory parameters (p< 0.05-0.001). Smoking habits and the reluctance to use protective gadgets among asphalt workers increase the risk of respiratory distress.22% of workers reported chest tightness, 20% had Chronic Bronchitis and10% suffered from Bronchial asthma. The maximum percentage of Paver operators showed Chest tightness (83.33%), Chronic Bronchitis (100%) and Bronchial asthma(66.66%). Musculoskeletal Disorder(MSD) among Paver operators was maximum(33.3-50%). Odds ratio values of the prevalence of respiratory disorder and MSD with >10years of exposure to bitumen fumes vary from 2-4.5.    Exposure to high temperature and heavy workload, mainly among asphalt strippers and paver operators might be the reason for higher heart rate. The awkward working posture might be the cause of musculoskeletal disorders among them. Conclusion: The use of appropriate respiratory protection and the introduction of modern equipment and technologies can reduce the emission of bitumen fumes to protect the health of asphalt workers

Stress and Depression in the Workplace of Educators in the Philippines

Introduction: Workplace stress and depression should be properly treated to maintain productivity in teaching. Unmanaged stress and depression could lead to severe outcomes that affect the environment in the classroom. Thus, managing stress and preventing depression in the workplace are significant aspects of successful teaching. Methods: This study aims to determine the level of workplace stress and depression of the educators in the Philippines by gathering their demographic profiles, levels of workplace stress, and the level of depression. A correlation was used if there is a significant difference in the profile between workplace stress and a state of depression. This research study used the descriptive survey method with educators as respondents in the questionnaire during the school year 2019-2020 with a total of 407 respondents. Results: Based on the study results, teachers disagree that they experience stress in the workplace, and teachers seldom experience depression. The difference shows that the level of stress and depression are lower at vocational and college levels. Conclusion: Based on the findings, teachers should understand how to practice stress management and prevent depression. School administrators and policymakers should look at possible interventions to minimize the level of stress and depression of educators

Particles and fragments in unused disposable face masks: A microscopic analysis

Introduction: In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governments mandated the wearing of face masks by law. New research shows that these masks contain and release microplastics. Methods: In the present work, five samples of surgical masks were examined microscopically for the presence of particles and fragments. The masks were purchased from two of the largest supermarket chains in Switzerland. Results: Particles and fragments were found on the fiber surfaces in the inner layer of all face masks examined. The size of these objects varied in the range of about 2-40 µm, with dark spots and particles on the fibers having a smaller diameter than the more transparent fragments. Conclusions: In this work, it was shown that particles and fragments in the micrometer range can be found on the inside of commercially available surgical face masks purchased in supermarkets in Switzerland. The health significance of the presence of particles and fragments in the micrometer range as demonstrated by the current investigation of surgical face masks needs to be further investigated

Identification of Musculoskeletal Disorder among Eco-Brick Workers in Indonesia

Introduction: Plastic waste is considered one of the common vital waste problems in developing countries such as Indonesia. One proposed alternative way to reduce plastic waste is by reusing and recycling it into bricks. Eco-bricks are a form of recycled plastic waste that can be used as an alternative building construction material. Unfortunately, manufacturing workers do not ergonomically perform this work during their working hours. Therefore, it causes inappropriate body postures and leads to musculoskeletal disorders easily. This study intends to identify the posture of workers in the manufacture of eco-bricks in Indonesia Methods: A cross-sectional study was done with purposively selected 32 eco-bricks workers from 10 waste bank communities in Central Java and Yogyakarta. Sampling was done by snowball method. This research was conducted by interviewing and collecting data on body complaints using a Nordic Body Map (NBM) questionnaire. Results: All respondents (100%) experienced musculoskeletal disorder complaints while producing eco-bricks. Based on the results gained from the Nordic Body Map Questionnaire, the common complaints perceived by eco-bricks workers are upper neck, lower neck, back, waist, buttock, and bottom. In addition, workers also perceived complaints on the right side of the body, particularly the right shoulder, right upper arm, right elbow, right lower arm, right wrist, and right hand Conclusion: Working postures that are not well-organized in terms of ergonomics during the production process of eco-bricks will provoke complaints on the limbs caused by the continuous load on the muscles on the right side of the body

Effects of Mercury Concentration on the Health and Safety of Oil and Gas Workers

Introduction: The processing of crude oil is characterized by numerous hazards, which have significant health, safety, and environmental impacts on neighboring communities. The occurrence of mercury and its toxic derivatives is considered one of the many negative impacts of oil and gas operations. However, there is limited research on mercury and its negative effects on workers in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. This study examines the occurrence, exposure, and symptoms of mercury on the health and safety of oil and gas workers in Oman. It also explores the acute/chronic effects of mercury poisoning on the maintenance and inspection workers, who are more prone to the adverse effects of mercury poisoning during oil and gas operations. Methods: The two-pronged approach of literature review and survey questionnaire was used to deduce the effects of mercury exposure and poisoning using 68 respondents with 1 – 6 years of working experience in the sector. Results: Based on the questionnaire response rate of 72%, the results showed that over 90% of participants had experienced symptoms of elemental, organic, and methyl mercury poisoning. The common symptoms experienced are headaches, insomnia, weakness, hearing impairment, visual and sensory abilities. However, the respondents who experienced methyl mercury (MeHg) symptoms are due to consuming seafood and cigarettes, whereas elemental and organic mercury symptoms are due to oil and gas operations. Conclusion: The findings highlight the need for robust health and safety measures to effectively detect, monitor and eliminate mercury compounds responsible for poisoning maintenance and inspection workers

Assessment of oral health status and tobacco-related habits among the employees of North-West Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC), Belagavi City - A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Transport workers have a very haphazard and incongruent schedule which makes it difficult for them to follow proper oral hygiene practices. The prevalence of tobacco habits is also found to be high due to their long periods of work and constant stress. This study aimed to assess the oral health status and tobacco habits of the government bus drivers and conductors of NWKRTC, Belagavi City, Karnataka.  Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 451 Government Bus drivers and other employees of NWKRTC who gave consent for the study. WHO Oral Health Assessment Form 2013 was used to record the oral health status and a self-designed, validated questionnaire was employed for recording the oral hygiene practices and tobacco-related habits. Descriptive statistics and Chi-Square was used for statistical analysis.    Results: The mean age of the employees of NWKRTC is 43.55 years and there are 414 males as compared to only 37 females. The mean DMFT score was 5.55±3.08. 228 of them had some kind of tobacco habit with guthka (25.9 percent) being the most prevalent one. 57 employees had manifestations of leukoplakia and OSMF. There was an association between tobacco habits and oral mucosal lesions as well as the DMFT score. Conclusion: The Oral Health Status of the Government employees of NWKRTC is poor. It is further compounded by the high prevalence of tobacco habits and associated lesions and it is a problem that needs to be addressed immediately