Safety

12 pages, 261 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Safety Practices and Associated Factors among Healthcare Waste Handlers in Four Public Hospitals, Southwestern Ethiopia

by Sisay Ketema, Abayneh Melaku, Habtamu Demelash, Meseret G/Mariam, Seblework Mekonen, Taffere Addis and Argaw Ambelu

Safety 2023, 9(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020041 - 20 Jun 2023

Viewed by 2069

Abstract

Occupational safety is a critical concern for disease prevention and control at healthcare facilities. Medical waste handlers, in particular, are those most exposed to occupational hazards among healthcare workers. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate safety practices and associated factors among [...] Read more.

Occupational safety is a critical concern for disease prevention and control at healthcare facilities. Medical waste handlers, in particular, are those most exposed to occupational hazards among healthcare workers. Therefore, this cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate safety practices and associated factors among healthcare waste handlers in four public hospitals, southwest Ethiopia from 15 March to 30 May 2022. The study included 203 healthcare waste handlers. The data were collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and observational checklists. The overall performance of occupational safety practices among healthcare waste handlers was 47.3% (95%CI; 40.3, 54.2). Waste handlers with an educational status of secondary and above (AOR 4.95; 95%CI 2.13, 11.50), good knowledge of infection prevention and safety practices (AOR 4.95; 95%CI 2.13, 11.50), training in infection prevention and safety practices (AOR 2.57; 95%CI 1.25, 5.29), and adequate access to safety materials (AOR 3.45; 95%CI 1.57, 7.60) had significantly better occupational safety practices than their counterparts. In general, medical waste handlers’ occupational safety practices were found to be inadequate. Waste handlers’ knowledge of safety measures and training, educational level, and availability of safety materials were predictors of safe occupational practices. Therefore, appropriate strategies and actions are needed to ensure the safe occupational practices of healthcare waste handlers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Occupational Health and Safety in A Changing World: Realities, Challenges and Perspectives)

16 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Discomfort in Use and Physical Disturbance of FFP2 Masks in a Group of Italian Doctors, Nurses and Nursing Aides during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Margherita Micheletti Cremasco, Lucia Vigoroso, Cristina Solinas and Federica Caffaro

Safety 2023, 9(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020040 - 13 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1365

Abstract

Face masks represent an effective COVID-19 mitigation strategy; this study investigated the quality in use of FFP2 masks in a group of 156 frontline HCWs recruited through a snowball procedure in northwest Italy. Participants filled out an online questionnaire (January 2022) on FFP2 [...] Read more.

Face masks represent an effective COVID-19 mitigation strategy; this study investigated the quality in use of FFP2 masks in a group of 156 frontline HCWs recruited through a snowball procedure in northwest Italy. Participants filled out an online questionnaire (January 2022) on FFP2 sources of discomfort, physical disturbance at different anatomical points and suggestions for improvement. Most of the participants (69%) reported a feeling of protection and safety, but they also reported episodes of dyspnea (70%). The majority of glasses wearers (62%) reported fogging and displacement of their glasses. Humidity and heat were the main discomfort sources (39%), followed by elastic bands (32%). Physical disturbances were frequent and heavier on the ears, nose and cheekbones. Nursing aides and nurses perceived significantly more discomfort compared to doctors and nursing aides had the highest rate of physical disturbance. To address these issues, following participants’ suggestions, FFP2 masks should be redesigned to be more adjustable, with different sizes and softer fabrics. The investigation pointed out criticalities in the use of FFP2 masks related to different professional roles within the overall group of HCWs and stressed the need for an FFP2 human-centered design that accounts not only for physical needs but also for workload and task variability. Full article

14 pages, 15489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Traditional Physical Intervention Techniques vs. Operational Tactical Procedures and Techniques in the Use of Force during Police Arrests

by José C. Vera-Jiménez, Domingo Villero-Carro, Andrés Pastor-Fernandez, James Shippen, Marta Ferreiro-González, José C. Vera-Jurado, José A. Álvarez and Jesús Ayuso

Safety 2023, 9(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020039 - 02 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2267

Abstract

(1) Background: A set of relevant police ergonomic parameters (PEP) have been used for the assessment and prevention of occupational risks involved in police physical interventions (PITs). Through this set of PEPs, a comparison has been made between two traditional PITs against two [...] Read more.

(1) Background: A set of relevant police ergonomic parameters (PEP) have been used for the assessment and prevention of occupational risks involved in police physical interventions (PITs). Through this set of PEPs, a comparison has been made between two traditional PITs against two novel OTPs (operational tactical procedures). (2) Method: The data have been collected by means of a motion capture suit fitted with 19 inertial measurement units (IMUs). A specific and powerful software package specific for ergonomic analysis has been used to manage the large amount of data registered and to generate a series of three-dimensional plots. Traditional PITs and newer OTPs have been performed for their analysis. Specifically, the PEPs corresponding to the implementation of four PITs have been analyzed by collecting the measurements provided by a set of IMUs installed on a motion capture suit, and their occupational risk assessments have been compared against those corresponding to newer OTPs. (3) Results: For the four PITs, the PEPs have been analyzed with the measured values from the IMUs, throughout the duration of each technique. The two traditional intervention techniques have scored higher than the new OTPs in the REBA system, the asymmetry angle, L5-pelvis shear and joint contact forces, and the total muscle power measurements. (4) Conclusions: It has been confirmed that the new OTPs minimize the risk of injuries, since their PEPs reached lower values than those corresponding to the traditional PITs, which are still being taught at police academies. Full article

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18 pages, 1346 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Impacting Occupational Safety among Women Engineers

by Nadia Abdelhamid Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed and Bahadur Ali Soomro

Safety 2023, 9(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020038 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

On the one hand, in the present era, construction companies are one of Egypt’s fastest-growing industries and provide significant economic returns. On the other hand, construction industries significantly put individuals in danger of accidental death. In this study, the researchers examined the factors [...] Read more.

On the one hand, in the present era, construction companies are one of Egypt’s fastest-growing industries and provide significant economic returns. On the other hand, construction industries significantly put individuals in danger of accidental death. In this study, the researchers examined the factors that affect Occupational Safety (OCS) measures among women engineers working in Egypt’s construction industries. This is a quantitative study that used cross-sectional data, and the researchers used 376 usable samples. By applying Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), this study’s findings demonstrate that the Work Environment (WEN), Personal Protection (PP), Training and Education of Safety Skills (TESS), Familiarity with Safety Regulations (FSR) and Safety Commitment (SCT) influence OCS. This study’s findings will help policymakers and planners design effective safety policies on construction sites. This study’s findings about adopting precautionary and safety measures will help reduce the death rates on Egypt’s construction sites. Finally, particularly in developing countries, this study’s findings will contribute to the health and safety and environment and health literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Women’s Issues in Safety)

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26 pages, 2676 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Knowledge-Driven Model to Assess Inherent Safety in Process Infrastructure

by Kamran Gholamizadeh, Esmaeil Zarei, Sohag Kabir, Abbas Mamudu, Yasaman Aala and Iraj Mohammadfam

Safety 2023, 9(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020037 - 01 Jun 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1828

Abstract

Process safety has drawn increasing attention in recent years and has been investigated from different perspectives, such as quantitative risk analysis, consequence modeling, and regulations. However, rare attempts have been made to focus on inherent safety design assessment, despite being the most cost-effective [...] Read more.

Process safety has drawn increasing attention in recent years and has been investigated from different perspectives, such as quantitative risk analysis, consequence modeling, and regulations. However, rare attempts have been made to focus on inherent safety design assessment, despite being the most cost-effective safety tactic and its vital role in sustainable development and safe operation of process infrastructure. Accordingly, the present research proposed a knowledge-driven model to assess inherent safety in process infrastructure under uncertainty. We first developed a holistic taxonomy of contributing factors into inherent safety design considering chemical, reaction, process, equipment, human factors, and organizational concerns associated with process plants. Then, we used subject matter experts, content validity ratio (CVR), and content validity index (CVI) to validate the taxonomy and data collection tools. We then employed a fuzzy inference system and the Extent Analysis (EA) method for knowledge acquisition under uncertainty. We tested the proposed model on a steam methane-reforming plant that produces hydrogen as renewable energy. The findings revealed the most contributing factors and indicators to improve the inherent safety design in the studied plant and effectively support the decision-making process to assign proper safety countermeasures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety, Resilience and Reliability Challenges and Engineering Research in Renewable Energies)

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18 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A User-Centered Design Exploration of Factors That Influence the Rideshare Experience

by Rakesh Gangadharaiah, Haotian Su, Elenah B. Rosopa, Johnell O. Brooks, Kristin Kolodge, Lisa Boor, Patrick J. Rosopa and Yunyi Jia

Safety 2023, 9(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020036 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1632

Abstract

The rise of real-time information communication through smartphones and wireless networks enabled the growth of ridesharing services. While personal rideshare services (individuals riding alone or with acquaintances) initially dominated the market, the popularity of pooled ridesharing (individuals sharing rides with people they do [...] Read more.

The rise of real-time information communication through smartphones and wireless networks enabled the growth of ridesharing services. While personal rideshare services (individuals riding alone or with acquaintances) initially dominated the market, the popularity of pooled ridesharing (individuals sharing rides with people they do not know) has grown globally. However, pooled ridesharing remains less common in the U.S., where personal vehicle usage is still the norm. Vehicle design and rideshare services may need to be tailored to user preferences to increase pooled rideshare adoption. Based on a large, national U.S. survey (N = 5385), the results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses suggested that four key factors influence riders’ willingness to consider pooled ridesharing: comfort/ease of use, convenience, vehicle technology/accessibility, and passenger safety. A binomial logistic regression was conducted to determine how the four factors influence one’s willingness to consider pooled ridesharing. The two factors that positively influence riders’ willingness to consider pooled ridesharing are vehicle technology/accessibility (B = 1.10) and convenience (B = 0.94), while lack of passenger safety (B = −0.63) and comfort/ease of use (B = −0.17) are pooled ridesharing deterrents. Understanding user-centered design and service factors are critical to increase the use of pooled ridesharing services in the future. Full article

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22 pages, 3165 KiB

Open AccessReview

Innovative Technologies for Occupational Health and Safety: A Scoping Review

by Omar Flor-Unda, Mauricio Fuentes, Daniel Dávila, Mario Rivera, Gladys Llano, Carlos Izurieta and Patricia Acosta-Vargas

Safety 2023, 9(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020035 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6441

Abstract

Technological advancements have allowed for the design and development of multiple intelligent devices that monitor the health and safety status of workers in the industry in general. This paper reviews and describes the alternative technologies and their potential for monitoring risk situations, vital [...] Read more.

Technological advancements have allowed for the design and development of multiple intelligent devices that monitor the health and safety status of workers in the industry in general. This paper reviews and describes the alternative technologies and their potential for monitoring risk situations, vital signs, physical variables, worker positions, and behavioral trends of workers in their work activities in the workplace. A scoping review was conducted using PRISMA ScR in which information was extracted from 99 scientific articles related to these technological advances. The operational characteristics and utilities of devices whose primary function is to control better and monitor worker safety and health were identified. It was concluded that technology strongly improves the acquisition and sending of information. This information can be used to provide alerts and feedback to workers so that they act more safely and protect their health. In addition, technological developments have resulted in devices that eliminate operational risks by replacing manual activities with automated and autonomous tasks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Cultural Safety—Towards a Global Research Agenda)

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15 pages, 1905 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Traffic Fatalities and Urban Infrastructure: A Spatial Variability Study Using Geographically Weighted Poisson Regression Applied in Cali (Colombia)

by Harvy Vivas Pacheco, Diego Rodríguez-Mariaca, Ciro Jaramillo, Andrés Fandiño-Losada and María Isabel Gutiérrez-Martínez

Safety 2023, 9(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020034 - 25 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1983

Abstract

The mobility plan and the road infrastructure works implemented, together with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connected bus system in its first two phases, generated optimistic expectations about the reduction of lethal crashes in the city. This research studies the relationship between investments [...] Read more.

The mobility plan and the road infrastructure works implemented, together with the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) connected bus system in its first two phases, generated optimistic expectations about the reduction of lethal crashes in the city. This research studies the relationship between investments in transportation infrastructure in the city and the distribution of traffic fatalities. Although it is not strictly speaking an impact assessment, the approach we propose performs geostatistical contrasts between intervened and non-intervened areas, using a geographically weighted model that attempts to model the spatial variability of the factors associated with the intra-urban road traffic crash rate, controlling for infrastructure interventions and some proxy indicators of urban structure. The findings reveal that fatalities decreased in areas both with and without intervention. Despite the expectation of reducing fatal injuries, the differential effects of the interventions were relatively small. The risk of road traffic crashes was even increased in critical points of the city with recurrent lethal crashes. The effects of road interventions on fatal road traffic crashes in Cali did not correspond to the high social and economic costs involved in the BRT system and the work plan. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Road Safety for All: The Impact of Sociodemographic Inequalities on Road Safety)

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17 pages, 4011 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Natech Accidents Triggered by Heat Waves

by Federica Ricci, Valeria Casson Moreno and Valerio Cozzani

Safety 2023, 9(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020033 - 22 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1966

Abstract

Natech accidents have an increasing relevance due to the growing number of such events and to their severe consequences. Climate change and global warming are intensifying the occurrence and the magnitude of climate-related natural events, further increasing the risk of cascading sequences triggered [...] Read more.

Natech accidents have an increasing relevance due to the growing number of such events and to their severe consequences. Climate change and global warming are intensifying the occurrence and the magnitude of climate-related natural events, further increasing the risk of cascading sequences triggered by natural disasters impacting industrial installations. The present study focuses on Natech triggered by heat waves. The features of this specific category of Natech events were investigated by past accident analysis, collecting an extended dataset of past events. The dataset analysis allowed the identification of the key factors that characterize these accident scenarios, such as the direct causes, the technological scenario that occurred, the substance categories, and the equipment items more frequently involved. The main direct cause of accidents resulted in an internal pressure increase, exceeding equipment design limits. Fire scenarios represent the most important category of technological scenarios that occurred. Besides equipment items handling liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, waste storage and processing systems also resulted frequently in accidents, due to the self-decomposition and self-ignition phenomena. The analysis of past accidents also allowed identifying some lessons learned, useful to identify specific actions aimed at preventing and/or mitigating the possible occurrence of these accident scenarios. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Worldwide Accidents: Trends, Investigation and Prevention)

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12 pages, 757 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparing Machine Learning Techniques for Predictions of Motorway Segment Crash Risk Level

by Dimitrios Nikolaou, Apostolos Ziakopoulos, Anastasios Dragomanovits, Julia Roussou and George Yannis

Safety 2023, 9(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020032 - 20 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1452

Abstract

Motorways are typically the safest road environment in terms of injury crashes per million vehicle kilometres; however, given the high severity of crashes occurring therein, there is still space for road safety improvements. The objective of this study is to compare the classification [...] Read more.

Motorways are typically the safest road environment in terms of injury crashes per million vehicle kilometres; however, given the high severity of crashes occurring therein, there is still space for road safety improvements. The objective of this study is to compare the classification performance of five machine learning techniques for predictions of crash risk levels of motorway segments. To that end, data on crash risk levels, driving behaviour metrics, and road geometry characteristics of 668 motorway segments were exploited. The utilized dataset was divided into training and test subsets, with a proportion of 75% and 25%, respectively. The training subset was used to train the models, whereas the test subset was used for the evaluation of their performance. The response variable of the models was the crash risk level of the considered motorway segments, while the predictors were various road design characteristics and naturalistic driving behaviour metrics. The techniques considered were Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and K-Nearest Neighbours. Among the five techniques, the Random Forest model achieved the best classification performance (overall accuracy: 89.3%, macro-averaged precision: 89.0%, macro-averaged recall: 88.4%, macro-averaged F1 score: 88.6%). Moreover, the Shapley additive explanations were calculated in order to assist with the interpretation of the model’s outcomes. The findings of this study are particularly useful as the Random Forest model could be used as a highly promising proactive road safety tool for identifying potentially hazardous motorway segments. Full article

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16 pages, 1604 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Framework for Hazards Management in the Surface Mining Industry—Application of Structural Equation Modeling

by Saira Sherin, Salim Raza and Ishaq Ahmad

Safety 2023, 9(2), 31; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020031 - 09 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2930

Abstract

This paper presents a conceptual framework with the application of the structural equation modeling (SEM) method for improving safety in the surface mining industry. The focus of the study is to address the essential components of occupational safety and assess them to develop [...] Read more.

This paper presents a conceptual framework with the application of the structural equation modeling (SEM) method for improving safety in the surface mining industry. The focus of the study is to address the essential components of occupational safety and assess them to develop significant linkages because they are often addressed individually. In this study, the risk (accident causation) factors were examined for continuous improvement based on the risk management process and the application of engineering, education, and enforcement. Data collected from mine employees were utilized to evaluate the framework using SEM. The final structure model showed good fit indices, including chi-square to a degree of freedom (x²/df) equal to 2.545, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) of 0.034 with a probability of 1.0, and a valid framework path. All the factors had a significant positive effect on workplace conditions and workers’ commitment, except machinery, which had a positive non-significant effect on workplace conditions. The effects of the mediated factors of worker commitment and workplace conditions on the number of accidents were β = −0.76 and β = −0.145, respectively, and the effects on job satisfaction were β = 0.31 and β = 0.433. The research concluded that any risk factor reduction can improve safety in the mining industry; however, the correlation of all factors’ effects magnifies the influence of a single factor. Furthermore, the conceptual framework is recommended for identifying the factors that need modification in order to manage hazards and improve safety in the workplace. Full article

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16 pages, 5365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Infrastructure-Based Performance Evaluation for Low-Speed Automated Vehicle (LSAV)

by Sheila Klauer, Yubin Hong, Mike Mollenhauer and Jean Paul Talledo Vilela

Safety 2023, 9(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020030 - 05 May 2023

Viewed by 1374

Abstract

This study assessed the limitations of the EasyMile EZ10 Gen 3 low-speed automated vehicle (LSAV) while operating on public roadways. The primary interest was to evaluate the infrastructure elements that posed the greatest challenges for the LSAV. A route was chosen that would [...] Read more.

This study assessed the limitations of the EasyMile EZ10 Gen 3 low-speed automated vehicle (LSAV) while operating on public roadways. The primary interest was to evaluate the infrastructure elements that posed the greatest challenges for the LSAV. A route was chosen that would satisfy a legitimate transit need. This route included more operational complexity and higher traffic volumes than a typical EasyMile LSAV deployment. The results indicate that the LSAV operated at a lower-than-expected speed (6 to 8 mph), with a high frequency of disengagements, and a regular need for safety operator intervention. Four-way stop-sign controlled intersections, three-lane roads with a shared turning lane in the middle, open areas, and areas without clear markings were the most challenging for the LSAV. Some important considerations include the need to have LSAVs operate on roadways where other vehicles may pass more safely, or on streets with slower posted speed limits. Additionally, the low passenger capacity and inability to understand where passengers are located onboard make it hard for the LSAV to replace bus transits. Currently, the LSAV is best suited to provide first/last-mile services, short routes within a controlled access area, and fill in gaps in conventional transits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Factors in Road Safety and Mobility)

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13 pages, 1682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Predicting Intoxication Using Motorcycle and Head Movements of Riders Wearing Alcohol Intoxication Goggles

by Rosemary Seva, Imanuel Luir del Rosario, Lorenzo Miguel Peñafiel, John Michael Young and Edwin Sybingco

Safety 2023, 9(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020029 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1666

Abstract

The movement of a motorcycle is one of the critical factors that influences the stability of the ride. It has been established that the gait patterns of drunk and sober people are distinct. However, drunk motorcycle (MC) drivers’ balance has not been investigated [...] Read more.

The movement of a motorcycle is one of the critical factors that influences the stability of the ride. It has been established that the gait patterns of drunk and sober people are distinct. However, drunk motorcycle (MC) drivers’ balance has not been investigated as a predictor of intoxication. This paper characterized and used MC and head movements, such as pitch and roll, to predict intoxication while riding. Two separate experiments were conducted to monitor MC and head movement. Male participants were recruited between the ages of 23 and 50 to participate in the study. Participants used alcohol intoxication goggles (AIG) to simulate blood alcohol content (BAC) while driving on a straight path. Placebo goggles were used for control. Results showed that pitch and roll amplitudes of the MC could distinguish drivers wearing placebo and AIGs, as well as the pitch and roll frequency of the head. Deep learning can be used to predict the intoxication of MC riders. The predictive accuracy of the algorithm shows a viable opportunity for the use of movement to monitor drunk riders on the road. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Worldwide Accidents: Trends, Investigation and Prevention)

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11 pages, 4647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Case Study: Modeling a Grain Bin for Safe Entry Retrofit

by Michael Dyer, Serap Gorucu, Randall Bock, Roderick Thomas, Jude Liu and Linda Fetzer

Safety 2023, 9(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020028 - 29 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1813

Abstract

All new grain bins produced after 2018 are recommended to have anchor points capable of handling a 2000 lb loading for attachment of bin entry lifeline systems. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a safe entry anchor point retrofit by using [...] Read more.

All new grain bins produced after 2018 are recommended to have anchor points capable of handling a 2000 lb loading for attachment of bin entry lifeline systems. This study aims to assess the feasibility of a safe entry anchor point retrofit by using finite element analysis (FEA). We used a grain bin owned by Penn State for 3D FEA modeling in SolidWorks. To validate the model results from the FEA model, first strain and then deflection measurements were conducted on the grain. Strain gauges were applied to the grain bin in five locations and strain values were obtained after applying static loads. The strain gauge measurements from the experimental study were compared to the strain output from the FEA simulation. The error seen was far greater than was expected. The most pertinent error source was strain gauge installation error and equipment failure. Then, the vertical roof deflection of the bin was measured using a precision phase-comparison laser while applying incremental static loads to the retrofitted rescue anchor points. The FEA model results were compared to the experimentally measured deflection results. A 3D FEA model of a grain bin was created. A high amount of error was observed in deflections between the measured and FEA modeling. The errors have resulted from the assumptions made during the model creation. However, the SolidWorks Simulation model still may be used to estimate loading scenarios in a safe and non-destructive way. Based on the research findings, the project team recommends that the suitability of any bin to safely accommodate a lifeline and anchor point system must be verified on a case-by-case basis. Evaluation by a professional structural engineer and consulting with the manufacturer are recommended. This recommendation extends to all-grain bins, including those post-2018. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Farm Safety II)

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19 pages, 9046 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Efficacy of Antivibration Gloves When Used with Electric Hammers of about 10 kg for Chiseling Limestone Rocks

by Guido Alfaro Degan, Andrea Antonucci and Dario Lippiello

Safety 2023, 9(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020027 - 28 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1329

Abstract

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of [...] Read more.

The ISO Standard 10819:2013 defines the method for evaluating the performances of antivibration (AV) gloves, but when used in real fields, the protection can be dissimilar to that labeled. This paper investigates the transmissibility, at the palm level, of three different types of AV gloves (air, gel, neoprene) and an ordinary leather glove, during the use of four similar electric hammers (average weight of 10 kg, and average impact energy of 18 J), in a limestone quarry plant. As the average triaxial transmissibility for all the hammers, results show very limited benefits in reducing the vibration (6%), with no significative differences among the different gloves. The working leather glove, instead, shows a transmissibility quite equal to the unit. Anyway, results can be different for the same glove when used among the different hammers, providing in some cases 19% of protection. Some differences can be found regarding the transmissibility through the three main axes for the same type of glove: the glove in gel seems to perform better in shear than in compression. The transmissibility in compression is around 20% higher than that provided by the manufacturers of the certified gloves. The usage of specific excitation curves during laboratory tests could help in providing a more accurate estimation of the transmissibility of the gloves when used with a specific tool. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Exploring the Mine Environment, Safety Risk and Occupational Health)

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26 pages, 2293 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Stakeholders’ Perspectives on Generative Voluntary Safety Reporting Culture (GVSRC) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Oil and Gas (O&G) Sector Using the Offshore Safety Action Program (OSAP)

by Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, Nana Yaw Owusu-Amponsah, Samuel Asante Afari, Zachary Waller, Vamegh Rasouli, Gary Ullrich, Paul Snyder and Neal Corbin

Safety 2023, 9(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020026 - 24 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1973

Abstract

To fill a gap in understanding of the Generative Voluntary Safety Reporting Culture (GVSRC) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Oil and Gas (O&G) sector, perspectives of stakeholders based on their experiences were explored using attributes of a proposed Offshore Safety Action Program [...] Read more.

To fill a gap in understanding of the Generative Voluntary Safety Reporting Culture (GVSRC) in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM) Oil and Gas (O&G) sector, perspectives of stakeholders based on their experiences were explored using attributes of a proposed Offshore Safety Action Program (OSAP) modeled after the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). A phenomenological approach encompassing semi-structured interviews (n = 18) and five focus-group sessions (n = 18) was used to collect data from a cross-section of top management, supervisors, regulatory representatives, and subject-matter experts (SME). Four themes emerged from a Thematic Analysis: (1) Voluntary safety reporting culture, (2) Voluntary safety reporting bottlenecks, (3) Universality, and (4) Organizational review of safety events. Most respondents strongly supported the OSAP because it ensures a formalized adjudication of voluntary safety reports by an Event Review Committee (ERC) with representation from employees, management, and regulators. Most respondents supported the non-punitive and confidential attributes of the OSAP as a means to enhance GVSRC. However, there were varying perspectives on defining intentional disregard for safety under the OSAP. Due to the enumerated challenges of cost, respondents agreed that organizations use a scalable process commensurate with the complexity of their operations when adopting the OSAP. A veritable framework for data-driven corrective actions, organizational learning, and enhanced GVSRC in the offshore sector is a potential policy implication of adopting the OSAP. Full article

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12 pages, 453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Provisional Improvement Notices Influence Employee Voice and Silence

by Phillip Ho

Safety 2023, 9(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020025 - 24 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1602

Abstract

Health and safety representatives (HSR) have the power to issue provisional improvement notices (PIN) to their employer for safety breaches. This paper examines how PINs influence workplace dynamics or employee voice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HSRs and other key stakeholders. They provided [...] Read more.

Health and safety representatives (HSR) have the power to issue provisional improvement notices (PIN) to their employer for safety breaches. This paper examines how PINs influence workplace dynamics or employee voice. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with HSRs and other key stakeholders. They provided details of their organisations which were used to form three case studies. Some HSRs did not believe PINS would be required as management had implemented a positive safety culture. Other HSRs feared retaliation and were afraid to issue PINs. Overall, how PINs influence employee voice was primarily driven by workplace dynamics, management attitudes as well as broader economic and political factors. There was evidence that PINs increased the confidence of HSRs to perform their duties. Full article

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18 pages, 1471 KiB

Open AccessReview

Prevalence and Characteristics of Ambulance Collisions, a Systematic Literature Review

by Milad Delavary, Zahra Ghayeninezhad and Martin Lavallière

Safety 2023, 9(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020024 - 23 Apr 2023

Viewed by 2819

Abstract

The risk of dying or being injured as a result of traffic collisions is higher for medical emergency responders than for other professional drivers. This systematic review synthesizes the literature regarding the collisions of ambulances, focusing on the prevalence and characteristics surrounding such [...] Read more.

The risk of dying or being injured as a result of traffic collisions is higher for medical emergency responders than for other professional drivers. This systematic review synthesizes the literature regarding the collisions of ambulances, focusing on the prevalence and characteristics surrounding such events. Keywords including paramedics and traffic collisions were searched in papers available in PubMed from January 1990 to July 2021. Two independent reviewers screened the abstracts of 2494 papers and ended up with 93 full-text articles to assess for eligibility, of which 26 papers were finally kept for this review. There was a total of 18 studies conducted in the United States, followed by 3 in Turkey, 2 in Taiwan, 1 in both the United States and Canada, 1 in France, and 1 in Poland. There is a high record of injury and fatal collisions for ambulances compared to other commercial or similarly sized vehicles. Drivers less than 35 years old with low experience and a history of citations are more likely to be involved in such collisions. Ambulance collisions are more likely to happen in urban areas and intersections are the riskiest locations. Most collisions occur when the ambulance is responding to an emergency call (i.e., going to the patient or the hospital) and using lights and sirens. Tailored preventive policies and programs for improving paramedics’ safety should be sought to reduce the burden of these occupational collisions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Occupational Health and Safety in A Changing World: Realities, Challenges and Perspectives)

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10 pages, 1182 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Workforce Diversity and Occupational Hearing Health

by David Nadler

Safety 2023, 9(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020023 - 13 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1620

Abstract

Hearing loss is one of the more common occupation health hazards across the globe yet is preventable. Extensive research has been done across a number of industries measuring the magnitude and frequency of hearing impairment. This study uses the National Health and Nutrition [...] Read more.

Hearing loss is one of the more common occupation health hazards across the globe yet is preventable. Extensive research has been done across a number of industries measuring the magnitude and frequency of hearing impairment. This study uses the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data to analyze hearing impairment in the United States. Regression and structural equation models were developed utilizing this publicly available data. A statistically significant correlation exists between general hearing condition and ethnicity, χ² (30, N = 8897) = 264.817, p < 0.001. A statistically significant correlation exists in this database between general hearing condition and gender, χ² (6, N = 8897) = 40.729, p < 0.001. An ordinal logistic regression was significant between the general health and ethnicity, χ² (30, N = 5968) = 212.123, p < 0.001. A structural equation model presents the first of its type for this area of research. Focusing on addressing diversity issues may be the foundation for hearing health improvement. Tools such as smartphone apps may be useful for tracking hearing loss within the workforce. Full article

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16 pages, 1826 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Scoping Literature Review of Natural Language Processing Application to Safety Occurrence Reports

by Jon Ricketts, David Barry, Weisi Guo and Jonathan Pelham

Safety 2023, 9(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020022 - 05 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3578

Abstract

Safety occurrence reports can contain valuable information on how incidents occur, revealing knowledge that can assist safety practitioners. This paper presents and discusses a literature review exploring how Natural Language Processing (NLP) has been applied to occurrence reports within safety-critical industries, informing further [...] Read more.

Safety occurrence reports can contain valuable information on how incidents occur, revealing knowledge that can assist safety practitioners. This paper presents and discusses a literature review exploring how Natural Language Processing (NLP) has been applied to occurrence reports within safety-critical industries, informing further research on the topic and highlighting common challenges. Some of the uses of NLP include the ability for occurrence reports to be automatically classified against categories, and entities such as causes and consequences to be extracted from the text as well as the semantic searching of occurrence databases. The review revealed that machine learning models form the dominant method when applying NLP, although rule-based algorithms still provide a viable option for some entity extraction tasks. Recent advances in deep learning models such as Bidirectional Transformers for Language Understanding are now achieving a high accuracy while eliminating the need to substantially pre-process text. The construction of safety-themed datasets would be of benefit for the application of NLP to occurrence reporting, as this would allow the fine-tuning of current language models to safety tasks. An interesting approach is the use of topic modelling, which represents a shift away from the prescriptive classification taxonomies, splitting data into “topics”. Where many papers focus on the computational accuracy of models, they would also benefit from real-world trials to further inform usefulness. It is anticipated that NLP will soon become a mainstream tool used by safety practitioners to efficiently process and gain knowledge from safety-related text. Full article

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14 pages, 245 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Assessment of Horse-Drawn Vehicle Incidents from U.S. News Media Reports within AgInjuryNews

by Nicole Becklinger

Safety 2023, 9(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020021 - 02 Apr 2023

Viewed by 1322

Abstract

Some old-order Anabaptist communities rely on animal-drawn vehicles for transportation and farm work. This research examines reports involving horse-drawn vehicles found in the AgInjuryNews dataset, which provides a publicly accessible collection of agricultural injury reports primarily gathered from news media. The goals of [...] Read more.

Some old-order Anabaptist communities rely on animal-drawn vehicles for transportation and farm work. This research examines reports involving horse-drawn vehicles found in the AgInjuryNews dataset, which provides a publicly accessible collection of agricultural injury reports primarily gathered from news media. The goals of this research are to characterize the reports and to compare results with previous research to assess the utility of using AgInjuryNews to examine horse-drawn vehicle incidents. A total of 38 reports representing 83 victims were identified. Chi-square tests comparing victim and incident traits for fatal and nonfatal injuries were significant for the victim’s role in the incident, vehicle type, presence of a motor vehicle, rear-ending by a motor vehicle, spooked horses, a victim being run over or struck by a vehicle, and a victim being ejected or falling from a vehicle. Additional analysis of incidents involving horse-drawn farm equipment showed that a significantly higher proportion of off-road incidents were fatal compared to on-road incidents. The proportion of fatal injuries in the AgInjuryNews dataset was approximately 10 times higher than observed in a study using Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) data. Compared to previous research, the AgInjuryNews reports contained a higher proportion of incidents where a motor vehicle rear-ended a horse-drawn vehicle, and fewer cases of horse-drawn vehicles being struck by motor vehicles while crossing or entering a main road and making left turns. Reports of buggy crashes found in AgInjuryNews differed from those found in a Nexis Uni search in that the bulk of the articles from Nexis Uni referred to cases involving criminal charges for impaired driving or hit-and-run crashes. While it is evident that the reports included in the sample are incidents that media sources find compelling rather than comprehensive injury surveillance, it is possible to gain new insights using the AgInjuryNews reports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Human Factors in Road Safety and Mobility)

21 pages, 3794 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Crash Data Analysis through a Comparative Application of Regression and Neural Network Models

by Lorenzo Mussone and Mohammadamin Alizadeh Meinagh

Safety 2023, 9(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020020 - 01 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2077

Abstract

One way to reduce road crashes is to determine the main influential factors among a long list that are attributable to driver behavior, environmental conditions, vehicle features, road type, and traffic signs. Hence, selecting the best modelling tool for extracting the relations between [...] Read more.

One way to reduce road crashes is to determine the main influential factors among a long list that are attributable to driver behavior, environmental conditions, vehicle features, road type, and traffic signs. Hence, selecting the best modelling tool for extracting the relations between crash factors and their outcomes is a crucial task. To analyze the road crash data of Milan City, Italy, gathered between 2014–2017, this study used artificial neural networks (ANNs), generalized linear mixed-effects (GLME), multinomial regression (MNR), and general nonlinear regression (NLM), as the modelling tools. The data set contained 35,182 records of road crashes with injuries or fatalities. The findings showed that unbalanced and incomplete data sets had an impact on outcome performance, and data treatment methods could help overcome this problem. Age and gender were the most influential recurrent factors in crashes. Additionally, ANNs demonstrated a superior capability to approximate complicated relationships between an input and output better than the other regression models. However, they cannot provide an analytical formulation, but can be used as a baseline for other regression models. Due to this, GLME and MNR were utilized to gather information regarding the analytical framework of the model, that aimed to construct a particular NLM. Full article

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14 pages, 592 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Stress Responses to Fear and Anxiety in a Height Change Experiment among Non-Labor Teenagers

by Apiruck Wonghempoom, Warawoot Chuangchai and Pattamon Selanon

Safety 2023, 9(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety9020019 - 28 Mar 2023

Viewed by 2071

Abstract

Working on elevated surfaces without prior experience can be dangerous, particularly for young people, who are significantly more at risk of developing fear and anxiety, which might lead to falls and fatalities. This critical problem has, however, received limited research attention. The present [...] Read more.

Working on elevated surfaces without prior experience can be dangerous, particularly for young people, who are significantly more at risk of developing fear and anxiety, which might lead to falls and fatalities. This critical problem has, however, received limited research attention. The present study aimed to demonstrate the associations among physiological responses, fear, and anxiety in Thai teenagers at various height levels. Sixty teenagers (30 males and 30 females) between the ages of 15 and 18 who had no labor skills were recruited to perform the task at 11 levels, starting at zero meters and increasing by one meter at each level. The measurements were examined and recorded once the task at each level was finished. The main results indicated that heart rate was partially positively associated with mean arterial pressure, fear, and anxiety (with all p values < 0.001) in all teenagers (after controlling for level and sex), as well as male and female teenagers (after controlling for level). The present study suggested monitoring heart rate data in teenagers conducting activities at heights, which can be triggered by fear and anxiety, as a strategy for preventing falls from height hazards. Full article

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Safety, Volume 9, Issue 2 (June 2023) – 23 articles

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