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Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons™

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Edith Cowan University

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Articles 1 - 30 of 85

Full-Text Articles in Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene

Norm Dust Intake: Comparison Of Personal Air Sampling And Bioassays, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani Jun 2026

Norm Dust Intake: Comparison Of Personal Air Sampling And Bioassays, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Intake of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM), particularly the inhalation of thorium-bearing dust in mineral sand operations, has traditionally been assessed via personal air sampling (PAS). However, data from bioassay studies suggest that the actual intake determined via PAS may be underestimated. This review integrates thorium intake estimates derived from historical bioassay datasets, such as urine, faeces, lung counting, and thoron-in-breath tests, with historical PAS data. The findings indicated that bioassay-based predictions of intake were consistently greater, with mean bioassay-to-PAS intake ratios ranging from 2.6 to 4.2. The contributing factors to this discrepancy include biokinetic model uncertainties, potential dust sampler …

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Aviation Accident Investigation Analysis Methodologies Used By 12 Government Safety Investigation Authorities, Kym Bills, Leesa Costello, Marcus Cattani Jun 2026

Aviation Accident Investigation Analysis Methodologies Used By 12 Government Safety Investigation Authorities, Kym Bills, Leesa Costello, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Leading government Safety Investigation Authorities (SIAs) that investigate major aviation accidents are members of the International Transportation Safety Association (ITSA). Investigation analysis methodology details are rarely included on SIA websites, in final accident reports, shared with peers, or specified by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Some ‘New View’ safety researchers assume SIAs don't use systemic methodologies and that accident investigation has little value. Because of the sensitivity of SIA work and need to prioritize safety value from available investigation funding, there has been little academic research on choice and use of investigation analysis methodologies to address these issues …

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Reduced Physical Activity During Submarine Deployment: Health And Performance Consequences And Feasible Countermeasures—A Narrative Review, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka Jan 2026

Reduced Physical Activity During Submarine Deployment: Health And Performance Consequences And Feasible Countermeasures—A Narrative Review, Benjamin J.C. Kirk, Georgios Mavropalias, Anthony J. Blazevich, Jodie L. Cochrane Wilkie, Aus Molan, Kazunori Nosaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Submarine environments pose unique challenges to maintaining physical activity due to space constraints, operational demands, and prolonged confinement. This review aims to synthesize existing literature on the health and performance consequences of reduced physical activity in submarine personnel and to examine feasible strategies to mitigate these effects during deployment. Methods: A narrative overview methodology was adopted, with peer-reviewed studies identified from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Articles examining physical activity patterns, health outcomes, and exercise or movement-based interventions in submarine environments and comparable confined operational settings were included. Results: Submarine deployments are consistently associated with reduced physical activity, low …

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Thorium Lung Burdens Of Norm Workers Revisited, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani Jan 2026

Thorium Lung Burdens Of Norm Workers Revisited, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historical thorium bioassay data collected from Australian mine workers in the 1990s, including in vivo lung counting and thoron-in-breath (TIB) measurements, were re-evaluated using current dosimetric and biokinetic models. Revised daily thorium intakes from bioassay were compared with previous estimates to assess changes in the dose profile and potential implications for contemporary operations. Reanalysis revealed lower estimates of annual dose, including the number of workers assessed as exceeding 20 mSv. However, it was found that intakes derived from industry personal air sampling (PAS) underestimated intake by up to three-fold. This study determined that sensitive bioassay techniques, such as TIB using …

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The Basis For Recommending The Selection Of Samplers In Determining Occupational Exposures To Aerosols, Martin Harper, Pieter Bertier, Marcus Cattani, Karen Galea, Darrah Sleeth, Steven Verpaele Jan 2026

The Basis For Recommending The Selection Of Samplers In Determining Occupational Exposures To Aerosols, Martin Harper, Pieter Bertier, Marcus Cattani, Karen Galea, Darrah Sleeth, Steven Verpaele

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Measurements are considered to be the basis of exposure assessments used to determine risks to workers. Inhalation exposure poses the greatest risk for most airborne chemicals, and measurements are based on collecting (sampling) and analyzing air samples. Samplers have been developed for more than 120 years. Each new design has been intended to address flaws perceived in earlier designs. Users are faced with a varied array of samplers from which to choose. Comparisons are difficult to make because tests of sampler performance were not standardized until recently and have not been applied consistently. The existing large body of work does …

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Assessing Compliance With Evolving Exposure Standards: Respirable Crystalline Silica (Rcs) Exposure In Western Australian Mining, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Kerry Staples, Matthew Oosthuizen, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen Oct 2025

Assessing Compliance With Evolving Exposure Standards: Respirable Crystalline Silica (Rcs) Exposure In Western Australian Mining, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Kerry Staples, Matthew Oosthuizen, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The link between occupational exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) and silicosis, a potentially fatal respiratory disease, has been well-established, leading to global reductions in RCS Exposure Standards (ES). In Western Australia (WA), RCS data have been collected by the Department of Energy, Mining, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) from 1986 to 2024 (n = 144,141). These results were analysed to assess the impacts of recent changes to the ES on compliance. Findings suggest that the WA mining sector, regardless of commodity type, is compliant with RCS exposures as assessed against the 0.05 mg/m3 ES (2019). Laboratory technicians, exploratory …

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Sleep Environment Is Associated With Sleep Control In Fly-In, Fly-Out Mining Shift Workers, Philipp Beranek, Mitchell Turner, Johnny Lo, Michael Grandner, Ian C. Dunican, Travis Cruickshank Oct 2025

Sleep Environment Is Associated With Sleep Control In Fly-In, Fly-Out Mining Shift Workers, Philipp Beranek, Mitchell Turner, Johnny Lo, Michael Grandner, Ian C. Dunican, Travis Cruickshank

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Control over sleep timing, duration, and quality is essential for obtaining healthy sleep. Fly-in, Fly-out (FIFO) mining shift workers face unique challenges in maintaining control over their sleep due to their roster. However, the impact of their sleep environment on perceived sleep control in this population remains underexplored. This study evaluates the sleep environment of FIFO mining shift workers and its association with sleep control. A cross-sectional study was conducted (2023–2024) on Australian FIFO mining shift workers residing in remote camp accommodations. Data were collected via an online survey using the Assessment of Sleep Environment (ASE) and the Brief Index …

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Occupational Exposure To Diesel Particulate Matter In Western Australian Mining: A Retrospective Analysis And Challenges To Future Compliance, Matthew Oosthuizen, Kerry Staples, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen Sep 2025

Occupational Exposure To Diesel Particulate Matter In Western Australian Mining: A Retrospective Analysis And Challenges To Future Compliance, Matthew Oosthuizen, Kerry Staples, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

De-identified diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure data (n = 24,459) was obtained from the Western Australian mining regulator to assess compliance with the current Workplace Exposure Standard (WES) of 0.1 mg/m3, measured as submicron elemental carbon, and a proposed limit of 0.01 mg/m3, assessed as respirable elemental carbon. R and R-Studio were used to generate summary statistics comparing compliance to the current and proposed limits, stratified by industry and occupational groups. To examine temporal trends, a zero-adjusted gamma model was used to assess whether expected sample means changed over the past ten years, using commodity and …

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Welding Fume In The Western Australian Mining Industry: Impact Of A Change To The Workplace Exposure Standard, Matthew Oosthuizen, Kerry Staples, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen Aug 2025

Welding Fume In The Western Australian Mining Industry: Impact Of A Change To The Workplace Exposure Standard, Matthew Oosthuizen, Kerry Staples, Adelle Liebenberg, Kiam Padamsey, Marcus Cattani, Andy Mccarthy, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The aim of this study was to analyse the Western Australian (WA) Safety Regulatory System (SRS) database to assess compliance of the WA mining sector regarding workers exposure to welding fumes and to identify trends over time. De-identified data analysed to assess the impact of reducing workplace exposure standards (WES) for general welding fumes on industry compliance. Historical trend analysis shows a shift from 100% compliance to 100% non-compliance, based on mean values and 95% confidence intervals, with exposure levels remaining consistent over time. These findings highlight the need for current, innovative engineering solutions, and raise questions about the validity …

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Caring For Home Care Workers: Health And Safety Hazards, Harms And Risk Factors, Denise M. Jepsen, Sanetta Henrietta Johanna Du Toit, Toni Robyn Barker, Saul Wodak, Erin Lawn, Tash Freeburn, Josh Rhee, Carmel Laragy, Elizabeth Convery Aug 2025

Caring For Home Care Workers: Health And Safety Hazards, Harms And Risk Factors, Denise M. Jepsen, Sanetta Henrietta Johanna Du Toit, Toni Robyn Barker, Saul Wodak, Erin Lawn, Tash Freeburn, Josh Rhee, Carmel Laragy, Elizabeth Convery

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Home care workers support the growing number of older adults or people with disabilities who are living at home in their own private residences. The complex and varied work health and safety (WHS) hazards these workers face on the job include both physical and psychosocial harms. While physical WHS hazards in this sector have been articulated, there is an urgent need to update, understand and address psychosocial risks such as verbal abuse and sexually inappropriate behaviour and bullying, particularly when perpetrated by clients. This study sought to identify the range of WHS hazards and harms that home care workers face …

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Cocreating A Programme To Prevent Injuries And Improve Performance In Australian Police Force Recruits: Consumer, Industry Partner And Researcher Involvement Protocol, Myles Calder Murphy, Andrea R. Bruder, Vanessa R. Sutton, Garth M. Allen, Andrea C.M. Mosler, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Evert L. Verhagen, Joanne Kemp, Caroline Jones, Joletta Belton, Debra Langridge Apr 2025

Cocreating A Programme To Prevent Injuries And Improve Performance In Australian Police Force Recruits: Consumer, Industry Partner And Researcher Involvement Protocol, Myles Calder Murphy, Andrea R. Bruder, Vanessa R. Sutton, Garth M. Allen, Andrea C.M. Mosler, Jonathan M. Hodgson, Simone Radavelli-Bagatini, Evert L. Verhagen, Joanne Kemp, Caroline Jones, Joletta Belton, Debra Langridge

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We are conducting a research program to cocreate, implement and evaluate an injury prevention intervention for the Western Australia (WA) Police Force Recruit Training Academy. This programme of research has three primary phases: (1) cocreate an injury prevention intervention for the WA Police Force with WA Force recruits, WA Police Force staff, health professionals and injury prevention experts, (2) implement the injury prevention intervention into WA Police Force Recruit training and (3) evaluate the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance of the injury prevention intervention. Our research programme includes the involvement of consumers, industry partners and researchers. To ensure collaboration …

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Impact Of Changes To International Commission On Radiological Protection Models On Occupational Thorium Ore Dust Intake, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani Apr 2025

Impact Of Changes To International Commission On Radiological Protection Models On Occupational Thorium Ore Dust Intake, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin I. Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Workers involved in mining and processing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORMs) are potentially exposed to dust containing alpha particle emitters. The objective of this study is to summarize the key impacts of the latest International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) biokinetic model for thorium ore dust intake and to identify model parameters that require further investigation. The dosimetric significance of thorium ore dust exposure has varied widely over time owing to progressive changes in the inhalation dose coefficients. These changes had a significant influence on radiation protection practices in the Western Australian mineral sand industry, including research initiatives and implementation …

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Exposures Of Western Australian Wildland Firefighters: Insights From Real-Time Monitoring, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen Mar 2025

Exposures Of Western Australian Wildland Firefighters: Insights From Real-Time Monitoring, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Inhalation of bushfire smoke is a risk to the health of firefighters, particularly across Australia where bushfires are becoming more frequent and intense. This study aimed to use real-time monitoring devices to assess the particle and chemical exposures of Western Australian firefighters during prescribed burns and bushfires. Methods: Participants included volunteer bushfire firefighters and forestry firefighters. Real-time gas and particulate monitors were used across nine unique fire events to evaluate the occupational exposures of firefighters. Findings: Firefighters (n = 40) were exposed to high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), particularly PM10, with concentrations varying widely between individuals and events. …

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Thorium Ore Dust Research Applicable To Mineral Sands Industry Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, M. I. Ralph, M. Cattani Mar 2025

Thorium Ore Dust Research Applicable To Mineral Sands Industry Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, M. I. Ralph, M. Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Historically, radiation exposure to mineral sands workers arose primarily from intake of thorium associated with monazite dust generated in mineral separation plants. Research investigations in the 1990s provided greater insight into the characteristics of inhaled thorium ore dust and bioassay studies inferred that some workers had accumulated significant lung burdens of thorium. Recent changes to biokinetic models have increased the radiation dose assessed to arise from thorium intake, raising questions on the appropriateness of current assumptions used in exposure assessment and feasibility of further bioassay research. Past radiation research undertaken in the Western Australian mineral sands industry is summarised and …

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Musculoskeletal Injury In Australian Infantry Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study To Understand Prevention Priorities, Joanne Stannard, Caroline Finch, Paula Dabovich, Lauren Fortington Mar 2025

Musculoskeletal Injury In Australian Infantry Personnel: A Cross-Sectional Study To Understand Prevention Priorities, Joanne Stannard, Caroline Finch, Paula Dabovich, Lauren Fortington

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Introduction: Musculoskeletal injury patterns are under-investigated in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps. Subsequently, more evidence is needed to support injury prevention processes in this population. One difficulty in collecting injury information to monitor injury patterns within combat populations accurately is known injury concealment behaviors in such populations. This study aims to examine musculoskeletal injury epidemiology within Australian infantry battalions using a tailored approach to mitigate reporting avoidance. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study using an anonymous online survey captured musculoskeletal injury information directly from personnel serving within 2 Australian infantry battalions. The survey requested information on participants’ injury frequency in …

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Thorium Bioassay Of Miners Revisited, Gregory Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani Mar 2025

Thorium Bioassay Of Miners Revisited, Gregory Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study aimed to revisit previous in-vitro thorium studies on workers and reevaluate their significance against the current International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) models for thorium intake. Thorium concentrations in the urine and blood serum of Western Australian mineral sands workers had previously been interpreted using biokinetic models recommended by the ICRP. These findings revealed significant inconsistencies with those of other monitoring methods, including in-vivo lung counting and personal air sampling. Data on thorium concentrations in the urine and blood serum of workers and their exposure records were extracted from the previously published research and assessed using the Taurus …

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Faecal Excretion Of Thorium By Norm Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani Jan 2025

Faecal Excretion Of Thorium By Norm Workers, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Exposure to thorium-bearing dust in industries handling and processing monazite and other minerals can pose radiological risks to workers. This study aimed to reassess historical faecal bioassay data collected over 10 d from two monazite plant workers using updated biokinetic and dosimetric models. Another objective was to evaluate the feasibility of faecal thorium bioassay for contemporary operations involving naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM). The retrospective analysis found that the bioassay-derived thorium intakes were significantly higher than those estimated via personal air sampling. The effective dose estimates for the two workers were similar and ranged from 0.95 to 2.40 mSv over …

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Are We Underestimating Exposures From Norm Dust?, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ian Ralph, Marcus Cattani Jan 2025

Are We Underestimating Exposures From Norm Dust?, Gregory S. Hewson, Martin Ian Ralph, Marcus Cattani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The inhalation of dust containing naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) associated with mining and mineral processing operations may lead to potential long-term health impacts, including cancer and chronic lung disease, due to alpha particle-emitting radionuclides. This study evaluates the effectiveness of air sampling strategies used to estimate radiation doses from NORM exposure, with a focus on the Western Australian minerals industry. The objectives were to review current sampling and analysis protocols, identify factors contributing to over- or underestimation of dose, and propose adjustments to improve intake assessments. A review of research and guidelines applicable to NORM dust exposure was conducted, …

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Better Sleep Hygiene Is Associated With Better Sleep Health In Mining Shift Workers In Australia, Philipp Beranek, Ian C. Dunican, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner Jan 2025

Better Sleep Hygiene Is Associated With Better Sleep Health In Mining Shift Workers In Australia, Philipp Beranek, Ian C. Dunican, Travis Cruickshank, Mitchell Turner

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Australia's mine sites are largely situated in remote locations and operate around the clock. Many shift workers fly to site, where they work 12-hr shifts and sleep in camp accommodation before they return home for the period rostered off work. Mining shift workers experience poor sleep, yet limited research is available on contributing factors. This study investigated, for the first time, the relationship between the sleep health and sleep hygiene in this population. A survey was disseminated to shift workers in the mining industry, utilising a cross-sectional study design. The Sleep Health Index and Sleep Hygiene Index questionnaires were used …

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Investigating The Interplay Of Thermal, Lighting, And Acoustics In Intensive Care For Enhanced Patient Well-Being And Clinical Outcomes, Emil E. Jonescu, Edward Litton, Benjamin Farrell Jan 2025

Investigating The Interplay Of Thermal, Lighting, And Acoustics In Intensive Care For Enhanced Patient Well-Being And Clinical Outcomes, Emil E. Jonescu, Edward Litton, Benjamin Farrell

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research explores the interplay among noise levels, thermal conditions, and lighting intensity in an intensive care unit (ICU), focusing on preserving circadian rhythm and promoting nighttime sleep to advance patient-centric care. This investigation assesses lighting levels (Lux), natural versus artificial light ratios, ICU room temperature, and correlations with acoustic data during a field research period and examines the collective impact of patient exposure to sleep linked to delirium and health outcomes, addressing critical gaps in understanding. Findings reveal that noise levels between 60 and 90 dB(A) during patient occupancy exceed sleep disruption thresholds, with daytime averages of 53.6 dB(A) …

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Characterising The Chemical Composition Of Bushfire Smoke And Implications For Firefighter Exposure In Western Australia, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen Nov 2024

Characterising The Chemical Composition Of Bushfire Smoke And Implications For Firefighter Exposure In Western Australia, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study evaluates bushfire smoke as a workplace hazard for firefighters by characterising its chemical composition and potential health risks in Western Australia. Portable Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometry was used to measure airborne chemical concentrations at prescribed burns across five regions, including peat (acid sulphate) fire events. Samples were collected during both flaming and smouldering phases, as well as in perceived “clear” air resting zones. Results indicated that carbon monoxide (CO) was the dominant gas, reaching concentrations of 205 ppm at the fire front, followed by nitrogen monoxide (26 ppm) and methane (19 ppm). Peat fires produced distinct profiles, …

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Preliminary Assessment Of Tunic Off-Gassing After Wildland Firefighting Exposure, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen Sep 2024

Preliminary Assessment Of Tunic Off-Gassing After Wildland Firefighting Exposure, Kiam Padamsey, Adelle Liebenberg, Ruth Wallace, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Evidence has previously shown that outer tunics (turnout coats) worn by firefighters at structural fires are contaminated with harmful chemicals which subsequently off-gas from the material. However, there is limited research on whether this phenomenon extends to wildland firefighter uniforms. This pilot study aimed to explore if the tunics of volunteer bushfire and forestry firefighters in Western Australia off-gas any contaminants after exposure to prescribed burns or bushfires, and whether there is a need to explore this further. Nine tunics were collected from firefighters following nine bushfire and prescribed burn events, with a set of unused tunics serving as a …

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Aggression And Violence In The Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Perspectives Of Frontline Healthcare Professionals, Joshua Johnson, Sara Hansen, Luke Hopper, Luke Brook, Jess Watson, Brennen Mills Aug 2024

Aggression And Violence In The Emergency Department: A Qualitative Study Exploring The Perspectives Of Frontline Healthcare Professionals, Joshua Johnson, Sara Hansen, Luke Hopper, Luke Brook, Jess Watson, Brennen Mills

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Aggression and violence (AV) towards frontline healthcare professionals (FHPs) represent a rapidly increasing strain on hospitals, impacting clinician mental health and the provision of patient care. Little is known about the perceptions of healthcare professionals on current aggression management practices. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of FHPs on AV in hospital emergency departments (EDs). Methods: Eight semi-structured focus groups consisting of 6–10 participants from five hospital EDs were held. Participants included medical doctors, nurses, and work health safety staff. Focus groups were audio-recorded and transcribed before undergoing thematic analysis. Findings: Four main themes were identified: (i) …

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Fighting Fire And Fumes: Risk Awareness And Protective Practices Among Western Australian Firefighters, Kiam Padamsey, Ruth Wallace, Adelle Liebenberg, Martyn Cross, Jacques Oosthuizen Apr 2024

Fighting Fire And Fumes: Risk Awareness And Protective Practices Among Western Australian Firefighters, Kiam Padamsey, Ruth Wallace, Adelle Liebenberg, Martyn Cross, Jacques Oosthuizen

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: In Western Australia, the issue of bushfires (wildfires) poses a persistent health risk to both volunteer and career forestry firefighters, populations that have been historically understudied. Aims: This descriptive qualitative study aimed to examine firefighters' level of understanding concerning hazardous exposures, their Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) protocols and their decontamination practices. Methods: Guided by the socioecological model, 23 semi-structured interviews were conducted with firefighters representing both volunteer and forestry sectors. Key results: Results indicate a gap in knowledge regarding the health risks associated with bushfire-generated smoke and contaminants among volunteer firefighters. Forestry firefighters, conversely, showed a greater awareness of …

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Good Manufacturing Practice In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Challenges And Solutions For Compliance, Pelden Chejor, Thinley Dorji, Ngawang Dema, Andrew Stafford Jan 2024

Good Manufacturing Practice In Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Challenges And Solutions For Compliance, Pelden Chejor, Thinley Dorji, Ngawang Dema, Andrew Stafford

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Approximately 2 billion people globally have limited access to essential medicines, particularly those living in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). In addition, there is a higher prevalence of substandard and counterfeit medicines in LMICs, which may cause antimicrobial resistance and therapeutic failure. Good manufacturing practice (GMP) is key to ensuring access to high-quality, safe and effective medicines, including active pharmaceutical ingredients and excipients used for manufacturing finished dosage forms. Compliance with GMP standards saves resources for both manufacturers (e.g. avoiding expensive product recalls) and governments (e.g. minimising compliance inspections). Concerted collaborations among different countries to harmonise GMP standards and procedures …

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Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Leilei Yu, Weiting Liu, Jingzheng Wang, Ziyao Jin, Ruoyu Meng, Zhiyuan Wu, Yuanyuan Zheng, Zheng Guo Jan 2024

Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study Evaluating The Association Between Effort-Reward Imbalance And Suboptimal Health Status Among Hospital Nurses: A Cross-Sectional Study, Leilei Yu, Weiting Liu, Jingzheng Wang, Ziyao Jin, Ruoyu Meng, Zhiyuan Wu, Yuanyuan Zheng, Zheng Guo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Objectives: Occupational stress is a common complaint in nurses, who perceived more sense of effort-reward imbalance (ERI). Suboptimal health status (SHS) is a state between health and disease. However, the correlation between ERI and SHS is unclear. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine the prevalence of SHS and ERI and evaluate the relationship between ERI and SHS in clinical nurses by a cross-sectional study. Material and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey at Dongping People's Hospital in China. A total of 633 completed surveys were received. Effort-reward imbalance was measured by subscales …

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Identifying Occupational Health And Safety Risks Among Environmental Health Officers In Australia And New Zealand Through An Online Survey, Garry Dine, Sue Reed, Jacques Oosthuizen, Edmore Masaka Mar 2023

Identifying Occupational Health And Safety Risks Among Environmental Health Officers In Australia And New Zealand Through An Online Survey, Garry Dine, Sue Reed, Jacques Oosthuizen, Edmore Masaka

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To identify the occupational health and safety (OHS) risks among environmental health officers (EHOs) in Australia and New Zealand. The objectives were to profile and compare OHS experiences from different countries and regions to gain a regional perspective on OHS hazards that impact EHOs. An online hazard exposure survey was conducted among 339 EHOs (Australia: n = 301, 88.8%; New Zealand: n = 38, 11.2%). The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare 2 ordinal data groups, the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for more than 2 ordinal groups, and the independent samples t test was used to compare the …

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Assessing Children To Identify Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Survey Of Occupational Therapists In Australia, Jacqui Hunt, Jill Zwicker, Erin Godecke, Annette Raynor Jan 2023

Assessing Children To Identify Developmental Coordination Disorder: A Survey Of Occupational Therapists In Australia, Jacqui Hunt, Jill Zwicker, Erin Godecke, Annette Raynor

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: Developmental coordination disorder (DCD), a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with motor and psychosocial consequences, can significantly impact children's quality of life. In Australia, most children with diagnosed/suspected DCD have received occupational therapy services, more so than any other health service. As such, occupational therapists are key in identification and treatment and require a sound knowledge of diagnostic criteria and the best evidence for practice. This study explored current occupational therapy services for children with DCD. Areas for development are identified to improve the identification of, and subsequent intervention for, children with DCD. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, an online survey …

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Hand Hygiene Knowledge And Demonstrated Technique Among Malawian Kindergarten Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, Maggie Zgambo, Fatch Welcome Kalembo Jan 2023

Hand Hygiene Knowledge And Demonstrated Technique Among Malawian Kindergarten Children: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Balwani Chingatichifwe Mbakaya, Maggie Zgambo, Fatch Welcome Kalembo

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Aim: To evaluate hand hygiene knowledge and demonstrated technique before and after implementation of the hand hygiene programme and its sustainability among Malawian kindergarten students. Design: Quasi-experimental design, utilizing a repeated measure at three points, namely, before intervention (T0), soon after intervention (T1) and follow-up (T2). Methods: The hand hygiene programme consisted of integrating hand hygiene protocol into the school health curriculum, setting up proper handwashing facilities, training school teachers, health talks and developing reminders on hand hygiene. Fifty-three kindergarten children aged 3–6 years were enrolled in the programme. Data were collected at 3 months' intervals (T0, T1, and T2). …

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A Current Affair: Worker Perceptions Of Noise Exposure And Occupational Hearing Loss In Australian Coal Mines, Adelle Liebenberg, Jacques Oosthuizen, Sue Reed Jan 2023

A Current Affair: Worker Perceptions Of Noise Exposure And Occupational Hearing Loss In Australian Coal Mines, Adelle Liebenberg, Jacques Oosthuizen, Sue Reed

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Background: The objective of the online survey was to determine worker attitudes towards, perceptions on hearing loss, and management of workplace noise; and to identify barriers within current strategies that prevent effective management of hearing health in Australian mines. Design: This cross-sectional study utilized a modified survey design, initially designed for use by Safe Work Australia for a broader study published in 2010. Study Sample: The survey questionnaire was made available online to volunteer participants, recruited with the assistance of State and National Health and Safety, and mining organizations. Volunteer participants were required to be proficient in English, be employed …

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