Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene Commons^™

Covid-19 Infection Prevention And Control Guidelines Of Philippine Physical Therapy Association (Ppta) And Rehabilitation Department Of Select Hospitals In The Philippines: Impact On Infection Trend, Ghiester Marc T. Estrellado, Venize Edanne F. Montecillo, Cristina Faye C. Panopio, Alexandra Marie V. Amistoso, Raymond M. Tosoc

Philippine Journal of Physical Therapy

Introduction: There is a paucity of evidence supporting the need for setting up hospital COVID-19 infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines for Physical Therapists (PTs) that meet global standards. This study aimed to determine the consistency of IPC guidelines among different rehabilitation departments of hospitals within Region IV-A and the Philippine Physical Therapy Association’s (PPTA) recommendations with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) IPC guidance document. It also compared the hospitals’ consistency scores with the trend of infected PTs per month.

Methods: In this descriptive cross-sectional survey, an online checklist was developed and validated to examine the consistency of the IPC …

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 …

Potential Biological Hazards In Health Clinics: Key Strategies For Enhancing Worker Safety In Malaysia, Subki Ahmad, Normah Awang, Ermie Abdull Hamid, Anuar Ithnin, Nurul Farahana Kamaludin, Noraizah Muhd Nor

Makara Journal of Health Research

Background: Biological hazards in health clinics may lead to acute or chronic health issues for healthcare workers. This study aims to identify potential biological hazards within health clinics, with a focus on the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of healthcare workers, in order to improve their safety.

Methods: Samples from environmental surfaces were collected and cultured to identify bacterial pathogens. A cross-sectional study involving 203 healthcare workers was conducted using a questionnaire derived from CDC-adapted guidelines. Descriptive analysis and multivariate regression were used to assess KAP.

Results: Bacterial growth was observed in all clinics. The Kruskal-Wallis Test …

Beyond The Bruise: Understanding Injury Risk Factors Among Livestock Workers In Cattle Feedyards And Animal Handling Farms And Ranches, Rishad Ahmed

Theses & Dissertations

Cattle feeding and livestock production are central to U.S. agriculture and represent some of the most hazardous occupational environments. Workers in feedyards and on cattle farms and ranches face elevated risks of injury due to physically demanding labor, frequent animal handling, and exposure to environmental and ergonomic hazards. Many feedyard workers are Hispanic/Latino immigrants who may experience additional barriers related to language, healthcare access, and job security. Similarly, injury risks among cattle producers are compounded by seasonal workload fluctuations, limited rest opportunities, and psychosocial stressors. Beyond individual impacts, agricultural injuries also pose a substantial economic burden. Recent estimates indicate that …

A Comprehensive Evidence-Based Educational Initiative For Improving Hand Hygiene, Lyanna L. Chan

Master's Projects and Capstones

Abstract

Problem: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a persistent concern in assisted living facilities, often resulting from inconsistent hand hygiene practices. Although national guidelines exist, adherence remains suboptimal, especially where staff training and compliance monitoring are limited.

Context: This project took place in a 53-bed assisted living facility without a formal system to track or reinforce hand hygiene. The aim was to improve staff knowledge and promote infection prevention through education.

Interventions: A Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) led an evidence-based hand hygiene education program. The intervention included interactive training, visual reminders, personal sanitizers, and leadership support during clinical huddles.

Measures: Pre- …

Advanced Interactions Of Directed Energy With Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells And Their Photochemical And Photothermal Responses, Jin B. Ha

Theses & Dissertations

Excess optical radiation can injure the retina through either rapid heat deposition (photothermal damage) or cumulative photo‑oxidative stress (photochemical damage), yet current laser‑safety limits treat these mechanisms as independent. To test that assumption, this dissertation integrated systematic wavelength, duration and temperature‑controlled laser exposures with live/dead fluorescence imaging in a melanin‑loaded hTERT‑RPE1 monolayer model. First, concurrent 447 nm (blue) and 2 µm (infra‑red) beams delivered for 200 s demonstrated a strong thermal–photochemical synergy: each beam alone was sub‑threshold (≤25 % lethality) but together produced 100 % RPE death without exceeding 50 °C, proving that modest heating markedly lowers the photon dose …

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 …

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 …

Medical Surveillance In Custodial Jsas: Preventing Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure, Kiara Gadea

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Custodians play an important role in maintaining our surroundings safe and sanitary. However, in doing so, they are their exposure to health hazards that put them at risk, yet these exposures are often overlooked. One major risk they face is contact with bloodborne pathogens, which put custodial staff at risk for infections such as hepatitis B. While Job Safety Analyses (JSA’s) outline various protective measures, many fail to incorporate medical surveillance as part of their risk management program. Overlooking this important detail leaves custodians vulnerable to health risks that can be prevented.

Adding a medical surveillance section to custodial JSA’s, …

Engaging In Movement At Work: Exploring Engagement And Physical Activity., Spencer A. Cavan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

High levels of employee engagement provide organizations competitive advantages such as increased customer satisfaction, profits, and employee productivity. Despite potential benefits, the number of engaged employees is declining and organizations need to find innovative ways to enhance engagement. Emerging evidence suggests workplace physical activity may generate organizational benefits extending beyond health improvement. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of engagement among employees participating in a physical activity intervention at work. A qualitative design, guided by phenomenology, examined perceptions of workplace physical activity and perceived levels of engagement, as well as constraints related to involvement among university …

Evaluation Of The Zanesville-Muskingum County Ohio’S Mosquito And Tick Disease Vector Control Program, Samantha Wantz

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

This project aimed to evaluate the Zanesville – Muskingum County Health Department’s (ZMCHD) Vector Control Program based on performance measures, program indicators, and customer satisfaction. A secondary goal of the project is to evaluate and revise the existing policies and procedures of the program in regards specifically to the safety of the intern. Based on information from the Ohio Department of Health infectious disease dashboard, in the last 10 years (2014-2024) Muskingum County has reported 12 total cases of La Crosse virus, one case of West Nile Virus, and one case of Malaria (Ohio Department of Health, 2024a). ZMCHD has …

Supporting And Hindering Factors Associated With Covid-19 Health Protocol Adherence Among Online Motorcycle Taxi Riders In Samarinda City, Indonesia, Dina Lusiana Setyowati, Tanti Asrianti, Ismail Kamba, Rina Tri Agustini

Kesmas

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of preventive health protocols, especially for high-contact occupations, such as online motorcycle taxi riders. However, adherence among these riders is inconsistent, particularly in economically constrained regions, such as Samarinda, a buffer zone for Indonesia's new capital. This study examined the influence of supporting and hindering factors on COVID-19 protocol compliance. A cross-sectional design was employed with 87 riders selected through quota sampling. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analyzed using Spearman's rank correlation to assess the relationships between influencing factors and compliance levels. Economic barriers, especially high personal protective equipment (PPE) costs …

Sustaining Digital Health Interventions For Long-Term Cardiovascular Disease Prevention In The Energy Industry, Yul Isnadi, L. Meily Kurniawidjaja, Doni Hikmat Ramdhan

Kesmas

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major health concern for energy industry workers due to occupational risks. Digital health interventions (DHIs) offer innovative strategies for CVD prevention in this high-risk group. This study aimed to explore the effectiveness and sustainability of DHI by incorporating behavior change theories, behavior change techniques, and principles of persuasive system design. A literature review was performed using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases to collect relevant information on interventions for CVD prevention among energy sector workers. The results indicated that while DHI could improve physical activity, dietary habits, and medication adherence in the short …

A Workplace Posture Initiative To Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, Carrie Isaac

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Scholarly Project

Problem: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a leading cause of occupational injury and discomfort in industrial workplaces. Although an ergonomic program existed at the project site, a formalized process to detect postural misalignments early had not been established. Relying on employee self-reporting, delayed intervention, and limited opportunities to prevent injuries before they progress.

Aim of the Project: A proactive posture screening program using PostureScreen® was implemented to identify postural deviations that could contribute to WRMSDs. Emphasis was placed on supporting employees through early awareness of posture-related issues and evaluation of alignment improvements following individualized intervention.

Review of the Evidence: Evidence …

Evaluation Of Physical, Mental, And Mechanical Aspects Of An Extreme Military Training Event: A Continuous Monitoring Approach, Tirthankar Chatterjee, Debojyoti Bhattacharyya, Roshani Meena

Journal of Human Performance in Extreme Environments

Soldiers receive extensive training at extremes of environments and simulated terrains to improve their battle efficiency. A study was designed to evaluate the actual cost of a military physical efficiency test consisting of several physically engaging activities to quantify physiological, mechanical, and subjective demands. Sixteen Indian soldiers participated in a military training session consisting of events such as a 5-km run, 4-m vertical rope climbing, a 2.75-m jump, a 60-m dash, and a 9-m horizontal rope climbing with 6.5 kg of equipment in a hot dry environment. Their physiological status was monitored continuously. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load …

Faktor Yang Berhubungan Dengan Keluhan Heat Strain Pada Pekerja Overhaul Tangki Di Pt. X Kota Balikpapan, Bratarini Hassya Chilwindwi, Iwan Muhamad Ramdan, Dewi Novita Hardianti, Muhammad Sultan, Ida Ayu Indira Dwika Lestari

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Heat strain is a physiological reaction of the body that functions to release excess heat through sweat output, increased body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and weight loss. PT X is a company that operates in the oil and gas sector. The results of the study found that the workload was not appropriate and the incidence of work accidents that occurred due to fatigue. This study was conducted to see the heat strain complaints experienced by tank overhaul workers in the Oil Refinery Area of PT. X Balikpapan City and the associated factors. This research applied quantitative method with analytical …

Ageing And Occupational Medicine In Indonesia: A Timely Integration For An Inclusive Workforce, Iqbal Mochtar

Occupational and Environmental Medicine Journal of Indonesia

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Hubungan Repetitive Motion, Beban Kerja, Shift Kerja, Dan Kualitas Tidur Dengan Kelelahan Kerja Pada Petugas Aviation Security, Cindy Puspita Sari, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Erianto Fanani, Tika Dwi Tama

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

The aviation sector is one of the work areas that requires the implementation of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). Work in the aviation sector also presents various risks, one of which can occur in work accidents caused by fatigue. Based on preliminary studies conducted on Aviation Security Officers (AVSEC), there are symptoms of work fatigue. The study aims to determine the relationship of repetitive motion, workload, work shifts, and sleep quality with job fatigue in AVSEC officers. The research used a quantitative observational study with an analytic design through a cross-sectional approach with a total of 76 AVSEC officers. The …

Akses Jaminan Kesehatan Terhadap Pekerja Perempuan Rentang Umur 25-29 Tahun Pada Setiap Provinsi Di Indonesia Tahun 2017: Studi Cross-Sectional, Rahma Rosita Dewi, Sabrina Putri Fatonah, Zahra Amalia, Intan Silmi Alya Mahmud, Rayhan Ramadhan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Health insurance is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Indonesian government. However, coverage among female workers aged 25–29 remains low with significant disparities across regions. This cross-sectional study aims to analyze access to health insurance among female workers aged 25–29 in Indonesia and identify factors contributing to these gaps. The study used secondary data from the 2017 Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey (SDKI), involving 8,394 women who met the inclusion criteria, focusing on health insurance ownership status. Descriptive analysis was conducted to assess the distribution of coverage proportions across regions, with bias control performed through data selection and multi-layered validation …

Pengaruh Penerapan Teknik Relaksasi Otot Progresif Berbasis Musik Instrumental Terhadap Gejala Stres Kerja Pada Pegawai Di Dinas Kesehatan Kabupaten Probolinggo, Salwa Isna Barlian, Anita Sulistyorini, Marji Marji, Agung Kurniawan

National Journal of Occupational Health and Safety

Work stress symptoms are a condition where there is a mismatch between a person's condition and work demands, resulting in mental (psychological), physical, and behavioral disorders. Government employees are among those who are vulnerable to experiencing work stress symptoms. Based on preliminary study results, the Probolinggo Regency Health Office is one of the type A offices with a high workload, and several employees have been found to experience symptoms of work stress. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of applying instrumental music-based progressive muscle relaxation techniques on work stress symptoms in employees at the Probolinggo Regency …