Showing 38 results for Assessment
Dr Sj Mirmohammadi, Dr S Alipour M, Dr K Karamifar, Dr M Gheravi, Dr Ah Mehrparvar,
Volume 1, Issue 1 (12-2009)
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Periodic examinations for employees serve as one of the main parts of health surveillance in these persons, and there is a legal obligation to perform it. Although there isn't any quality control criteria and standards for its monitoring. So quality of the examinations may decline, and the main objective of the examinations, maintaining and improving employees' health, may not be achieved. This research has been accomplished to assess the quality of occupational medical examinations.
Materials and Methods: A questionnaire was designed to evaluate the quality of the examinations according to scientific and legal measures. To fulfill the questionnaire, we used medical files of the employees in each plant. The study is cross-sectional and descriptive, and 333 employees were selected by cluster sampling.
Results: Recording the specifications of the employees and their medical histories was appropriate in 98.6% and 94.6%, respectively. The interval between examinations was inappropriate in 62.5% of cases. Recording of occupational history, recording of the specifications of the occupational exposures, performing and recording physical examinations, spirometry, audiometry, chest X ray, specific occupational and general health paraclinic tests was appropriate in 69%, 36% 26.3%, 30%, 29%, 0%, 15.9%, and 19%, respectively. The final comment of the industrial hygienist was acceptable in 23% of cases. 40% of surveyed files required referring or intervention, but final comment of the examining physician was incorrect in 100% of cases.
Conclusion: In present time, occupational medicine examinations has not an appropriate quality. In order to correct this condition, there is a need for proper training and enacting obvious guidelines and laws in the connection of performing and auditing occupational health examinations.
Mj Zare Sakhvidi , A Barkhordari, M Salehi, Sh Behdad, Mh Fallahzade,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (12-2012)
Abstract
Background: The Operation room personnel are exposed to anesthestic gases such as Isoflurane. The Chronic exposure to such substances will increase the risk of abortion as well as congenital malformations.
In this research, we have determined the amount of exposure to isoflurane gas in operation room air and the breathing zone of operation room personnel.
Methods: An analytical cross sectional study was done on the concentration of isoflurane in far & near zones in ear, throat and nose operation room of a hospital with OSHA103 method using charcoal tube and analyzed by gas chromatography devices with flame ionization detector (GC/FID).
Results: The average concentration of isoflurane gas was 4.059±4.073 mg/m3, Its maximum was19.597 mg/m3, its minimum was 0.122 mg/m3.
The result showed that in 47.9% of the samples in near area, 33.3% in far area and 40.6% of the total samples, the amount of contamination in breathing zone of operation room personnel was higher than the allowed concentration as proposed in national institute of safety and health The results showed that there are not differences between the measured concentration in far & near areas.
Conclusion: Contamination of isoflurane anesthetic gas is high in studied operating room. On the other hand the study showed that depending on the type of surgery, the generation rate of contamination in different days can be varied up to 17 times. So control measurement such as setting of air conditioning system and appropriate and standard cleaning in room and periodic monitoring of them is essential.
Ali Kermani, Adel Mazloumi, Jebraeel Naslseraji, Fariba Ghasemzadeh,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (2-2013)
Abstract
Background: Human error is one of the most important issues in the world and studying these errors among medical occupations like physicians and nursing works to find solutions for identifying and controlling them became imperative. Therefore, current study was conducted with the aim of identification and evaluation of human error using SHERPA (Systematic Human Error Reduction and Prediction Approach) technique among nurses working at the emergency section of an educational hospital in Iran.
Methods: This study was a cross sectional descriptive study conducted using SHERPA method. First, the aim and methodology of the study was explained to the nurses and then the task and subtasks of the nursing activity were determined through interview with the nurses and also by observation of their activities. A job analysis of nursing activity was implemented by HTA (Hierarchical Task Analysis) technique, at the next stage. Finally, the error types for each task and subtasks were determined, based on the SHERPA guideline and, worksheet was finally completed for each of the related error types.
Results: In total, 231 errors were indentified among 65 tasks of the nurses’ clinical activity who worked in the emergency section. The highest percentage of the errors was belonged to the action error with 59.3%, and the rest were 25.55% for checking, 4.33% for retrieval, 2.16% communication, and 8.66% selection errors. Accordingly, the highest percentage of errors was belonged to the action error and the lowest one to communication errors.
Conclusion: According to the findings in this study, action errors (with highest frequency) and checking errors (with highest unacceptable risk level) should be control and prioritized for error reduction program. Meanwhile, SHERPA technique can completely cover medical activities of the nurses and factors such as communication with patient which is not considered in other techniques, can be analyzed using this method.
Naser Hasheminejad, Gholamhosein Halvani, Mojtaba Moghadasi , Farzane Zolala, Mahdiye Shafiezadeh,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (2-2013)
Abstract
Background: To reduce accidents, industrial HSE management system, and based on”prevention before occurrence” is required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety conflicts by Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) method, and determine the relationship between risk assessment and accident indicators.
Methods: This is a descriptive analytical- study on 30 jobs in the Agglomeration Constructing Project in Bafgh. After classify risks, severity and probability of the risks determined, and the Initial Risk Assessment Code (RAC1) were computed. The corrective actions were recorded, and then the Secondary Risk Assessment Code (RAC2) was determined. Annual safety performance indicators were also calculated and statistical analysis conducted on the relationship between these indicators and the results of risk assessment.
Results: The highest accident frequency rate and the highest risk job were welding jobs. Maximum lost work days were in steel construction. Also there was a significant difference between risk assessment before and after corrective action that is indicative for the effectiveness of corrective actions. In the next step for determining the relationship between the initial risk assessment codes (RAC1) and safety performance indicators (AFR, ASR and FSI), Pearson correlation coefficient was showed an inverse and quite significant relationship between RAC1 and safety performance indicators. Linear regression equation showed that for every one unit increase in RAC1, the AFR, ASR and FSI, was reduced 14.9, 110.37 and 1.24 respectively.
Conclusion: Due to high rate of accidents and risks, faster investigation about safety conflicts and elimination of them is needed.
, ,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (5-2013)
Abstract
Background: Lead is one of the most toxic heavy metal which its toxicity and poisoning symptoms in workers of different industries (such as battery industry due to heavy use) is completely known. Important effects of this toxic metal are paralyzed wrist (nerve effects) as well as bone disease. The scope of this study is to evaluate the occupational exposure of workers of a battery industry to these pollutants.
Methods: In this study the exposure to lead metal was evaluated. Twenty four workers were selected as the exposed group and breathing zone air samples were taken from them. For sampling of particulates, sampling pump model SKC made in UK and cellulose ester membrane filter with 0.8-μm pore size, and 37 mm diameter were used. The whole sampling process and analysis of samples were performed according to the 7300 NIOSH method. The pump flow set to 2 L/min and the filter was fixed to the collar of worker by cassette filter holder. After sampling, the filters transferred to the laboratory and were digested in the mixtures of HNo3 and HCLo4. Then, they analyzed by ICP-AES instrument.
Results: The results are analyzed using SPSS18 with T-test and showed that 9 stations of 12 stations have higher results than mean average exposure to lead in this plant (75% of total sample), and the results of ELBACK station were more than others. The T-TEST showed a higher mean average exposure to lead in this plant. (Mean= 0.33mg/m3 S.D =0.48 P Value= 0.008)
Conclusion: The findings showed that health status of workers in these industries is at risk due to unauthorized amounts of this toxic metal. To reduce occupational exposure, using appropriate engineering controls (air conditioning), administrative management (eg reducing exposure time) are necessary.
Amirhossein Khoshakhlagh, Gholamhossein Halvani, Amirhooshang Mehrparvar, Fereydoon Laal,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (9-2013)
Abstract
Background: What-If is a systemic approach tool based on teamwork that enables to identify and assess systematic deviations in the work process, humanitarian performances and equipment defects by brainstorming ways. Because Yazd province has multiple ceramic and tile factories, this study was done to evaluate effectiveness of control measures to reduce the risk level of work-related hazards in Ceramic Industry
Methods: This study was before-after (quasi-experimental) study. Among the Ceramic factories in Yazd province, one factory was selected as a sample, after an initial assessment by expert team, corrective strategies were implemented, and Risk Assessment Code 2 (RAC2) Obtained. Data was analysis by SPSS 16.
Results: 107 dangerous were identified in all units, the lowest and highest risks identified was related to the guarding unit and the maintenance unit respectively. Number of acceptable risk before and after the intervention, the lowest acceptable risk and unacceptable risk was reached from 7 to 90, 85 to 17 and 15 to 0 respectively.
Conclusions: The results showed that the combined engineering- management actions had been affected more than each of these measures alone in reduction the risk code number. By using this method, the risk at hazardous environments can be reduced or controlled and it was an ideal risk management tool for all industries alike
A Mazloumi, A Kermani, J Naslseraji, F Ghasemzadeh,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Human error is the cause of many serious accidents in the world. In medical jobs, it causes the patients to get much worse or lost their life. Therefore, current study was conducted to identify and evaluate human error among physicians working at emergency ward using Systematic Human Error and Reduction Prediction Approach (SHERPA) technique in an educational hospital in Semnan, Iran.
Methods: This study was conducted using SHERPA method. First, the aim and methodology of the study was described to the physicians and then a job analysis of physicians was implemented by Hierarchical Task Analysis (HTA) method. At the next phase, kinds of errors for each task and subtasks were indentified, applying SHERPA checklist. Finally, worksheet was completed for each of them.
Results: In total, 35 tasks and 128 errors were indentified in the physicians’ clinical activity at emergency ward. The highest percentage of the errors was belonged to the “Action error” while, the “Selection error” were in lowest level. About 1.56% of the errors were in an unacceptable level and all were as retrieval errors, 53.13% of errors were in undesirable risk level and mostly recovery error types. The highest percentage of errors was undesirable while the lowest one was related to the unacceptable errors.
Conclusion: According to the findings in this study, most of the medical errors of its related task and subtask were indentified and evaluated and then remedy actions was proposed for error reduction and control
M Zarezade, Ms Abolhasani, S Eslami, E Salarikhah, F Bagheri, E Salmani,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (11-2013)
Abstract
Background: Various statistics of the incidence and prevalence of medical errors in hospitals have been published.is common.This study aimed to identify the initial state of the current level of risk management in the hospital was rahnemon.
Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on the nurses of shahid rahnemon hospital. Data collected by the census questionnaire given to all nurses and the number was 250. The 6 scale variable levels of risk management staff to identify, organize the risk management policies status, condition training, risk management, risk management, status monitoring and analysis, risk assessment and control of the 45 questions on a Likert scale of five options are examined. Data 16 SPSS software was analyzed using.
Results: Knowledge workers to manage risk rating 2.40±/18, the state organize risk management rating 2.27±/13, the policies and procedures Score2.17±.0.02, Education Risk Management Rating2.18±./04, the position of Managing Risk Score2.65±./08, monitoring, analyzing, evaluating and controlling risk, rated 2.79±./05to themselves.
Conclusions: According to the obtained scores 6 area of risk management component the overall risk was assessed as weak. Clinical governance systems, developing training programs, adopt and implement policies and procedures in line with current regulatory programs, risk management should be looking seriously at the hospital.
M Jahangiri, M Jalali, Ch Saeidi, H Mohammadpour, H Mardi, J Mehr Alipour,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: In the foam industries, workers are exposed to various chemicals and working with these chemicals without considering occupational safety and health considerations could lead to different harmful symptoms. Consequently, in order to control measures and reducing risk to acceptable level, it is necessary to assess the health risk of exposure to harmful chemicals by implementation of specific risk assessment techniques in the process industries. The purpose of this study was to assess the health risks arising from chemical exposures in a foam industry in order to identify high-risk occupations and provide guidelines to reduce the risk of employment.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the polyurethane foam industry in 2012. In this study 13 men were examined: the mixer operator jobs (4 men), the operator Cutter (6 men) and repairs and maintenance (3 men). In order to assess the health risks of chemicals the proposed method by Singapore Institute of Occupational Safety and Health was used. First, job tasks and work process were determined and then different chemicals in each task identified and risk ranking was calculated in each job task by using of hazard and exposure rate. Finally, the risk level for each of the materials was obtained by interaction of these two parameters in the equation.
Results: The result showed that workers are exposed to 7 chemicals including toluene diisocyanate, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, ethylene diamine, tin acetate, methylene chloride, and calcium carbonate during their work in plant. Out of these 7 chemicals, the highest risk level was determined for toluene diisocyanate in the foam production operators (Cutter Operator). (risk=3.67)
Conclusion: Results showed that workers in the production unit exposed to high levels of toxic vapors of toluene diisocyanate and this leads to change in their spirometry parameters, especially decrease in the FVC and FEV1. Moreover, health risk assessment of harmful chemicals a applied, and appropriate method for job ranking by their risk level was used. These methods could be used for appropriate implementation and prioritization for control measures and reducing risk level to acceptable level.
Mj Zare Sakhvidi , H Mihanpoor, H Falahzadeh, M Mostaghaci, Gh Halvani, F Samouri,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (12-2013)
Abstract
Background: expert judgments in combination with exposure models are used extensively in estimation of inhalational exposures in occupational environments. However, their reliability is not as good as conventional air sampling methods. The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability, weaknesses and strengths of Bayesian analysis in combination with SSA (Structured Subjective Assessment Method) and MEASE (Material Estimated and Assessment of Substance Exposure) and its comparison with air sampling data.
Methods: the analytical cross sectional –study performed on a weighting, mixing and packing task in an inorganic processing industry. Air samples were taken and analyzed by gravimetric methods. Inhalation exposures were estimated by 3 occupational hygienists. Descriptive and Bayesian analysis were performed on data.
Results: all three methods guaranteed that the exposure is above exposure limit. There was no difference between means reported in methods (p=0.435). However, SSA had higher variability in comparison with sampling. There was no difference between direct sampling and MEASE variability. Use of SSA as a prior in Bayesian analysis gives more conservative than MEASE method (category 4: 0.74 vs. 0.54)
Discussion: SSA is a good choice as a prior distribution in Bayesian analysis. MEASE has not good results in comparison with SSA in inhalation exposure assessment. It seems that MEASE needs more validation.
T Askaripoor, A Kermani, D Pahlavan, J Jandaghi, E Kazemi,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (7-2014)
Abstract
Background: Silicosis as a most important work-related lung disease is generated of inhalation crystalline silica dust. Chemicals health risk assessment is essential to decide on priorities for control action and reduce the risk to an acceptable level. The aim of this study is evaluate workers' exposure to crystalline silica (quartz) and determine the qualitative and quantitative health risk level.
Methods: In this cross– sectional descriptive, analytical study, the total, respirable and crystalline silica dust was measured. Total and respirable dust measured by gravimetric method and crystalline silica amounts measured based on X-ray diffraction technique by NIOSH7500 method. Semi- quantitative risk assessment methods for Occupational Safety and Health Association of Singapore was used for Health risk assessment.
Results: The results showed that the average exposure of workers to total dust was 7.38±5.15, respirable 4.35±3.5 and crystalline silica 0.21±0.19 milligrams per cubic meter. Workers' exposure to crystalline silica in production units, including crusher, presses, ball mill, mucilage production and spray dryer are higher than Iran occupational exposure level. Also, the mean of total dust, respirable and crystalline silica in the different units, showed significant differences (p≥0.05). The result showed the high level of Risk in crusher, presses ball mill and glazing production units.
Conclusions: Crystalline silica amount and risk level of risk is high in crusher, presses, ball mill and mucilage production and the exposure control measures are necessary.
Gholamhoseyn Halvai, Javad Radpour, Esmaeil Shoja, Saleh Ghollami Arjanaki, Yahya Khalifeh,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Technology updates and the arrival of new machines have caused occurrence of many injuries and job deaths in industries. In any job, technical controlling practices accompanied by trainings and executive instructions can be implemented after doing job safety analysis. The aim of this study is the investigating the effect of training on risk assessment code in a load house of cement production plant with a technique of quantified job safety analysis.
Methods: The study was a before and after study with an interference by safety training program that has performed on ten jobs in a load house of the cement production plant. In this investigation, after determining jobs and grouping hazards in job safety analysis (JSA) table, rate and probability of risk are extracted from particular tables that are translation of standard MIL-STD-882E tables (5th edition) and the initial risk assessment code (RAC1) was calculated. According to JSA tables, training requirement of jobs was done and training program was determined and it was presented despite of safety job instruction for job owners, and then secondary risk assessment code (RAC2) was determined.
Results: Totally, 119 risks were detected in ten investigated jobs. From these, %53.33 in the acceptable risk range, %22.5 in the lowest acceptable risk limit range and %24.17 in unacceptable range were laid. The risk rate (%) was changed to %69 in acceptable risk range and %31 in the lowest acceptable risk limit range after doing interfering.
Conclusions: This study showed that decreasing rate of incidents and hazard controlling in workplaces can be achieved by perform training courses and relearning programs.
S Mohammadi Kaji, Mj Zare Sakhvidi, A Barkhordari, M Mostaghaci, F Zare Sakhvidi, R Ghorbani, R Soltani Gerdefaramarzi,
Volume 8, Issue 1 (5-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: Inhalation exposure to dust is one of the most common adverse environmental factors that can have adverse effect on the health of employees. In this study, dust inhalation exposure of workers with different methods as well as GIS was investigated.
Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was performed on the sample size based on results of homogeneous exposure groups (SEG). Environmental and personal exposure assessments were performed according to standard methods and personal and environmental sampling. The collected data were analyzed based on American industrial hygiene association (AIHA), and then analyzed by using GIS software for mapping the distribution.
Results: The average dust exposure by each individual among the workers within homogeneous exposure groups was 8.61 mg/m3. The highest exposure by each individual was 21.13 mg/m3 that belonged to pulverizer operator and the lowest was 1.97 mg/m3, which was belonged to fine wire operator. The lowest environment concentration was observed in the cutting salon (0.05 mg/m3), and the highest values found in powder salon (22 mg/m3). Exposure management based on AIHA methods showed that the powder, packing and preparation sections have the highest concentration, and cutting section has the lowest values. Exposure management based on GIS techniques showed higher number of at risk employees in comparison with common strategies.
Conclusion: Use of SEG practices in combination with GIS can enhance the quality of respiratory exposure assessment in occupational environments. GIS plays an important role in the screening of air pollution in the working environment by providing a set of services including the possibility of classification into different areas and creating a report based on the map
Saleh Gholami, Gholamhosen Halvani, Javad Radpour, Yahya Khalifeh, , ,
Volume 8, Issue 2 (8-2016)
Abstract
Introduction: industrial environments due to their nature are subject to serious risks and damages, and in proportion to growing technology, these risks and damages are potentially developing. This study aimed to assess the risks and impacts of non-flammable solvent replacement on risk assessment code using William Fine’s method in a plastic factory and evaluate the effectiveness of alternative risk assessment and ultimately replace the code and introduce a method to economically explain the removal of a threat.
Methods: This was an interventional study in which the risks were investigated in all units of a plastic factory by JSA method, and then the risks were analyzed by HSE staff using William Fine’s method. In one case, intervention (replacement) was performed and RAC 1& 2 were calculated. Data were analyzed using SPSS (ver. 16).
Results: Among 9 main jobs (tasks) of the plastic company, 79 risks were detected. The maximum risk code was related to solvent fire (risk code: 300), and then being trapped between the rollers (risk code: 180). In this study workers of production unit and printing disposable tablecloths, were exposed to higher risks compared to other company worker due to exposure to various risks with different risk codes.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that replacement as an engineering method is one of the most fundamental methods to reduce the number of risks, and with this method we can reduce, control or eliminate the amount of dangers of hazardous environments and William Fine’s method is a practical way to estimate the related costs.
Malihe Kolahdouzi, Gholamhossein Halvani,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) method used To identify the defects of the parts of a machine or a manufacturing process that includes several machines. The aim of this study was to compare a variety of prioritized control measures in reducing the number of risks in one of the edible oil factories.
Method: This was a longitudinal and interventional study that carried out in one of the edible oil factories in Tehran province in 1393. After an initial assessment by an expert team, corrective solutions were implemented and Risk Priority Number (RPN2) was obtained. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.
Results: In the studied industry, 73 risks in five major units of the factory were identified by using the Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA) risk assessment method. The highest risk priority number (RPN) was 80 and the lowest was 4. The highest possibility of danger was related to the factory installation unit. Possibility of danger in this unit before and after the interventional actions was 4.5 and 3.25, respectively. The highest amount of hazard severity was related to the tool making unit. The mean of severity of dangers in this unit before and after interventions were 4.75 and 3 respectively. There was a significant difference before and after the intervention (p<0.05).
Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it can be concluded that failure mode effect analysis (FMEA) is a very useful evaluation method that focuses on high risk processes.
Habib Rezapour, Mohammadsadegh Sohrabi, Gholamhossein Halvani, Mohsen Hesami Arani,
Volume 8, Issue 4 (1-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: In every time and place, accidents can cause damages or injuries to people, property, community and organization reputation. With respect to this point that accidents occurred in laboratories of our country, this study aimed to assess the hazards in laboratories and workshops of Isfahan University of Art and also the implementation of interventions to increase the safety level in these places.
Methods: This is a cross-sectional study. After initial evaluation of all workshops and laboratories of the Isfahan University of Art, 4 workshops and laboratories with high potential level of hazards were selected for further study. Then, for quantitative assessment of hazards made a 130-question assessment checklist was prepared based on OHSAS 18001. After performing quantitative assessment of hazards and prioritizing them based on the results of this evaluation, interventions were implemented to decrease hazards and increase the safety level. Finally, quantitative assessment repeated and efficacy of interventions has been identified.
Results: Based on the quantitative assessment according to evaluation checklist score, the percentage of general hazards in target sites was 20.8 to 45.4 % (Mean = 35.5, SD=9.2). Lack of safety supplies, equipment and signs with 31% and deficiency of safety procedure with 26 % were the most important factors corresponding to evaluated safety risk levels. Two interventions were implemented, including designing and installing safety signs and safety training.
Conclusion: After the educational and safety interventions, total hazards decreased from range of (%20.8 - %45.4) to range of (%15.4 - %32.3). According to the low cost of the implementing the interventions, the mean overall safety level is decreased (10.6%) thus increasing the safety level is acceptable.
Mohammadhassan Ehrampoush, Gholamhossein Halvani, Mohammadtaghi Ghaneian, Ali Dehghani, Masoud Shafie, Mohsen Hesami Arani,
Volume 9, Issue 1 (3-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: One of the requirements of the environmental risk assessment of hot rolling industry is the evaluation of the performance of equipment and devices in the industry and identifying subsequent environmental risks.
Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study. After classification of the equipments in the production hall of hot rolling at the Kavir Steel Complex, some operations were conducted to identify the environmental risks according to the ISO 14001 approaches (such as pollutant emissions to air and water, energy consumption, equipment depreciation, etc.), using "What happens If?" technique. Then, a team of experts conducted the initial risk assessment using William Fine method; they also proposed the corrective strategies and calculated RAC2. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 19.
Results: 280 environmental risks related to the proper functioning and defective equipment were identified, which the largest number of risks was related to the production machinery (29.2%), and mechanical equipment (24.2%), respectively. The most category of identified environmental risk (21%) was related to the creation and distribution of waste and the risk of pollutant emissions into the air (18.5%), and the lowest percent (2.5%) was related to the risk of corrosion and depreciation of equipment.
Conclusion: The establishment of environmental management in rolling industry will play an important role in controlling emissions arising from the industry to the environment, if it relys on the continuous equipment monitoring in the framework of the maintenance and repairing plan in order to prevent technical defects affecting the environment.
Fereshte Saleh, Gholamhossein Halvani,
Volume 9, Issue 2 (4-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: The approach of the present study was identification and control of incidents and occupational incidents before and after occurrence. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate and compare the effectiveness of engineering and non-engineering control interventions on risk levels and health safety indicators in one of the ceramic industries.
Methods: The method of this study was pre-interventional and post-interventional. After identifying and initial assessment of risks by a team of experts and using the FMEA 6-D technique, corrective strategies were implemented using three methods of engineering control, non-mechanical and both methods; after 5 months of implementation of the interventions, the system was re-evaluated and RPN2 was obtained. Then, the levels of risk indicators before and after the implementation of various types of controls were investigated.
Results: A total of 163 risks were identified in the industry at 8 units. The body production unit with the mean risk number 407 had the highest potential damage and the furnace unit with the lowest risk number of 261 had the least damage. The highest risk priority number (RPF = 570) was related to work at height and activity on the Ballmill Spray Platform. The highest efficacy after intervention was to reduce the probability of P=0.002 and simultaneous interventions. After the intervention, the unacceptable risk level (no. 34) reached an acceptable and moderate level.
Conclusion: The results of this study show that engineering controls have the greatest impact on decreasing probability indexes, non-engineering controls on improving the risk discovery, and simultaneous controls on reducing the severity of the risk. If cost and time are not mentioned by managers, the use of simultaneous control methods can be the best and most effective intervention strategy.
Gholamhossein Halvani, Masoumeh Habibinejad,
Volume 9, Issue 3 (7-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Marine transport due to the low cost and shipment of bulk cargo, has a crucial role in trade developments; also container terminals, are an important part of international trade and commerce logistics system. The aim of this study was to assess the risk of jobs in Imam Khomeini Port container terminal operations unit, and comparing the results with safety performance indices.
Methods: This cross sectional and descriptive study carried out in an operation unit of
special economic zone of Imam Khomeini port container terminal in Khozestan province in 2015-16. Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA), was used as a systematic approach for risk assessment. Annual Accident Frequency Rate (AFR) and Accident Severity Rate (ASR) indices, were calculated according to the OSHA standard. Data analysis was performed using the SPSS software (ver. 18).
Results: According to the results, in container operation a total of 145 risks identified, in 15 jobs studied. The average rate of severity, occurrence and probability of detection, were reported 4.27, 2.64 and 2.36, respectively. The mean and standard deviation of Risk Priority Number (RPN) was 17.7±28.17, and the highest value of the RPN (125) was allocated to the Rich and forklift operators. AFR and ASR amounts (one year) in operating unit, were reported 5.04 and 19.33, respectively.
Conclusion: According to the results, in order to calculate the RPN for identified risks, the severity rate parameter in comparison to the rate of occurrence and probability of detection, has a higher average equals to 4.27. In this study, only 6.9% of the risks were categorized in the prominent risk class (RPN>50), and require corrective actions. There is no significant correlation between the RPN (mean) and accident frequency and severity coefficient in 95% of confidence intervals (P>0.05).
, , , ,
Volume 9, Issue 4 (12-2017)
Abstract
Introduction: Professional and occupational diseases, pain, large losses to workers, businesses, social security funds and their communities in general. According to International Lab our Organization estimates, due to the working conditions, work-related accidents are six times more likely to cause their death. Aim of this study check and improvement in muscular-skeletal disorders in a support software company in Tehran.
Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 70 randomly selected operators. Using data from the Cornell Musculoskeletal Discomfort Questionnaire and Rapid office strain assessment were collected. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlation test and analysis of variance and the improvement was achieved using the Taguchi method.
Conclusion: ROSA results showed that 43/11 percent and 57/88 percent of operators in the notification area of ergonomic interventions are needed in the area. Using Taguchi Methods designed to change workstations, Selection and changes need to be applied. The results reveal a decrease in the average final score to 74.5 and its improvement and reduction of 7% of the ergonomic intervention and improvement of the alert level.
