Workplace injuries are primarily responsible for a large number of workers being absent at work and disability. The occurrence of workplace injury varies from the occupation and the industry of the worker. There are many risk factors that are associated with workplace injuries such as age, experience, shift work, consumption of alcohol, fatigue etc. (Swaen et al. 2002). 1. Fatigue: Fatigue is classified as a task related factor (Hsiao & Simenov 2001). This suggests that given tasks that are being done at different duration and intensities can result to fatigue. Consequently workers ability in processing perceptive and visual information that is related to incident avoidance during work is decreased due to fatigue. Furthermore, fatigue can have different factors of origin that is influenced by non work related situations and the individuals characteristics which then affects the workers ability and performance during work (Swaen et al. 2002). 2. Shift Work: The introduction of shift work mainly depends on safety and productivity of the workers being maintained. However, evidence suggests that safety and productivity of workers may decline at night shifts with more hours on duty between breaks. The shift work system can be improved by introducing more rest breaks (Folkard & Tucker 2003). 3. Noise (Noise induced hearing loss NIHL): Another occupational hazard that contributes to workplace injury is excessive noise. Excessive noise may have adverse effects, which include, high blood pressure, stress, reduced performance and noise induced hearing loss. While there are other factors contributing to NIHL, the shortage of prevention is a high contributor. Engineering controls is one way of reducing noise at its source (Nelson et al. 20... ... middle of paper ... ... al. 1999) the estimated cost to society is 2-14% in various countries. In developing countries, the mortality rate caused by workplace injuries is higher due to the fact that the workers are faced with a higher number and numerous hazards. In addition, in developing countries there are less resources for the prevention, rehabilitation and treatment of workplace injuries (Concha-Barrientos et al. 2005). In rare occurrences workplace injury leads to death while the majority of injuries are minor. The national OHS strategy 2002-2012 by the Australian government has set a target to reduce fatality rate by 20% over the decade. The data from Safe Work Australia statistical report 2009-2010, shows a 10% decrease over 5 years to 2008, an increase in 2009 and a decrease in 2010 (Graph 1). The increase in 2008-2009 was among 15-24 years age group with 95% being male workers.
Western Australian Department of Education. (2010). Occupational Safety and Health. WA: Department of Education. Retrieved from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/policies/detcms/policy-planning-and-accountability/policies-framework/policies/occupational-safety-and-health.en?bbp.s=9&bbp.e=select&bbp.v=4&bbp.i=d0.1&bbp.8.policyID=10918572&g11n.enc=UTF-8&bbp.9.pane=0
One of the reasons I selected this problem is that it is very important for nurses to be able to think critically, and clearly. Fatigue can be exacerbated with increased numbers of shifts worked without a day off. When nurses are fatigue unintentional but serious harm can occur to patients. Fatigue in nursing is a reality.
Throughout our day to day lives we are exposed to many sounds such as the sound of traffic, coversation, TV, nature and music. More often than not these sounds that we experience are at a low safe level, levels that will not affect or harm our hearing. Unfortunatley when we are exposed to sound levels that are too high or loud sounds over a long period of time there is a chance that the delicate inner workings of the ear can be permanatly damaged. This is known as noise induced hearing loss (NIHL)
According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, 2009) fatigue is a subjective feeling of tiredness which in respect distorts one’s ability to concentrate on a particular task and the task often seems difficult even though the one performing the task may be an expert in the same field. Jackson (2006) adds on to say that fatigue itself is a condition that reflects inadequate rest combined with a myriad of symptoms that are closely associated with displaced, interrupted or and disturbed biologic...
A considerable amount of literature has been published on the impact of working hours (8 vs. 12 hour shifts) on fatigue among the nurses. These studies revealed that twelve-hour shifts increase the risk of fatigue, reduce the level of alertness and performance, and therefore reduce the safety aspect compared to eight-hour shifts (Mitchell and Williamson, 1997; Dorrian et al., 2006; Dembe et al., 2009; Tasto et al., 1978). Mills et al. (1982) found that the risk of fatigues and performance errors are associated with the 12-hour shifts. Beside this, Jostone et al. (2002) revealed that nurses who are working for long hours are providing hasty performance with increased possibility of errors.
Currently it is commonly accepted among industries that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect employees regardless of the occupation as well as cost that these injuries impose on the employer and the populace as a whole. Nevertheless, in the manufacturing business it is mostly common for individuals to perform manual materials handling (MMH) task that are believed to factor in on some of the most pricy job-related injuries to date, such as those attributed to the back. And although through the advancement of technology with the aid of robotics and the use of other equipment the need for MMH has been decreased, but certain jobs still require the need for humans to perform those kinds of tasks and this is more apparent in smaller manufacturing businesses or warehouses that cannot afford these advancements. With MSDs contributing to a large percentage of MMH injuries, with over 387,000 or 33 percent of all work related injury cases in 2011, far exceeding all other work related injuries (Occupational Safety & Health Administration, 2011). Maybe this is due to the well-known fact that MSDs are connected with jobs and tasks comprising of repetitive motions and exertion, together with such identifiable risk factors as awkward postures, use of force, and lack of recuperation before restarting the same task. Nonetheless, the best means of prevention is through the improvement of working conditions and the implementation of an ergonomics program. However, one of the principal challenges that face managers and supervisors today is the systematic approach to conduct an ergonomics evaluation and to use ergonomics consistently through a proactive approach with the aim at reducing MSDs either by engineering or administrative imp...
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, “National Consensus of Fatal Occupational Injuries in 2011 (Preliminary Results),” News Release, January 12, 2012, 2, accessed October 12, 2012, http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf.
An AMT is said to be in fatigue state, whenever he or she sense a reduction in “cognitive ability, coordination, decision-making, reaction time, speed, strength and balance” (FAA, pg. 14-17). As stated earlier, it can be physiological or psychological in nature (FAA). Fatigue reduces an AMT’s alertness, and ability to focus and paying attention to a task that he or she was assigned to perform. Short-term memory problems and direct concentration on insignificant issues while ignoring the important ones are also symptoms of fatigue. An AMT who suffers from fatigue may be distracted very easily or nearly impossible to be distracted. Maintenance personnel may also experience abnormal mood swings and poor judgment or possibly no decision at all (FAA).
When it comes to safety most people think they are safe, and they have a true understanding on how to work safe. Human nature prevents us from harming ourselves. Our instincts help protect us from harm. Yet everyday there are injuries and deaths across the world due to being unsafe. What causes people to work unsafe is one of the main challenges that face all Safety Managers across the world.
Components that are affecting injured works from returning to work looks at numerous articles that talk about trade occupation and restorative rehabilitation (Gross, Hoss and Niemelainen, 2012). The articles offers insight into different reasons affecting the return of injured workers in the workplace. Applying good work intervention measures can help the workers and the employers while promoting accountability, responsibility through their community. The purpose of implementing a good Return RTW policy is to encourage injured workers to go back to work. Implementing compensation policy will help ensure injured workers have a bright future in returning back to the workplace.
Rockett I., Regier, M., Kapusta, N., Coben J., Miller, T., Hanzlick, R., Todd, K., Sattin, R., Kennedy, L., Kleinig, J., & Smith, G. (2012). Leading Causes of Unintentional and Intentional Injury Mortality: United States, 2000–2009. American Journal of Public Health, 102(11), 84-92. Retrieved from http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2012.300960
Reduce the incidence of occupational death, trauma and disease with it’s unnecessary burden on community members (family and friends) and national economy
An input from the United States Bureau of Labor Statics, shows that traumatic falls in occupational death is accounting for 8 percent of all occupational fatalities in the year 1986. The bureau census on occupational injuries and fatalities and numbe...
Fatigue has been named as a major factor for accidents in a wide range of transportation settings such as Aviation, rail and maritime setting. Fatigue has several forms, these forms, including mental and physical fatigue depending on the nature of its causes. Different signs of fatigue, such slow response and lack of attention have been identified in many accidents (Mitler et al., 1988). Fatigue is considered as a risk factor in the air transportation system because it impairs memory, concentration, decision making, reaction time, and eye fixation (Jackson & Earl, 2006). aviation is one of the safest and fastest transportation systems.
Accidents at work can occur at any time and there are a lot of consequences and considerations, especially for the injured worker. Industrial workers or people who deal with heavy objects are not the only one at risk of getting into