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International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2022Despite the continuous progress of tunnel construction technology and safety management technology, road tunnel construction safety still faces many challenges in China,...
Despite the continuous progress of tunnel construction technology and safety management technology, road tunnel construction safety still faces many challenges in China, such as how to ensure the effective management and safety control of people and materials, how to ensure the implementation of technology and program implementation, risk assessment of construction site environmental information, etc. Exploring the causes of tunnel construction accidents and understanding the properties of the factors and their interrelationships can effectively control the sources of risk and contribute to the safety control of tunnel construction. Therefore, we have collected 30 formal accident investigation reports from the government safety supervision and management department from 2005 to 2021, including detailed investigation and accident analysis. Based on grounded theory, a qualitative research method to generalize experience through direct observation, abstraction, and analysis of data, we use Nvivo11 software to analyze reports and obtain 6 selective codes, 16 spindle codes, and 43 open codes. In addition, we construct a theoretical model of tunnel construction accident influencing factors, which passed the saturation test. The Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) model is used to analyze the influencing mechanism and interaction relationships of these factors. The two dimensions of influence degree and centrality are used to determine the critical influencing factors of tunnel construction accidents in mountainous areas. They are security awareness and professionalism. According to the cause degree, the influencing factors are divided into cause and result factors. Finally, the basis and suggestions for reducing construction accidents are presented.
Topics: Humans; Grounded Theory; Accidents; China; Safety Management; Risk Assessment; Construction Industry
PubMed: 36554557
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416677 -
Psychosocial and Ergonomic Conditions at Work: Influence on the Probability of a Workplace Accident.BioMed Research International 2019Today, the economic and social importance of occupational accidents is undeniable worldwide. Hence, research aimed at reducing this type of accident is considered a...
Today, the economic and social importance of occupational accidents is undeniable worldwide. Hence, research aimed at reducing this type of accident is considered a discipline of great interest for society in general. In this environment, working conditions play a fundamental role in the occurrence of accidents, and from their study, results can be obtained that provide information for decision-making that guarantee optimum conditions for the development of the employees' tasks. Organizing the conditions of work execution is also a task that constitutes an essential aspect for a firm's productivity, therefore, affecting their viability and results. In this work, a model is proposed for the study of different groups of working conditions and their influence on the probability of occupational accidents, in accordance with the data provided by the 7 National Survey of Working Conditions (VII NSWC). The survey sampled 8892 workers active in all sectors of national production and is the last nation-wide survey administered in Spain. Bayesian networks (BNs) are used to generate a network that analyzes working conditions in all areas (27 variables have been included in addition to those corresponding to the sector and accident), and then, more specifically, the relationship that is established between ergonomic factors in the workplace, psychosocial factors of the worker, and the probability of an accident. The results are achieved through the network obtained by highlighting some of the proposed variables. The dependencies generated by the chosen variables are analyzed, and subsequently, the probability of accident for each of the productive sectors is determined. It is concluded that the ergonomic risks associated with physical strains in the workplace, together with the lack of job satisfaction on the employer's behalf, both pose a very significant increase in the probability of being involved in an occupational accident, above the other variables of study.
Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; Aged; Ergonomics; Female; Humans; Job Satisfaction; Male; Middle Aged; Risk Factors; Spain; Surveys and Questionnaires; Workplace
PubMed: 31886186
DOI: 10.1155/2019/2519020 -
International Journal of Environmental... Aug 2020The exponential increase in aviation activity and air traffic in recent decades has raised several public health issues. One of the critical public health concerns is...
The exponential increase in aviation activity and air traffic in recent decades has raised several public health issues. One of the critical public health concerns is runway safety and the increasing demand for airports without accidents. In addition to threatening human lives, runway accidents are often associated with severe environmental and pollution consequences. In this study, a three-step approach is used for runway risk assessment considering probability, location, and consequences of accidents through advanced statistical methods. This study proposes novel models for the implementation of these three steps in Iran. Data on runway excursion accidents were collected from several countries with similar air accident rates. The proposed models empower engineers to advance an accurate assessment of the accident probability and safety assessment of airports. For in-service airports, it is possible to assess existing runways to remove obstacles close to runways if necessary. Also, the proposed models can be used for preliminary evaluations of developing existing airports and the construction of new runways.
Topics: Accidents; Accidents, Aviation; Aviation; Humans; Iran; Risk Assessment; Safety
PubMed: 32825619
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176085 -
Journal of Safety Research Jun 2022To investigate the burden of pedestrian injuries, including pedestrian fall injuries (PFI), compared to other transport-related injuries in Sweden and document their...
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the burden of pedestrian injuries, including pedestrian fall injuries (PFI), compared to other transport-related injuries in Sweden and document their characteristics in terms of demographics, causes, type of injuries, and severity level with a focus on long-term consequences.
METHODS
Data were retrieved from the national Swedish Traffic Accident Data Acquisition register. A total of 361,531 fatalities and injuries were reported by emergency hospitals during 2010-2019, of which 127,804 were pedestrians (35%). We assessed the magnitude of PFIs and conducted comparative analyses to assess differences compared to other types of road users regarding sex, age, severity level, injury circumstances, hospital care, causes of accidents, and type of injuries.
RESULTS
Pedestrians were the second largest group of traffic-related deaths in Sweden after car occupants and accounted for just over a quarter of all fatal accidents in the road traffic environment. Of the total number of pedestrian fatalities, three out of four have been in collision accidents and the others in fall-related accidents. In terms of injuries, pedestrians were the largest group among all road users, regardless of the type of accident. PFIs accounted for a third of all injuries in the road traffic environment and nearly half of all injuries resulting in permanent medical impairment (i.e., 2.2 times more long-term consequences among PFIs compared to injured car occupants). Females (particularly middle-aged and older) and older adults were overrepresented, and most PFIs occurred on urban and municipal roads. The causes were often related to maintenance (e.g., slippery surfaces such as ice, snow, leaves or gravel together with uneven pavements and roads are the cause three out of four of PFIs). Among collision injuries, the representation was almost equal for sex and age.
CONCLUSIONS
Injuries and fatalities among pedestrians are a considerable issue in the road traffic environment in Sweden. Contrary to other traffic groups, the incidence has not decreased over time, meaning that this issue must be met with specific measures and address the specific risk factors they are associated with.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION
Including fall accidents in the definition of traffic accidents increases the chances of getting better information about the accidents and taking preventive measures.
Topics: Accidental Falls; Accidents, Traffic; Aged; Female; Humans; Middle Aged; Pedestrians; Risk Factors; Sweden; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 35589286
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2022.02.007 -
Revista Da Escola de Enfermagem Da U S P 2019In this hospital-based study, we aimed to determine occupational accident perceptions and occupational accident reasons in sample of Turkish nurses.
OBJECTIVE
In this hospital-based study, we aimed to determine occupational accident perceptions and occupational accident reasons in sample of Turkish nurses.
METHOD
In the study, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, the Workload Scale and a Study Questionnaire Form including the employment characteristics of the nurses, their socio demographic characteristics, and the occupational accidents they encountered.
RESULTS
108 nurses (90 females, 18 males; mean age, 26.42±5.5 years) participated in the study. 68.5% of nurses have undergone at least once a occupational accident. Most of the participants were found to have experienced occupational accidents with approximately half evaluating their occupational accidents risk as high. Most of the nurses worked overtime and in shifts. The mean total scores for the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Workload Scale were respectively 9.09±3.33 and 36.94±6.42. Statistically significant differences in occupational accidents were found with regard to Epworth Sleepiness Scale and Workload Scale scores, working in shifts, and working overtime (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
It was concluded that nurses had very high rates of occupational accidents and that the heavy work conditions affected occupational accidents.
Topics: Accidents, Occupational; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Nursing; Young Adult
PubMed: 31800816
DOI: 10.1590/S1980-220X2018049703524 -
Clinical Oncology (Royal College of... Apr 2016Our acceptance of exposure to radiation is somewhat schizophrenic. We accept that the use of high doses of radiation is still one of the most valuable weapons in our...
Our acceptance of exposure to radiation is somewhat schizophrenic. We accept that the use of high doses of radiation is still one of the most valuable weapons in our fight against cancer, and believe that bathing in radioactive spas is beneficial. On the other hand, as a species, we are fearful of exposure to man-made radiation as a result of accidents related to power generation, even though we understand that the doses are orders of magnitude lower than those we use everyday in medicine. The 70th anniversary of the detonation of the atomic bombs in Hiroshima and Nagasaki was marked in 2015. The 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident will be marked in April 2016. March 2016 also sees the fifth anniversary of the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. Perhaps now is an opportune time to assess whether we are right to be fearful of the effects of low doses of radiation, or whether actions taken because of our fear of radiation actually cause a greater detriment to health than the direct effect of radiation exposure.
Topics: Age Factors; Background Radiation; Chernobyl Nuclear Accident; Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; Fukushima Nuclear Accident; Humans; Neoplasms, Radiation-Induced; Nuclear Warfare; Radiation Dosage; Radiation Effects; Radiation Exposure; Radioactive Hazard Release; Radiotherapy; Risk Assessment
PubMed: 26880062
DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2016.01.007 -
BMC Public Health Jul 2020Education is a pivot included Decade of Action for Road Safety initiative, which has reduced deaths caused by accidents in developed countries. Given the circumstances...
BACKGROUND
Education is a pivot included Decade of Action for Road Safety initiative, which has reduced deaths caused by accidents in developed countries. Given the circumstances of each country, a proper education program is necessary. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop the National Road Traffic Safety Education Program (NRTSEP) and reduce Road Traffic Injuries (RTIs).
METHODS
This study used a qualitative approach and was conducted in Iran. Data were obtained through sixteen semi-structured in-depth interviews from indifferent road safety and health promotion field experts as well as eleven focus group discussion (FGD) sessions conducted with participants from general population. Inductive qualitative content analysis was used to converge and compare themes through data. The initial pattern of the program was developed and subsequently, the designed program was validated and finalized by two-step Delphi method for the consensus of expert opinion.
RESULTS
The following six main themes emerged from the analysis: target groups, program content, educational methods, instructors, resources and evaluation. The target group consisted of children, youth, parents, teachers, elderly, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, driver license applicants, instructors and administrators of driving schools, and specific groups such as the disabled, managers at different levels, and policymakers. The content of the program consisted of 27 items, including traffic laws and regulations, first aid, and medical emergencies. Educational practices and authorities were determined based on the target group and educational content. The most important resources of the program were human force and other cases, which can be managed in case of a lead agency. In the evaluation dimension, the cases such as mortality rate, hospitalization, behavioral changes, and other cases can be considered.
CONCLUSIONS
The designed program should be implemented for all target groups for road safety promotion. The proper content was provided with proper educational methods and instructors for the target groups. A lead agency is needed to provide the resources and funding to run the program.
Topics: Accident Prevention; Accidents, Traffic; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Automobile Driving; Delphi Technique; Focus Groups; Health Promotion; Humans; Iran; Middle Aged; Program Development; Qualitative Research; Young Adult
PubMed: 32631276
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09142-1 -
International Journal of Environmental... Apr 2020The accidents caused by hazardous material during road transportation may result in catastrophic losses of lives and economics, as well as damages to the environment....
The accidents caused by hazardous material during road transportation may result in catastrophic losses of lives and economics, as well as damages to the environment. Regarding the deficiencies in the information systems of hazmat transportation accidents, this study conducts a survey of 371 accidents with consequence Levels II to V involving road transportation in China from 2004-2018. The study proposes a comprehensive analysis framework for understanding the overall status associated with key factors of hazmat transportation in terms of characteristics, cause, and severity. By incorporating the adaptive data analysis techniques and tackling uncertainty, the preventative measures can be carried out for supporting safety management in hazmat transportation. Thus, this study firstly analyzed spatial-temporal trends to understand the major characteristics of hazmat transportation accidents. Secondly, it presents a quantitative description of the relation among the hazmat properties, accident characteristics, and the consequences of the accidents using the decision tree approach. Thirdly, an enhanced F-N curve-based analysis method that can describe the relationship between cumulative probability and number of deaths , was proposed under the power-law distribution and applied to several practical data sets for severity analysis. It can evaluate accident severity of hazmat material by road transportation while taking into account uncertainty in terms of data sources. Through the introduction of the as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP) principle for determining acceptable and tolerable levels, it is indicated that the F-N curves are above the tolerable line for most hazmat accident scenarios. The findings can provide an empirically supported theoretical basis for the decision-makers to take action to reduce accident frequencies and risks for effective hazmat transportation management.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Chemical Hazard Release; China; Hazardous Substances; Safety Management; Transportation
PubMed: 32316693
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17082793 -
Journal of Safety Research Feb 2022Ensuring occupational health and safety is an enormous concern for organizations, as accidents not only harm workers but also result in financial losses. Analysis of...
INTRODUCTION
Ensuring occupational health and safety is an enormous concern for organizations, as accidents not only harm workers but also result in financial losses. Analysis of accident data has the potential to reveal insights that may improve capabilities to mitigate future accidents. However, because accident data are often transcribed textually, analyzing these narratives proves difficult. This study contributes to a recent stream of literature utilizing machine learning to automatically label accident narratives, converting them into more easily analyzable fields.
METHOD
First, a large dataset of accident narratives in which workers were injured is collected from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Word embeddings-based text mining is implemented; compared to past works, this methodology offers excellent performance. Second, to improve the richness of analyses, each record is assessed across five dimensions. The machine learning models provide classifications of body part(s) injured, the source of the injury, the type of event causing the injury, whether a hospitalization occurred, and whether an amputation occurred. Finally, demonstrating generalizability, the trained models are deployed to analyze two additional datasets of accident narratives in the construction industry and the mining and metals industry (transfer learning). Practical Applications: These contributions improve organizations' capacities to rapidly analyze textual accident narratives.
Topics: Accidents; Construction Industry; Data Mining; Humans; Machine Learning; Occupational Health
PubMed: 35249625
DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2021.12.024 -
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2021In an effort to reach accident-free milestones or drastically reduce/eliminate road fatalities rates and traffic congestion and to create disruptive, transformational... (Review)
Review
In an effort to reach accident-free milestones or drastically reduce/eliminate road fatalities rates and traffic congestion and to create disruptive, transformational mobility systems and services, different parties (e.g., automakers, universities, governments, and road traffic regulators) have collaborated to research, develop, and test connected vehicle (CV) technologies. CVs create new data-rich environments and are considered key enablers for many applications and services that will make our roads safer, less congested, and more eco-friendly. A deeper understanding of the CV technologies will pave the way to avoid setbacks and will help in developing more innovative applications and breakthroughs. In the CV paradigm, vehicles become smarter by communicating with nearby vehicles, connected infrastructure, and the surroundings. This connectivity will be substantial to support different features and systems, such as adaptive routing, real-time navigation, and slow and near real-time infrastructure. Further examples include environmental sensing, advanced driver-assistance systems, automated driving systems, mobility on demand, and mobility as a service. This article provides a comprehensive review on CV technologies including fundamental challenges, state-of-the-art enabling technologies, innovative applications, and potential opportunities that can benefit automakers, customers, and businesses. The current standardization efforts of the forefront enabling technologies, such as Wi-Fi 6 and 5G-cellular technologies are also reviewed. Different challenges in terms of cooperative computation, privacy/security, and over-the-air updates are discussed. Safety and non-safety applications are described and possible future opportunities that CV technology brings to our life are also highlighted.
Topics: Accidents, Traffic; Automobile Driving; Safety; Technology
PubMed: 34833782
DOI: 10.3390/s21227712