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Annals of Emergency Medicine Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Male; Accidents, Traffic; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38777502
DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2024.01.012 -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Jun 2024
Topics: Humans; Accidents, Traffic; Safety; Congresses as Topic
PubMed: 38490922
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2024.107541 -
International Journal of Occupational... Sep 2023It is widely accepted that positive safety culture improves organizations' safety performance and reduces the number of injuries and deaths. Safety culture has been well... (Review)
Review
It is widely accepted that positive safety culture improves organizations' safety performance and reduces the number of injuries and deaths. Safety culture has been well researched in high-risk industries; however, the hospitality industry until recently had no research of the concept unless related to food safety. This article explores theoretical grounds for research of safety culture in hospitality, based on the aviation safety culture body of knowledge. Using aviation as a foundation is motivated by the similarities in operations between aviation and hospitality, especially when hospitality is compared to other high-risk industries. The article proposes that aviation safety culture models and their dimensions could be valuable for hospitality industry's safety culture improvements. It's goal and aspiring contribution is to begin a discussion and build a theoretical base for future research about advancement of safety in hospitality operations and reduction of the industry's relatively high numbers of employee injuries.
Topics: Humans; Safety Management; Aviation; Industry; Accidents, Aviation
PubMed: 35915910
DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2022.2108638 -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Nov 2023Right-of-way negotiation between drivers and pedestrians often relies on explicit (e.g., waving) and implicit (e.g., kinematic) cues that signal intent. Since effective...
OBJECTIVE
Right-of-way negotiation between drivers and pedestrians often relies on explicit (e.g., waving) and implicit (e.g., kinematic) cues that signal intent. Since effective driver-pedestrian communication is important for reducing safety-relevant conflicts, this study uses information theory to identify vehicle kinematic behaviors that provide the greatest information gain and serve as cues for pedestrians to cross safely.
DATA SOURCES
A driver-pedestrian dataset with 348 interactions was extracted from a large naturalistic driving data collection effort. It includes 325 instances of a pedestrian crossing the vehicle's path and 23 instances in which the vehicle did not yield to a pedestrian. Kinematic data were collected from the vehicle's CAN. Pedestrian behaviors, driver cues, and contextual information were manually annotated from a forward-facing video.
METHODS
We used kernel density estimation to quantify the probabilities of vehicle acceleration, speed, and standard deviation of speed, for a given vehicle position and pedestrian behavior. Mutual information was then calculated between the estimated distributions given a pedestrian behavior (crossing/not crossing; walking/pausing) across intersection types (protected, e.g., stop signs; designated, e.g., crosswalks; and undesignated, e.g., jaywalking).
RESULTS
The patterns mutual information conveyed by vehicle kinematics differed across measures (acceleration, speed, and standard deviation of speed) reaching peak values (in bits of information) at different distances from the pedestrian path. The mutual information conveyed by vehicle acceleration and pedestrian crossing behaviors peaked the farthest from the pedestrian path in the designated crossings, about 18 m away from the pedestrian path, with a difference in median deceleration of 1.01 m/s (p < 0.001) between pedestrian pausing and walking epochs. For protected crossings, the peak in mutual information occurred closer (10 m) to the pedestrian path, where median vehicle deceleration was significantly lower (0.55 m/s; p < 0.05) in pausing epochs compared to walking epochs. For undesignated crossings, the peak in mutual information was the closest to the pedestrian crossing path, around 5 m, and was associated with a stronger deceleration behavior in pedestrian crossing epochs (-0.33 m/s; p < 0.1). Vehicle speed demonstrated a similar sensitivity to distance from the pedestrian path across intersection types. Lastly, looking at the outcome of pedestrian behavior (i.e., crossing/not crossing), we find that the mutual information conveyed by acceleration, speed, and standard deviation of speed, peaked when the vehicle was at 30 m (stronger braking -0.37 m/s; p < 0.1) and 10 m away, with greater acceleration (0.81 m/s; p < 0.001) and faster speeds (2.41 m/s; p < 0.001) in pedestrian crossing epochs.
SIGNIFICANCE OF RESULTS
This study examined driver-pedestrian information exchange using vehicle kinematic behavioral cues. We find that the differences in mutual information are shaped by multiple factors including the intersection type. In general, there was less mutual information gain in protected crossings which may be explained by unambiguous right-of-way rules guiding driver and pedestrian behavior, reducing the need for negotiation. Driver-pedestrian interactions in designated crossings seem to take place over a larger distance range compared to undesignated or protected crossings. These findings may support the design of automated driving and pedestrian safety systems that are able to consider the type, strength, and timing of kinematic cues to optimize driver-pedestrian negotiation. Eventually, such systems may enhance safe, efficient, and social interactions with pedestrians.
Topics: Humans; Accidents, Traffic; Automobile Driving; Safety; Pedestrians; Biomechanical Phenomena; Cues; Communication; Walking
PubMed: 37531855
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107236 -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Jan 2024Vision Zero involves the use of a systems approach to eliminate fatal and serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes by accommodating basic human limitations that lead...
Vision Zero involves the use of a systems approach to eliminate fatal and serious injuries from motor vehicle crashes by accommodating basic human limitations that lead to crashes through fundamental behavioral expectations, together with sound vehicle and road design. Alcohol-related crashes account for a significant proportion of motor vehicle crash death and injury and can be addressed in a safe road transport system. We look at near-term policy and program interventions that are known to motivate drivers to make safe drinking and driving decisions, and possibilities for using technology over the longer term to address risks resulting from driver impairment that is either inadvertent or willful high-risk behavior. From the Vision Zero perspective,"normal driving" refers to a situation where traffic and road users are operating as desired and planned. A driver in this normal driving envelope operates at a safe speed, wears a seat belt, focuses on the driving task, and is not impaired. A safe system accommodates human errors, mistakes, and misjudgments in the normal driving envelope. However, it may not be capable of compensating for deliberate violations and rule-breaking. A critical role of behavioral programs and policies is to motivate safe decisions by drivers and other road users and keep them in the normal driving envelope where they can be protected from unintentional errors by a safe system. While much progress has been made in developing and implementing impaired driving policies and programs, much potential remains in the their ability to motivate drivers to meet the fundamental expectations required in a safe system. Examples of behavioral programs and policies that have strong evidence of effectiveness but are underutilized in the U.S. include conducting periodic sobriety checkpoints, lowering the blood alcohol concentration limit for driving, and mandating the use of ignition interlock devices. While the specific interventions may differ, it is likely that the same situation of incomplete implementation of behavioral programs and policies - and consequent unrealized value to a comprehensive safe system - applies to many other nations. To reach the goal of zero deaths, a comprehensive Vision Zero program needs to address the problem of deliberate risk-taking, which can include driver impairment from alcohol or other causes and extend to dangerous and reckless driving. Advanced safety technologies offer a range of opportunities for this purpose. Cars available today and in the future will have a plethora of sensors that monitor circumstances inside and around the car. These systems can identify whether a driver is in their safe driving envelope and respond with interventions that are appropriate for the severity and nature of the risk. Interventions could range from those that are not perceivable to the driver, such as putting driver assist systems into active mode, to stronger steps such as limiting or preventing vehicle operation. Zero fatalities or serious injuries in motor vehicle crashes is possible with a systems approach that accommodates human errors and mistakes that occur with the normal driving envelope and incorporates effective responses to deliberate risk-taking outside of this envelope.
Topics: Humans; Accidents, Traffic; Blood Alcohol Content; Seat Belts; Automobiles; Causality; Automobile Driving
PubMed: 37924565
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107344 -
Journal of Agromedicine Jan 2024This study aimed to see if there was a link between first aid self-efficacy and the frequency of occupational accidents and non-fatal agricultural injuries in greenhouse...
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to see if there was a link between first aid self-efficacy and the frequency of occupational accidents and non-fatal agricultural injuries in greenhouse agriculture workers.
METHODS
This cross-sectional study was conducted with 251 people in a district center. Sociodemographic, occupational accident, and injury questionnaires prepared by the researchers and the First Aid Self-Efficacy Scale were used to collect the data. SPSS 25.0 software was used to evaluate the data and descriptive statistics; the Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis analysis of variance were applied in the analysis.
RESULTS
71.4% of the participants experienced an occupational accident by falling and slipping; 41.7% were slightly injured after the accident, and 63.2% experienced injuries in fractures, sprains, and crushes. We found that most injuries were in the lower extremities (33.2%), and 66.4% were admitted to the hospital. We ascertained that male workers' median first-aid self-efficacy scores were significantly higher than those of female workers ( < .05). We determined there was no significant difference between first-aid self-efficacy scores according to other sociodemographic variables, occupational accidents, or injury data ( > .05).
CONCLUSION
Occupational accidents and non-fatal agricultural injuries are common in greenhouse agriculture, and male workers have higher first-aid self-efficacy than female workers. Since greenhouse work is a hazardous line of work, providing simple medical first-aid training would be useful for those working in this field.
Topics: Humans; Male; Female; First Aid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Turkey; Self Efficacy; Accidents, Occupational; Agriculture; Occupational Injuries; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 37715707
DOI: 10.1080/1059924X.2023.2259379 -
Health Policy (Amsterdam, Netherlands) Dec 2023England's NHS is experiencing rising privatisation as services are increasingly being delivered by private healthcare providers. This has led to concerns about the...
England's NHS is experiencing rising privatisation as services are increasingly being delivered by private healthcare providers. This has led to concerns about the supposed benefit of this process on healthcare quality but the reasons for the increase - and whether processes prioritise quality - are not well understood. In-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 people involved in the commissioning process, sampled from 3 commissioning sites (regional health boards) are thematically analysed. Four key themes of reasons for outsourcing were identified: unmet need; the "choice agenda"; appetite for change amongst key individuals working at the commissioning body; and the impact of financial pressures. The study concludes that the experience of commissioners navigating the provision of healthcare with worsening social determinants of health and financial austerity means that decisions to use private providers based on anticipated quality are sometimes but not always possible - sometimes they constitute 'accidents', sometimes 'emergencies'.
Topics: Humans; State Medicine; Health Personnel; Accidents; Quality of Health Care; England
PubMed: 37979466
DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2023.104941 -
Work (Reading, Mass.) 2024Although regulatory norms on work safety offer guidelines for organizing and preventing accidents, the construction site is an environment susceptible to deviations,... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Although regulatory norms on work safety offer guidelines for organizing and preventing accidents, the construction site is an environment susceptible to deviations, sometimes due to the lack of effective training. To this end, technologies such as virtual reality become possibilities for innovations with great advantages, as they allow simulations, modeling, exploratory environments and games, which allow the user to create a greater connection and interest in the subject in question.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to present the technological advances applied in safety-oriented training in the construction industry worldwide, emphasizing serious games through a systematic review of the literature.
METHODS
The review was carried out using five scientific databases, with a research protocol to answer questions about the application of gamification to guarantee the safety of workers.
RESULTS
Fifteen articles were evaluated, with descriptive, observational research and case studies. It was found that the use of technologies in construction safety is not yet a common reality in the sector, as it presents challenges and limitations, such as gameplay and issues related to cost. However, they show great potential as a dynamic solution in the training of civil construction workers, effectively collaborating in accident prevention and work safety.
CONCLUSION
Several software programs and applications were found for creating three-dimensional scenes and for providing users with a customized experience according to the needs observed in the virtual interaction; building information modeling tools, which promote realistic project modeling; and equipment to visualize the scenes created. Furthermore, the possibility of combining traditional theoretical teaching with serious games was verified. However, gamification applicability is an alternative that still has limitations, in addition to the lack of flexibility in the rules imposed on the game, hampering users' authenticity in making decisions.
Topics: Humans; Gamification; Occupational Health; Accidents; Virtual Reality; Workplace; Construction Industry
PubMed: 37742676
DOI: 10.3233/WOR-220685 -
Accident; Analysis and Prevention Sep 2023Automated Driving System (ADS) fleets are currently being deployed in several dense-urban operational design domains within the United States. In these dense-urban...
OBJECTIVE
Automated Driving System (ADS) fleets are currently being deployed in several dense-urban operational design domains within the United States. In these dense-urban areas, pedestrians have historically comprised a significant portion, and sometimes the majority, of injury and fatal collisions. An expanded understanding of the injury risk in collision events involving pedestrians and human-driven vehicles can inform continued ADS development and safety benefits evaluation. There is no current systematic investigation of United States pedestrian collisions, so this study used reconstruction data from the German In-Depth Accident Study (GIDAS) to develop mechanistic injury risk models for pedestrians involved in collisions with vehicles.
DATA SOURCE
The study queried the GIDAS database for cases from 1999 to 2021 involving passenger vehicle or heavy vehicle collisions with pedestrians.
METHODS
We describe the injury patterns and frequencies for passenger vehicle-to-pedestrian and heavy vehicle-to-pedestrian collisions, where heavy vehicles included heavy trucks and buses. Injury risk functions were developed at the AIS2+, 3+, 4+ and 5+ levels for pedestrians involved in frontal collisions with passenger vehicles and separately for frontal collisions with heavy vehicles. Model predictors included mechanistic factors of collision speed, pedestrian age, sex, pedestrian height relative to vehicle bumper height, and vehicle acceleration before impact. Children (≤17 y.o.) and elderly (≥65 y.o.) pedestrians were included. We further conducted weighted and imputed analyses to understand the effects of missing data elements and of weighting towards the overall population of German pedestrian crashes.
RESULTS
We identified 3,112 pedestrians involved in collisions with passenger vehicles, where 2,524 of those collisions were frontal vehicle strikes. Furthermore, we determined 154 pedestrians involved in collisions with heavy vehicles, where 87 of those identified collisions were frontal vehicle strikes. Children were found to be at higher risk of injury compared to young adults, and the highest risk of serious injuries (AIS 3+) existed for the oldest pedestrians in the dataset. Collisions with heavy vehicles were more likely to produce serious (AIS 3+) injuries at low speeds than collisions with passenger vehicles. Injury mechanisms differed between collisions with passenger vehicles and with heavy vehicles. The initial engagement caused 36% of pedestrians' most-severe injuries in passenger vehicle collisions, compared with 23% in heavy vehicles collisions. Conversely, the vehicle underside caused 6% of the most-severe injuries in passenger vehicle collisions and 20% in heavy vehicles collisions.
SIGNIFICANCE
U.S. pedestrian fatalities have risen 59% since their recent recorded low in 2009. It is imperative that we understand and describe injury risk so that we can target effective strategies for injury and fatality reduction. This study builds on previous analyses by including the most modern vehicles, including children and elderly pedestrians, incorporating additional mechanistic predictors, broadening the scope of included crashes, and using multiple imputation and weighting to better estimate these effects relative to the entire population of German pedestrian collisions. This study is the first to investigate the risk of injury to pedestrians in collisions with heavy vehicles based on field data.
Topics: Child; Young Adult; Humans; Aged; Accidents, Traffic; Pedestrians; Motor Vehicles; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 37320981
DOI: 10.1016/j.aap.2023.107139 -
Pediatric Emergency Care Dec 2023Sudden unexplained death in childhood is a term that encompasses apparently natural deaths in children aged older than 1 year with no discernible cause despite a...
Sudden unexplained death in childhood is a term that encompasses apparently natural deaths in children aged older than 1 year with no discernible cause despite a thorough assessment. Definitive underlying causes vary but most cases remain largely unexplained. Research has furthered the view that sudden unexplained death in childhood is not an accident, but rather a sentinel medical event for which a thorough postmortem investigation is indicated. Emerging evidence in genetics, neurology, and neuropathology point to heterogeneous causes that in some cases share features of recognized diseases.
Topics: Child; Humans; Death, Sudden; Autopsy; Accidents; Cause of Death
PubMed: 38019718
DOI: 10.1097/PEC.0000000000003074