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1
Thean, Hock Ch'ng. "Malaysia and Singapore occupational health and safety : an exploratory study." Thesis, the author [Mt. Helen, Vic.] :, 1994. http://researchonline.federation.edu.au/vital/access/HandleResolver/1959.17/42772.
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Getschman, Benjamin John. "Evaluation of the validity of the inhalable and "total" dust concentration ratio." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2500.
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Industrial hygienists can compare "total" dust concentrations to higher inhalable concentrations using a value called the performance ratio. A commonly used performance ratio of 2.5 is used for dusts found in the workplace, after results from multiple studies were compiled. The objective of this study was to evaluate the "total" and inhalable dust performance ratio over a range of conditions to investigate whether the commonly used value of 2.5 varies between: (1) dust type (2) IOM and Button inhalable samplers and (3) distance from the dust source.
Dust concentrations were generated in a still air chamber using three dust types; sawdust, flour, and glass microbeads. The IOM, Button, and CFC samplers were used to measure concentrations at four locations increasing in distance from the source. Linear regressions in the form of [Inhalable mg m-3] = S x ["Total" mg m-3] were used to calculate the appropriate performance ratio, S. The intercept of this regression was forced through the origin. Linear regression was also used to examine whether the effect of distance on S was significant and a distance factor (β1) was calculated.
The calculated performance ratios, S, differed between sawdust, flour, and glass microbeads, and were 1.62, 2.82, and 2.97 respectively when comparing IOM concentration to CFC concentration. Performance ratios computed for the Button sampler for sawdust, flour, and glass microbreads were 0.82, 1.04, and 0.57 respectively. Performance ratios were significantly different (p=0.049) between the two inhalable sampler types. The IOM/CFC performance ratio for all three dusts averaged 2.47 (SD=0.74), whereas the Button/CFC performance ratio for the three dusts averaged 0.81 (SD=0.24). Only the IOM/CFC performance ratio had a statistically significant distance factor at α=0.05.
The authors caution against using a single performance ratio of 2.5 for all dusts due to the large variance involved with dust sampler and dust type. Distance from the source did not significantly affect the performance ratios computed under laboratory conditions. Industrial hygienists are advised to perform side by side sampling with inhalable and "total" dust samplers to create specific performance ratios appropriate for tasks found in the workplace.
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Thedell, T. Aron. "Comparisons of a novel industrial hygiene filter material, wash solutions, and extraction methods in the detection and quantification of influenza virus." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5862.
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The collection and quantification of influenza virus is important in determining exposure, and in the control of infection. There are a number of bioaerosol samplers and analytical methods available to do this, however few researchers have been able to detect influenza virus in the environment. Therefore, new samplers and methods should be considered.
This study compared influenza virus recovery from three filter types (PTFE, PVC, and PS) treated with sampling air or no air, using HBSS or PBS as wash buffers, and the QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit or Trizol method in the extraction of viral RNA. Twenty, 30-minute laboratory trials were completed in a sampling chamber designed to control RH at 50%. Samples were analyzed using RT-qPCR.
Viral recovery for each filter type was significantly different (p-value < .0001), with the new PS filter material resulting in the recovery of the most viral RNA. Treating filters with simulated sampling air did not affect the recovery of viral RNA from the filter materials (Kit, HBSS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.615; Trizol, HBSS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.947; Kit, PBS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.224; Trizol, PBS: Air vs. No Air p-value = 0.1122). Using HBSS and PBS as a filter wash buffer resulted in viral recoveries that were significantly different, depending on the RNA extraction method used (Kit, Air or No: HBSS vs. PBS p-value = 0.0001, 0.0001; Trizol, Air or No: HBSS vs. PBS p-value = 0.0322, 0.499). Viral RNA counts were significantly different when using the Kit and Trizol extraction methods for all comparisons (HBSS, Air or No-Air: Kit vs. Trizol p-value = 0.0021, 0.0013; PBS, Air or No-Air: Kit vs. Trizol p-value = 0.0001, 0.0002).
Our results demonstrated that the novel PS filter material resulted in the highest counts of extracted RNA compared to the commonly used PTFE and PVC, and that sampling air did not have a significant effect on viral recovery. Also, that the combination of HBSS with QIAamp Viral RNA Mini Kit, and PBS with the Trizol method, resulted in the highest counts of RNA extracted.
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Spielmann, Brian. "Development and implementation procedures of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Voluntary Protection Program." Menomonie, WI : University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2006. http://www.uwstout.edu/lib/thesis/2006/2006spielmannb.pdf.
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Hameed, Ayisat Titilola. "The National Industrial Court of Nigeria : what future for occupational health and safety." Thesis, University of Aberdeen, 2014. http://digitool.abdn.ac.uk:80/webclient/DeliveryManager?pid=226063.
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The importance ascribed by a nation to the subject of occupational safety and health is reflective in the growth, sustainability and the national development of an economy. Besides the economic benefits stood to be derived from an occupational safety and health structure that is constantly nurtured, there is also the human rights issue. Less industrialised nations still grapple with fundamental challenges brought about by occupational health and safety, challenges which more advanced nations seem to effortlessly address. Nigeria falls into the former category, hence, the interest of this thesis. The knowledge of this menace has been in the consciousness of stakeholders in Nigeria particularly in the recent past years. However, no significant action has been taken to alleviate the situation. There are instruments that deal with the subject of occupational health and safety but they all seem to have their attendant issues which make them either inoperable or of insignificant benefit to the situation of workers in Nigeria. The tardy attitude of the Nigerian Law makers also does not help the situation. This thesis is therefore of the view that until the period the Nigerian Government is able to get its bearing right in designing a suitable piece of legislation that shall address the challenges caused by occupational health and safety, it is possible to seek an alternative approach that shall serve as a safety net towards the protection of workers particularly those that are most vulnerable. This alternative approach that the thesis proposes is the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), a Court that recently acquired the status of a superior court of record and conferred with extensive Constitutional powers over occupational safety and health matters amongst others. It is the anticipation of this thesis that the Court shall make a positive impact where legislation had failed to succeed in its bidding.
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Jennissen, Theresa E. (Theresa Emilia). "Regulating the workplace in industrial Ontario : the origins of occupational health and safety policy, 1880-1914." Thesis, McGill University, 1991. http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=70208.
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This thesis examines the development of occupational health and safety policies in Ontario from 1880 to 1914 focusing on the Railway Accidents Act, Ontario Factory Act, Workmen's Compensation for Injuries Act and the Workmen's Compensation Act. Together they formed the basic regulatory framework that endured in Ontario until the 1970s.The rise of industrial capitalism and the growth of the private market in the mid-1880s brought forward the factory system which depended on an unskilled labouring class and the use of power-driven machinery. Thus system of production created many risks for workers including accidents and diseases, and resultant financial problems caused by an inability to work.
The role of, and interactions among, workers, employers, and the state were key in determining the particular patterns of policy development. Although health and safety policies provided only minimal protection to workers, while at the same time causing little disruption to business, the policies were more beneficial to workers when labour played an active role in the policy-making process.
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Wing, Hayden. "Implementing best practice protocols for occupational hygiene monitoring." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2005. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/111.
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This thesis outlines the results of an occupational hygiene monitoring program implemented at Minara Resources' Murrin Murrin mine site. The research was conducted as part of a collaborative agreement between Edith Cowan University and Minara Resources, the title of which was "Establishing best practice protocols in the management of occupational and environmental health in a high risk mining and ore processing environment". To form the basis of this research it was hypothesised that chemical hazards had not been adequately identified, that existing occupational hygiene monitoring programs did not adequately quantify employee exposures to these hazards, and that the implementation of a comprehensive hazard identification and monitoring program would greatly improve the capacity to quantify the health risks posed to employees.
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Green, Deirdre Renee. "Occupational noise exposures of college town restaurant employees." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2014. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1330.
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Previous research evaluating restaurant worker exposure used environmental sound levels, but this does not take into account the temporal variability of restaurant worker exposure. To determine the actual personal exposure of restaurant workers, Quest Noise-Pro or Quest Edge dosimeters were placed on restaurant workers at six downtown Iowa City restaurants. At each participating locally-owned restaurant, workers classified as cooks, counter attendants, bartenders, and waiters participated. A time-weighted average (TWA) exposure per participant per shift was computed using both OSHA and NIOSH criteria for a total of 180 full-shift exposure measurements. Exposures were evaluated by season (when school is in session or not), restaurant type (counter service versus sit-down with bar), job title (cooks versus others), and time of week (weekday versus weekend) to characterize factors associated with high personal noise exposures. This work focused on day time exposures of restaurant employees in locally owned restaurants in a college town and determined the risks of noise induced hearing loss (NIHL). The results determined if restaurant workers are exposed to hazardous noise and whether exposures differ by job title, season, day of week and restaurant type.
No TWA measurements exceeded the OSHA 8-hr TWA permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA. Restaurant worker NIOSH TWAs ranged from 69-90 dBA with a mean (SD) of 80 dBA (4 dBA). Only 7.8% of all full-shift exposure data exceeded the NIOSH 8-hour 85 dBA. The highest worker TWAs were recorded during the period when the local university was in session and at the full-service restaurants: these workers were cooks during the weekends. Fourteen TWA measurements exceeded the NIOSH 8-hr TWA REL of 85 dBA. The NIOSH TWA exposure estimates significantly increased for full-service restaurants (p<0.001), cooks (p=0.003), during the fall semester (p=0.003), and during the weekend (p=0.048). Multiple Linear regression analysis suggested that restaurant type, job title, and season have a significant effect on restaurant worker noise exposures (p<0.001).
Although restaurant employee noise exposures are within the OSHA hearing conservation standard limits, this study demonstrated that 7.8% (approximately 733,200) restaurant workers might be at risk for overexposure to noise based on NIOSH criteria. Intervention studies for the prevention of NIHL need to understand the impact of job title, restaurant type, season, and day of week on restaurant worker noise exposure. Additionally, all sampling was completed during the daytime and future research should evaluate restaurant worker noise exposures into the night time and early morning hours.
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Harbison, Stephen Casey. "Evaluation of Pulmonary Risks Associated with Selected Occupations." Scholar Commons, 2013. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/4687.
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Occupational health surveillance programs are designed to evaluate and reduce injury, illness, and deaths related to workplace hazards. In the state of Florida, there are numerous industries where workers are potentially exposed to airborne hazards from gases, vapors and dusts. Airborne occupational exposures to irritants, vesicants, and fibrogens have the potential to cause pulmonary function impairment if exposures are not properly controlled for high-level acute exposure as well as chronic exposure. For occupations that demand workers be exposed to substances known to be associated with pulmonary function impairment, respirators may be a principal method for exposure
control. OSHA requires pulmonary function testing for specific substances and it is a best practice that is utilized in a majority of occupational settings and is typically included in an organizations respiratory protection program. A literature review identified that boat manufacturing, utilities, and first responders in the State of Florida have the potential for increased pulmonary impairment amongst workers. This research demonstrated the feasibility of using pulmonary function data collected for the purposes of compliance and/or best practices for workers who use respiratory protection because they are potentially exposed to pulmonary toxicants in the workplace. This research did not identify any pulmonary function deficits in the target occupational populations and it demonstrated that in most cases, the study populations had modestly superior pulmonary function compared to a baseline population.
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Verdonk, Alan D. "A retrospective cohort study of workers' compensation indicators from an occupational safety and health perspective." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2002. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1604.
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Since 1984 the role of the government in Western Australia, has changed in relation to occupational safety and health. This study considers the effect of the occupational safety and health legislation using workers' compensation accident data. Academic and general staff accident data from a Western Australian University were researched. The time period is 20 years- 1979 through 1998 inclusive. 2,773 worker's compensation claims were analysed using Mann Whitney -U tests and cross-tabulations of safety prevention expenditure against the claims. The work environment provides the full spectrum of workplace activities ranging from domicile duties (student housing services) to heavy machinery work (mechanical maintenance) through to construction activity (building and operations), along with exposures to hazardous substances through research programs, and different types of office work activities. The staff numbers were 2949 staff in 1979 increasing to 6938 staff in 1998. The ages of the staff population were from school leavers to staff retirement age (in the latter years this being beyond the age of 65 years). The demographics indicated an aging workforce population with the predisposition to remain in the employ of the University for extended periods of their working lives. There were more female staff members than male staff members and a greater number of male staff hold more senior positions. This tendency was changing in the latter years. The study is unique in that it studies the topic of occupational health and safety from a 'micro' perspective of safety performance on a tertiary education work environment.
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Sawvel, Russell. "Evaluation of shaker dust collector for use in a swine farrowing barn." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2014. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1393.
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A shaker dust collector was evaluated to 1. determine filter capacity in terms of mass loading, pressure drop, airflow, and runtime; 2. determine particle collection efficiency by size prior to and following repeated loadings.
A shaker dust collector was setup in the laboratory to take in contaminated air, collect dust, and exhaust treated air. For each loading test, Arizona road dust (~1 to 200 μm) was introduced into the airstream entering the dust collector at an emission rate and duration equivalent to 3-months in a swine barn in winter. Filter pressure drop and exhaust velocity pressure were measured throughout loading. Filter collection efficiency was tested using polydisperse solid glass microspheres (~1 to 10 μm) and measured with an aerodynamic particle sizer at the startup and end of loadings. Cleaning cycles were run between loading tests.
Overall efficiency was 44% for new filter, and ranged from 27% for 1-μm particles, increasing to 96% for 10-μm particles. Collection efficiency for loaded filter was 99% overall, and 99% over the range of 1 to 10-μm particles. Following cleaning, overall efficiency was 91%, and 91% for 1-μm particles, increasing to 99% for 10-μm particles.
Exhaust airflow decreased linearly with pressure drop (r2=0.99) for all three loading tests. At shutdown, system airflows were approximately 700 cfm. Significant recovery of filter residual pressure was observed following primary and secondary cleanings (p<0.001).
High removal efficiency was achieved after an initial loading period. The shaker dust collector filter is anticipated to be sufficient to treat air continuously in a swine barn over a 3-month winter period. The engineering control system is recommended for further testing to improve indoor air quality inside a Midwestern farrowing barn during winter.
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Messer, Shawn Arden. "Assessment of regional fungal concentrations and diversity and their possible association with self-reported health effects among a national sample of office building occupants in the United States." Diss., University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6472.
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Data from the Environmental Protection Agency’s Building Assessment and Survey Evaluation (BASE) study was analyzed for culturable fungi detected in air samples collected from 100 office buildings located among ten climate regions in the United States. Fungi identified and quantified in the study were evaluated in indoor and outdoor environments. Evenness of species for both summer and winter, and the diversity and similarity indices of species were calculated between climate region groups in order to observe potential climate-based differences in the fungal microbiome. Respiratory and neurological health symptoms of study building occupants (n = 4,326) were self-reported by questionnaire, and were analyzed in order to assess seasonal and climate differences.
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Meppelink, Shannon M. "Certified safe farm injuries as they pertain to chronic disease." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2014. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/4696.
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Coleman, Kristen. "Detection of silica particles in lung tissue of non-occupationally exposed individuals by computer controlled scanning electron microscopy." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1572.
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For years crystalline silica has been recognized as an occupational hazard of the dusty trades with exposures resulting in silicosis. As recently as 1997, IARC categorized the respirable portion of crystalline silica as a Grade 1 human carcinogen indicating that silica may be implicated in the development of lung cancer. Evidence in the literature indicates that silica may be not only an occupational hazard, but an environmental hazard as well, with patients with no known exposure showing measurable quantities of silica within cancerous tissue samples.
This study aims to establish a methodology using computer-controlled scanning electron microscopy to examine silica content in lung cancer tissue. Furthermore, demonstrating that silica is not evenly distributed within the tissue will establish the need to use automated full scanning techniques, such as CCSEM, in order to guarantee that the analysis is not subject to random sampling error or researcher driven error, which may be rendering the traditional random sampling of zones for analysis under-representative of silica concentration in the tissue.
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Mills, Jessica Breyan. "Evaluation of the DiSCmini personal aerosol monitor for submicrometer sodium chloride and metal aerosols." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2584.
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This work evaluated the robust, lightweight DiSCmini (DM) aerosol monitor for its ability to measure the concentration and mean diameter of submicrometer aerosols. Tests were conducted with monodispersed and polydispersed aerosols composed of two particle types (sodium chloride, NaCl, and spark generated metal particles, which simulate particles found in welding fume) at three different steady-state concentration ranges (Low, <103; Medium, 103-104; and High, >104 particles/cm3). Particle number concentration, lung deposited surface area (LDSA) concentration, and mean size measured with the DM were compared to those measured with reference instruments, a scanning mobility particle sizer (SMPS) and a handheld condensation particle counter (CPC). Particle number concentrations measured with the DM were within 16% of those measured by the CPC for polydispersed aerosols. Poorer agreement was observed for monodispersed aerosols (±35% for most tests and +101% for 300-nm NaCl). LDSA concentrations measured by the DM were 96% to 155% of those estimated with the SMPS. The geometric mean diameters measured with the DM were within 30% of those measured with the SMPS for monodispersed aerosols and within 25% for polydispersed aerosols (except for the case when the aerosol contained a substantial number of particles larger than 300 nm). The accuracy of the DM is reasonable for particles smaller than 300 nm but caution should be exercised when particles larger than 300 nm are present.
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Pierson, Austin Isamu. "Noise exposure for bus drivers in an Iowa City transit system." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6485.
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General noise regulations and guidelines protect workers against 8-hour time-weighted average noise exposures > 85-90 dBA that can cause health outcomes and noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), but the bus transportation industry has guidelines limiting lower noise exposures > 75-80 dBA to reduce safety hazards, including distraction and poor communication. These hazards can create dangerous driving conditions, especially for urban bus drivers, potentially causing a collision. Further research was necessary to characterize U.S. urban transit bus driver noise exposures to assess whether they exceeded 75, 80, 85, and 90 dBA, time-weighted, and to identify statistically significant noise exposure risk factors for this local transit system.
Time-weighted average noise exposures collected from the local transit system, a small urban bus system serving a university in Iowa City, showed the majority of drivers did not exceed 85 dBA due to short shift times, but these drivers may have been at a safety risk for distractions and poor communication due to loud environments > 75-80 dBA. The driver's AM/FM radio was a statistically significant risk factor (p = 0.004) affecting driver-shift TWA noise exposures. Projected noise exposure calculations showed that with bus driver shifts greater than or equal to 8 hours, the TWA noise exposures measured may exceed 85 dBA. Actual 8- hour time-weighted average noise exposures using sequential bus driver shifts did not exceed 90 dBA.
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Cao, Yanyan. "An epidemiological analysis of a university threat assessment team case load." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1206.
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Knowlton, Samantha Dawn. "Measuring bioaerosol concentrations generated from toilet flushes during hospital-based patient care." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5539.
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Infectious diseases account for over 15 million deaths worldwide. Those who are at greatest risk of contracting an infectious disease are immunocompromised. These individuals may be admitted to a healthcare-based setting where they may become infected. In the United States, 1.7 million immunocompromised individuals contract a healthcare-associated infection which lengthens stay, increases medical costs, and puts lives at stake. The transmission routes for these infections occur from direct contact with healthcare staff and contaminated surfaces. Indirect contact methods, such as bioaerosols suggest, but are not a well-examined route of infection. One possible bioaerosol generator includes the flushing of loose stools in toilets from infected patients. To date, no study has investigated the particle or bioaerosol changes in the air resulting from toilet flushing loose fecal wastes in a healthcare setting. The purpose of this study was to investigate changes in the air before and after a toilet flush to support hypotheses that toilets can produce an aerosol containing viable microorganisms, potentially spreading infectious disease.
Particle and bioaerosol concentrations were measured in hospital bathrooms across 3 sampling conditions; no waste no flush, no waste with flush, and fecal waste with flush. Particle concentrations were measured with a particle counter 3 minutes before a flushing event and throughout the bioaerosol collection period. Bioaerosol concentrations were measured with BioStage impactors fixed on a sampling cart at distances of 0.15, 0.5, and 1 m that was placed in front of a toilet. For each sampling trial, 3 time measurements were recorded after a flushing event (i.e., 5, 10, 15 minutes).
Particle concentrations measured before and after the flush were found to be significantly different in 0.3 (p-values= 0.002, 0.002, 0.015), 0.5 (p-values= 0.002, 0.002, 0.018), 1 (p-values= 0.003, 0.003, 0.027), and 3 µm (p-values= 0.016, 0.032) size bins of the no waste with flush and 0.3 (p-values= 0.009, 0.007, 0.007), 0.5 (p-values= 0.018, 0.006, 0.004), 1 µm (p-values= 0.023, 0.013,) size bins of the fecal waste with flush conditions. Bioaerosol concentrations measured in the no waste no flush and fecal waste with flush were found to be significantly different (p-value= 0.005). However, the bioaerosol concentrations measured were not significantly different across time (p-value= 0.977) or distance (p-value= 0.911).
From the study, we concluded that toilets in this unit produce particles when flushed. The particles aerosolized include microorganisms remaining from previous use or from loose fecal wastes. Differences in bioaerosol concentrations across conditions also suggest that toilets flushed containing wastes may be a likely source of bioaerosols that could allow transmission of infectious microorganisms. No observed differences across time and distance of bioaerosol concentrations suggests that generated aerosols quickly diffuse in the air. Since this study is the first to quantify particles and bioaerosols produced from flushing a hospital toilet, future studies are needed for comparison and for intervention development.
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Kersten, Joshua Todd. "Measuring manufacturing assembly worker task duration with radio frequency identification technology." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5534.
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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among working populations, especially manufacturing workers, with exposure to non-neutral postures frequently cited as a risk factor. However, the magnitudes and precision of risk estimates vary between field-based studies, as it is difficult to continually follow and sample large study samples with time-varying exposures to non-neutral postures. Development of a low cost location-tracking system may help overcome this methodological limitation. The purpose of this thesis was to explore the utility of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for extracting task-specific exposure data from full-shift measurements of upper arm posture as machine-paced assembly workers rotated job tasks.
Full-shift upper arm posture and movement velocities were recorded using inertial measurement units (IMUs) across up to 15 consecutive working days from among a sample of 8 participants. Workers scanned RFID tags with RFID readers at job task workstation as they started and finished performing a task, effectively measuring task duration. At the end of each shift, workers self-reported task duration estimates in a diary. Self-report and RFID-based measurement bias and agreement range were estimated using Bland-Altman analyses. Fully nested, random-effects analysis of variance (ANOVA) models were used to estimate the relative contribution of components of exposure variance to overall posture and movement exposure variance.
The study observed a slight measurement bias for self-reported task duration estimates when comparing both incomplete (i.e., single measurement from either self-report or RFID methodology) and complete task observation data (i.e., measurements from both methodologies), while the RFID system displayed a similar bias when comparing only complete task observation data. However, regardless of the data set, a large measurement agreement range was observed. The between-subjects and between-tasks-within-day (and within-subject) variance components generally contributed the most to total exposure variance, with the between-day-within-subject component contributing little if nothing at all. Depending on velocity level summary measure, between 65.7% and 84.5% of the total exposure variance was associated with the between-tasks-within-day (and within-subject) component. The RFID system did prove useful in extracting task-specific exposure data from full-day IMU measurements. However, there were unexpected instances in which workers failed to follow RFID system user protocol and generate irregular timestamp sequences. Future research and development is encouraged to refine the pairing of RFID technology with IMUs for ergonomic exposure assessment. Specifically, an active RFID system with adjustable read range could potentially overcome the limitation of requiring that a worker place the RFID tag within inches of the low frequency RFID reader to perform a scan.
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Leach, William Andrew. "Effect of deposited polydispersed particles on respirable cyclone penetration." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2560.
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Workplace aerosol sampling has been used to assess exposure to airborne materials that are known to cause adverse health effects in the respiratory system. Respirable cyclones are a common instrument used to monitor occupational exposures to respirable particles and are designed to have a penetration similar to the definition for the respirable fraction. However, deposited particles inside the walls of the cyclone may influence the penetration of cyclones. The aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in collection efficiencies of a clean SKC 37-mm aluminum cyclone compared to a SKC 37-mm aluminum cyclone deposited with polydispersed dust.
Glass beads (Count Median Diameter CMD 3.3 µm, Geometric Standard Deviation GSD 1.7) were used to test a clean cyclone. The cyclone was then loaded by sampling with one of three dust types individually for three hours at concentrations of at least 3 mg/m3: Arizona Road Dust (CMD 1.04 µm, GSD 1.57), organic dust (CMD 2.90 µm, GSD 1.77), and titanium oxide (CMD 0.85 µm, GSD 1.28). After the cyclone was deposited with dust without cleaning, glass beads were used to retest the penetration. Particle penetration was measured using the Aerosol Particle Sizer (APS, TSI 3321). Particles depositing on the walls of the cyclone caused a shift in the penetration compared to clean samplers. When the cyclone was loaded with Arizona Road Dust, the penetration of particles increased as much as 5% at 3.5 µm. Depositing with Organic Dust increased particle penetration as much as 4% at 3.5 µm. Depositing did not occur with Titanium Oxide and did not significantly particle penetration.
Sampling with cyclones deposited with polydispersed particles can cause sampling errors by oversampling, and therefore overestimate the respirable concentration relative to a clean sampler. To counteract sampling errors from deposited particles would require the cyclone to be thoroughly dried and clean before sampling.
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Ellickson, Daniel Emick. "Assessment of microscopy methods for distinguishing engineered nanoparticles from incidental nanoparticles." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2011. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/960.
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The objective of this study was to assess the utility of electron microscopy for the purpose of distinguishing engineered nanoparticles from "incidental" nanoparticles. Methods included the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) to analyze samples of known ratios of titanium dioxide (TiO2) to Arizona road dust (ARD) or incense particles. TEM collection methods were analyzed for two different samplers: a Marple impactor and an electro-static precipitator (ESP). TEM grids were placed on the four lowest stages of the impactor. Results for impactor stages of a 10:1 ratio of TiO2/ARD mixture displayed the following percentages TiO2: 44%, 44%, 83%, and 90%. TiO2/incense samples had very high (79%-90%) TiO2 proportions, which was not expected since the ratio was 1:1. These combustion particles did not collect with the same efficiency as TiO2 or ARD. In conclusion, incense particles were entirely carbon based and were not identifiable using TEM/EDS. The TiO2/ARD mixture demonstrated that the impactor would remove most of the larger particles so that grids on the filter stage could be used to analyze and image TiO2 mostly alone. Sampling criteria for desired particle loading had to be established in order to obtain usable TEM grids. TiO2 was distinguishable from all other particles, but accurate particle identity and proportion in samples was not obtainable for combustion particles using these methods.
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Hill, Barry Keith. "Field portable X-Ray fluorescence for rapid analysis Of titanium dioxide on air filters." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2012. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/3312.
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Field portable x-ray fluorescence (FPXRF) was evaluated as a method for screening titanium dioxide (TiO2) on air filters. Mixed cellulose ester (MCE) and polycarbonate (PC) filter types were compared to gravimetric filters to determine if there was a benefit of using one over the other during FPXRF analysis. No significant difference (p-value = 0.92) was found between MCE and PC filters for FPXRF. MCE filters had a higher coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.97) with the FPXRF analyzer than the PC filters (R2 = 0.70) when compared to gravimetric filter results. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) of the FPXRF analyzer were determined through the analysis of blank filters and filters with low levels of TiO2 analyte. The LOD for TiO2 using filter blanks was 7.3 μg/filter, and 25 μg/filter with low levels of TiO2 analyte. The LOQ was 12.8 μg/filter determined with filter blanks, and from the low level analyte samples was 0.82 μg/filter. Filter samples were collected at varying TiO2 concentrations and submitted to FPXRF and inductively couple plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis. Linear regression was used to determine the relationship between the two methods for TiO2 assessment. A high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.90) was found between FPXRF and ICP-MS at lower TiO2 concentrations while a low coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.24) was shown for the high TiO2 concentrations. Statistical analysis was used to determine the overall accuracy of the FPXRF method. The FPXRF method did not meet the NIOSH accuracy requirements to be considered an acceptable method; however there were unexplained anomalies within the ICP-MS data.
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Gray, Alyson. "Response of inexpensive particulate matter sensors following aerosol exposure and sensor cleaning." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2018. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6429.
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Inexpensive instruments that measure concentrations of airborne particles in workplaces have grown to become an efficient way to estimate personal aerosol exposure of workers. This study evaluates the performance of two types of inexpensive instruments: an “active” version which pulls particle-laden air into a sensing zone for measurement, and a “passive” version which does not. The response of these instruments to clean air over time was evaluated as an indicator of contamination in laboratory and factory settings. Additionally, the effect cleaning of the instruments had on performance was evaluated.
After exposure to high concentrations of particles in the laboratory, the active and passive versions of the instruments lost partial to full ability to detect particle concentrations. In the factory, this change was only seen in the active version, and occurred over a longer amount of time. Cleaning of the instruments returned some ability to detect particles, but not to the ability a new instrument.
The accumulation of particles within instruments used to estimate aerosol exposures can affect the output of and overall performance of the instruments. Cleaning of the instruments after accumulation results a lessening of the effect, but not completely. Cleaning can be a way to extend the lifetime of these instruments. However, the time and financial costs related to cleaning several sensors within a workplace should be considered.
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Purdy, Matthew. "Comparison of facemask characteristics with user assessment of comfort." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2019. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/6838.
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According to the Occupation Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), an estimated five million workers are required to wear respirators in over one million workplaces in the United States. Occupational respiratory diseases are strongly correlated to inhalation exposure to causative agents. Wearing a respirator has the potential to reduce worker exposure to safe concentrations. Many brands of N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) are available with various designs and sizes. Studies have indicated that respirator use is often low in many industries. Comfort is a factor that workers use both directly and indirectly to decide if they will wear an FFR. The purpose of this study was to evaluate ten N95 FFRs to determine their physical properties. Physical properties were compared to the perceived comfort ratings given by study participants to determine the strength of the associations. Six FFRs were evaluated using qualitative surveys (n=50).
Physical properties of FFRs that were evaluated include: breathability, pressure drop, surface area, water vapor transmission and weight. Several methods were used to evaluate the N95 physical properties. A modified American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) method was used to measure water vapor transmission. A pass through column apparatus was used to evaluate pressure drop through each sample at 0.6, 1.6, 2.6, and 3.6 LPM. The N95 FFRs were scanned and evaluated using Adobe Photoshop to determine surface area. A temperature probe was used to measure the influence of an exhalation valve on internal temperature. An inverted microscope was used to determine thickness, a balance was used to determine sample weight. Density could then be used to solve for solidity. Physical properties varied between N95 FFRs. Between two similar FFRs, the exhalation valve was attributed to a 0.59 oC lower temperature in the FFR with and exhalation valve. Pressure drop values at a 3.6 LPM applied flow rate varied between 4.55-12.77 mm H2O. The water vapor transmission between masks was very small with a range of 0.16 mg H2O. Solidity values varied between 0.02 and 0.07, surface area from 134.95- 313.87, and total weight from 9.47-109.41 g. The total scores varied from 10.76 to 14.26 (out of 18).
Survey participants were asked to evaluate the N95 FFRs on the basis of fit, temperature, and ease of breathing using a Likert scale of 1-6. Six of the N95 FFRs were worn by participants. Based on participant rankings, the Honeywell 4200 had the highest total score, followed by the Moldex 4200, 3M Aura 9210+, 3M 8511, Moldex 2200, and 3M 8210. The scores for fit varied from 3.16-4.36, temperature 3.66-5.24, and ease of breathing 3.94-4.66. Fit was found to be the most important in terms of discomfort followed by temperature, and ease of breathing.
The Kruskal-Waillis test results indicate that there is a significant difference in the median scores between masks types for fit, temperature, and ease of breathing (p<0.001). However, participants’ rankings of fit, temperature, and ease of breathing were not strongly related to a physical property. For example, the Spearman’s correlation coefficient between pressure drop and ease of breathing score was 0.2, and 0.6 for water vapor transmission and temperature. Neither Spearman’s coefficient was statistically significant (p=0.7, p=0.2).
In general, the differences in physical properties between N95 FFRs were too small for participants to perceive. The magnitude of difference in physical properties and short use duration and sedentary activity level are likely responsible for this finding.
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Glass, Deborah Catherine, and mikewood@deakin edu au. "Exposure estimation, uncertainty and variability in occupational hygiene retrospective assessment." Deakin University. School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, 1999. http://tux.lib.deakin.edu.au./adt-VDU/public/adt-VDU20051017.142634.
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This thesis reports on a quantitative exposure assessment and on an analysis of the attributes of the data used in the estimations, in particular distinguishing between its uncertainty and variability.
A retrospective assessment of exposure to benzene was carried out for a case control study of leukaemia in the Australian petroleum industry. The study used the mean of personal task-based measurements (Base Estimates) in a deterministic algorithm and applied factors to model back to places, times etc for which no exposure measurements were available. Mean daily exposures were estimated, on an individual subject basis, by summing the task-based exposures. These mean exposures were multiplied by the years spent on each job to provide exposure estimates in ppm-years. These were summed to provide a Cumulative Estimate for each subject.
Validation was completed for the model and key inputs.
Exposures were low, most jobs were below TWA of 5 ppm benzene. Exposures in terminals were generally higher than at refineries. Cumulative Estimates ranged from 0.005 to 50.9 ppm-years, with 84 percent less than 10 ppm-years.
Exposure probability distributions were developed for tanker drivers using Monte Carlo simulation of the exposure estimation algorithm. The outcome was a lognormal distribution of exposure for each driver. These provide the basis for alternative risk assessment metrics e.g. the frequency of short but intense exposures which provided only a minimal contribution to the long-term average exposure but may increase risk of leukaemia.
The effect of different inputs to the model were examined and their significance assessed using Monte Carlo simulation. The Base Estimates were the most important determinant of exposure in the model. The sources of variability in the measured data were examined, including the effect of having censored data and the between and within-worker variability. The sources of uncertainty in the exposure estimates were analysed and consequential improvements in exposure assessment identified.
Monte Carlo sampling was also used to examine the uncertainties and variability associated with the tanker drivers' exposure assessment, to derive an estimate of the range and to put confidence intervals on the daily mean exposures. The identified uncertainty was less than the variability associated with the estimates.
The traditional approach to exposure estimation typically derives only point estimates of mean exposure. The approach developed here allows a range of exposure estimates to be made and provides a more flexible and improved basis for risk assessment.
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O'Loughlin, Mary. "How healthy are hairdressers? An investigation of health problems of female, Western Australian hairdressers." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2010. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/142.
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Aim: Hairdressing is a common worldwide occupation which, in Australia, comprises largely of a female workforce. Hairdressers are exposed to a range of potential health hazards in their work environment. There is a lack of current research into common health problems experienced by Australian hairdressers. This study aims to investigate health issues experienced by this occupational group, to identify potential health problems that may be associated with their work and to identify concerns for future research. Methods: A review of current literature examining the health of hairdressers was conducted to ascertain areas of health concern for hairdressers. This information was used to inform a survey to investigate the prevalence of common health problems for female, Western Australian hairdressers. The survey included a range of workplace related questions, as well as questions on common health problems sourced directly from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health (ALSWH). The survey was distributed to all hairdressing salons in Western Australia. The data obtained from the hairdresser group was compared to data obtained from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women’s Health data books. Additionally, some comparisons were also made to other published Australian data on women’s health. Results: Overall, working as a hairdresser impacts negatively on an individual’s health. In particular, this study found that younger hairdressers were most at risk of increased respiratory illness, musculoskeletal problems, skin conditions, bowel issues, and general poor health. Other specific areas of health concern for hairdressers include an increased use of fertility hormones and a possible increase in pelvic organ prolapse. While younger hairdressers reported a higher prevalence of common health problems than the general population cohort, mid age and older hairdressers were overall as healthy as the general population. This result may be attributable to the ‘healthy worker effect’, in which poorer health individuals, prompted by health concerns, retire from the occupation. Conclusions: Education concerning the existing risks in the workplace environment is recommended for all hairdressers. Encouragement and support for better personal health management would promote general health and well being across the industry. Younger workers are particularly identified as requiring support to manage their own health. Further health research is indicated for a range of concerns, but this research needs to be occupation specific.
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Ross, Catherine M. "The Feasibility of Applying an Industrial Hygiene Sampling Method to Measure Airborne Microcystin." University of Toledo / OhioLINK, 2017. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1513365627637454.
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Sivaraman, Karthik Reguram. "Hexamethylene Diisocyanate Homopolymer and Monomer Exposure Assessment and Characterization at an Automobile Manufacturer in the United States." Scholar Commons, 2016. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/6392.
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A variety of paint products are used for their aesthetic and anti-corrosive properties. Isocyanates are consistently found in automobile paint products, particularly in clear coat polyurethane products. Clear coat is typically sprayed via pressurized air by means of an auto-spray robot. In clear coat repair situations, manual, air-powered spray guns are used, and manual spray Operators administer the clear coat material. The isocyanates are a primary anti-corrosive agent in polyurethane products. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has not established a Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) have set Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) and Threshold Limit Value (TLV), respectively. NIOSH recommends a 0.005 parts per million (ppm), 10-hour Time Weighted Average (TWA), and a ceiling exposure of 0.020 ppm in a 10 minute period. Similarly, ACGIH recommends a 0.005 ppm, 8 hour TWA.
Automobile manufacturers use clear coats in a variety of ways. Some may use clear coats with blocked isocyanates, or isocyanates that are completely reacted, and others may use clear coat products that allow isocyanates to be liberated during an application, baking, and curing process. The research objective of this study was to characterize exposure, focusing on a single manufacturer’s use of isocyanate-containing clear coats in their Paint Department. A newly evaluated medium (ISO 17734) using di-n-butylamine as a derivative agent, in a denuder tube, was selected instead of NIOSH methods 5521, 5522, and 5525. The ISO evaluated medium was selected to reduce secondary hazard exposure to toluene in impingers. Second, a medium developed by SKC, Inc., called ISO-CHEK®, was not selected because of the short collection time, sensitivity of the medium after collection, and storage and shipping requirements for analysis.
Sampling took place over two days, one day for manual spray operations with 2 personal samples from Operators, and 4 area samples collected, and the second day for auto-sprayer Inspectors with 4 personal samples collected. The samples were then analyzed for hexamethylene diisocyanates (HDI) monomer and homopolymer species. The 0.005 ppm, 10 hour TWA; the 0.020 ppm ceiling limit (10 minutes); and the 0.005 ppm 8-hour TWA TLV were not exceeded on either day of sampling. Neither the area nor the personal samples exceeded the 10 hour TWA, ceiling limit, or TLV. In fact, the results had to be recalculated in to parts per billion (ppb). The average exposure for manual spray Operators was 0.052 ppb for the homopolymer, and 0.024 ppb for the monomer species. For auto-spray Inspectors, the average was 0.053 ppb for the homopolymer component and 0.021 ppb for the monomer species. Though the average isocyanate concentration was similar for both Operators and Inspectors, the averages are still below REL and TLV recommendations. These data provided preliminary information regarding the exposure to isocyanates from clear coat use, and also provide context for future evaluation of isocyanate use at this automobile manufacturer. The low concentration of isocyanates could indicate working ventilation systems, liberation of isocyanate species to non-hazardous forms, or low volatilization of isocyanates from the clear coat.
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Knox, Terrance N. "Manual handling workload and musculoskeletal discomfort among warehouse personnel." ScholarWorks, 2010. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/811.
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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD), specifically physical and muscular discomfort in the upper arm, lower arm, thigh, lower leg, wrist, shoulders, back, or neck, are among the most frequently reported workplace injuries in the United States. The dearth of knowledge about the types of workloads that may contribute to the development of WRMSD was the impetus of this research. The study aimed to identify antecedents of WRMSD among warehouse workers in order to reduce WRMSDs and increase productivity as expressed in a systems perspective on industrial health. The research questions examined the prevalence of specific WRMSDs, the relationship of high-risk tasks of warehouse personnel with WRMSD incidence, and the relationship of job category and workload with WRMSD incidence. The sample included 82 warehouse workers, stockroom clerks, and forklift drivers. MANOVA was used as the data analysis technique. The results showed that WRMSD was the most prevalent in the upper back, lower back, knees, and lower legs. Various high-risk tasks were linked to WRMSD incidence including repeatedly bending to lift objects was associated with discomfort in the lower back, shoulders, and lower legs. Furthermore, the use of pallets led to reduced discomfort and work interference in the hips and buttocks, upper arms, and knees. Proper lifting form may reduce WRMSD in the shoulders, forearms, lower back, and wrists in particular. The social change implications of this study stem from the notion that increasing the employers' WRMSD prevention awareness will lead to an increase in safety attentiveness and decrease workers' injuries.
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Monahan, Genevieve Louise. "Cultural knowledge of women in the construction industry related to occupational health and safety." Thesis, The University of Arizona, 1988. http://hdl.handle.net/10150/276752.
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The following study identifies and describes the cultural knowledge of women working in the construction industry regarding occupational health and safety. Data was gathered on 6 female construction workers, using the techniques of participant observation and the ethnographic interview. Results of the field observation and the interviews revealed that the women had a high level of knowledge of many work place hazards. They were also aware of kinds of accidents and injuries and a number of ways of cutting down on the hazards. Less was known about chronic, progressive, as opposed to acute injury. Despite their belief that most accidents were preventable, the women described a variety of reasons for not taking precautions. The major reasons given involved peer pressure and lack of time.
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Welch, Allison. "Analyzing Indoor and Outdoor Heat Index Measurements in Kitchens." Scholar Commons, 2017. https://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7379.
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Occupationally induced heat-related illnesses (HRI) can play a huge part in the lives of employees working within outdoor kitchens. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [NIOSH] (2016), “exposure to heat can result in injuries, disease, reduced productivity and death”. When working in outdoor environments, it is important to limit exposure time of direct sun or heat as well as to stay properly hydrated. One way to ensure limited occupational heat exposure is by measuring the Heat Index of the worker's environmental conditions.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether there was a difference between the indoor and outdoor Heat Index measurements among various kitchens. Multiple locations within eight, freestanding, take-away service kitchens were sampled over a period of three days. A 3M QUESTemp 46 Heat Stress Monitor was used to sample the outdoor and indoor environmental conditions, specifically capturing the indoor Heat Index measurements. The outdoor Heat Index was reported with meteorological data from Weather Underground linked to the National Weather Service.
Multiple statistical analyses were performed to understand and explore the relationships between or among the difference of indoor to outdoor Heat Index measurements, as well as kitchen production levels and forced air ventilation. The results showed that higher production kitchens had a significantly greater increase in Heat Index compared to low production and high production kitchens with forced air ventilation. Due to the small sample size of this study, it is recommended that future efforts to compare indoor and outdoor Heat Index measurements for kitchens include a larger sample size of both kitchens and locations.
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Carhart, Victoria. "A Comparative Examination of the Safety Programs at UCLA, UMN, and UVM in Response to Recent Chemistry Laboratory Incidents." ScholarWorks @ UVM, 2015. http://scholarworks.uvm.edu/graddis/430.
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Laboratory safety has recently become more of an imperative in research laboratories than it has ever been in the past. Recent accidents at several universities have escalated the awareness of safety concerns in laboratory workspaces among the general public and created a greater need for a stronger culture of safety in chemistry research overall. Historically, results and publications have been the top priority of most researchers, not laboratory safety.
This thesis discusses a number of laboratory accidents. The first happened in December of 2008 at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and resulted in the death of a graduate student researcher. Many safety concerns and violations contributed to the fatality. The second accident happened in June of 2014 at the University of Minnesota (UMN). This incident involved an explosion in a fume hood that caused injuries to the researcher as well as a great deal of damage to the hood and experimental setup. Various minor incidents at the University of Vermont (UVM) are also discussed with regards to the effects on laboratory safety at the university.
Universities around the country have been able to learn from these accidents in order to prevent similar occurrences in the future. These accidents and their safety ramifications at UCLA, UMN, and UVM are the focus of this thesis. The safety programs at each of these universities are examined and compared with respect to how the incidents have facilitated necessary changes. Finally, future goals and opportunities for the safety program at UVM are suggested.
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Determan, Emily Marie. "Variability in muscle activity measurements among clinical ophthalmologists." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2013. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2474.
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Limited information is available describing ergonomics issues and physical risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal pain in the eye care clinical environment. The purpose of this thesis was to estimate the distribution of exposure to forceful muscular exertion of neck and shoulder muscles, and to estimate the relative contribution of important components of exposure variance to overall exposure variance. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to continuously collect muscle activity measurements of the right and left upper trapezius muscles as well as the right and left anterior deltoid muscles throughout two full working days in clinical ophthalmology.
The study observed between-exam-within-day-within-subject to be the variance component with the greatest contribution to total exposure variance in most EMG summary measures. For example, 52.1% of the exposure variability could be attributed to the exam and only 18.7% attributable to the day for the mean RMS value of the right upper trapezius. Similar results were found in the left anterior deltoid muscle with 52.7% exposure variability attributable to the exam and 15.7% attributable to the day. For futures investigations, the large between-exam variance implies the need for longer measurement durations in order to obtain more exams and to explore deeper into the physical risk factors the exams.
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Gassman, Richard. "Effect of dust filtration control on CO2 and NH3 concentrations in a swine farrowing room." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/1969.
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Swine workers in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) are at risk of developing respiratory illnesses as a result of exposure to a combination of ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2), and dust. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the use of a recirculating ventilation system with a filter-type air pollution control (APC) unit (Shaker Dust Collector, United Air Specialists Inc.), selected to control dust, would inadvertently increase NH3 and CO2 concentrations in a farrowing room.
During the 2013-14 winter season, NH3 and CO2 concentrations were measured at six fixed locations throughout the farrowing room test site. Direct reading instruments (NH3: VRAE, Rae Systems Inc.; CO2: ToxiRAE Pro, Rae Systems Inc.) were deployed for 24-hour periods throughout the season on 18 randomly selected days. Contaminant concentrations were measured and compared by ventilation status (APC ON: 11 days, APC OFF: 7 days).
Ammonia concentrations were above the literature recommended limit (7 ppm) on 13 of the 18 sample days (72%) and even exceeded the threshold limit value (TLV) of 25 ppm on one of the sample days. Carbon dioxide concentrations exceeded the literature recommended limit of 1540 ppm on all 18 sample days, and average concentrations were half of the TLV (2500 ppm). There was no statistically significant difference in NH3 (p > 0.23) or CO2 (p > 0.67) when concentrations were compared by APC status.
The results of this study indicate a recirculating ventilation system with filter dust control does not increase NH3 or CO2 concentrations spatially or temporally in the room during operation. Future work will investigate engineering control options to reduce CO2 concentrations in the farrowing room.
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Ramirez, Joel Amilcar. "Evaluation of particle penetration and breathing resistance of N95 filtering face-piece respirators and uncertified dust masks." Diss., University of Iowa, 2015. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2002.
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The research presented in this doctoral dissertation strived to increase knowledge with respect to respirators performance in the workplace by evaluating particle penetration and breathing resistance (BR) of N95 filtering face-piece respirators (FFRs) under simulated air environmental conditions, determining maximum particle penetration of uncertified dust masks (UDMs) against sodium chloride (NaCl) and BR of UDMs and FFRs when challenged against Arizona road dust (ARD), and evaluating BR of FFRs while performing power washing in swine rooms.
A novel test system was used to measure particle penetration and BR of two N95 FFRs under modified environmental conditions. NaCl particle penetration through the FFR was measured before and after the BR test using a scanning mobility particle sizer. BR of the FFR was measured by mimicking inhalation and exhalation breathing, while relative humidity and temperature were modified. BR was evaluated for 120 min under cyclic flow and four temperature and relative humidity air conditions. The BR of the FFRs was found to increase significantly with increasing relative humidity and lowering temperature upstream the FFR (p < 0.001). Measured particle penetration was not influenced by the simulated air environmental conditions. Differences in BR was observed between FFRs indicating that FFRs filtering media may perform differently under high relative humidity in air.
In the second study, the maximum particle penetration of five commercially available UDMs was evaluated against NaCl aerosol. Particle penetration was carried out as specified by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to certify N95 FFRs (42 CFR Part 84). Particle penetration was found to vary between 3% and 75% at the most penetrating particle size. In addition, the effect of mass loading on BR of UDMs and FFRs over time was evaluated. ARD was used as the loading dust and BR was measured for 120 min on UDMs and FFRs. BR was found to increase differently between the tested UDMs and FFRs. Further analysis of the UDMs and FFRs external layer suggest that the development of the particle dust cake during mass loading may be influenced by differences of the external layer.
In the third study, field research was conducted to evaluate BR of two N95 FFRs while performing power washing in swine rooms. A member of the research team wore the FFR while power washing swine rooms. Every 30 min the team member stopped power washing, BR was measured and power washing continued. At the end of the 120 min trial, the FFR model was switched and the team member continued to power wash the rest of the room. Results demonstrated that BR of the tested FFRs did not increased during power washing in swine rooms (FFR 1, p = 0.40; FFR 2, p = 0.86). Power washing was found to have an effect in the temperature and relative humidity inside the rooms. Based on this study, FFR wearer should expect no increase in BR over 8 hr of power washing, decrease health risk by wearing the FFR and no need to replace the FFR during the power washing task.
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Leith, David R. "An ethnographic investigation of the relevance of shop floor culture to effective safety communication in an Australian minerals refinery." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2003. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/117.
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Many organisations which aim to achieve excellent workplace safety choose 'culture change' as the means to achieve this. They make use of employee communication media to help re-form the values, beliefs, norms and behaviours which are generally thought to comprise culture. However, culture is a complex and profound phenomenon. Successful communication between two culturally separate groups requires each to achieve an understanding of the other, no less so in workplaces than in societies composed of different cultures.Yet even employers who believe in communicating fully with their workforces find it difficult to convey viewpoints other than their own. Their communication tends therefore to be one-directional, asymmetrical and controlling, typified by the ubiquitous staff newsletter containing articles about people's contribution to corporate goals. The messages contained in such media have little or none of their desired effect because they tend to be re-interpreted via the cultural forces of the workers to whom the messages are directed.This study investigated a large industrial minerals refinery to analyse the working lives of shop floor employees and the effectiveness of various communication channels. It focused on one group to whom safety messages were communicated, the shop floor `crews', and examined how the organisation's hierarchy, rules, and informal organisation mediated this communication.
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Kolbe-Mims, Margie L. "University Baccalaureate curriculum analysis for safety and health in the United States of America (USA) toward a model University Baccalaureate curriculum." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2000. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1361.
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The goal of this research was to determine a model safety and health baccalaureate curriculum. A secondary target was to ascertain if safety and health practitioners and safety and health educators would concur on course offerings. To simplify this study effort, a search of literature was conducted on the Occupational Safety and Health field. There were no in-depth studies of this type for such a general population; therefore no instrument was available for this study. The perusal of literature indicated that most such studies had been conducted using a more specific target group of subjects. That is, faculties or former students of a particular university, one was completed on only certified safety professionals (CSP), or members of the National Safety Managers Society (NSMS) and the like. This study included most geographical areas of the United States of America and thus faculties and former students from many universities. First, it was necessary to determine the competency required for a successful career in Occupational Safety and Health. Second, devise a survey instrument to collect the competency information to function well in his area and essential to the development of a curricula questionnaire. Directories used to select expert subjects to serve as judges for this research included the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA), National Safety Council, Business and Industry Division (NSC/B&I), and the World Safety Organisation (WSO). Since the Delphi technique was being used, a pilot study was employed to collect information from a selected group of practitioners and educators. This information served as the basis for creating a survey instrument that was mailed to 489 health and safety practitioners and educators. A total of 355 or 72 per cent of the surveys were returned. Eighteen surveys were undelivered for various reasons, with a total of 337 usable surveys, of this population list responding to the survey ranking the importance of the courses. The data from the returned surveys were analyzed by several different methods suggesting: (I) There was a preference for certain core, elective and preparatory courses. (2) There were some significant differences of the responding safety practitioners and safety educators. (3) There was no evidence of non-respondent bias for the total group; however, considering only the safety practitioners there was some evidence of regional bias. These analyses facilitated the recommendations that certain course offerings be required for: (1) a core curricula, (2) particular preparatory courses and (3) a choice from several electives course listings.
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Woltman, Adrianna J. "Assessing the Occupational Nosie Exposure of Bartenders." Scholar Commons, 2015. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/5800.
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that each year, approximately 30 million people are occupationally exposed to hazardous noise. While many are aware of the noise exposure associated with industrial occupations, there has been little research conducted on bartenders who often work in environments that have high levels of noise. The majority of current published research on occupational noise exposure of bartenders has only evaluated noise levels on one night of business. Bartenders often work multiple days per week, which vary in the amount of patrons and entertainment provided, this variation in business leads to variation in the amount of noise to which they are exposed.
The purpose of this research study was to gather occupational noise exposure data for bartenders during a workweek at a Tampa Bay bar establishment that hosts live music on weekends. Personal noise dosimeters were used to collect personal noise exposure data. Area noise level data were collected using a sound level meter. While several bar establishments were approached, one bar establishment part pated as the study site and noise data were collected for seven consecutive days (Thursday-Wednesday). Personal noise exposure data were collected for an entire 8-hour work shift for the Thursday-Sunday portion of the study, and for 6 hours for the Monday-Wednesday portion of the study. Area noise data were collected for the Thursday-Saturday portion of the study.
Results of this study indicate that the highest noise exposure for either bartender occurred on Saturday (Bartender 1: 93.1 dBA; Bartender 2: 83.6 dBA) when a live band was performing in the establishment. Using the OSHA Hearing Conversation and OSHA PEL measurement methods, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels (>85 dBA) on four (4) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 had no exposures over 85 dBA. However, using the ACGIH measurement method, Bartender 1 was exposed to excessive noise levels six (6) nights of the study, while Bartender 2 was exposed to excessive noise levels two (2) nights of the study.
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Dine, Garry Y. B. "Occupational health and safety hazards affecting environmental health officers." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2023. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/2743.
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Environmental health is the branch of public health concerned with the relationships between humans and their environment, and environmental health officers (EHOs) are entrusted with the responsibility of monitoring and mitigating factors in the environment that can affect peoples’ health and wellbeing. Their work includes investigating, sampling, measuring and assessing hazardous environmental agents in various environmental media and settings.This essential service can expose them to numerous physical, chemical, biological and psychosocial hazards. The multifaceted and diverse working environments of EHOs thus make them acritical professional group for understanding workplace hazards. Although almost every occupation entails potential exposure to hazards and risks of illnesses and injuries, little is known about how the trend and magnitude of workplace health and safety (WHS) affects EHOs.
This thesis investigates the occupational health and safety (OHS) hazards that affect EHOs in Australia, the United States and New Zealand—and the outcomes of this thesis will be used to inform potential OHS and WHS guidelines for managing the workplace hazards that EHOs face. This thesis’s mixed methods research adopted a methodological triangulation design, which allowed the researcher to use different methods to approach the intended research topic.Additionally, a single paradigm was adopted to inform the entirety of the mixed methods study: the realistperspective. The realist perspective does not limit the range of topics to be researchedor the methods that can legitimately be used to conduct research. In the case of this thesis, the realist perspective involved the researcher understanding the underlying factors and mechanisms that influenced WHS among EHOs in terms of their immediate work environments, individual perception and behaviour. Further, these factors were explored in the context of EHOs’ OHS management systems.
Similarities can be observed in the environmental health practices and workplace hazards that affect EHOs in the three chosen countries. EHOs in all three countries reported that work-related psychological stress, musculoskeletal demands, exposure to chemical and biological agents, driving incidents and workplace violence were the major OHS hazards. EHOs were also dissatisfied with their current employers’ approach to OHS management, as well as the lack of commitment and support in implementing safe work practices. Further, strong elements of negative OHS culture can also be observed in the environmental health workforce, and they iii influence OHS implementation, practices and compliance. These include a negative attitude towards safe work practices, poor OHS leadership, a lack of resources and OHS training, poor risk awareness and cognitive bias.
Although this research has limitations, significant evidence has suggested serious and more complex OHS issues within the broader environmental health profession. The product of this research is a novel profile of OHS issues that affect EHO workforces in Australia, the United States and New Zealand, which can be used to inform preventive actions.Additionally, this thesis’s findings provide a catalyst for further research into the WHS of EHOs.
NB: OHS and WHS both describe the health and safety of individuals in a workplace setting. They share the same meaning and are used interchangeably throughout this thesis.
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Cross, Martyn. "Occupational respiratory health surveillance at Minara Resources, Murrin Murrin mine site." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2011. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/418.
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This thesis outlines the results of occupational respiratory health surveillance at Minara Resources, Murrin Murrin mine site. The research was conducted as part of a collaborative agreement between Edith Cowan University and Minara Resources, the overarching title of which was ‗Establishing best practice protocols in the management of occupational and environmental health in a high-risk mining and ore-processing environment‘. To form the basis of this research it was hypothesised that although the chemical hazards had been adequately identified, and the occupational exposures in each work area at Murrin Murrin were generally well below their respective occupational exposure levels, it was still possible that additive, or even synergistic biological effects could cause adverse respiratory health effects due to the exposure to a combination of these atmospheric contaminants. This was the perception and a concern voiced by the Murrin Murrin workforce. Therefore, in working through the hypothesis, a literature review concentrating on the gaps in current knowledge and research for the early detection of occupational respiratory diseases was conducted, and the research tool and experiment design determined. The case for using pulmonary function tests in conjunction with a respiratory questionnaire in assessing early respiratory changes due to occupational exposures was established. Over a period between 17 February 2004 and 21 June 2006, a longitudinal study was conducted to ascertain the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and lung function of employees at the Murrin Murrin Operation, and compared with a local control group consisting of catering staff who resided at the accommodation camp approximately eight kilometres from the mine site. Lung function data were also compared to established predicted normal values from a reference population with normal lung function. Lung function data were analysed to determine whether there was an effect due to the area worked, and the employee‘s length of service. The lung function parameters of the study group, corrected for age and height were compared using linear regression analysis with both the control group and the predicted normal values. Repeat lung function tests were conducted on a sample of the original study group approximately two years after the initial study and statistically analysed to determine whether there was an effect on lung function over this time period. In addition, lung function tests were conducted for a cohort of refinery workers at the start and end of their two-week work period to determine whether there was a before-and-after effect due to their working conditions. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms was less in the study group compared to the controls; and these respiratory symptoms were determined to be non-work-related. On statistical analysis, for the ‗presumed healthy‘ workers (minus the smokers and those with known non-work-related respiratory symptoms) there was no overall decrement in lung function. Similarly, there was no overall statistically significant decrement in lung function for the ‗presumed healthy‘ workers in the repeat study conducted approximately two years after the initial study. There was no decrement in lung function associated with area work; nor was there a decrement in lung function for the cohort of refinery workers from the start to completion of their two-week work period. However, there were decrements in lung function for the smokers in the study and control groups. There was a significant difference in FEV1 between non-smokers and smokers with length of service (p
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Vosburgh, Donna Jean Holzer. "Use of direct-reading instruments for measuring airborne nanoparticles in the workplace." Diss., University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/901.
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This work strived to increase knowledge of assessing airborne nanoparticles in the workplace by characterizing nanoparticle concentrations in a workplace using direct-reading instruments, evaluating a DC2000CE diffusion charger, and the creation of a personal diffusion battery (pDB).
Direct-reading instruments were used with aerosol mapping and task monitoring to evaluate airborne nanoparticle concentrations in an apparel company that produces waterproof jackets composed of polytetrafluoroethylene membrane laminated fabric. Jacket production required that sewn seams be sealed with waterproof tape applied with hot air (600°C). Particle number concentrations were greater in the sewing and sealing areas than the office area while respirable mass was negligible throughout the facility. The breathing zone particle number concentrations of the workers who sealed the sewn seams were highly variable and significantly greater when sealing seams than when conducting other tasks (p<0.0001). The effectiveness of the canopy hoods used to ventilate sealing operations was poor. These measurements support the idea that work places were hot processes are conducted may have substantially greater concentrations of airborne nanoparticles than background measurements even with control measures in place.
Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate a commercially available diffusion charger, the DC2000CE, that measures nanoparticle surface area concentration. The surface area concentrations of unimodal and multimodal polydispersed aerosols measured by the DC2000CE were less than the surface area concentrations measured by the reference instruments. The differences in results were attributed to a difference of measuring active versus geometric surface area concentration and the design of the DC2000CE. The maximum measurable active surface area concentration (2,500 mm2 m-3) was found to be greater than the manufacturer stated maximum (1000 mm2 m-3). Moving or vibrating a DC2000CE while taking measurements can cause the appearance of increased surface area concentration results. The DC2000CE has limitations that must be acknowledged when using the DC2000CE to measure airborne nanoparticle surface area concentrations in a workplace.
A four stage pDB (3.2 kg) composed of a screen-type diffusion battery, solenoid valve system, and an electronic controller was developed. The pDB was combined with a CPC and a data inversion was created that could be used to solve for the number median diameter, geometric standard deviation, and particle number concentration of a unimodal distribution. The pDB+CPC with inversion was evaluated using unimodal propylene torch exhaust and incense exhaust. For particle number concentration of particles with diameters less than 100 nm, the pDB+CPC with inversion results were between 86% to 109% of reference instrument results when the inversion did not solve to an inversion constraint and between 6% to 198% for results that solved to an inversion constraint. When coupled with a direct-reading instrument, the pDB with an inversion was able to measure the size distribution of particles with a NMD smaller than 290 nm.
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O'Mara, Myles. "Predicting Hand Surface Area from a Two-Dimensional Hand Tracing." Scholar Commons, 2017. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/7070.
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Recent occupational health studies have focused on dermal exposure at the hands, but have been unable to accurately express dose without knowing the HSA. There is no standard method to calculate HSA, though some researchers have derived HSA formulas based on dimensions from a Taiwanese population. This research paper describes a shortcut method to estimate the hand surface area (HSA) of a human hand from a two-dimensional hand tracing, and repeated a Taiwanese HSA study in order to explore the viability of its HSA formula in an American university population. A sample of nine adult men and nine adult women, each representing one third of the population percentile in hand length and hand breadth, were selected from a population within the University of South Florida in Tampa, FL. Hand length, breadth, a 2D hand tracing and a 3D light hand scan were collected from each participant. A linear regression was used to analyze the data sets and found a correlation (R=0.94) between 2D HSA and 3D HSA and slope of 2.6 (SD=0.2), with a regression equation of Y=2.6(X). A paired t-test was used to compare the Taiwanese HSA formula data against the 3D HSA. Results found that the Taiwanese data sets were significantly different from the 3D HSA (p<0.001), averaging 57 cm2 less than the 3D HSA. A jackknife analysis was implemented on the 2D HSA hand tracing data, and a paired t-test was performed between the jackknife estimate predictions and 3D HSA. Mean differences were not significantly different (p=0.97), with 0.87 cm2 difference between means. Results indicate that the USF Hand Tracing Method will provide a better estimate of HSA than the Taiwanese method, and can be used as a tool in HSA estimation.
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Denny, Hanifa Maher. "Impact of Occupational Health Interventions in Indonesia." Scholar Commons, 2012. http://scholarcommons.usf.edu/etd/4308.
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Although the Ministry of Health, Indonesia, has achieved some successful occupational health interventions, published literature on such interventions in Indonesia remains scarce.
This study utilized mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative research for the years 2010 and 2011. The qualitative study covered respondents in West, Central, and East Java Provinces to gather stakeholders' perspectives on the impact, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, maintenance, and barriers of occupational health services for informal sectors in Indonesia. The quantitative portion measured the impact of occupational health training for community health officers using Reach, Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) dimensions. West Java, as a province with a center for occupational health referral services (Balai Kesehatan Kerja Masyarakat/BKKM), was compared to Central Java as a province without BKKM.
The qualitative study showed that interventions improved knowledge of and engagement in occupational health among workers and health officers. Among other improvements, occupational health training resulted in some owners of food processing home industries switching from non-food to food-based coloring. The advocacy program improved local governments' political commitment to funding the occupational health program. The BKKM played important roles in delivering occupational health in West Java Province. The quantitative study showed the efficacy variable to have the lowest p-value (p:<.0001). Meanwhile, the reach variable showed on the second lowest p-value among RE-AIM components (p: <.0190). Moreover, education (p-value: 0.0001), job type (p-value: 0.0015), and job duration (p-value: 0.0289) were considered individual variables that could have contributed to the differences in RE-AIM scores between Central and West Java.
The qualitative study confirmed that occupational health interventions in Indonesia resulted in some positive impacts related to safe and healthy work-related behaviors. The quantitative study found that West Java, a province with BKKM, had a better RE-AIM score as compared to Central Java, a province without BKKM. Some individual variables such as education, job type, and job duration could have contributed to the differences in RE-AIM scores between Central and West Java. The future direction of the occupational health-training program should consider the participants' diversity in their education, job type, and job duration.
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Leedom, Larson Kerry Reah. "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production facilities: occupational exposures and infections." Diss., University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/539.
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This research focuses on occupational exposures associated with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in modern pork production facilities. This dissertation is composed of three related parts.
In Chapter II, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production shower facilities" we documented the presence of MRSA in shower facilities of conventional swine production systems where pigs were colonized with MRSA. We tested farms involved in different production phases (sow, nursery, and finisher) and geographical locations. In the two swine production systems studied, 3% and 26% of shower samples were positive for MRSA. Overall, the prevalence in showers was 19%.
In Chapter III, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in pork production shower facilities: Adapting interventions from athletic facilities," we searched the literature for interventions designed to decrease MRSA infections in athletes. We then evaluated these interventions for adaptability to the pork production environment, and composed swine-specific guidelines for MRSA prevention. We implemented our intervention in a pilot study to reduce MRSA in showers and locker rooms and results were mixed. We recommend repeating this study with a larger sample, and better intervention management and oversight.
In Chapter IV, "Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection in pork production workers," we sought to determine if pork producers report veterinarian-diagnosed antibiotic-resistant skin infections in pigs, and physician-diagnosed antibiotic-resistant skin infections in workers (including MRSA). We then examined potential risk factors for infection associated with biosecurity, including shower and laundry procedures, farm-specific clothing use (clothing worn only while working on the farm), and personal hygiene. No significant risk factors were identified for either skin infections in pigs or skin infections in workers.
These studies provide evidence that MRSA can be found in pork production shower facilities, and that occupational exposures occur due to components of the biosecurity protocol. We designed and implemented an intervention to decrease the level of MRSA in showers. Our pilot intervention suggested that the impact of showers as environmental reservoirs can be reduced. We also reported the first prevalence estimate of MRSA infection in pork production workers in the United States. Livestock-associated MRSA remains an emerging issue and requires further study to determine the true occupational and public health risks.
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Kwayiba, Thamsanqa Felix. "Workers' perceptions of occupational safety and health administration measures at Sasol Infrachem in Sasolburg." Thesis, University of Fort Hare, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1001090.
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This is a qualitative study that seeks to explore the workers’ perceptions towards the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) system at the petrochemical industrial plant Sasol Infrachem in Sasolburg. It provides a platform for shop floor workers to express their subjective perceptions of the company’s OSHA measures by answering open ended questions. The study advances the notion that notwithstanding the safety managers’ efforts towards ensuring a safety regime in the workplace, however lucrative these might be, to really ensure a safe working environment in the workplace will always depend on the individual workers’ motivation to participate safely at work at any given time to ensure his/her safety and that of others. The study explores this subject by considering how they perceive these safety strategies, their vigilance, attitudes, their ownership of these and their inclination to comply with the occupational safety and health administration measures of Sasol. This study follows a Postmodernist theoretical framework emphasizing differences. Difference is a first and foremost identity feature of human beings. This goes for both their external and internal qualities. How workers perceive and relate to safety concepts will always be shaped by the differences among them. The study also makes use of the Environmental Justice Theory as a central theme, that holds that one life lost is one too many. At the forefront of industries are shop floor workers who are most vulnerable to workplace incident.The study assumes this premise with regard to their safety and health in the workplace
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Rudolphi, Josie M. "Occupational safety & health of young adult agricultural workers." Diss., University of Iowa, 2017. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/5617.
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Background: Agriculture is the most hazardous occupational industry for young adults. Young adults are engaging in agricultural work and interacting with common hazards, however, it is unknown how young adults are engaging with such hazards and whether administrative controls including workplace organizational factors and social influences in the workplace are associated with safe working practice.
Methods: Workplace practices were examined among young adult agricultural workers (18-24). Workers responded to statements regarding their participation in six agricultural work areas, specific behaviors within each work area, risk-taking behaviors of parents, peers, and supervisors, and items about workplace organizational characteristics. A second study, conducted among swine facility workers in the Midwest, tested the effectiveness of an intervention that coupled behavioral theory with technology to increase the use of hearing protection in swine facilities.
Results: Results from the cross-sectional, online survey indicated supervisor influence was more strongly associated with reported workplace behaviors than co-worker/peer or parent influence. Furthermore, organizational factors including number of hours worked each week and the presence of safety and health policies was associated with workplace behaviors Results from the intervention study suggest behavioral tracking is effective at increasing the use of hearing protection among young adult swine facility workers in the short term, however, changes in behavior are not maintained over time. Supplying hearing protection is a more effective tool in facilitating sustainable behavioral change.
Conclusions: Results suggest interventions that address social and organizational factors of work to improve workplace behaviors among young adult agricultural workers should be tested.
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Costello, Rachel Elizabeth. "Union and Nonunion Employment: An Investigative Study of Factors in the Employment Setting that May Influence the Development of Burnout." ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1004.
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The primary goal of this two-phased, sequential mixed-methods study was to discover whether union affiliation is associated with a lower occurrence of burnout in factory workers by comparing union and nonunion workers. The objective was to determine levels of burnout in union and nonunion employees as well their perception of social support in the workplace. The theoretical synthesis consisted of conservation of resources theory and the theory of reasoned action. The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory (OLBI) and the Quality of Worklife Questionnaire were used to identify the characteristics of the workplace (job demands and job resources) and the level of burnout. Quantitative results confirmed the presence of burnout in both sample populations. Regression results for union participants identified both poor management and increased in job demands as significant predictors of burnout. Conversely, regression results for nonunion participants pointed to poor management only as a significant predictor of burnout. Qualitative descriptive and explanatory thematic results provided additional contextual support for the quantitative findings - specifically, that both union and nonunion participants identified management as a primary concern. In addition, union participants also identified manpower and support as primary concerns in the work environment. The findings point to the negative consequences of burnout for the employer and employee and to areas of concern that need to be addressed in the employment setting. Implications for positive social change include the development of programs to minimize the development of burnout and increase an employee's organizational commitment.
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David, Daniel P. "Resilience as a Protective Factor Against Compassion Fatigue in Trauma Therapists." ScholarWorks, 2011. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1027.
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Many adults in the United States experience posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within their lifetimes. Researchers have identified compassion fatigue (CF), which debilitates mental health providers as a result of being exposed to their clients' traumatic experiences, as an occupational hazard. The purpose of this study was to examine whether a correlation exists between the presence of CF and the level of resilience. A confidential survey using the Connors-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Professional Quality of Life Scale Version 5, and a demographic questionnaire were given to graduate-level mental health clinicians who self-identified as routinely working with and/or treating trauma victims in the past 6 months. Participants were recruited from the New England Society for the Treatment of Trauma and Dissociation, the Metropolitan Atlanta Therapists Network, Dallas Chapter NASW listserv, and the Georgia Therapist Network. A multivariate analysis on the collected data was conducted to determine whether a relationship exists between the resilience scale and the subscales of CF within these population samples. According to study findings, there is a correlation between resilience and the 3 compassion fatigue subscales---CF, burnout, and compassion satisfaction. This study may lead to positive social change by helping guide clinicians to find ways to enhance resilience, and therefore, decrease risks of CF.
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Anderson, Kimberly Rose. "Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) study investigating the effects of torso geometry simplification on aspiration efficiency." Thesis, University of Iowa, 2010. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/774.
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In previous studies truncated models were found to underestimate the air's upward velocity when compared to wind tunnel velocity studies, which may affect particle aspiration estimates. This work compared aspiration efficiencies using three torso geometries: 1) a simplified truncated cylinder; 2) a non-truncated cylinder; and 3) an anthropometrically realistic humanoid body. The primary aim of this work was to (1) quantify the errors introduced by using a simplified geometry and (2) determine the required level of detail to adequately represent a human form in CFD studies of aspiration efficiency. Fluid simulations used the standard k-epsilon turbulence models, with freestream velocities at 0.2 and 0.4 m s-1 and breathing velocities at 1.81 and 12.11 m s-1 to represent at-rest and heavy breathing rates, respectively. Laminar particle trajectory simulations were used to determine the upstream area where particles would be inhaled. These areas were used to compute aspiration efficiencies for facing the wind. Significant differences were found in vertical velocity and location of the critical area between the three models. However, differences in aspiration efficiencies between the three forms was less than 6% over all particle sizes, indicating that there is little difference in aspiration efficiency between torso models.
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Capuano, Ana W. "Constrained ordinal models with application in occupational and environmental health." Diss., University of Iowa, 2012. https://ir.uiowa.edu/etd/2450.
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Occupational and environmental epidemiological studies often involve ordinal data, including antibody titer data, indicators of health perceptions, and certain psychometrics. Ideally, such data should be analyzed using approaches that exploit the ordinal nature of the scale, while making a minimum of assumptions.
In this work, we first review and illustrate the analytical technique of ordinal logistic regression called the "proportional odds model". This model, which is based on a constrained ordinal model, is considered the most popular ordinal model. We use hypothetical data to illustrate a situation where the proportional odds model holds exactly, and we demonstrate through derivations and simulations how using this model has better statistical power than simple logistic regression. The section concludes with an example illustrating the use of the model in avian and swine influenza research.
In the middle section of this work, we show how the proportional model assumption can be relaxed to a less restrictive model called the "trend odds model". We demonstrate how this model is related to latent logistic, normal, and exponential distributions. In particular, scale changes in these potential latent distributions are found to be consistent with the trend odds assumption, with the logistic and exponential distributions having odds that increase in a linear or nearly linear fashion. Actual data of antibody titer against avian and swine influenza among occupationally- exposed participants and non-exposed controls illustrate the fit and interpretation of the proportional odds model and the trend odds model.
Finally, we show how to perform a multivariable analysis in which some of the variables meet the proportional model assumption and some meet the trend odds assumption. Likert-scaled data pertaining to violence among middle school students illustrate the fit and interpretation of the multivariable proportional-trend odds model.
In conclusion, the proportional odds model provides superior power compared to models that employ arbitrary dichotomization of ordinal data. In addition, the added complexity of the trend odds model provides improved power over the proportional odds model when there are moderate to severe departures from proportionality. The increase in power is of great public health relevance in a time of increasingly scarce resources for occupational and environmental health research. The trend odds model indicates and tests the presence of a trend in odds, providing a new dimension to risk factors and disease etiology analyses. In addition to applications demonstrated in this work, other research areas in occupational and environmental health can benefit from the use of these methods. For example, worker fatigue is often self-reported using ordinal scales, and traumatic brain injury recovery is measured using recovery scores such as the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS).