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Volume 10
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Safety, Volume 10, Issue 4 (December 2024) – 17 articles

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14 pages, 4116 KiB  
Article
Expanding on Methodologies for Analyzing Truck Speeds in States with Differential Speed Limits
by Gregory L. Brinster, Jairaj Desai, Rahul Suryakant Sakhare, Jijo K. Mathew and Darcy M. Bullock
Safety 2024, 10(4), 99; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040099 (registering DOI) - 26 Nov 2024
Abstract
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2020, 7.3% of large truck driver fatalities had speed as a contributing factor. Several states have implemented truck differential speed limits (DSLs) with the objective of [...] Read more.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2020, 7.3% of large truck driver fatalities had speed as a contributing factor. Several states have implemented truck differential speed limits (DSLs) with the objective of improving safety. This study compares truck speeds in 16 states, 8 of which have implemented DSLs (Arkansas, California, Idaho, Indiana, Michigan, Montana, Oregon, and Washington) and 8 of which have not (Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Wyoming). The DSLs ranged from 55 MPH in California (CA) to 70 MPH in Montana (MT). Over 240,000 speed samples from connected trucks were analyzed during a one-week period from 15–22 April 2024. The 50th percentile truck speeds ranged from 60 MPH in Oregon to 69 MPH in Wyoming. The 85th percentile truck speeds ranged from 65 MPH in Washington, Oregon, and California to 74 MPH in Wyoming. The 85th percentile speeds across all segments were greater than the posted truck speed limit in 90% of segments with DSLs, but only 12.5% of segments without DSLs. The average interquartile range (IQR) of truck speeds for the eight states with DSLs was 19% smaller than the average IQR of the eight states without DSLs. The methodologies and visuals presented by this study are easily scalable to any route and location provided the availability of a representative connected truck dataset. Full article
14 pages, 390 KiB  
Article
The Post-Harmonisation Health and Safety Challenges of Construction Industry Managers
by Richard Phelps, Janis Jansz, Ping Chang and Apurna Ghosh
Safety 2024, 10(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040098 - 24 Nov 2024
Viewed by 235
Abstract
To minimise the occurrence of injuries, illnesses and deaths due to work-related causes, it is important to have effective workplace health safety legislation that is known and used. The introduction of more stringent workplace health and safety legislation across Australia has brought greater [...] Read more.
To minimise the occurrence of injuries, illnesses and deaths due to work-related causes, it is important to have effective workplace health safety legislation that is known and used. The introduction of more stringent workplace health and safety legislation across Australia has brought greater responsibility, and harsher penalties, for managers. The importance of the role those in management play in influencing and shaping a culture of safety is well researched, but little has been done to determine whether those in management are ready to assume that role. This study aimed to identify what has informed Western Australian construction industry managers who are working within the mining sector and ultimately shaped their approach to occupational health and safety. NVivo software was used to analyse the data by the creation of codes and subcodes to identify themes and subthemes. Analysis of two focus groups’ participants’ responses identified that many managers had insufficient work health and safety education to understand their obligations and that other challenges include insufficient preparedness of managers, particularly newly promoted supervisors and other management staff, rapid promotion, and the bureaucracy of modern workplace health and safety. The findings from this study can assist organisations to better prepare managers to fulfil their workplace health and safety obligations and reduce some of the post-harmonisation challenges. Full article
18 pages, 1029 KiB  
Article
Exploring Cyclists’ Behavior, Traffic Safety Literacy, and Crash Occurrence in Latvia
by Katrina Volgemute, Zermena Vazne and Sergio A. Useche
Safety 2024, 10(4), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040097 - 19 Nov 2024
Viewed by 321
Abstract
While the role of safe riding behavior as a safety contributor for cyclists has been increasingly studied in recent years, there have been few studies analyzing cycling behavior in relation to crash-related outcomes. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, this is the [...] Read more.
While the role of safe riding behavior as a safety contributor for cyclists has been increasingly studied in recent years, there have been few studies analyzing cycling behavior in relation to crash-related outcomes. Indeed, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time this issue has been addressed in the case of Latvia. Aim: The objective of this study was to assess the relationships among self-reported cyclists’ behavior, traffic safety literacy, and their cycling crash involvement rates. Method: A total of 299 cyclists aged M = 32.8 from across Latvia participated in an online survey, which included questions regarding respondents’ demographics, frequency of riding, cycling behaviors, and the number of crashes in the previous five years. The Cycling Behavior Questionnaire (CBQ) and the Cyclist Risk Perception and Regulation Scale (RPRS) were applied to assess cyclists’ behavior patterns and traffic safety literacy. Results: According to the findings, it can be inferred that cyclists frequently engage in riding errors and traffic violations while cycling. Those who exhibit more anti-social behavior (such as traffic violations and riding errors) patterns are also more likely to be involved in road crashes. Conversely, cyclists with greater positive behavior rates more often also tend to possess better knowledge of traffic rules and exhibit a heightened risk perception, indicating a greater awareness of road traffic safety. Conclusions: This study underscores key age differences, with older individuals significantly less involved in riding crashes, exhibiting fewer driving errors and a higher level of risk perception, which serves as a relevant factor in road safety. At the practical level, these results stress the need to address both traffic safety literacy and protective cycling factors of cyclists, to improve overall road safety and promote active transport modes in Latvia. Full article
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15 pages, 1806 KiB  
Article
Effective Communication of System-Level Events for Hospital System Health and Nurse Well-Being: A Qualitative Study
by Angela C. Brittain and Jane M. Carrington
Safety 2024, 10(4), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040096 - 12 Nov 2024
Viewed by 539
Abstract
Many injuries and deaths occur yearly in the United States due to preventable errors; however, documented harm is lower in hospitals with Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (Silver Spring, MD, USA). This manuscript illustrates insights from Magnet® and [...] Read more.
Many injuries and deaths occur yearly in the United States due to preventable errors; however, documented harm is lower in hospitals with Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (Silver Spring, MD, USA). This manuscript illustrates insights from Magnet® and non-Magnet® nurses and nursing leaders regarding what impacts hospital system health, how those factors are communicated, and how hospital system health impacts patient safety. A qualitative descriptive approach was used with semi-structured interview questions. Within-methods data triangulation was applied to transcribed interviews using thematic analysis, application of the Goodwin statistic, and natural language processing (NLP). Thematic analysis revealed the four main themes of Healthy Systems, Unhealthy Systems, Patient Safety, and Nurse Well-Being. NLP revealed non-Magnet® leaders and nurses scored highest for anxiety, anger, and sadness, in contrast to Magnet® participants who had the highest levels of positive emotion. Key findings from the Magnet® participants revealed that poaching employees and placing people in the wrong positions harm hospital system health and patient safety. The use of within-methods data triangulation illuminated the contextual depth of the participants’ speech, revealing the alarming emotional state that non-Magnet® nurses and leaders are facing. Healthcare staff’s wellness must be prioritized to cultivate environments that provide safe care. Full article
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24 pages, 3429 KiB  
Article
Defect Trends in Fire Alarm Systems: A Basis for Risk-Based Inspection (RBI) Approaches
by Stefan Veit and Frantisek Steiner
Safety 2024, 10(4), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040095 - 11 Nov 2024
Viewed by 486
Abstract
This article presents a comprehensive statistical evaluation of defect frequency in fire alarm systems under real operating conditions, focusing on risk-based factors. The aim is not to introduce a complete RBI approach but rather to assess defect trends that can inform future RBI-based [...] Read more.
This article presents a comprehensive statistical evaluation of defect frequency in fire alarm systems under real operating conditions, focusing on risk-based factors. The aim is not to introduce a complete RBI approach but rather to assess defect trends that can inform future RBI-based inspection strategies. The study categorizes and evaluates defects by frequency, particularly examining components such as cable and wire systems, acoustic signal devices, and the impact of detector contamination. These findings establish a foundation for developing tailored risk-based inspection and predictive maintenance strategies. A three-stage explanatory research design was employed, analyzing 4629 inspection reports with findings verified through expert surveys and cross-sample analysis. Results indicate that certain components, including acoustic devices and detectors, exhibit a significant increase in defects after 10 years, especially under challenging environmental conditions. Additionally, while ring bus technology supports less frequent functional testing, cable and wire systems require heightened attention in the early operational years. The study also identifies statistically significant trends and their potential for application to a broader system population, supporting enhanced RBI-based maintenance practices. These insights contribute to refining current maintenance approaches and offer practical recommendations for optimizing inspection routines based on risk factors. The article does not propose a system overhaul but lays essential groundwork for further research and improvement in fire alarm system reliability through targeted, risk-informed practices. Full article
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18 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Preventive Behaviors Among Higher Education Students in Response to COVID-19: The Role of Risk Perception
by Catarina Peralta, Manuela V. Silva, Artemisa R. Dores, Marina Almeida Silva, Marta Vasconcelos Pinto, Delfina Ramos and Matilde A. Rodrigues
Safety 2024, 10(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040094 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 829
Abstract
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions adopted a set of measures to ensure safe face-to-face teaching and to control potential outbreaks. However, the effectiveness of the implemented measures is dependent on the behavior of students, who are generally young, often [...] Read more.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, higher education institutions adopted a set of measures to ensure safe face-to-face teaching and to control potential outbreaks. However, the effectiveness of the implemented measures is dependent on the behavior of students, who are generally young, often displaced, living with other colleagues, and constantly seeking physical contact, which makes their behavior outside the institution also of particular relevance to controlling the pandemic. An online questionnaire was developed and applied to characterize the behaviors adopted by students inside and outside the higher education institution, as well as risk perception based on the health belief model (HBM) and unrealistic optimism, with the participation of 620 students from three Portuguese higher education institutions. The adoption of safe behaviors is related to a greater perception of the benefits and of the severity of COVID-19. Unrealistic optimism also has a negative impact on preventive behaviors. The behaviors least adopted by students concerning potential exposure to COVID-19 were disinfecting hands and equipment after use, as well as physical distancing from colleagues. With regard to behaviors adopted outside the institution, it was found that students did not avoid physical contact with colleagues and family members. These findings contribute to our understanding of student behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic, help institutions understand if the applied strategies were effective or not, and denote the need to reinforce or improve the implemented strategies. Full article
34 pages, 1534 KiB  
Article
A Comparative Study of Factors Influencing ADAS Acceptance in Belgium and Vietnam
by Kris Brijs, Anh Tuan Vu, Tu Anh Trinh, Dinh Vinh Man Nguyen, Nguyen Hoai Pham, Muhammad Wisal Khattak, Thi M. D. Tran and Tom Brijs
Safety 2024, 10(4), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040093 - 8 Nov 2024
Viewed by 506
Abstract
This paper focuses on the acceptance of ADASs in the traffic safety and human factor domain. More specifically, it examines the predictive validity of the Unified Model of Driver Acceptance (UMDA) for an ADAS bundle that includes forward collision warning, headway monitoring and [...] Read more.
This paper focuses on the acceptance of ADASs in the traffic safety and human factor domain. More specifically, it examines the predictive validity of the Unified Model of Driver Acceptance (UMDA) for an ADAS bundle that includes forward collision warning, headway monitoring and warning, and lane-keeping assistance in Belgium and Vietnam, two substantially different geographical, socio-cultural, and macroeconomic settings. All systems in the studied ADAS bundle are located at the Society of Automotive Engineer (SAE)-level 0 of automation. We found moderate acceptance towards such an ADAS bundle in both countries, and respondents held rather positive opinions about system-specific characteristics. In terms of predictive validity, the UMDA scored quite well in both countries, though better in Belgium than in Vietnam. Macroeconomic factors and socio-cultural characteristics could explain these differences between the two countries. Policymakers are encouraged to prioritise initiatives that stimulate the purchase and use of the ADAS, rather than on measures meant to influence the underlying decisional balance. Full article
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12 pages, 2199 KiB  
Article
Construction Site Noise Exposure Assessment Using Binaural Measurements and Analysis
by Nikolina Samardzic, Virginia Best, Christian Hammond, Aslihan Karatas, Behzad Esmaeili and Haitham Sarsam
Safety 2024, 10(4), 92; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040092 - 30 Oct 2024
Viewed by 538
Abstract
Acoustic measures of construction site noise are important for hearing loss prevention and safety. This work examines noise exposure assessment using binaural measurements to pave the way for more accurate noise characterization and hearing loss prevention in loud workplaces. Recordings were made over [...] Read more.
Acoustic measures of construction site noise are important for hearing loss prevention and safety. This work examines noise exposure assessment using binaural measurements to pave the way for more accurate noise characterization and hearing loss prevention in loud workplaces. Recordings were made over three days on a construction site, and noise exposure was estimated using state-of-the-art methods (a shoulder-worn dosimeter) and binaural measurements (microphones at each ear). For the binaural assessment, noise exposure was quantified at each ear to identify the higher- and lower-exposure ears, and the assessment incorporated kurtosis, a statistical measure that quantifies impulsiveness of the noise. The impulsiveness of the noise of four construction tools was also assessed. For this set of measurements, traditional hearing loss risk assessment consistently underestimated the noise exposure relative to binaural assessment. Moreover, the binaural measurement method exposed multiple cases of asymmetric noise exposure that are not detectable using the traditional method. Overall, there are clear benefits to assessing risk using binaural measurements and more detailed analysis methods. Full article
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11 pages, 267 KiB  
Article
Acceptance of Digital Discharge Management Interventions Among Patients After Bariatric Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Simone Peters, Matthias Marsall, Till Hasenberg, Lisa Maria Jahre, Marco Niedergethmann, Martin Teufel and Alexander Bäuerle
Safety 2024, 10(4), 91; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040091 - 29 Oct 2024
Viewed by 540
Abstract
Bariatric surgery is an effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, but relapse rates remain high. Digital interventions can enhance patient care, yet research on the intention to use digital discharge management interventions is lacking. This study aims to assess the behavioral intention to [...] Read more.
Bariatric surgery is an effective long-term treatment for severe obesity, but relapse rates remain high. Digital interventions can enhance patient care, yet research on the intention to use digital discharge management interventions is lacking. This study aims to assess the behavioral intention to use digital discharge management interventions after bariatric surgery and to identify differences in sociodemographic and medical characteristics, as well as potential key drivers and barriers. A cross-sectional study with N = 514 patients was conducted using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Mean scores for behavioral intention and predictors were calculated. Group differences were analyzed with independent t-tests and analyses of variance with post hoc tests. Drivers and barriers were assessed through multiple hierarchical regression analysis. The behavioral intention to use digital discharge management interventions was high. Significant predictors included age (β = −0.17, p < 0.001), eHealth literacy (β = 0.10, p = 0.037), internet anxiety (β = −0.15, p = 0.003), and time since bariatric operation (β = −0.13, p = 0.005). The predictors performance expectancy (β = 0.23, p < 0.001), effort expectancy (β = 0.36, p < 0.001), and social influence (β = 0.26, p < 0.001) were significantly positive key factors. These results confirm the need for implementing digital discharge interventions after bariatric surgery, with various drivers and barriers identified for application usage. Full article
10 pages, 204 KiB  
Article
Risk Factors for Developing Occupational Back Pain in Electronics Industry Workers: A Cross-Sectional Study
by Sunisa Chaiklieng, Pornnapa Suggaravetsiri and Vichai Pruktharathikul
Safety 2024, 10(4), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040090 - 23 Oct 2024
Viewed by 643
Abstract
Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the [...] Read more.
Back pain is an occupation-related problem among workforces. This cross-sectional study aimed to identify the prevalence of back pain and the risk factors of occupational back pain among workers in the electronics industry. In total, 354 electronics workers in Thailand participated in the study. Data were collected using the Musculoskeletal Disorders Severity and Frequency Questionnaire, the Job Content Questionnaire, and ergonomics risk assessment via the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA). Risk factors of back pain were identified by multiple logistic regression analysis, providing adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The study found that most workers were operators (92.09%) and had repetitive work (83.62%). A high ergonomics risk was observed in workers who stood during work (68.49%) and operated machines (71.70%). The 1-month prevalence of developing back pain was 20.62% and the significant factors correlated with back pain were low levels of job control and decision-making (ORadj = 2.26; 95% CI [1.26, 4.05]), lack of exercise (ORadj = 8.30; 95% CI [1.35, 24.28]), repetitive work (ORadj = 2.94; 95% CI [1.19, 7.29]), and high ergonomic risk level (ORadj = 2.81; 95% CI [1.16, 5.07]). These findings suggest that measures should be implemented by empowering electronics workers to make decisions and control their jobs, as well as promoting health through muscle-stretching exercise, to support back pain prevention. Full article
12 pages, 4140 KiB  
Project Report
Effects of Varying Text Message Length and Driving Speed on the Disruptive Effects of Texting on Driving Simulator Performance: Differential Effects on Eye Glance Measures
by Rimzim Taneja, Kawther Alali, Mohammed, Ki-Jana Malone, Brandon Buchanon, Ashley Blanchette, Dung Ho, Doreen Head and Randall Commissaris
Safety 2024, 10(4), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040089 - 21 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1180
Abstract
Eye glance analysis and driving performance during texting while driving: Differential effects of varying driving speed versus text message length. Background and Objective. Texting while driving continues to be a significant public health concern. Eye glances off the roadway are a measure of [...] Read more.
Eye glance analysis and driving performance during texting while driving: Differential effects of varying driving speed versus text message length. Background and Objective. Texting while driving continues to be a significant public health concern. Eye glances off the roadway are a measure of the visual distraction associated with texting while driving. In the present study, we examined the effects of two ‘real-world’ factors relating to the adverse effects of texting on driving performance and eye glances off the roadway: (1) text message length and (2) driving speed. Methods. Subjects ‘drove’ a fixed-base simulator and read, typed and sent text messages while driving. In study #1, the driving speed was 60 mph and the effects of short (1 word) versus longer (8–10 words) texts were compared. In study #2, the text messages were short only and driving speed was 60 or 80 mph. Driving performance was assessed using the Standard Deviation of Lane Position (SDLP). Video recordings of the drivers’ faces were used to assess eye glances from the road to the phone—and back—during texting. Results. Texting while driving impaired driving performance as measured by SDLP, and both longer text messages and faster drive speeds made driving performance even worse. Analysis of the eye glance data, however, revealed different effects of these two manipulations. Specifically, longer text messages were associated with an increase in the number of eye glances to the phone during a text message episode, an increase in the total time spent with the eyes off the road, and an increase in the single longest eye glance from the road. Moreover, with longer text messages the longest single eye glance away from the road typically occurred at or near the end of the text message episode. In contrast, increasing driving speed to 80 mph did not affect any of these eye glance measures relative to driving at 60 mph. Conclusion and Application. Both text message length and driving speed while texting adversely affect driving performance, but they do so via different mechanisms. These results have implications for how to tailor “don’t text and drive” messaging to better serve the public health. Full article
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21 pages, 7974 KiB  
Article
Horizontal Heat Flux Spread in an Inner Corner of Buildings
by Daniela Šejnová Pitelková, Petr Hejtmánek and Vladimír Mózer
Safety 2024, 10(4), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040088 - 16 Oct 2024
Viewed by 739
Abstract
This study investigates fire separation distances as essential means of passive fire protection in building design. The focus is on the inner corner configuration of building exterior walls, which represents the worst-case scenario for façade fire spread outside of a building. The inner-corner [...] Read more.
This study investigates fire separation distances as essential means of passive fire protection in building design. The focus is on the inner corner configuration of building exterior walls, which represents the worst-case scenario for façade fire spread outside of a building. The inner-corner configuration appears to increase the intensity of the radiative heat flux due to reflection and reradiation of heat. Comprehensive approaches for determining fire separation distances around the various façade geometries can be found, but none of them is focused on detailed descriptions of the unprotected area in an inner corner. A medium-scale scenario was chosen and was experimentally validated with a radiant panel for a better understanding of heat flux spread. This paper compares the experiment with analytical and numerical models. The analytical model is based on the Stefan–Boltzmann law and the calculated configuration factor as per Eurocode 1. The numerical model combines radiative and convective components of the heat flux because convection is non-negligible near the heat source. Experimental data confirm the prediction based on the numerical and analytical model and show agreement. The final increase in heat flux due to the corner configuration investigated at the medium scale reaches up to 29%. Full article
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22 pages, 2930 KiB  
Article
Role of the Regulation Framework in Occupational Safety in Construction Excavation Works—A Survey Analysis in Turkey
by Nurdan Baykuş, Aaron Anil Chadee, Nurgül Yalçın and Hazi Mohammad Azamathulla
Safety 2024, 10(4), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040087 - 9 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1074
Abstract
The construction sector is known to have the highest risks of occupational accidents. A rationale for this high occurrence of occupational risks can be related to legislative requirements to enforce safe construction practices within this sector. Within the context of excavation works in [...] Read more.
The construction sector is known to have the highest risks of occupational accidents. A rationale for this high occurrence of occupational risks can be related to legislative requirements to enforce safe construction practices within this sector. Within the context of excavation works in Turkey, this study investigates the leading risks for any compliance shortfalls and ultimately presents recommendations to mitigate occupational accidents’ occurrences during excavation works in the construction sector. Based on a quantitative methodology, a closed-ended survey consisting of 35 questions and based on legislative requirements was applied to project managers in the construction industry, such as site supervisors, occupational safety experts, auditors, and control personnel. A sample size of 277 responses was found to have stability and validity through a reliability analysis and an exploratory factor analysis, and was used for testing statistical significance via cross-tabulation analysis and chi-square tests. The findings revealed that the major deviation of safety in excavation works from legislative requirements is executing works during adverse weather conditions. Moreover, it was also noteworthy that protective curtains did not surround the excavation sites, and most of the employees encountered ground slippage during excavation work. Therefore, the findings revealed preliminary research that will contribute positively to providing incentives for a focus on and development of relevant security and technical measures. It also provided information to protect the safety and welfare of the workers involved in excavation works. Finally, though these findings may be considered context-specific, this research can be used for comparative purposes for similar studies into the safety practices of excavation works in different countries, where generalized findings can be later derived to inform academia and practice. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety Performance Assessment and Management in Construction)
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17 pages, 1124 KiB  
Article
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Fatal Road-Traffic Accidents: A Five-Year Study on Medicolegal Autopsies in Timis County, Romania
by Ştefania Ungureanu, Veronica Ciocan, Camelia-Oana Mureșan, Emanuela Stan, Georgiana-Denisa Gavriliţă, Alexandra Sirmon, Cristian Pop and Alexandra Enache
Safety 2024, 10(4), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040086 - 1 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1002
Abstract
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent the key sign of the level of road safety. Romania once held the record for road deaths among European Union (EU) countries and as of 2023, it came second place. It is of utmost importance to assess whether [...] Read more.
Road traffic accidents (RTAs) represent the key sign of the level of road safety. Romania once held the record for road deaths among European Union (EU) countries and as of 2023, it came second place. It is of utmost importance to assess whether measures that restricted human mobility during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to a significant reduction in road fatalities. This study assesses the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on victims of fatal RTAs by analyzing medicolegal autopsies from the Timisoara Institute of Legal Medicine (TILM), Timis County, Romania. Materials and methods: Medicolegal autopsy records of RTA victims from TILM in a 5-year period (2017–2021) were analyzed. Results: 395 cases (10.5%) were represented by victims of fatal RTAs. The reduction in the number of cases in the pandemic period was not statistically significant (p = 0.061) compared to the pre-pandemic period, but the number of victims of RTAs decreased by 17.6%. This highlights the importance of understanding the role of other risk factors in fatal RTAs, since a lesser volume of traffic did not cause a significant decrease in road fatalities. Male victims were predominant, with 18–50 years being the most affected age group. In the pandemic period, the most affected age groups were 31–40 (18.5%), followed closely by 41–50 (17.6%) and 18–30 (16.7%). In the pre-pandemic period, the first place was held by people in the age interval of 61–70 (20.5%), followed by 18–30 (19.2%). Drivers were the most involved type of road user, and a slight increase in the proportion of cyclists (13.9% from 10.5%) and motorcyclists (6.5% from 5.9%) was noted. Conclusions: Our findings show that measures implemented to control the COVID-19 pandemic may have had a positive effect on the reduction of RTAs, as shown by the information based on medicolegal autopsies in Timis County, Romania, but more attention needs to be focused on other risk factors. Further studies need to identify reasons for the small reduction in fatal injuries when the volume of traffic was reduced during mandated national lockdown. Full article
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26 pages, 3043 KiB  
Article
Reducing Data Uncertainties: Fuzzy Real-Time Safety Level Methodology for Socio-Technical Systems
by Apostolos Zeleskidis, Stavroula Charalampidou and Ioannis M. Dokas
Safety 2024, 10(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040085 - 30 Sep 2024
Viewed by 641
Abstract
This paper presents the fuzzy real-time safety level (Fuzzy RealTSL) methodology. It aims to address the data uncertainties resulting from a lack of sensors in complex sociotechnical systems and reduce the need for the determination of their safety level in real-time during their [...] Read more.
This paper presents the fuzzy real-time safety level (Fuzzy RealTSL) methodology. It aims to address the data uncertainties resulting from a lack of sensors in complex sociotechnical systems and reduce the need for the determination of their safety level in real-time during their operation. To achieve this, the methodology utilizes: (1) safety constraints from STPA (systems theoretic process analysis) analysis and EWaSAP (early-warning-signs analysis process), (2) fuzzy logic as the mathematical backbone to identify the degree of confidence about the occurrence of unsafe system states, (3) a modified centroid point and spread ordering to enable ordering sequences of unsafe system states that can lead to accidents according to how detrimental they are to the system safety. The RealTSL methodology is presented through its step-by-step application to the panel alignment system of a solar park utilizing rotating solar arrays. This paper aims to open a new perspective on the STAMP literature for discussions of uncertainties from a lack of information about the system’s state and to make it easier to measure its safety level. Knowing the safety level of a system in real-time is crucial for the systems in question as it enables proactive risk management and enhances decision-making by providing immediate insights into potential hazards, thus safeguarding against accidents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Safety, Resilience and Reliability Challenges and Engineering Research in Renewable Energies)
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14 pages, 1541 KiB  
Article
Heart Rate Variability Monitoring in Special Emergency Response Team Anaerobic-Based Tasks and Training
by Colin Tomes, Ben Schram, Elisa F. D. Canetti and Robin Orr
Safety 2024, 10(4), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040084 - 25 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1036
Abstract
The Law enforcement profession is known to impart high stress. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are allocated particularly demanding law enforcement operations and may therefore attain high fitness levels but may accumulate excessive stress. Heart rate variability (HRV), an assessment [...] Read more.
The Law enforcement profession is known to impart high stress. Members of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams are allocated particularly demanding law enforcement operations and may therefore attain high fitness levels but may accumulate excessive stress. Heart rate variability (HRV), an assessment of time differences between heartbeats, likely indicates holistic load in field settings. To date, though, little research measuring HRV has been conducted involving SWAT units. The purpose of this study was to explore HRV measurements following (1) annual firearms qualification and (2) potential stress exposure with respect to completion time on an anaerobically taxing obstacle course. Officers with greater obstacle course performance were hypothesized to also exhibit greater HRV. HRV was also expected to stratify personnel more effectively than heart rate. Prospective 3-lead ECGs were obtained from a cohort of male SWAT operators (n = 15) with 5.2 ± 4.3 years of experience at three time points throughout one training day. HRV was assessed by time, frequency, and non-linear domains. Differences between baseline and post-training values were significant as assessed by the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test for heart rate, SDRR, LF, HF, and SD2. An enter-method linear regression model predicted post-training HF HRV by obstacle course time; r2 = 0.617, F (1,6) = 9.652, p = 0.021. Anaerobic performance may be highly valuable in SWAT units. HRV analysis may also be beneficial in measuring the psychophysiological impact of SWAT activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Occupational Health and Safety (OHS): Emerging Trends and Future Directions)
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18 pages, 1562 KiB  
Article
Sustainability in Site Remediation: Occupational Health and Safety Assessment of Techniques for Groundwater Remediation
by Biancamaria Pietrangeli, Roberto Lauri and Emma Incocciati
Safety 2024, 10(4), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/safety10040083 - 24 Sep 2024
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Abstract
The remediation of contaminated groundwater is a critical component of environmental management. In situ bioremediation (ISB) is a technique used to treat contaminated groundwater by promoting the activity of microorganisms, which transform harmful substances into less toxic or non-toxic forms. The present study [...] Read more.
The remediation of contaminated groundwater is a critical component of environmental management. In situ bioremediation (ISB) is a technique used to treat contaminated groundwater by promoting the activity of microorganisms, which transform harmful substances into less toxic or non-toxic forms. The present study investigates social issues regarding the sustainability approach applied to the remediation of contaminated sites by analyzing occupational health and safety (OH&S) impacts on workers involved in the remediation process. Occupational chemical risk is analyzed by comparing two techniques for the remediation of groundwater contaminated by chlorinated aliphatic hydrocarbons (CAHs): the pump-and-treat system and biological barriers. A contaminated Italian site, located near an industrial waste disposal site, was analyzed, applying a quantitative approach for chemical risk assessment. This approach is based on the use of a validated algorithm (SNPA software) and environmental measurement campaigns of chemical agents. This study (as far as the authors know) is the first research carried out in this field and shows that the adoption of bio-barriers for remediation is intrinsically safer in terms of OH&S impacts on workers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Environmental Risk Assessment—Health and Safety)
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