bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulatory approach to button batteries
Authors: John Jamieson , Kathryn Burela
Published: October 2012

Oral Presentation

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has been assessing the safety of lithium-cell button batteries since August 2010. Part of this assessment compared the Australian injury experience with published USA data. This confirmed a similar level and nature of injuries in both countries. The study included an Australian market survey of these batteries and their packaging. Suppliers were consulted for safety information. The survey revealed that some packaging allowed easy access by children to multiple batteries. However, some batteries were individually packaged within an all-plastic seal that made access by children more difficult. The warnings on the packaging also varied. Some warnings detailed the hazards associated with ingestion by small children whereas other products had no relevant warnings or focused solely on disposal of the product after use. The security of battery compartments in products most commonly known for using button batteries was also surveyed. The top two products identified with unsafe battery compartments were LED candles and bathroom scales.

The survey also revealed that while remote controls were often powered by button batteries, these compartments were predominantly secured. The ACCC is also monitoring current standards development work. At this stage it appears that some products such as bathroom scales will not be captured in Australia by current standards development efforts. In April 2012thebatterycontrolledcampaign was launched in Australia by the ACCC in partnership with Energiser and Kidsafe. This campaign increased awareness in consumers and suppliers of the risks associated with ingestion of lithiumcell button batteries.
Button battery ingestion and insertion by children—an international approach to an emerging dangerous injury
Authors: Chalmers Eric
Published: October 2012

The Seminar will include a variety of presenters, on behalf of

• Product safety regulators—USA, Australia, New Zealand, Korea, Japan

• Community organisations—Safe Kids Worldwide, Safe Kids USA, Safe Kids Canada, Safekids NZ, Kidsafe in Australia

• Paediatricians will outline the nature and consequences of ingestion or insertion

• Research—Queensland Injury Surveillance Unit; Safe Kids Worldwide and Fleishman; Australian Competition and Consumer Commission

Each presenter will outline a brief summary of issues and implications from their work in the area.

Background

Extensive cooperative work is being undertaken internationally at regulatory, community and industry levels to address this emerging cause of severe injury. This, like many developing issues, is complex. The problem arises from the misuse of batteries (often unnoticed) by young children who were never intended to have access to them; community awareness is very low; data is difficult and misdiagnosis easy; the result can be catastrophic and deadly; containing the risk is complex.

Aims/Objectives

The Seminar will address all three themes for the Conference and provide a round table discussion on the issue; lessons from work to date; and next steps in addressing the trends internationally—to synthesise the issue and consider the implications for ongoing efforts.

Structure of Seminar

• Introduction and outline

• Outline of the Battery Controlled Programme and history

• Input and implications from research

• A medical profession perspective

• Industry issues and actions

• Community awareness campaign

• Regulatory responses

• Summary and conclusion

Results

The Seminar will demonstrate

• How Governments, the medical profession, researchers, community groups and industry are working together to find practical solutions to the issue and benefits of this approach;

• A variety of research issues; work to overcome these; and how research has been put to immediate use in the Programme;

• Development of a successful awareness Programme and how this has started to be transported across countries and cultures;

• The process of addressing complex regulatory and standards issues impacting many areas.

Significance

The Seminar' significance lies in

• Demonstration of the capacity to address emerging issues quickly when regulators, community organisations, researchers and industry work together

• An international opportunity to consider progress in addressing this emerging risk to children and the key next steps.
MEDICAL COMMUNITY ROLE IN GLOBAL ARMS TRADE POLICY DISCUSSIONS
Authors: Valenti Maria
Published: October 2012

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) made seeking practical, internationally agreed responses to the global drug and arms trade one of nine priority recommendations in its 2002World Report on Violence and Health.“Even modest progress on either front would contribute to reducing the amount and degree of violence suffered by millions of people,”states WHO.A number of health organizations have taken a leadership role in bringing an evidence-based perspective to discussions on the global arms trade, including such initiatives as the Arms Trade Treaty, and the United Nations Programme of Action on Small Arms and Light Weapons.

Purpose

To identify and describe key health contributions to the discussion and negotiation of international agreements to prevent armed violence.

Methods

Review contributions of organizations including the International Committee of the Red Cross, the WHO Violence Prevention Alliance, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, and the American Public Health Association.

Results

Medical and public health organizations are playing a vital role in strengthening arguments for global arms control treaties and agreements by: Quantifying the health and humanitarian costs of armed violence; contributing case studies on the context and societal consequences of firearm violence; describing how health professionals can help monitor agreements; outlining best practices for victim assistance, and; by using their medical platforms to educate decision makers about armed violence prevention as essential to community health and development.

Significance

This paper provides rationale for health professionals to continue and increase their participation in policy debates on arms control issues.
Contextual factors putting DSM youth at risk for death by mob violence: a qualitative study
Authors: Outwater A , Tarimo E , Campbell JC
Published: October 2012

Background

Mob violence, a collective community action arising against individuals or small groups, who are perceived as threatening social safety, is known to occur around the world. More than 200 male youth, mostly petty thieves, are killed annually in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania (DSM) by community mobs.

Purpose

The purpose of the research was to find contextual factors putting youth at risk for death by mob violence in DSM.

Methods

Data for this qualitative study were gathered through face-to-face interviews (22) and a focus group discussion. All interviews were audiotaped. Source data were imported into NVivo7. Coding and analysis took place within NVivo.

Results

49 nodes were identified. Seven were mentioned by more than 10 respondents. Almost all respondents (20) reported that lack of employment was a major factor leading to the victims' death. Twelve respondents each mentioned lack of human rights (12), and good or any parenting, and the difficulties of transitioning from childhood to adulthood, and often rural to urban. The police (14), God (11), and government (11) were also viewed as important factors.

Significance to the Field

Unless youth needs for employment, in urban and rural areas are supported, there will not be peace at the community level. Research is needed to understand more clearly the factors pulling the youth to the city and the factors pushing youth out of the rural areas.
Trend of homicide in São Paulo city: an intra-urban analysis
Authors: Peres MFT , Levy RB , Luiz O , Grangeiro A
Published: October 2012

The homicide mortality rate (HMR) is declining consistently in São Paulo, Brazil. From 2001 to 2008 HMR dropped by 74% in the city. Few studies tried to analyse homicide trends in different areas of São Paulo city.

Objective

A. to analyse the trend of HMR in the 96 administrative districts (AD) of São Paulo Municipality (SPM) from 2000 to 2010

B. to describe the characteristics of homicide death and the sociodemographic and economic conditions of areas with distinct homicide time trends.

Methods

Trends of HMR was analysed through simple linear regression. Regression coefficients were standardised for comparison between the districts and were used as basis for the stratification into terciles.

Results

Significant trends were found for 89 AD's. Trends ranged from −0.298 to −0.2038 (p<0,05). Areas with more accelerated fall presented worse socioeconomic conditions, higher proportion of men and youth in the population The proportion of low schooling, black and young (15–24-years-old) between the victims are higher in such areas, as well as the contribution of firearms to death.

Conclusions

HMR is falling in different areas of SPM. More intense fall is being noticed in areas with characteristics that are associated with higher risk for Homicide death (low socioeconomic conditions, high proportion of youth and men in population). Characteristics of the victims in areas with more accelerated trend suggests that fall is more proeminent for homicide committed with firearm, and which victim has low schooling level and are black.
The relationship between violence and mental illnesses in Guatemala
Authors: Polanco V D Puac , Branas CC , Soto V A López , Xie D
Published: October 2012

Background

Numerous factors are thought to connect violence to mental illness, including civil conflict, yet very few studies of this relationship have been conducted using large, population-based samples in developing nations.

Aim

To test the association between prior violent events and mental health outcomes for Guatemala.

Methods

We collected and analysed a national cluster random sample of 1452 participants as part of the 2009 Guatemalan National Survey of Mental Health. Our exposure of interest was the most stressful or upsetting violent event experienced by participants; ICD-10 criteria classified mental illness. Analyses of the 36-year Guatemalan civil war as an effect modifier were also completed.

Results

In total, 22.51% participants experienced ≥1 prior violent event. The proportions of subjects who were diagnosed for PTSD, depression, and anxiety were 5.45%, 3.66%, and 1.85%, respectively. The unadjusted risk ratios associated with prior violent event for PTSD, depression, and anxiety were 18.21 (95% CI 6.40 to 51.81, p<0.001), 1.29 (95% CI 0.60 to 2.76, p=0.504), and 1.50 (95% CI 0.55 to 4.08, p=0.417), respectively. After adjusting for various confounders, risk ratios for PTSD, depression, and anxiety were 21.73 (95% CI 7.23 to 65.23, p<0.001), 1.36 (95% CI 0.58 to 3.20, p=0.469), and 1.59 (95% CI 0.51 to 4.97, p=0.411), respectively. These risk ratios were larger and more significant during the Guatemala civil war.

Significance

Guatemalans exposed to prior violent events had a significantly higher risk of developing PTSD. Mental illness treatment and prevention programmes that identify individuals with prior exposure to violent events could be of great value to developing nations, many of which have a recent history of civil war or are actively involved in civil war.
Forensic examination following rape: do skin colour and baseline injury matter?
Authors: Sommers M , Everett J , Tiller D , Fargo J
Published: October 2012

Background

Rape is a global health risk for women. We are exploring the role of skin colour in the forensic examination by studying women after consensual sexual intercourse (CSI).

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Determine whether injury prevalence varies by ethnicity and skin colour following CSI; Evaluate whether recent (≤24 h) CSI increases injury from baseline.

Methods

Cross-sectional design for phase I (n=120) and repeated measures design for phase II (n=281). In phase I, participants underwent a forensic exam following CSI, and in phase II participants had a baseline exam, followed by CSI and a follow-up exam.

Results/Outcomes

In phase I, 55% of the sample had ≥1 genital injury; percentages significantly differed for White (68%) and Black (43%) participants (p=0.02). While ethnicity was a significant predictor of injury occurrence (OR=3.15; RR=2.94), skin colour confounded the original relationship between ethnicity and injury. In phase II, we enrolled 146 women. The change in genital injury prevalence and frequency from exam 1 to 2 was modelled using logistic and negative binomial regression. Outcomes included specific injury type and observation of any injury during exam 2. Injury observed during examination 1 was the key predictor, adjusted for age, ethnicity, time since intercourse, duration and frequency of intercourse, degree of lubrication, number of lifetime partners, and skin colour.

Significance/Contributions to the Field

Results showed significant increases in redness as well as increased frequency of any external genital injury. We conclude that the rape forensic examination should be sensitive to skin colour, time since last intercourse, and baseline injury.
Violent injury in Ilorin
Authors: Agere IA , Nasir AA , Yakub S , Abdur-Rahman OL , Ofoegbu CKP , Solagberu AB
Published: October 2012

Background

Injuries through violence are threats to health in every country of the world. Current data on violence and injury in Nigeria requires updating.

Objective

To generate current data on violence-related Injuries in Ilorin, a suburban settlement generally seen as peaceful.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in emergency department of University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between 1 June 2010–31 December 2011. All the patients seen with violent-related injury were included into the study. Patient demographics, the cause, circumstances and severity of injury were recorded. Data was analysed with SPSS 15.0.

Results

A total of 79 patients were studied, 89.9% (n=71) were male. Majority (56.3%, n=45) of them were economically active; age 21–40 years. Mechanism of injury was assault in 38(47.5%) cases and gunshot in 36 (45%). The leading motive of the violence was armed robbery (37, 46.8%) and fight (29, 36.7%). Most of the gunshot injuries (29 out of 36) were from armed robbery attacked, p=0.000. Majority of the injuries were lacerations 36(45%) and penetrating wounds 29(36.7%). Twenty (25.3%) patients were severely injured. Most of the injuries 34.2% (n=27) occurred on the roads and 29.1% (n=23) at home.

Significance

Armed robbery accounted for high incidence of violence injuries. These results call for detailed study of the causes of violence with a view of generating preventive strategies.
New techniques of victims recovery buried by homicides and natural disasters
Authors: Ticas Israel
Published: October 2012

Problem

In Latin America the country more violently is El Salvador possesses clandestine cemeteries where victims of Homicides are buried, and his vulnerability before the natural disasters that they provoke fade of land stopping buried victims, the techniques used by the institutions in charge of the forensic research and of rescue, they are old-fashioned.

Target

To show the efficiency in the merger of different disciplines applying them to the forensic research and his implementation to improve the recovery of buried victims.

Methods

I compile information of cases realised by the author of the new techniques of victims' recovery buried of homicides and natural disasters, tried in the programme excel.

Results

In the period of 2010 and 2011 there recovered 205 victims buried in 43 clandestine cemeteries of seven departments, were 110 men, 75 women and 20 children, the reason of death was 60 dismembered, 67 stabbed, 25 beheaded ones, 28 hanged persons, 20 for firearm, and five buried alive, 450 physical evidences and 18 victims Of three fade in two departments.

Conclusions

It was a success to fuse the archaeology and forensic anthropology, the architecture, the sculpture and the criminology, Since in 2 years there recovered 505 victims who were eliminated and 18 of fade, one recommends to implement these techniques to the institutions in charge of the forensic researches of the state, and to create a database of missing persons and DNA of the mothers of these.
Violent injuries in Nigeria: increasing occurrence but low priority on preventive measures
Authors: Chukwuneke F , Anyanechi C
Published: October 2012

Background

Violent injuries among Nigerian civilian population are on the increase, almost approaching an epidemic level. This is attributable to the rising violent crime rate as a result of hardship, high level of unemployment, political crisis, religious and ethnic conflicts, police brutality and high incidence of armed robbery.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The purpose of this study was to characterise the total burden of violent injuries in Eastern Nigeria over a 5-year recent period from 2006 to 2010 and identified the trends in the number of cases.

Method

A multicentre retrospective review of 126 cases of violent injuries seen in the trauma units of five specialists' hospitals in eastern Nigeria was analysed. All the cases were categorised by the age, sex, aetiology, type of injury and the year of presentation.

Results/Outcome

One hundred and twenty-six cases seen for the 5-year period accounted for 46.2% of all the trauma injuries. There were 76 males (60.4%) and 50 females (39.6%) giving a male-to-female ratio of 1.6 : 1. The most common type of injury was gunshot (64%) followed by stab injuries (17%). Domestic violence was high (32.6%). The highest number of cases was recorded in 2010 (28.6%).

Significance/Contribution to the Field

This study has shown an increasing trend in the occurrence of violent injuries in Nigeria. Most victims were inflicted with gunshot injuries. With the changing political situation, social advancement and urbanisation, economic frustrations and ethnic conflicts, there is a need to regulate the influx of deadly weapons in the country by the relevant agencies.Table 1

Types of violent injuries and the number of cases

Cause of injuryNo of the casesPercentageGunshot8164%Stab injuries2117%Others2419%Table 2

Trends in the number of Violent Injury Cases per year

YearNumber of casesPercentage20061915%20072923%20082015.920092217.5%20103628.6%
Strategies for preventing communal clashes using library and information services in South East Nigeria
Authors: Echezona RI , Nwegbu MN , Osadebe N
Published: October 2012

Background

In Nigeria every year different communities engage in one form of feud or another. This barbaric behaviour has resulted in great losses of property and human lives.

Purpose

This study was carried out to develop strategies for preventing communal clashes using library and information services in South East Nigeria.

Methodology

The approach adopted was to use a survey research design. The area of the study was South Eastern Nigeria, made up of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo. Three research questions were used to address the issue thus: (1) Causes of communal clashes. (2) Services of public libraries. (3) Ways information and library services could be used to prevent communal clashes among the people. Questionnaire and interview would be used for data collection. The librarians and the members of the community would form the population. All the librarians of public libraries would fill the questionnaire while the village or community heads only would be interviewed. Data from questionnaire would be analysed using frequency counts and percentages while data from interview would be incorporated in the discussion.

Findings

It is expected that the study will reveal ways the library and information services could be offered to help and prevent communal clashes. Based on the findings, appropriate recommendations will be made for preventing communal clashes using library and information services.

Implication

The results and discussions imply that it is highly important for public libraries to begin to re-assess their roles in terms of how they contribute to the knowledge economy of the society.
Injury among the aboriginal population of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Don Voaklander , Andrew Harris , Jason Randall , Kathy Belton , Don Schopflocher , Larry Svenson
Published: October 2012

Background

There are three distinct Aboriginal grouping in Canada: First Nations, Inuit and Métis. There has been little research on the health status of Métis people in Canada. This is particularly true of the Métis inhabitants of Alberta.

Aim

This study aimed to examine the health burden due to injuries that the Métis of Alberta experience and compare this to the burden experienced by the First Nations, Inuit and the non-Aboriginal population of the province.

Methods

Comparisons were made for the rate of injuries in physician claims, emergency department presentations and inpatient hospitalisations for the year 2009.

Results

Injury rates were significantly elevated for the Métis when compared to the non-Aboriginal population for virtually all comparisons made. However when compared to the First Nations population, the Métis experience significantly lower rates of injury. These relationships were particularly strong for intentional injury where First Nations people were eight times more likely to have been hospitalised that non-Aboriginals compared to 1.7 times for Métis.

Significance

The vast majority of the comparisons for sub-types of injury within the various settings illustrated that the injury burden of Métis is higher than the non-Aboriginals but lower than the burden experienced by the First Nations. The injury experience in Canada's Aboriginal populations continues to be a major concern.
Communication strategy to prevent unintentional injuries ‘accidents do not exist’
Authors: Luis Nieto Gil , Julio C Giraldo Silva , Isabel Gutierrez Martinez Maria
Published: October 2012

Objective

Implement a communication strategy to prevent unintentional injuries in three neighbourhoods of Cali, Colombia, with a high prevalence of unintentional injuries.

Method

An interventional,cuasi-experimental studywas developed withbefore-afterdesign, qualitative study. The participants were inhabitants of three districts of Cali, with them it was diagnosed the most common causes of unintentional injury in its territory. With this information there was create the strategy in three levels (i) Media expectation campaign: A ‘bill of risk’, it was similar to a utility bill, which shows the costs of five common events of unintentional injuries in the city, (ii) Broadcasting stories about the prevention of unintentional injuries in which the players saved their life by adopting preventive behaviours at home or in public places, (iii) Interviewing expert on prevention of unintentional injuries.

Results

There were consolidated three working groups, one per district, which still working for the prevention of unintentional injuries in their neighbourhoods. In the same way it has been established a network of media members that keep promoting preventive habits for the reduction of injuries in the city. After the implementation of the strategy it was proved its effectiveness, through focus groups and discussion groups with the inhabitants of the areas intervened who showed greater awareness about the potential risks that can run on their homes or in public places. The idea of ‘Accidents does not exist’ was disseminated in the city as an exercise in prevention and self-care.

Conclusions

This communication strategy has helped to promote behavioural habits and practices, through the techniques of imitation and social modelling, increasing the ability of inhabitants to prevent injuries. This way of working allowed access to areas of the city affected by violence related to crime and drug micro trafficking.
Management of victimised patients in primary care settings: a comprehensive Greek educational initiative
Authors: Petridou E , Papadakaki M , Prokopiadou D , Kogevinas M , Lionis C
Published: October 2012

Background

Primary care providers have been criticised for inadequate routine assessment of patients' exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV).

Aims

To report on the content/ methods used and experiences learned regarding three key objectives in identifying and managing victimised patients at primary care settings, as part of a Thesis.

Methods

A qualitative study employing three focus groups with 18 General Practitioners drawn from respective Networks in Greece was designed to explore physicians' views, perceptions and current practices. Tools for the assessment of physicians' training needs were validated and implemented focusing on Physicians' Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence (PREMIS) employing a sample of 80 physicians. Lastly, acceptability and effectiveness of an educational outreach aiming at increasing physicians' perceived and actual knowledge, perceived readiness and number of detected cases was assessed using a pre/post-evaluation study design of a two-day training programme offered to 26 licensed General Practitioners/General Practice residents employing also a control group.

Results

Issues of discomfort in discussing IPV, lack of confidence in diagnoses and mistrust in referral structures were indicated as barriers of effective case management. The Greek version of the PREMIS survey demonstrated good psychometric properties. The educational programme met high acceptability and proved to be effective in introducing changes in the physicians' perceived readiness as well as their perceived and actual knowledge.

Significance

International experience/tools were tailored for Greek primary care services, demonstrating the great potential of comprehensive efforts to address IPV at the very early stage of contact of victimised patients with health care system.
CRIME PREVENTION THROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN AND POST EARTHQUAKE RECONSTRUCTION IN CHRISTCHURCH NEW ZEALAND
Authors: Ramsay S
Published: October 2012

Background

Christchurch is experiencing an ongoing series of earthquakes, with over 10,000 occurring since 4 September 2010. The most damaging of these happened on 22 February 2011, when 185 people lost their lives and hundreds more were injured. Half the buildings in the central city and over 6,000 homes were irreparably damaged.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

The post-disaster environment presents the opportunity to examine how Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) can contribute to creating a safer, more liveable city. My work involves advocating for CPTED to be included in planning processes, leading CPTED reviews and assessments, training and mentoring a group of practitioners to meet expanding needs, and promoting the benefits of CPTED to stakeholder groups.

Methods

The challenges of practising CPTED in a post-disaster environment and the learnings gained will be discussed, as well as the diverse environments where CPTED is practised.

Results/Outcomes

Significant progress has been made towards having CPTED included in the city's planning processes and in expanding the understanding of the benefits of CPTED in stakeholder groups. While this is work in progress, and is part of a much larger and broader effort, we are optimistic about the potential improvements to safety.

Significance/Contribution to the field

CPTED is being applied in the rebuild for Christchurch. Few communities have the opportunity to redesign large parts of their city and fewer have attempted to incorporate CPTED into this process.
The 25th of January Egyptian revolution's effect on the prevalence of TBI in Egypt. A retrospective comparative study
Authors: Montaser T , Al-Kafafy A
Published: October 2012

Background

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a contributing factor to approximately one third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in USA annually. Updated statistical records for TBI in Egypt are lacking.

Purpose

The current research is aiming for estimating the prevalence of TBI in Egypt under different circumstances.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted to compare the prevalence of TBI during the revolution time in 2011(January 2011 until mid- February 2011) and the prevalence of TBI during the same time in 2010.

Results

The table below shows that overall incidence of TBI in January 2010 and 2011 was 487 and 471 cases respectively, of them 9.2% were moderate and severe TBI in the year 2010 and 27.8% in the year 2011. Regarding moderate and severe TBI, male sex was predominantly affected in both years 2010 and 2011, 75% and 88% respectively.

January–mid-February 2010January–mid-February 2011FFH/MVCOther causesGun shot/assaultFFH/MVCOther causesTBI(all cases)4078011732430Moderate and severe TBI38788354

Significance

TBI is a serious public health problem in Egypt under peace or violent conditions. While prevalence remains the same, severity and leading causes are varying. Further data interpretation over wider periods of time should be conducted for better understanding of TBI prevalence is highly recommended to develop effective injury prevention programmes in Egypt. Inefficient recording should raise the concern to establish an optimal system for data recording during disasters.
Disaster management: optimisation modelling to inform emergency food storage for organisations and citizens in New Zealand
Authors: Nhung Nghiem , Mary-Ann Carter , Wilson Nick
Published: October 2012

Background

New Zealand (NZ), is a country subject to a wide range of natural disasters, some of which (eg, floods and storms) may increase in frequency and severity with the effects of climate change.

Aim

We aimed to use scenario development and linear programming to identify the lowest-cost foods for emergency storage.

Methods

We used NZ food price data (eg, from the Food Price Index) and nutritional data from a NZ food composition database. Different scenarios were modelled in Excel and R along with uncertainty analysis.

Results

A collection of low-cost emergency storage foods that meet daily energy requirements for men were identified for example, at a median purchase cost of $NZ 2.21 per day (equivalent to $US 1.45) (95% simulation interval=$NZ 2.04 to 2.38). In comparison, the cost of such a collection of foods which did not require cooking, was $NZ 3.67 per day. While meeting all nutritional recommendations (and not just energy) is far from essential in a disaster setting, if such nutritionally optimised foods are purchased for storage, then the cost would be higher ($NZ 7.10 per day). Where zero spoilage was assumed (eg, storage by a government agency), the cost of purchasing food for storage was as low as $NZ 1.93 per day.

Significance

It appears to cost very little to purchase basic emergency foods for storage in the current New Zealand setting. The lists of the foods identified could be considered by organisations who participate in disaster relief (civil defence) but also by citizens.
The circumstances favouring the worker accidents in the buildings and public works industry in Kenitra city and in its area (Morocco)
Authors: Raougui D , Ahami A , Aboussaleh Y , Fadli M , Sbayi A
Published: October 2012

Background

The construction sector is very active for the Moroccan economy. However working accidents are parts of this sector problems.

Aims

This paper provides an analysis of circumstances that characterise the work of all victims.

Methods

Data was collected from labour accident regional registry. All the 306 people that were reported in 2008 and 2009 as having suffered an accident at work in the construction sector and whose record of accident was tabled at the Delegation of Employment Kenitra north west of Morocco.

Results

The results showed that the masses in motion and the machines, that is, tools that require alertness of the worker have caused many accidents at work in the studied area. Similarly, the majority of accidents have occurred in the afternoon which is day moment when the fatigue is most felt by the worker. Accidents are also; more common during periods when the ambient heat is relatively high (summer or autumn). These high heats appear to act by creating a state of psychological stress, which can reduce the degree of alertness of the worker.

Significance

Injury prevention need to be included in building in Morocco. If possible rescheduling working hours during heat season to avoid work accidents.
Musculoskeletal disorders in New Zealand nurses: incidence, persistence/recurrence and impact on work and functional tasks
Authors: Harcombe H , McBride D , Herbison P , Derrett S
Published: October 2012

Background

Few prospective studies have investigated musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) at a range of anatomical sites in nurses.

Aims

To determine the cumulative incidence and persistence or recurrence of MSDs of the low back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand and knee in a cohort of New Zealand nurses and to determine the prevalence of MSDs affecting work and functional tasks.

Methods

Nurses (n=280) were randomly selected from the Nursing Council database and invited to participate in a postal survey at baseline and 12 months later. MSDs were identified based on self-reported pain at the anatomical site. MSDs affecting work involved either time off work or modified duties. Functional tasks were assessed at site-specific level.

Results

The 12 month cumulative incidence of MSDs was highest for low back (35%), followed by neck (31%), shoulder (25%), wrist/hand (18%), knee (17%) and elbow (11%) pain. Depending on the anatomical site, 45–76% of MSDs were persistent or recurrent. The 1-month prevalence of MSDs affecting functional tasks was 14–20% for shoulder, wrist/hand, knee and low back pain. The 12-month prevalence of MSDs affecting work was highest for low back pain (20%) followed by shoulder pain (10%).

Significance

To reduce MSDs among nurses attention appears warranted at a wider range of sites than the low back alone.
Determinants of speeding among bus drivers in Malaysia
Authors: Kulanthayan S , Ang BJ , Hayati K
Published: October 2012

Background

In Malaysia traffic crashes are a huge problem with 414 421 road crashes and 6872 deaths in year 2010 (PDRM, 2011). In Malaysia, the main cause that leads to road crashes was speeding and aggressive driving, which contributes 54.1%.

Objective

The main objective of this study is to determine the factors that influence speeding among bus drivers in Malaysia.

Methods

A cross sectional study was conducted from December 2006 till January 2007. There were a total of 144 buses being observed. This research was conducted at the Rest and Recreational areas of a major expressway. A Radar Gun was used to get the speed-reading of the moving buses on the roadside. Meanwhile, the questionnaire survey was conducted on the bus drivers been tracked by the vehicle registration earlier using the Radar Gun.

Results

More than half (54.2%) of the buses observed were speeding. In this study, there are nine variables being tested through Logistic regression test and five variables were found significant. The five contributing variables of speeding are type of day (weekend and weekday), time of day, posted speed limits (90 km/h and 110 km/h), driver age and working experience among bus drivers (p<0.05).

Significance

Buses are at risk on road as they are speeding. Traffic enforcement activities need to be beefed up. Employer's strong involvement is needed to address this major traffic problem, which could endanger the driver, passengers and other road users sharing the road.
Rural health providers—improving farmer health and safety
Authors: David Perkins , Frances Boreland , Tony Lower , Lyn Fragar
Published: October 2012

Background

Death rates for Australian farmers from specific causes are higher than their urban counterparts. Despite this, primary health care providers face many issues in engaging and assisting farmers to improve their health. The Farm Health and Safety Toolkit for Rural General Practices (the Toolkit) was developed to provide rural clinicians with a practical resource based on the best available evidence to help them recognise and respond to the health risks faced by farmers and farm workers. This study aimed to evaluate the Toolkit to determine its relevance and utility, identify any information gaps and determine the best way of distributing it to rural health professionals.

Method

Rural health professionals participated in workshops and completed surveys in relation to the materials involving pre- and post-workshop feedback.

Results

Respondents indicated the Toolkit is relevant, easy to use and fills an important gap in educational material available for rural health professionals. It needs to be made available in a number of formats, and in particular as electronic documents which can be linked into practice management software.

Significance

Further dissemination of the Toolkit and inclusion into existing electronic software packages will assist rural practitioners in assisting farmers to improve their health.
Principal
Authors: Collins AB , Alcock D
Published: October 2012

Background

Construction is considered one of the more hazardous and high risk industries. In recognition of this, jurisdictions around the globe have devised and organised many ways to reduce and offset the costs of workplace injury.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To share the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Association's—CFCSA—secrets of safety success with the global construction community at a world forum.

Methods

Thanks to effective industry lobbying and partnership with government, aCertificate of Recognition—COR—is required in all tendering for construction projects with government and many other major purchasers of construction services across Nova Scotia, like school boards, hospitals, housing and health authorities. As we prepare for 2012, more than 55% of the current industry participates in the COR programme.

Results/Outcome

Despite increases in the size of our industry, year-over-year, injuries in construction have decreased significantly. This is partially due to participation inthe COR programme. Since the inception of the NSCSA there has been a 78.7% reduction in the number of Lost-Time Workers Compensation Claims in the construction industry. In 2011, the Nova Scotia construction industry recorded only 652 Lost-Time Claims; an historic low not reached since 1961.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

The NSCSA case study offers an innovative alternative service delivery option for safety programming and industry self-regulation.
Reducing risk of entry into confined space manure storages
Authors: Murphy D , Manbeck H , Tillapaugh J , Steel S
Published: October 2012

Background

Death from asphyxiation and poisoning when entering confined-space manure tanks is a serious hazard in animal agriculture. Often, multiple fatalities occur when farmers try to rescue friends or relatives overcome by the noxious gas atmosphere.

Purpose

To reduce human risk of entry into confined space manure storages.

Methods

This research work spanned nearly 8 years to develop computational fluid dynamics protocols to simulate removal of noxious contaminant gases, by forced ventilation, from solid and slotted floor covered confined space, on-farm manure storage tanks. These simulation protocols were then used to determine ventilation requirements (air exchange rates, fan and air outlet locations, and operation times) to reduce concentrations of contaminant gases to levels below gas specific TLVs for human entry.

Results and Outcomes

This work has been published in a series of five journal articles. Subsequently, an international engineering safety standard,Ventilating Manure Storages to Reduce Entry Risk, was written and approved by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). An educational programme was developed to inform extension educators, engineers, regulators, and farmers about the standard and how to use its provisions.

Significance

For the first time ever, engineers, builders, regulators and producers have a consensus standard for constructing, installing and entering confined space manure storages with a minimum level of risk.
Work-related Musculoskeletal disorders among school teachers in China, prevalence and occupational factors
Authors: Li Liping , Yue Pengying , Liu Fengying
Published: October 2012

Background

School teachers represent an occupational group among which there appears to be a high prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Epidemiological data on WMSDs in Chinese teachers are limited.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of and associated factors for WMSDs among school teachers.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study of teachers from seven schools, the prevalence of WMSDs during the 12-month period was assessed according to the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire.

Results

The response rate was 85.0% (893/1050). 59.5% reported at least one WMSDs. The 1 year prevalence of WMSDs of the neck, shoulder, low back, wrist/hand, elbow, and knee amongst teachers were 42.0, 35.9, 45.6, 20.9, 12.3 and 22.6%, respectively. The prevalence of WMSDs in the senior middle school teachers was significantly higher than that in the primary school and junior middle school teachers. Uncomfortable back support was associated with low back (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.13 to 2.32), neck/shoulder (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.23 to 2.55), elbow (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.28 to 3.66) and knee pain (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.30 to 2.03). Prolonged static posture had the strongest association with neck/shoulder (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.56 to 3.24), wrist/hand (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.71) and knee pain (OR 2.14 95% CI 1.360 to 3.37). Prolonged sitting was also associated with WMSDs at most sites. Posture characterised by twisting was associated with low back pain alone.

Significance

WMSDs are common among teachers. There were strong associations with occupational factors.
Life Quilt South Australia—stitching the stories of life
Authors: Brotherton M
Published: October 2012

Background

In 2003 the Canadian Young Worker Memorial Quilt was completed and unveiled in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. One hundred Canadian families, representing each province of Canada and many workplace sectors, gave of themselves and worked with their grief to help create a unique piece of art to better demonstrate the magnitude of young workers who lost their lives on the job. With the Canadian Quilt as inspiration a group in South Australia set about developing their own quilt.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

To develop a quilt, videos and stories that not only commemorates those who have died, but also the enormous impact and emotional toll on the victim's families, friends and the community.

Methods

From March 2011 to March 2012 workshops were held most Friday's at a donated work space. Those not based in the metropolitan area who wanted to be involved, were emailed instructions and posted materials.

Results/Outcome

Over 70 people were involved in the development of the quilt. Three families recorded their stories on DVD and those three families along with three other families whose loved ones were killed in the same incident contributed to written stories.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Families were able to share their stories not only helping others in similar situations, but also to advocate for safety to prevent these tragedies from occurring again.
Occupational health and safety network in Thai medical schools: new paradigm of strengthening practice for health care workers
Authors: Ekpanyaskul C
Published: October 2012

Background

Occupational health and safety network in Thai medical schools (OHNMS) deal with occupational injury prevention and occupational health and safety (OHS) promotion network for health care workers (HCWs). It is supported by Consortium of Thai medical schools.

Aims

To develop the networking model for strengthening practice under limited resources.

Methods

Physicians, nurses and other people who are responsible for OHS in each medical school got together to set up the network. The vision of this OHNMS is ‘the leadership in OHS promotion in Thailand’. The network carries out under three strategies (1) OHS accreditation strategy, (2) health surveillance strategy and (3) build the competency and knowledge strategy.

Outcomes

In 3 years, the activities and outputs of OHNMS were as follows: best practice for OHS service in medical schools, develop the environmental, health and safety surveillance system for HCWs, develop an OHS software programme and database to record HCWs' health, professional network of occupational physicians and occupational health nurses, recommend teaching OHS topics for medical student and research in OHS issues and publication.

Significance

The advantages of OHNMS are to provide (1) effectiveness system for OHS service. (2) professional network and comprehensive knowledge management to society and (3) the channel to communicate in OHS promotion among medical schools. OHNMS is one model to develop and strengthen of OHS system. The network can easily move each organisation for OHS service. The activities of the network could be develop environmental of organisation change and save the cost rather than doing it individually.
Behaviour Based Safety reduces risk for NZ truck drivers
Authors: Everdon R , Leland LS , Alsop B
Published: October 2012

Background

Previous truck safety research has been conducted overseas, in environments unlike NZ. In hundreds of workplace applications, Behaviour Based Safety (BBS) has decreased hazardous behaviours; yet BBS is largely untested with lone workers (ie, truck drivers). Still, the US Transportation Research Board determined that BBS ‘had potential’ for use within the transport industry.

Aims/Objectives/Purpose

Our BBS programme is an applied psychological strategy that was designed for, and with the assistance of, NZ truck drivers. Our aim was to create a behavioural ‘shift’ to help reduce truck crashes, road fatalities, and injuries to truck drivers and other road users.

Methods

We used key BBS techniques—including employee input, safety checklists, and positive feedback. Five driver groups (n=75) provided a multiple baseline, time-series design. The drivers completed short, simple, safety self-reports periodically during their workweeks.

Results/Outcomes

Driver responses and alert ratings revealed decreased at-risk behaviours and improved ‘per safe’ scores. We found ownership (buy-in) and completion of programme varied between driver subgroups. Further planned investigation includes relationships between alert ratings/driver behaviours; fatigue levels/shift drivers; and group/individual differences.

Significance/Contribution to the Field

Almost everything is delivered by truck in NZ and so we need to reduce the risks inherent to driving. Our safety programme offers a low-cost, worker-friendly strategy that can help reduce truck crashes, injuries, and other associated harm; additionally, it can easily be adapted to suit other professions.