Industries related to agricultural cooperatives record some of the highest injury rates in the U.S. Therefore, agricultural cooperatives are highly motivated to invest in occupational health and safety (OHS). This thesis examines the economic efficiency of OHS investments at agricultural cooperatives and identifies cooperative characteristics leading to greater economic efficiency of OHS investments. A multiple input-output data envelopment analysis (DEA) is used to estimate technical efficiency. The effects of cooperative characteristics on the efficiency of OHS investments are estimated using ordinary least squares, censored regression, truncated regression, and the Simar and Wilson (2007) bootstrap procedure. Results show that the mean technical efficiency score was 0.833. Furthermore, a cooperative’s annual insurance premia has a significant, negative relationship with technical efficiency. In contrast, the experience levels of a cooperative’s top safety person and top managerial person and a location’s total workers employed have significant, positive relationships with efficiency in all estimated models. / North Dakota State University. Department of College of Agriculture, Food Systems and Natural Resources

MPM / Department of Public Health

Research has demonstrated that safety outcomes are impacted by workplace risk factors, but also supervisory practices and employee actions. An area that has not been explored is the impact of employee cognitions on safety outcomes defined as work-related injuries. Based on the conceptual framework of psychological empowerment (PE), the purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of employee cognitions as measured by PE as related to leadership and safety climate and the occurrence of work-related injury. The research examined the mediating effect of (PE) on the factors of leadership and safety climate and their relationship to work-related injury. A cross-sectional survey design was used to gather data from a convenience sample of 125 front-line food manufacturing employees from 3 different organizations. Multiple regression was used to analyze data from the Organization-Level Safety Climate Scale, the Psychological Empowerment Instrument, the Leader Behavior Scale, and number of self-reported injuries. The results of the analysis were non-significant. Although the results were non-significant, this study promotes positive social change in bringing awareness to the issue of employee cognitions and their role in workplace injury. Exploring the implications of cognitive variables including PE using a different methodology such as incorporating a qualitative follow-up questionnaire could lead to clarity of the value of PE in reducing workplace injury thereby positively impacting employees, organizations, family members, and tax payers.

The roles that universities played in the response to the Fukushima nuclear disaster were significant and varied; however, there was limited study on participating graduate students. The purpose of this study was to understand the impact of disaster response on graduate students' personal and academic development. This study examined research questions about the perceived impact on academic and personal identity development. Empowerment, cognitive content engagement, general systems theory, and utilitarianism formed the theoretical foundation. This study used a transcendental phenomenological approach to examine the subjects' experiences in the context of involvement in disaster response. The primary source of data was semiopen interviews with individuals that were publicly recruited graduate students at the time of their involvement in the Fukushima nuclear disaster response; data were triangulated with interviews from faculty supervisors. Analyzing the data resulted in the themes of predisaster normality, proximal impact, stress, perception of foreignness, relationships, breakdowns in relationships, change, new relationships, and religion. Interpreting these themes, it was determined that proximity played a role in the decision to engage in the response effort. Furthermore, identification with victims increased the stress of participants. While the experience was empowering, caution is necessary. Further research is recommended into disaster recovery, the role of interpreters in disaster response, and the role of universities in disaster infrastructure. This information can promote social change by enabling graduate students and gatekeepers to better understand potential outcomes for incorporating graduate students into disaster infrastructure.

The aim of this study was to determine the impact that Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) design features of green buildings, have on specific organisational outcomes. The organisational outcomes investigated were physical wellbeing, psychological wellbeing, productivity, absenteeism and job satisfaction. These outcomes were investigated within two different green buildings, belonging to a large financial institution, situated in Johannesburg and Durban. Self-report questionnaires were distributed to employees via email inviting them to participate in the study. The questionnaires contained the Warwick-Edinburg Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS) questions, and single-item questions measuring productivity and job satisfaction. Actual absenteeism records were obtained of the participating sample from the organisation. Measures were taken before the participants moved into each of the green buildings and 12 months post occupancy in the green buildings. Measures of a comparison group that did not move into either of the green buildings were also taken at the same time periods. The final sample consisted of 175 participants. The results of this study illustrated significant differences in physical wellbeing and productivity of the participants in the green building situated in Durban. Both these measures increased 12 months post occupancy in the green building. The IEQ design features that were found to most significantly impact wellbeing and productivity within the two green buildings were lighting and air conditions. This research is important as there is a growing movement towards implementing green building design initiatives, however in order to be truly effective, the benefits of green building designs must extend beyond the benefits to the environment and also consider the benefits to its occupants (Heerwagen, 2000).

The aim of the study was to determine whether there is a relationship between organisational culture and occupational health. The General Health Questionnaire and the South African Culture Instruments were used for this purpose. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used for this purpose. The study focused on clarifying the two concepts and their impact on the organisation. The effects of general health factors were determined in the organisation under investigation. The existing organisational culture was also investigated. In conclusion, the assumption that occupational health can have an impact on organisational health, or vice versa, was confirmed. / Industrial & Organisational Psychology / MCom (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2011. / A company’s primary goal is to make money. Simple as it may seem, this is not always easily achieved, and sustainability of the business may be a serious challenge. In an effort to make a profit, important aspects of safety, health, environment and quality (SHEQ) may sometimes be neglected. Some small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) merely do not have the understanding or the capacity to address all the important aspects of SHEQ, thereby placing the company under potential financial and legal risks. A survey was conducted in SMEs based in the Durban area to ascertain their level of legislative and voluntary system standard awareness and implementation. The questionnaire responses indicated that general awareness of legislation such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act, the National Environmental Management Act and voluntary system standards such as ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 was relatively good, on the whole. However, implementation of the mandatory environmental requirements associated with the National Environmental Management Act was low, as was the implementation of the voluntary standards. Management and implementation of SHEQ responsibilities and requirement in larger organisations may be divided amongst various discipline specialists. However, in the SME these various disciplines may be the responsibility of one person, and often this person is the managing director. As such, this individual may not always have adequate time or understanding of the legal requirements of SHEQ aspects. There may also be a lack of understanding of the potential cost implications in not managing SHEQ aspects, and similarly budgeting requirements of managing SHEQ aspects appropriately. This research report introduces and summarises key SHEQ legislation and voluntary management system standards, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the National Environmental Management Act, local bylaws, and introduces the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001. Since some characteristics of the disciplines of health and safety, environment and quality may overlap, combining these into an integrated management system has merit. Such an integrated system can save the company time and money. This research report reviews some pertinent business requirements associated with SHEQ and presents an integrated management system guideline for the SME business owner. Business management, today, needs to learn from past business management developments. Successful and sustainable business management is not only about making a profit, but also incorporates a significant human resource management focus, health and safety assurance, the mitigation of potential environmental impacts from operations, whilst ensuring that quality standards of products and services are competitive.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The catering industry by its constituent membership of hotels, restaurants, lodges, bars, night clubs, takeaways and every tourist activity is susceptible and vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. This study analysed the business response to HIV/AIDS by establishments in the catering industry in Zimbabwe. The case study focused on establishments in Harare using a questionnaire with both open-ended and closed questions for data collection. The results of the study acknowledged the impact of HIV/AIDS on human resources capital and the business. The study also highlighted the need to conduct an assessment of the status of HIV/AIDS in the industry and its impact on both people and business. The epidemic was also acknowledged as a threat to the industry (both workforce and the business)hence the need for business response. However, the study revealed that the current business response was very minimal, erratic and uncoordinated. The study also highlighted the discriminatory practices in the catering industry especially in the treatment of persons infected with HIV. The study revealed the urgent need to put in place effective response to mitigate the impact of HIV/AIDS in the catering industry. Recommendations have been made to address HIV/AIDS in the workplace. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaal tot watter mate die voedselverskaffingsindustrie in Zimbabwe as besigheid gereageer het teenoor MIV/Vigs en wat hulle besigheidsrespons was. Resultate van die studie dui aan dat hierdie besigheidsektor wel erkenning gee aan die negatiewe impak wat MIV/Vigs op menslike hulpbronne . MIV/Vigs word as ‘n bedreiging erken en die negatiewe impak daarvan op besighede word deeglik besef. Die studie dui egter ook aan dat die huidige respons van die voedselverskaffingsektor minimaal, ongereeld en ongekoordineerd is. Die studie wys ook daarop dat daar nog steeds baie hoogs-diskriminerende praktyke binne die industrie bestaan, veral ten opsigte van pasiënte wat tans op behandeling is vir MIV-verwante siektetoestande. Die studie wys op die noodsaaklikheid van ‘n doeltreffende besigheidsrepons binne die voedselverskaffingsindustrie en voorstelle word gemaak vir die beter bestuur van MIV/Vigs binne hierdie bedryfsektor.

Much research has gone into noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the effects of high intensity noise levels on the hearing mechanism of individuals. A study by the National Institutes of Health has established that high intensity sounds can cause hearing damage of either a temporary, or worse, a permanent nature; regardless of the age of the person. While sound levels below 75 decibels are considered comparatively harmless and have been found not to cause any kind of permanent hearing loss; sound levels greater than 85 decibels and regular exposure of approximately 8 hours per day, on an average, has been found to cause permanent loss of hearing (Bulla, 2003). The purpose of this research study was to assess excessive noise exposure of music-oriented nightclub employees, with music playing. Two employees were used as candidates for the purpose of this study, which was conducted on three days during a work week. Data on personal noise exposure was collected using personal noise dosimeters on a server and a promoter. For purposes of the study, a sound level meter was used to collect the noise levels in the working area, and prepare a sound map. The study was conducted in a nightclub in Tampa, Florida, with music playing. Data was collected on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. In total, the data was collected over six sampling nights. The data on noise levels was collected for both personal noise data levels and area noise levels during the period of study. In addition to the personal dosimeters, a sound level meter was also used for data collection. The results of this study indicate that noise levels were highest on nights with live entertainment. The days with performance of live entertainment were random and followed no particular order. The highest TWA noise exposure of 97.3 dB, for the server, occurred on Saturday, when a live entertainer performed in the establishment. The highest TWA noise exposure of 94.3 dB, for the promoter, occurred on Wednesday. Using the OSHA PEL and OSHA Hearing Conversation measurement methods, the server was exposed to excessive noise levels, greater than 85 dBA, on every night of the study (6 nights), while the promoter had three exposures that were greater than 90 dBA, using the OSHA PEL method, and exposures greater than 85 dBA on every night of the study, using the OSHA Hearing Conservation method. However, using the ACGIH measurement method, both the Server and the Promoter were exposed to excessive noise levels every night of the study (six nights).

En France, deux bases de données d’exposition professionnelle, COLCHIC et SCOLA, coexistent avec des objectifs différents (prévention et réglementation). Leur représentativité par rapport à la population générale est cependant inconnue, et fait l’objet de ce travail. Après avoir effectué une analyse descriptive comparative, l’étude de l’association entre les niveaux d’exposition et les éléments contextuels a été réalisée par modélisation statistique pour chaque agent, séparément pour COLCHIC et SCOLA, puis dans un jeu de données commun. La synthèse à travers les agents s’est faite par Méta analyse. COLCHIC et SCOLA contiennent respectivement 929 700 (670 agents chimiques) et 429 104 données (105). Trois forts prédicteurs « Durée de prélèvement », « Equipement de protection individuelle » et « Année » sont systématiquement associés aux niveaux dans les deux bases et 3 autres sont spécifiques à chacune d’elles. Avec des niveaux deux fois plus élevés dans COLCHIC comparés à SCOLA en 2007, leurs concentrations deviennent comparables entre 2012 et 2015. COLCHIC et SCOLA représentent une source importante d’informations. La prise en compte des descripteurs associés aux mesures et l’utilisation de méthodes prédictives permettront d’en améliorer l’interprétation / Two occupational exposure databases of occupational exposures to chemicals, COLCHIC and SCOLA, coexist in France with different objectives (prevention and compliance). Little is known about their representativeness of exposures in the general population. We explored to what extent COLCHIC and SCOLA adequately reflect occupational exposures in France. After performing a descriptive and comparative analysis, associations between exposure levels and ancillary information were explored for each agent, separately for COLCHIC and SCOLA and in a common dataset, using statistical modelling. Modelling results were synthesized across agents using Meta analysis. COLCHIC and SCOLA contain, respectively, 929 700 (670 chemicals) and 429 104 records (105). Three predictors "Sample Time", "Personal protective equipment" and "Year" are strongly associated with exposure levels across a large majority of chemicals in both databases, and 3 others are specific to each one. Exposure levels are in average twice higher in COLCHIC compared to SCOLA in 2007, but become comparable from 2012-2015. COLCHIC and SCOLA are an important source of information. Inclusion of descriptors associated with exposure levels in our study and the use of predictive methods should help to improve their interpretation.