A constante mudança nos meios de trabalho ocorre devido a evolução tecnológica e industrial. Entretanto, com o advento de tais inovações, dificilmente o trabalhador da indústria não é submetido aos mais variados riscos ocupacionais resultantes dos processos produtivos. Diante deste contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo principal avaliar os níveis de vibração e de ruído aos quais os trabalhadores de uma empresa do setor da construção civil, especializada na manutenção e reformas de pisos industriais, estavam expostos durante suas jornadas de trabalho em duas frentes de trabalho. As medições foram realizadas em locais e dias distintos nos municípios de Curitiba e de São José dos Pinhais, ambos no estado do Paraná. Para a avaliação da vibração ocupacional, utilizou-se um acelerômetro junto ao trabalhador e um sensor triaxial acoplado na empunhadura dos equipamentos objeto de estudo, que foram duas diferentes fresadoras de piso. Posteriormente os dados foram processados e comparados com o novo texto do Anexo no 08 da Norma Regulamentadora NR-15, apresentado para consulta pública pelo Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego entre os meses de janeiro e fevereiro de 2014. Já para a medição do ruído utilizou-se um dosímetro de ruído junto ao trabalhador, cujo resultado final possibilitou a comparação com o Anexo no 01 da mesma Norma Regulamentadora. Os resultados finais indicaram níveis de exposição excessivos, superiores aos limites de tolerância determinados pela Legislação, tanto para vibração quanto para o ruído, gerando insalubridade para os trabalhadores expostos, em todos os locais onde foram realizadas as medições. / The constant change in the means of work is done by technological and industrial developments. However, with the advent of such innovations, hardly the work of the industry is not subject to a variety of occupational hazards resulting from production processes. Given this context, the present study aimed to monitor the working hours of the employees of a company in the construction industry, specializing in industrial floor maintenance and renovations, as exposure of vibration and noise on two fronts work in the cities of Curitiba - PR and São José dos Pinhais – PR. The program took place in two locations and on different days. The workday adopted by the company is six hours daily. For the evaluation of vibration, we used accelerometer with the worker and coupled to the handle of the equipment object of study, a mill floor, triaxial sensor subsequently the data were processed and compared with the new text of Annex No. 08, NR 15, submitted for public consultation by the Ministry of Labour and Employment in the months of January and February 2014. As for noise measurement used a dosimeter with the worker, whose final results enabled comparison with the regulatory norm 15 - Annex No. 01. The final results indicate excessive exposure to the tolerance specified by the legislation, both vibration and sound pressure level, featuring unhealthy at all locations where measurements were performed.

O ambiente hospitalar é um local que requer cuidados especiais. No caso de reformas e até mesmo construções um cuidado maior é necessário, já que demolições, lixamentos e outros tipos de intervenções podem gerar aerossóis. Nos aerossóis estão presentes fungos que ao serem inalados por pacientes imunocomprometidos ou transplantados apresentam grande probabilidade de provocar infecções graves, que em muitos casos são letais. Face ao exposto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar a ocorrência de fungos em argamassas de revestimento no ambiente hospitalar. A pesquisa foi realizada em paredes de alvenaria do Hospital de Clínicas, da Universidade Federal do Paraná, de onde foram extraídas amostras da região da superfície, da argamassa e do bloco cerâmico. As amostras foram semeadas em placas de Petri e RODAC® contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose e incubadas a 25oC durante sete dias. Após esse período o crescimento de fungos nas placas foi analisado. A variação da temperatura e umidade foi monitorada por meio de sistema remoto e manual. A argamassa dos ambientes avaliados teve seus valores de resistência à tração e teor de umidade determinados. Das 150 amostras coletadas 39% apresentaram crescimento positivo com a seguinte distribuição de fungos: Aspergillus (presente em 28% das amostras), Absidia (21%), Cladosporium (18%), Rhizopus (10%), Rhodotorulla (8%), Fusarium (6%), Penicillium (3%), A. flavus, demais fungos e outros fungos filamentosos (2%) cada. Nos substratos do interior das paredes pesquisadas foram identificadas três espécies diferentes de Aspergillus: A. flavus, A. fumigatus e A.niger. Todas as espécies de Aspergillus encontradas podem causar aspergilose invasiva e, por isso, oferecem sérios riscos à saúde de pacientes imunocomprometidos. Em uma das paredes avaliadas o teor de umidade encontrado foi igual a 12% e a resistência à tração foi nula. O estudo evidenciou a presença de fungos oportunistas, tais como Aspergillus e Fusarium, tanto nas amostras de argamassa quanto nas de bloco cerâmico retiradas do interior das paredes dos ambientes pesquisados. / The hospital is a place that requires special care. In terms of reforms and even buildings, this site requires even greater care since, demolition, sanding and other types of interventions can generate aerosols. In aerosols, commonly called dust, fungi are present is high the probability of the fungi be aspirated by immunocompromised patients in a hospital. This microorganisms can germinate and cause severe infections and lethal in many cases. The present work has as its object to identify and characterize the occurrence of fungi in mortar coating in the hospital environment. The survey was conducted in masonry walls of the Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, in which were extracted samples of the surface, of the mortar and of the ceramic block. Samples were plated on Petri plates containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, incubated at 25 ° C for seven days, and after this period was analyzed fungal growth. The environments had their temperature and humidity monitored by a remote and manual system during one year. The mortar coating these environments was also investigated with respect to tensile strength and moisture content. Of the samples collected 39% showed growth of colonies with the following distribution of microorganisms: Aspergillus (28% of the samples), Absidia (21%), Cladosporium (18%), Rhizopus (10%), Rhodotorulla (8%), Fusarium (6%), Penicillium (2%), A. flavus, other genera and other filamentous fungi (2%). Within the substrate researched were identified three different species of Aspergillus: A. A.flavus, A.fumigatus and A.niger. All species of Aspergillus found cause invasive aspergillosis and therefore offer a serious risk to immunocompromised patients. In one of the walls evaluated the moisture content was equal 12% and the tensile strength was zero. The study revealed the presence of opportunistic fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, among others, in the mortar and in the ceramic block inside the wall of the environments studied.

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo propor, implementar e avaliar um Sistema de Gestão da Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho (SGHSSMAT), em uma empresa do setor da construção civil com atuação na cidade de Curitiba, estado do Paraná, visando à redução do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção - FAP. Primeiramente, foi realizado um diagnóstico inicial das condições de Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho. Logo após, foi formulado e implementado o SG-HSSMAT, fundamentado em três eixos: atendimento à Legislação; Práticas Seguras; e, Inspeções de Segurança. A medição do desempenho do SG-HSSMAT foi efetivada por meio de nove avaliações quadrimestrais, com base no atendimento à Norma Regulamentadora nº 18 (NR-18 - Condições e Meio Ambiente de Trabalho na Indústria da Construção, e também pelas informações disponibilizadas anualmente pela Previdência Social em relação ao FAP. No período da pesquisa, de janeiro de 2009 a setembro de 2011, a empresa pesquisada teve um ganho importante nas avaliações das condições de Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho, e a redução em 50% do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção. Além disso, a implementação do SG-HSSMAT tornou a empresa mais justa, e seus trabalhadores conquistaram condições de trabalho digno. Desta forma, o projeto de pesquisa poderá ser utilizado por outras empresas e ser útil para a sociedade contemporânea. / This paper has as its main goal to propose, implement and evaluate a Management System of Hygiene, Health and Security at the Work Environment (SG-HSSMAT), at a civil construction company in Curitiba’s city, state of Parana, in order to reduce the Accident Prevention Factor – FAP. First, we performed an initial diagnosis of Hygiene, Health and Safety at Work Environment’s conditions. Then, it was formulated and implemented the SG-HSSMAT, based on three axes: Compliance with Legislation, Safe Practices and Safety Inspections. The performance measuring of SG-HSSMAT was produced according to the result of nine evaluations made quarterly. Those evaluations were based on the Regulatory Norm No. 18 (NR-18) - Conditions and Work Environment in the Construction Industry- and also on the information provided annually by the Social Security Institute concerning the Accident Prevention Factor (FAP). During the research period from January 2009 to September 2011-, the company where this project was implemented had a significant improvement on its evaluations of Hygiene, Health and Safety at Work Environment, and also a 50% (fifty percent) reduction of the Accident Prevention Factor. Additionally, the implementation of the SG-HSSMAT has provided to this company a more pleasant place to work and has also provided the employees better working conditions. Therefore, the research project may be used by other companies and can be useful for the contemporary society.

O ambiente hospitalar é um local que requer cuidados especiais. No caso de reformas e até mesmo construções um cuidado maior é necessário, já que demolições, lixamentos e outros tipos de intervenções podem gerar aerossóis. Nos aerossóis estão presentes fungos que ao serem inalados por pacientes imunocomprometidos ou transplantados apresentam grande probabilidade de provocar infecções graves, que em muitos casos são letais. Face ao exposto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo caracterizar a ocorrência de fungos em argamassas de revestimento no ambiente hospitalar. A pesquisa foi realizada em paredes de alvenaria do Hospital de Clínicas, da Universidade Federal do Paraná, de onde foram extraídas amostras da região da superfície, da argamassa e do bloco cerâmico. As amostras foram semeadas em placas de Petri e RODAC® contendo Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose e incubadas a 25oC durante sete dias. Após esse período o crescimento de fungos nas placas foi analisado. A variação da temperatura e umidade foi monitorada por meio de sistema remoto e manual. A argamassa dos ambientes avaliados teve seus valores de resistência à tração e teor de umidade determinados. Das 150 amostras coletadas 39% apresentaram crescimento positivo com a seguinte distribuição de fungos: Aspergillus (presente em 28% das amostras), Absidia (21%), Cladosporium (18%), Rhizopus (10%), Rhodotorulla (8%), Fusarium (6%), Penicillium (3%), A. flavus, demais fungos e outros fungos filamentosos (2%) cada. Nos substratos do interior das paredes pesquisadas foram identificadas três espécies diferentes de Aspergillus: A. flavus, A. fumigatus e A.niger. Todas as espécies de Aspergillus encontradas podem causar aspergilose invasiva e, por isso, oferecem sérios riscos à saúde de pacientes imunocomprometidos. Em uma das paredes avaliadas o teor de umidade encontrado foi igual a 12% e a resistência à tração foi nula. O estudo evidenciou a presença de fungos oportunistas, tais como Aspergillus e Fusarium, tanto nas amostras de argamassa quanto nas de bloco cerâmico retiradas do interior das paredes dos ambientes pesquisados. / The hospital is a place that requires special care. In terms of reforms and even buildings, this site requires even greater care since, demolition, sanding and other types of interventions can generate aerosols. In aerosols, commonly called dust, fungi are present is high the probability of the fungi be aspirated by immunocompromised patients in a hospital. This microorganisms can germinate and cause severe infections and lethal in many cases. The present work has as its object to identify and characterize the occurrence of fungi in mortar coating in the hospital environment. The survey was conducted in masonry walls of the Clinics Hospital, Federal University of Paraná, in which were extracted samples of the surface, of the mortar and of the ceramic block. Samples were plated on Petri plates containing Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, incubated at 25 ° C for seven days, and after this period was analyzed fungal growth. The environments had their temperature and humidity monitored by a remote and manual system during one year. The mortar coating these environments was also investigated with respect to tensile strength and moisture content. Of the samples collected 39% showed growth of colonies with the following distribution of microorganisms: Aspergillus (28% of the samples), Absidia (21%), Cladosporium (18%), Rhizopus (10%), Rhodotorulla (8%), Fusarium (6%), Penicillium (2%), A. flavus, other genera and other filamentous fungi (2%). Within the substrate researched were identified three different species of Aspergillus: A. A.flavus, A.fumigatus and A.niger. All species of Aspergillus found cause invasive aspergillosis and therefore offer a serious risk to immunocompromised patients. In one of the walls evaluated the moisture content was equal 12% and the tensile strength was zero. The study revealed the presence of opportunistic fungi such as Aspergillus, Fusarium, among others, in the mortar and in the ceramic block inside the wall of the environments studied.

A presente pesquisa teve como objetivo propor, implementar e avaliar um Sistema de Gestão da Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho (SGHSSMAT), em uma empresa do setor da construção civil com atuação na cidade de Curitiba, estado do Paraná, visando à redução do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção - FAP. Primeiramente, foi realizado um diagnóstico inicial das condições de Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho. Logo após, foi formulado e implementado o SG-HSSMAT, fundamentado em três eixos: atendimento à Legislação; Práticas Seguras; e, Inspeções de Segurança. A medição do desempenho do SG-HSSMAT foi efetivada por meio de nove avaliações quadrimestrais, com base no atendimento à Norma Regulamentadora nº 18 (NR-18 - Condições e Meio Ambiente de Trabalho na Indústria da Construção, e também pelas informações disponibilizadas anualmente pela Previdência Social em relação ao FAP. No período da pesquisa, de janeiro de 2009 a setembro de 2011, a empresa pesquisada teve um ganho importante nas avaliações das condições de Higiene, Saúde e Segurança no Meio Ambiente do Trabalho, e a redução em 50% do Fator Acidentário de Prevenção. Além disso, a implementação do SG-HSSMAT tornou a empresa mais justa, e seus trabalhadores conquistaram condições de trabalho digno. Desta forma, o projeto de pesquisa poderá ser utilizado por outras empresas e ser útil para a sociedade contemporânea. / This paper has as its main goal to propose, implement and evaluate a Management System of Hygiene, Health and Security at the Work Environment (SG-HSSMAT), at a civil construction company in Curitiba’s city, state of Parana, in order to reduce the Accident Prevention Factor – FAP. First, we performed an initial diagnosis of Hygiene, Health and Safety at Work Environment’s conditions. Then, it was formulated and implemented the SG-HSSMAT, based on three axes: Compliance with Legislation, Safe Practices and Safety Inspections. The performance measuring of SG-HSSMAT was produced according to the result of nine evaluations made quarterly. Those evaluations were based on the Regulatory Norm No. 18 (NR-18) - Conditions and Work Environment in the Construction Industry- and also on the information provided annually by the Social Security Institute concerning the Accident Prevention Factor (FAP). During the research period from January 2009 to September 2011-, the company where this project was implemented had a significant improvement on its evaluations of Hygiene, Health and Safety at Work Environment, and also a 50% (fifty percent) reduction of the Accident Prevention Factor. Additionally, the implementation of the SG-HSSMAT has provided to this company a more pleasant place to work and has also provided the employees better working conditions. Therefore, the research project may be used by other companies and can be useful for the contemporary society.

INTERNET-BASED BEHAVIOR OF IT PROFESSIONALS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ONLINE ERGONOMIC EDUCATION TO PREVENT WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS By Priyadarshini Pattath, Ph.D. A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Commonwealth University, 2017 Director: Dr. Robin Hurst, Assistant Professor of Adult Learning, Teaching and Learning, School of Education The purpose of this study was to explore the preferences of medium of ergonomic education and views about self-directed online training modules to prevent musculoskeletal disorders in computer professionals and understand their perspectives and experiences about online health information seeking using a self-directed learning framework. To accomplish this, a qualitative research design was used to analyze data from interviews and observation. An exploratory case study research design was employed to examine the experiences of fifteen information technology professionals. The findings revealed that the preference for the mode of delivery of ergonomic education depends on the individual attitude and on the perceived attributes of the particular mode of delivery. The findings highlighted the role of the Internet in making significant lifestyle and contextual modifications. Finally, the findings highlighted the barriers that were faced when seeking health information on the Internet. The findings of this study were limited by the nature of the research and sample size. Additional research is needed to support the findings. Implications for research and practice are discussed.

Disasters are complex events characterized by damage to key infrastructure and population displacements into disaster shelters. Assessing the living environment in shelters during disasters is a crucial health security concern. Until now, jurisdictional knowledge and preparedness on those assessment methods, or deficiencies found in shelters is limited. A cross-sectional survey (STUSA survey) ascertained knowledge and preparedness for those assessments in all 50 states, DC, and 5 US territories. Descriptive analysis of overall knowledge and preparedness was performed. Fisher’s exact statistics analyzed differences between two groups: jurisdiction type and population size. Two logistic regression models analyzed earthquakes and hurricane risks as predictors of knowledge and preparedness. A convenience sample of state shelter assessments records (n=116) was analyzed to describe environmental health deficiencies found during selected events. Overall, 55 (98%) of jurisdictions responded (states and territories) and appeared to be knowledgeable of these assessments (states 92%, territories 100%, p = 1.000), and engaged in disaster planning with shelter partners (states 96%, territories 83%, p = 0.564). Few had shelter assessment procedures (states 53%, territories 50%, p = 1.000); or training in disaster shelter assessments (states 41%, 60% territories, p = 0.638). Knowledge or preparedness was not predicted by disaster risks, population size, and jurisdiction type in neither model. Knowledge: hurricane (Adjusted OR 0.69, 95% C.I. 0.06-7.88); earthquake (OR 0.82, 95% C.I. 0.17-4.06); and both risks (OR 1.44, 95% C.I. 0.24-8.63); preparedness model: hurricane (OR 1.91, 95% C.I. 0.06-20.69); earthquake (OR 0.47, 95% C.I. 0.7-3.17); and both risks (OR 0.50, 95% C.I. 0.06-3.94). Environmental health deficiencies documented in shelter assessments occurred mostly in: sanitation (30%); facility (17%); food (15%); and sleeping areas (12%); and during ice storms and tornadoes. More research is needed in the area of environmental health assessments of disaster shelters, particularly, in those areas that may provide better insight into the living environment of all shelter occupants and potential effects in disaster morbidity and mortality. Also, to evaluate the effectiveness and usefulness of these assessments methods and the data available on environmental health deficiencies in risk management to protect those at greater risk in shelter facilities during disasters.

The aim of the study was to investigate the management of HIV /AIDS programmes at the workplace in four selected organisations in Chris Hani District, Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Four organisations were studied, two public organisations and two private organisations. With the use of triangulation method, two hundred employees were administered a semi- structured questionnaire while for (four) managers, semi structured in-depth interviews were conducted. The major findings of this study outline that all the four organisations studied have HIV/AIDS programmes and policies for their employees. However, there were no budget allocations for these programmes to be fully implemented for effectiveness. From the data, it can be concluded that HIV/AIDS has a negative impact on organisations‟ production like high training costs, high labour turnover and high absenteeism from work. This has been as a result of managers who did not put their total commitment towards HIV/AIDS management at their workplaces in the same way they have done to other core areas of businesses of their organisations. The study therefore recommends the management of these organisations to demonstrate a clear commitment to the HIV/AIDS management strategies by fully implementing the HIV/AIDS management programmes in their workplaces. It is very crucial for employees to see this commitment in a concrete form through non-discrimination and support for the people living with HIV/AIDS. Clear unambiguous commitment will go far in developing mutual trust between employers and employees and facilitate an atmosphere where people are willing to undergo VCT and to possibly disclose their status. Furthermore, managers are recommended to hire quality service providers to carry out intensive de-stigmatisation processes. This will create a supportive environment and adequately address the fears of employees about HIV/AIDS issues at the workplace. All these recommendations will go a long way in assisting organisations achieve their strategic business objectives and reduce the negative impact of HIV/AIDS at their workplaces.

Depuis l’apparition du CHSCT en 1982, la représentation élue du personnel a connu de profondes évolutions. Délégués du personnel, comités d’entreprise et CHSCT ont dû s’adapter à la considérable extension des notions de santé et de sécurité. L’intégration de l’impératif de protection de la santé mentale des travailleurs dans le Code du travail a bouleversé le champ de compétences du CHSCT. La prévention des risques psycho-sociaux s’est rapidement invitée au centre de ses préoccupations, élargissant d’autant l’obligation de consultation mise à la charge de l’employeur. Des projets et mesures qui initialement nécessitaient la seule consultation du comité d’entreprise doivent dorénavant être également soumis à l’avis du CHSCT. Dans cette procédure de double consultation l’employeur est guidé par le principe de spécialité qui transforme le comité d’entreprise en simple chambre d’enregistrement des avis de l’instance spécialisée. De l’expansion du CHSCT naissent redondances et lourdeurs. Une réforme doit être envisagée. Transformation de l’instance spécialisée en commission du comité d’entreprise ou redistribution des compétences de chacun : l’alternative offerte impose la discussion. / Since the emergence of the CHSCT (health, safety and working conditions committee) in 1982, the elected representation of employees has profoundly changed. Employee representatives, works councils and the CHSCT have had to adapt to the considerable extension of the concepts of health and safety. The integration of the requirement to protect the mental health of workers in the Labour Code has radically altered the scope of competence of the CHSCT. The prevention of psychosocial risks quickly invited itself as the centre of its concerns, thereby extending the consultation obligation borne by the employer. Projects and measures that initially only required the consultation of the works council are now also subject to the prior opinion of the CHSCT. In this procedure of double consultation the employer is guided by the principle of specialty that turns the works council in a mere rubber stamp of the opinion of the specialized committee. The expansion of the CHSCT has caused reiterations and cumbersomeness. A reform must be considered. Transformation of the specialized body in a committee of the works council or redistribution of powers of each : the alternative offered requires discussion.

The purpose of this project was to develop an employer handbook to assist them in developing a return to work program for industrially injured workers.