U.S. Army Regulations require soldiers to be fit, as excessive weight negatively impacts their readiness, health, and morale. A quantitative study examined if personal, behavioral, and/or environmental factors predict a soldier's self-efficacy and body mass index. Data were obtained from 117 soldiers on 6 scales: the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, the Army Physical Fitness Test, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Stress Management Questionnaire, the Lifestyle Assessment Inventory, and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine if personal (intellectual capabilities and physical fitness), behavioral (lifestyle and stress management), and/or environmental (supervisor leadership) factors predict self-efficacy and body mass index in a convenience sample of battalion personnel. The analysis showed that lifestyle and stress management behavioral factors predict self-efficacy, whereas physical fitness predicts body mass index. In addition, there were significant correlations between self-efficacy, personal factors, and behavioral factors; between personal factors, behavioral factors, and body mass index; and between behavioral and environmental factors. Positive social change implications include the U.S. Army using these findings to promote healthy lifestyles, reduce stress, and increase physical fitness among soldiers to achieve higher self-efficacy and a lower body mass index. These findings also suggest that the military services would see better physical readiness by considering personal, behavioral, and environmental factors to meet standards.

Thesis--University of Michigan, 1996.

Thesis--University of Michigan, 1996.

Occupational injuries and illnesses remain to be a heavy burden on workers and employees in industrial developing and industrially developed societies, and health and safety in workplaces continues to be an important issue for ergonomists. Steps are being taken to stimulate health and safety agendas and to discover ways in which health and safety in industries can be improved. The main responsibility of employers is to provide employees with information, instructions and training that they required to carry out their work tasks in a healthy, practical and safe manner. The role of education as a countermeasure to occupational injury and illness is being re-examined by health and safety practitioners and safety training is being considered as a vital part of accident prevention strategies. Effective training programmes should guarantee that workers possess the skills they require to complete their tasks in a safe and healthy manner. Very little is known about the type and quality of training workers undergo and how that training affects the safety outcomes of companies. There has been an attempt over the past 20 years to increase the research on safety communications and a great deal of this research has been focused on safety warnings; with the greatest attention been placed on the components of safety signs, such as colours, size, shapes and icons. The effects of these components on comprehension with relation to age and education have not received the same amount of attention. The impact of familiarity on safety warnings with respect to age and education has also received very little attention; despite the knowledge that familiarity has been shown to increase the noticing of warnings and the comprehension of safety information. Despite the increase in the research on safety communication, the literature and research in South Africa is scarce. Studies present in South Africa do not encompass the comprehension of safety signs or the ability of individuals with different age and education levels to learn the information included in the signs. Due to the multi-linguistic nature of South Africa and the fact that South Africa is an Industrially Developing Country (IDC) with high levels of illiteracy, issues such as the comprehension of safety information must be addressed. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of safety sign attributes on learning and familiarity, in subjects that differed in age and education levels. These effects were investigated through measuring the reaction and response times of the different subject groups, as well as the number of components in the safety signs that were recalled correctly. The combined results of these responses were used as a measure for familiarity. A set of signs was designed for the study by the researcher using three different colours, three different shapes, three different icons and text. Certain variables were omitted from some signs to create the test pool and the eight conditions that were tested in a laboratory setting. Each condition contained different components of the designed signs and 60 subjects were used to test these conditions. The subjects were placed in groups according to their age and level of education. Subjects were required to learn a set of 64 signs, either “With Occlusion” or “Without Occlusion”, and asked to recall the meanings of the components in the signs. Reaction time, response time and error rate were measured from the responses. The results showed that the conditions resulted in different reaction times, response times and error rates for all subjects. The signs containing a combination of shapes and text resulted in the best performance. Age and education were found to have a significant effect on various performance criteria as did the method in which the signs were displayed (Occlusion and No Occlusion). The increased repetitions and sessions elicited lower reaction times, response times and error rates. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that different attributes be considered carefully when subjects are expected to learn and recall information in safety signs. The results also highlighted the need to increase the exposure of individuals to safety signs in order to increase familiarity and ultimately improve the recall and comprehension of the attributes.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD), specifically physical and muscular discomfort in the upper arm, lower arm, thigh, lower leg, wrist, shoulders, back, or neck, are among the most frequently reported workplace injuries in the United States. The dearth of knowledge about the types of workloads that may contribute to the development of WRMSD was the impetus of this research. The study aimed to identify antecedents of WRMSD among warehouse workers in order to reduce WRMSDs and increase productivity as expressed in a systems perspective on industrial health. The research questions examined the prevalence of specific WRMSDs, the relationship of high-risk tasks of warehouse personnel with WRMSD incidence, and the relationship of job category and workload with WRMSD incidence. The sample included 82 warehouse workers, stockroom clerks, and forklift drivers. MANOVA was used as the data analysis technique. The results showed that WRMSD was the most prevalent in the upper back, lower back, knees, and lower legs. Various high-risk tasks were linked to WRMSD incidence including repeatedly bending to lift objects was associated with discomfort in the lower back, shoulders, and lower legs. Furthermore, the use of pallets led to reduced discomfort and work interference in the hips and buttocks, upper arms, and knees. Proper lifting form may reduce WRMSD in the shoulders, forearms, lower back, and wrists in particular. The social change implications of this study stem from the notion that increasing the employers' WRMSD prevention awareness will lead to an increase in safety attentiveness and decrease workers' injuries.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in the United States; firefighters are at a greater risk for both the disease and death. Their exposure to stress, toxic fumes and smoke, unhealthy eating habits, excessive weight, and low levels of physical activity are all contributing risk factors to this disease. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the effectiveness of a multi-faceted program of exercise and nutritional counseling to decrease body fat composition and increase fitness levels nine months after initial implementation among a sample of 202 firefighters. Social learning theory was the theoretical foundation for the study, as the firefighting population utilizes strong social networks which aid in the ability to observe, model, and imitate new learned healthier behaviors. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference between pre- and post-body composition. There were significant differences seen between pretest- and posttest fitness scores. The implication for positive social change lies in the fact that these study findings indicate that voluntary exercise and nutrition programs may not be adequate to address the issue of obesity among the firefighter population. Results can be used to inform better nutrition and exercise interventions for firefighters, thus helping them attain their goal of becoming a healthier workforce.

陳根錦. / "2004年9月". / "2004 nian 9 yue". / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 291-319). / Abstract in Chinese and English. / Chen Genjin. / 聲明 --- p.iii / 論文摘要 --- p.iv / 致謝 --- p.vii / 圖表 --- p.xi / Chapter 第一章 --- 香港職業傷病問題的性質及嚴重性 / Chapter 一. --- 香港職業傷病問題的分析角度 --- p.1 / Chapter 二. --- 香港職業傷亡及疾病的槪況 --- p.3 / Chapter 三. --- 職業傷病的社會影響 --- p.7 / Chapter 四. --- 小結 --- p.13 / Chapter 第二章 --- 文獻回顧 / Chapter 一. --- 職業健康及安全政策的性質 --- p.15 / Chapter 二. --- 社會福利政策的政治經濟學 --- p.17 / Chapter 三. --- 國家體系及福利政策體系的槪念 --- p.21 / Chapter 四. --- 職業健康和安全政策的政治經濟學 --- p.26 / Chapter 五. --- 職業健康和安全政策體系理論 --- p.38 / Chapter 六. --- 政策體系的結果 --- p.53 / Chapter 七. --- 小結 --- p.54 / Chapter 第三章 --- 香港職業健康和安全政策體系的分析架構 / Chapter 一. --- 硏究意義和範疇 --- p.55 / Chapter 二. --- 槪念架構的定義 --- p.57 / Chapter 三. --- 方法論的討論 --- p.58 / Chapter 四. --- 小結 --- p.77 / Chapter 第四章 --- 硏究方法 / Chapter 一. --- 硏究的性質：探索性硏究 --- p.78 / Chapter 二. --- 硏究取向：質性硏究 --- p.79 / Chapter 三. --- 硏究方法 --- p.80 / Chapter 四. --- 硏究的操作 --- p.85 / Chapter 五. --- 資料搜集 --- p.86 / Chapter 六. --- 資料的分析 --- p.87 / Chapter 七. --- 硏究的效度和信賴度 --- p.91 / Chapter 八. --- 小結 --- p.92 / Chapter 第五章 --- 香港職業健康和安全政策體系的整全個案分析 / Chapter 一. --- 香港職業健康和安全政策體系的形成與發展階段 --- p.94 / Chapter 二. --- 香港職業健康及安全政策體系的歷史推動力 --- p.122 / Chapter 三. --- 香港職業健康及安全政策體系的依附軌跡 --- p.135 / Chapter 四. --- 香港職業健康及安全政策體系的結果 --- p.152 / Chapter 五. --- 小結 --- p.161 / Chapter 第六章 --- 香港建造業健康和安全政策體系的潛嵌單位分析 / Chapter 一. --- 香港建造業職業健康及安全政策體系的形成與發展 --- p.163 / Chapter 二. --- 香港建造業職業健康及安全政策體系的歷史推動力 --- p.183 / Chapter 三. --- 香港建造業職業健康及安全政策體系的依附軌跡 --- p.195 / Chapter 四. --- 香港建造業職業健康及安全政策體系的結果 --- p.207 / Chapter 五. --- 小結 --- p.211 / Chapter 第七章 --- 香港職業健康及安全政策體系的整全個案與建造 業健康及安全政策體系潛嵌單位的歷史推動力、 依附軌跡及結果 / Chapter 一. --- 香港的職業健康和安全政策體系，包括建築業職業健康和安全 政策體系的歷史推動力（整全單位和潛嵌單位的比較） --- p.213 / Chapter 二. --- 香港職業健康及安全政策體系，包括建造業職業健康及安全政 策體系的依附軌跡 --- p.223 / Chapter 三. --- 造成建築業職業健康和安全的表現較香港整體職業健康和安全 爲差的體系因素 --- p.235 / Chapter 四. --- 小結 --- p.253 / Chapter 第八章 --- 討論、總結與政策建議 / Chapter 一. --- 討論總結 --- p.255 / Chapter 二. --- 硏究限制 --- p.271 / Chapter 三. --- 未來的硏究領域及課題 --- p.274 / Chapter 四. --- 政策啓示與改革建議 --- p.280 / Chapter 五. --- 小結 --- p.289 / 參考書目-英文 --- p.291 / 參考書目-中文 --- p.315

<p>This thesis covers sampling and analytical procedures for isocyanates (R-NCO) and amines (R-NH₂), two kinds of chemicals frequently used in association with the polymeric material polyurethane (PUR). Exposure to isocyanates may result in respiratory disorders and dermal sensitisation, and they are one of the main causes of occupational asthma. Several of the aromatic diamines associated with PUR production are classified as suspected carcinogens. Hence, the presence of these chemicals in different exposure situations must be monitored. </p><p>In the context of determining isocyanates in air, the methodologies included derivatisation with the reagent di-<i>n</i>-butylamine (DBA) upon collection and subsequent determination using liquid chromatography (LC) and mass spectrometric detection (MS). A user-friendly solvent-free sampler for collection of airborne isocyanates was developed as an alternative to a more cumbersome impinger-filter sampling technique. The combination of the DBA reagent together with MS detection techniques revealed several new exposure situations for isocyanates, such as isocyanic acid during thermal degradation of PUR and urea-based resins. Further, a method for characterising isocyanates in technical products used in the production of PUR was developed. This enabled determination of isocyanates in air for which pure analytical standards are missing. Tandem MS (MS/MS) determination of isocyanates in air below 10^-6 of the threshold limit values was achieved.</p><p>As for the determination of amines, the analytical methods included derivatisation into pentafluoropropionic amide or ethyl carbamate ester derivatives and subsequent MS analysis. Several amines in biological fluids, as markers of exposure for either the amines themselves or the corresponding isocyanates, were determined by LC-MS/MS at amol level. In aqueous extraction solutions of flexible PUR foam products, toluene diamine and related compounds were found. </p><p>In conclusion, this thesis demonstrates the usefulness of well characterised analytical procedures and techniques for determination of hazardous compounds. Without reliable and robust methodologies there is a risk that exposure levels will be underestimated or, even worse, that relevant compounds will be completely missed.</p>

Concentration levels of PM2.5 and PM10 paper dust were measured in a book production facility using a quantitative single subject study. Dust concentration data was collected in three processes of a book manufacturing facility; paper recycling, the digital pressroom and the digital bindery. Data was collected using the DustTrak DRX 8533 Aerosol Monitor, focusing on particulate sizes of PM2.5 and PM10. The data was used to determine if paper dust in the book production industry reached concentration levels that could have negative respiratory health effects on surrounding employees and to determine which process within the studied facility had the highest concentrations of paper dust. The study revealed that the paper recycling warehouse had the highest concentrations of paper dust. It was also determined that the paper recycling warehouse could cause negative respiratory health effects on surrounding employees. Further research is needed to determine the extent of those effects and potential remediation.

A research project submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MA by coursework and Research Report in the field of Industrial Psychology in the Faculty of Humanities. University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. February/May 2017 / Much evidence exists with regard to indoor plants and their positive effect on psychological perceptions as well as environmental air quality. However, this type of research has only ever been conducted once in a South African setting, which can be argued, is different to international contexts, in terms of climate and financial status. Indoor plants and their positive effects may have monumental effects on employees. This research assessed the presence of plants, on a sample of 34 employees at Discovery VitalityLife, consisting of Human Resources workers and call centre agents, on psychological perceptions (work engagement; psychological well-being; physical well-being and aesthetics) and on environmental factors (Total Volatile Organic Compounds; Benzene; Xylene; Carbon Dioxide (CO2); temperature and relative humidity). This research was conducted over a period of approximately three months whereby at Time 1 plants were absent and Time 2 plants were present. The same questionnaires were administered at both times. So too were Volatile Organic Compounds measured weekly and three measurement devices were installed in the workplace taking measurements of CO2, humidity, and indoor temperature every hour. The results found were that there were no statistically significant differences for the psychological perceptions from Time 1 to Time 2. This was concluded to be a result of the context in which this research took place. Total Volatile Organic Compounds, Benzene and relative humidity levels statistically significantly decreased at Time 2. Xylene levels statistically significantly increased at Time 2. There was no evidence to suggest statistically significant differences for CO2 and temperature from Time 1 to Time 2. / MT2018