Promoting construction workers’ health: a multi-level system perspective

Construction workers suffer poor mental and physical health. To address this, organizations have implemented behavioural health promotion programmes. However, targeting workers’ lifestyle behaviour without addressing relevant environmental factors is unlikely to produce significant or sustained improvement. An ecological perspective offers a different way of understanding the determinants of health, reflecting the interplay of factors at multiple levels and the dynamic, reciprocal and non-linear relationships between them. Qualitative data collected during focus groups and in interviews with workers and managers were analysed to explore factors impacting the effectiveness of a health promotion programme implemented at two work sites in Queensland, Australia. A qualitative causal loop diagram identifying determinants of construction workers’ health behaviour was developed. The findings suggest that the adoption of healthy behaviours is influenced by factors operating at and between individual, family, workplace and industry levels. These factors suggest key leverage points that can be addressed in the design of future health promotion interventions for the construction industry. The research provides qualitative evidence of the need to consider workers’ health in a holistic way and develop multi-level strategies to produce improved health behaviour and outcomes in the construction industry.     

Construction workers’ perceptions of health and safety training programmes

As zero-accidents cultures expand in popularity, knowledge and implementation of safety regulations have become priorities for construction organizations. An expanded literature review revealed that many industry leaders have responded by increasing the frequency and content of health and safety training programmes; however the provision of training largely has remained consistent. Identifying workers’ conceptions of the training they receive is critical to the design and deployment of effective workplace education programmes. Utilizing a hybrid questionnaire of qualitative and quantitative components to assess perceptions and knowledge, data were collected from a sample (n = 121) representing construction professionals across the United States who had completed an OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety Training Course. The data described a workforce dissatisfied with training effectiveness and characterized a widespread situation in which the distinguishing characteristics of adult learning had not been addressed by qualified trainers. Strong health and safety training programmes improve employee retention as well as compliance with health and safety requirements. Trainees are more likely to respond positively to training programmes when adult learning theories are integrated into safety trainer readiness programmes.     

What drives the high health care costs of the homeless?

Existing research demonstrates that mean health care costs incurred by those experiencing homelessness are high. However, high mean health care costs mask the fact that a sizeable number of people experiencing homelessness incur low costs and that very high costs are driven by a minority of the homeless population. This paper examines health care costs estimated from two Australian surveys of those experiencing homelessness undertaken by the authors. It demonstrates three important findings. First, higher health care costs are most strongly associated with diagnosed mental health disorders, followed by long-term physical health conditions. Second, having a current drug or alcohol dependency, but no diagnosed mental health disorder or long-term physical health issue, is not associated with higher level health care costs. Finally, higher health care costs are incurred by those with long periods of rough sleeping. The findings of this research provide a significant economic argument for government intervention to break the cycle of homelessness as they reveal significant potential savings to effective interventions for homeless people with diagnosed mental health disorders and long-term rough sleeping.     

Chemistry of tap water in Sri Lanka‐implications on health

A preliminary survey on the chemical quality of tap water in Sri Lanka has been carried out and has been grouped into three categories depending on the source of the water. It was revealed that in certain parts of Sri Lanka, the tap water does contain excess quantities of lead. The Piper trilinear diagram shows that much of the tap water of Sri Lanka belongs to the Ca#shMg‐HCO₃ type. Low pH values have also been observed in certain areas and could bring out excess dissolved ions into the tap water. In view of the fact, that only a small percentage of the population of Sri Lanka have access to piped water, no serious health hazards due to the poor quality of the tap water have been encountered.     

Physical exercise,health, and post-socialist landscapes—recreational running in Sofia,Bulgaria

Abstract

The changes that have been brought about since the end of state socialism include modifications to the urban landscape of cities like Sofia, Bulgaria. There has been a decline in the number of green spaces, sports facilities and state-run sports programmes. The changing urban landscape has seen an increase in car travel, car parking and projects such as the Sofia Metro. Citizens from Bulgaria are among the least active in Europe; this has an enormous effect on the prevalence of obesity and non-communicable diseases. However, during the last decade, there has been an increase in recreational running, and in particular informal running clubs in Sofia. This paper uses recreational running to understand the changing landscape of post-socialist cities and its effect on techniques of public health. Using data from two in-depth qualitative case studies of informal running clubs from Sofia to examine the effects of the changing urban landscape on recreational fitness practices and well-being, the rationale of this paper is that this has the potential to generate fresh suggestions about the effective promotion of public health through exercise in view of how and where urban running is currently conducted in post-socialist landscapes.     

How was it for you? Experiences of participatory design in the UK health service

Improving co-design methods implies that we need to understand those methods, paying attention to not only the effect of method choices on design outcomes, but also how methods affect the people involved in co-design. In this article, we explore participants' experiences from a year-long participatory health service design project to develop ‘Better Outpatient Services for Older People’. The project followed a defined method called experience-based design (EBD), which represented the state of the art in participatory service design within the UK National Health Service. A sample of participants in the project took part in semi-structured interviews reflecting on their involvement in and their feelings about the project. Our findings suggest that the EBD method that we employed was successful in establishing positive working relationships among the different groups of stakeholders (staff, patients, carers, advocates and design researchers), although conflicts remained throughout the project. Participants' experiences highlighted issues of wider relevance in such participatory design: cost versus benefit, sense of project momentum, locus of control, and assumptions about how change takes place in a complex environment. We propose tactics for dealing with these issues that inform the future development of techniques in user-centred healthcare design.     

Availability function as bridge element’s importance weight in computing overall bridge health index

Abstract

Extensive research has been conducted over the past two decades to evaluate the condition and bridge health index (BHI) of bridges using different performance measures. The International Association for Bridge Management and Safety (IABMAS) has stressed on the growing need to assess the condition state of the bridges by integrating new functionalities and methodologies into bridge management systems (BMS) for better monitoring outcomes. This article presents the development of bridge element importance weight using availability metric computed from element failure time distribution parameters and repair rates. This study investigates the following issues: the availability of bridge elements and subsystems, the evaluation of the criticality rank of bridge components and subsystems using failure and downtime criticality indices and the effect of deterioration of critical elements on the overall operability of the bridge system. The availability index and failure criticality output of selected elements showed that superstructure elements, reinforced concrete column, metal bearings, piling, pile cap/footing and reinforced concrete cap were of more importance (critical) to the bridge system deterioration compared to decks, railings and expansion joints. At the component level, it was observed that movable bridge elements (hydraulics, operator facilities, etc.) were less available based on their downtimes and operational characteristics.     

A study on the comprehensive indicator of indoor environment assessment for occupants’ health in Taiwan

This paper presents the methodology of developing the comprehensive indicator for indoor-environment assessment. It intends to provide the occupants with the measures of indoor-environment quality. These indicators were drawn up by literature review based on the practicability, economic and feasible aspects. The categories we considered included acoustics, vibrations, illumination, thermal comfort, indoor air quality, water quality, greens and electromagnetic fields. The purpose is to derive the essential indicators through expertise consultation for quantitative assessment on existing buildings. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method was used to carry out the weighting among the categories and these indicators in the same category respectively. The consistency ratio was also calculated to filter out the null questionnaire. Finally, a comprehensive index, indoor environment index (IEI_(AHP)), composed of the filtered indicators, is proposed to assess the indoor-environment in the built buildings.     

Designing for construction workers’ occupational health and safety: a case study of socio-material complexity

Drawing upon an empirical analysis of the design and construction of a food processing facility, a theoretical understanding of the impact of design decision-making on the occupational health and safety (OHS) of construction workers is developed. It is argued that current policy and legislative approaches to Construction Hazard Prevention through Design (CHPtD) are inherently limited because they do not adequately reflect the socio-material complexity of decision-making in construction design. Specifically, the simplistic attribution of responsibility to a single socio-technical actor, ‘the designer’, does not reflect the multiple and disparate influences that impact upon OHS outcomes. Nor do existing CHPtD policy frameworks, management processes and tools recognize the manner in which the interactions and associations between relevant project stakeholders and various non-human artefacts shape (and are also influenced by) the evolution of design decisions. Drawing on actor-network theory (ANT) and using embedded units within a case study approach, the interactions between human actors and non-human artefacts are explored in relation to the design of four components of the food processing facility. The way in which design decisions unfolded and shaped OHS experiences during the construction stage of the project is revealed. The research highlights limitations inherent in current approaches to the management of CHPtD and the need to develop a more robust theoretically based approach to integrating OHS considerations into construction design practice.     

Particulate matter in the atmosphere: which particle properties are important for its effects on health?

Whilst epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated adverse effects of particulate matter exposure on human health, the mechanism of effect is currently unclear. One of the major issues is whether the toxicity of the particles resides in some particular fraction of the particles as defined by chemical composition or size. This article reviews selected data on the major and minor component composition of PM2.5 and PM10 particulate matter showing quite major geographic variations in composition which are not reflected in the exposure-response coefficients determined from the epidemiology which show remarkably little spatial variation. The issue of particle size is more difficult to address due to the scarcity of data. Overall, the data presented provides little support for the idea that any single major or trace component of the particulate matter is responsible for the adverse effects. The issue of particle size is currently unclear and more research is warranted.     

Development of a baseline for structural health monitoring for a curved post-tensioned concrete box–girder bridge

The establishment of a baseline is essential for long-term structural health monitoring and performance evaluation. Usually, field testing data and finite element (FE) model are two critical tools used to develop the baseline. In this paper, the establishment of the baseline field database for a curved post-tensioned concrete bridge with expansion bearings is first introduced to include the effect of varying temperature conditions on the field testing data. This database uses data collected from a full year and is based on an undamaged status. The development of a baseline FE model for the bridge is then discussed. Model updating for the FE model are detailed in this paper which includes calibration of material properties, utilization of spring bearing elements, and replacement of Mindlin plate elements (MP4) on box–girder by recently developed cracked Mindlin plate elements (MP4C) to represent the bridge service conditions. A good agreement in modal results has been observed between the baseline FE model and the baseline field data. The proposed structural health baseline can be used for near real-time damage detection, development of monitoring techniques, and condition assessment. Finally, as an application of the baseline, this FE model is used for an earthquake simulation with a selected ground motion on the bridge. The seismic analysis demonstrates the beneficial effect of the guided expansion bearings on the bridge deck in the longitudinal direction.     

Bacterial-based additives for the production of artificial snow: What are the risks to human health?

For around two decades, artificial snow has been used by numerous winter sports resorts to ensure good snow cover at low altitude areas or more generally, to lengthen the skiing season. Biological additives derived from certain bacteria are regularly used to make artificial snow. However, the use of these additives has raised doubts concerning the potential impact on human health and the environment. In this context, the French health authorities have requested the French Agency for Environmental and Occupational Health Safety (Afsset) to assess the health risks resulting from the use of such additives. The health risk assessment was based on a review of the scientific literature, supplemented by professional consultations and expertise. Biological or chemical hazards from additives derived from the ice nucleation active bacterium Pseudomonas syringae were characterised. Potential health hazards to humans were considered in terms of infectious, toxic and allergenic capacities with respect to human populations liable to be exposed and the means of possible exposure. Taking into account these data, a qualitative risk assessment was carried out, according to four exposure scenarios, involving the different populations exposed, and the conditions and routes of exposure. It was concluded that certain health risks can exist for specific categories of professional workers (mainly snowmakers during additive mixing and dilution tank cleaning steps, with risks estimated to be negligible to low if workers comply with safety precautions). P. syringae does not present any pathogenic capacity to humans and that the level of its endotoxins found in artificial snow do not represent a danger beyond that of exposure to P. syringae endotoxins naturally present in snow. However, the risk of possible allergy in some particularly sensitive individuals cannot be excluded. Another important conclusion of this study concerns use of poor microbiological water quality to make artificial snow.     

Setting action levels for drinking water: are we protecting our health or our economy (or our backs!)?

Clean and healthy drinking water is important for life. Drinking water can be drawn from streams, lakes and rivers, directly collected (and stored) from rain, acquired by desalination of ocean water and melting of ice or it can be extracted from groundwater resources. Groundwater may reach the earth's surface in the form of springs or can be extracted via dug or drilled wells; it also contributes significantly to river baseflow. Different water quality issues have to be faced when utilising these different water resources. Some of these are at present largely neglected in water quality regulations. This paper focuses on the inorganic chemical quality of natural groundwater. Possible health effects, the problems of setting meaningful action levels or maximum admissible concentrations (MAC-values) for drinking water, and potential shortcomings in current legislation are discussed. An approach to setting action levels based on transparency, toxicological risk assessment, completeness, and identifiable responsibility is suggested.     

Is there an endogeneity problem between health and apartment value? Gender differences and the impact of obesity on property self-evaluation

Journal of Housing and the Built Environment - Background Numerous studies have compared self evaluation and market values of apartments by employing hedonic regressions. Most of these studies...     

Application of statistical power analysis – How to determine the right sample size in human health,comfort and productivity research

The minimum size of subjects required for the research on human health, thermal comfort and productivity is a frequently asked question. In this paper the idea of power analysis, which helps to determine required sample size as well as to interpret research results, is introduced in order to promote good practice of power analysis in the context of human and building environment relationship research. How to calculate effect size from published article or experimental data is presented with plenty of examples. The effect sizes of several physiological and psychological measurements indicating the effect of indoor environment quality on human health, thermal comfort and productivity are presented, which could be worked as references when researchers planning their own studies. How to determine required sample size when planning a study and how to interpret the research results with power analysis are also illustrated step by step with samples. Finally how to make decisions when evaluating the study results is summarized. It is expected that these examples and the summary could help researchers to better apply power analysis in indoor environment quality (IEQ) studies. Some statistical terms used in this paper, such as power analysis, effect size, and t-test, etc., are explained in detail in the Appendix.     

What do we know about effects of desert dust on air quality and human health in West Africa compared to other regions?

This study aims to compare, on the one hand, the geographical distribution of the desert dust source areas, their contribution to quantities emitted into the atmosphere, the trajectories and the quantities deposited, with on the other hand the areas of research interest focused on the desert dust impacts on air quality and/or human health. Based on a systematic review of the literature using the ISI Web of Knowledge database, we found 231 articles published over the last decade on the desert dust impacts on air quality. Of these, 48% concerned Asian dust and 39% Saharan dust, with the remaining 13% divided between the other dust source areas. However, only one of these studies addressed the worsening air pollution in West Africa, even though it is very close to the Sahara, the greatest contributor to the global dust budget. Moreover, there have been very few studies (41) looking at the direct links between desert dust and human health; in this context too, no interest has been shown in West Africa. Yet this region is also among the areas in which morbidity rates have been noted to be far higher than those found in other regions of the world, and where respiratory infections alone account for more than 20% of the causes of infant mortality. This survey highlights a clear imbalance between those areas most exposed to dust and the most studied areas in terms of dust impacts. Given these findings and the often alarming results published about other regions of the world, we advocate a revival of interest in research on West Africa in order to achieve a better understanding of the desert dust impacts on air quality and health among the populations of this region.     

Parent’s self-reported indoor environment-related symptoms and health worry increase symptom reports among their children at school—Study in two independent populations

Little is known whether parent's indoor environment quality (IEQ)-related symptoms or health perceptions influence the risk of self- or parent-reported symptoms in their children. We assessed (i) the association of parents’ IEQ-related symptoms with IEQ-related symptoms in their children at school and (ii) whether parental IEQ-related health worry increases the risk for children's symptoms. We used two Finnish studies: a national, population-based survey of indoor air and related health problems (n = 611 parents) and a subset of survey for all primary school pupils (grade 3–6) and their parents in Helsinki, which also included school IEQ-related symptoms reported by children (n = 1617 parent-child dyads). In the school survey, parent's own symptoms increased strongly their reporting of their children's symptoms at school (aOR 4.0, 95% CI 2.7–6.0 for parents experiencing a lot of symptoms) and also symptoms reported by the child itself (aOR 2.2, 95% CI 1.5–3.1). Similar, but slightly weaker associations were seen with parental IEQ-related health worries. Results remained unchanged when adjusted for the IEQ of school buildings or parental and children's allergic diseases. Similar associations were seen in the national survey between parent's symptoms at work and child's symptoms at school. The results suggest that parents’ health perceptions may increase the reporting of children's IEQ-related symptoms even more than is typically seen for many indoor air contaminants.     

Is the use of particle air filtration justified? Costs and benefits of filtration with regard to health effects,building cleaning and occupant productivity

Estimates of costs and the corresponding benefits of particle filtration have been derived for a standard office building. Reduction in occupants’ exposure to particles during their workday is anticipated to reduce their morbidity and mortality. Filtration may also reduce the costs associated with building and HVAC cleaning. Conversely, losses of occupant productivity due to sensory offending pollutants emitted from used ventilation filters can lead to significant economic losses. The results of the present analysis are strongly dependent on several key input parameters; consequently, the sensitivity of the results to these parameters was evaluated as part of this study. The study also acknowledges that the benefits-to-costs ratio depends on the perspective of the stakeholder: the employer renting the building is impacted by occupant performance and building energy costs; the building owner is impacted by maintenance of the building and its HVAC system; society is impacted by the employees’ health and welfare. Regardless of perspective, particle filtration is anticipated to lead to annual savings significantly exceeding the running costs for filtration. However, economic losses resulting from even a small decrease in productivity caused by sensory pollutants emitted from used ventilation filters have the potential to substantially exceed the annual economic benefits of filtration. Further studies are required to determine if meaningful benefits can be obtained from more frequent filter replacement or application of different filtration techniques that limit the emission of offending pollutants into the ventilation air.