Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention)

Background and Objective: Health and safety studies carried out to identify the causes of accidents have shown that wrong perception, unsafe behavior and weak culture are the most important causes of the high number of accidents. Many authors believe that safety training is one of the most influential factors on safety climate level of the organizations. Considering the importance of safety climate in occupational accident reduction and prevention, this study was done to assess the influence of safety training on improvement in safety climate in construction sites of a firm.

Materials and Methods: In this study the level of safety climate in company, including two workshops, were estimated using a validated questionnaire post and prior to the training intervention. For this purpose, 347 employees were randomly selected from 2 workshops using Morgan statistical table and considering the total numbers of employees. The paired and independent t-test as well as one-way analysis of variance were applied to statistically analysis the results. SPSS version 19 was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Safety training increased total scores of safety climate factors in site No.1 from 3.28 ± 0.34 to 3.66 ± 0.35. In site No.2, total scores of safety climate factors improved 12.5% from 3.06 ± 0.38 to 3.44 ± 0.47. The results also indicated that training intervention program significantly improved the score of some safety climate factors such as management commitment, safety training, safety communications, and employee involvement in safety, work permit system, safety rules, and safety rule breaking.

Conclusion: Safety training is likely to improve safety climate in both sites of a construction firm. Safety training as a powerful mechanism showed a positive effect on safety climate (a subset of organizational culture) in two workplaces.

How to cite this article: Jafari MJ, Gharari M, Kalantari S, Omidi L, Ghaffari M, Asadolah Fardi GR. The Influence of Safety Training on Improvement in Safety Climate in ConstructionSites of a Firm. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):1-8.

 Background and Objective: Toxicity and non-biodegradable nature of Mn2+,which in various ways, such as discharge of sewage industries (metallurgy, metalworking) and high content of manganese in groundwater due to geological conditions, the need to remove the metal from water resources is inevitable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of modified Clinoptilolite with KMnO₄ for removal of Mn2+ from aqueous solutions.

Materials and Methods: In this study, Clinoptilolite (Semnan) were used to remove for examination. Before using zeolites, were milled and sieved in sizes ranging (3-5, 5-7, 7-10 mm). Adsorbent with standard KMnO₄ oxidation to MnO₂ coating on modified Clinoptilolite were prepared and used for experiments. The effects of time, pH, initial ion concentration and concentration and size of the adsorbent on the removal Mn (II) ions were examined. XRD analysis was taken to determine the structural properties.

Results: The results showed that the ability modified Clinoptilolite, enriching with KMnO₄ for manganese absorption is high. The maximum uptake capacity of modified Clinoptilolite equal 0.23 mg/g with removal efficiency 95% at the initial concentration of 5 mg/L and 1 gr the adsorbent with size of (1-3) mm, respectively. Also, the manganese removal efficiency with increasing initial concentration of 1 to 5 mg increases. The optimum of pH and equilibrium time in these experiments is 7 and 15 minutes.

Conclusion: According to the results modified Clinoptilolite are suitable for removal of Mn (II) ion from water. In addition modified Clinoptilolite use non-toxic nature, low cost and availability has economically justified.

How to cite this article: Massoudinejad MR, Eslami A, Khashij M. Removal of Mn2+ from aqueous solution using Clinoptilolite coated with manganese dioxide. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):265-272.

Background and Objective: Injuries are the leading cause of death and disability in the world. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to investigate the epidemiology of injuries in patients admitted in Al- Jalil hospital in Aq-Qala.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 5774 persons due to accident referred to the emergency room during the period 2007-2012. They were admitted to accident information form and were examined. Data were collected using accident information form. Data were entered into SPSS18 software and analyzed through descriptive statistics.

Results: 24.6% of victims were female and 75.4% male. Average age 24 ± 12.8 years. Most accidents involving: Car accident 48.2%, the violence 15.1%, suicide 14.1%,poisoning 5.9%, falling 4.9%, 4% hit,3.5% Burn. Most accidents had occurred in urban areas (53.4%). 98.6% treated, 1.4% died and one person was disabled. From the 80 deaths occurred, 62.5% were caused by the accident. The majority of incidents occurred in the spring and summer. Incidence of injuries and accident in hospitalization during the years of 2007 to 2012 were calculated 769.8, 940.2,721, 647.2, 769.4 and 1006.9 in 100000 people.

Conclusion: This study showed the majority of injuries were men and about half of the injuries were due to road traffic accidents. Recommend safe community-based interventions for high- risk groups be done.

How to cite this article: Rafiei N, Latifi M, Sensebli G, Mohammadi A. Epidemiology of injury in Aq-Qala city-Iran, 2007-2012. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):273-280.

Background and Objective: Applying technology in agriculture has led to significant growth in this sector. Meanwhile, Agriculture is one of the eventful careers and farmers' safety and health and others in farms is always at risk. The purpose of this study was to investigate affecting factors on experts' attitude of Agricultural Jihad Organization toward safety in agricultural operations.

Materials and Methods: The statistical population of this study was included agricultural jihad organization experts in Khuzestan and Ilam provinces, Iran (N=493) that 230 people of them were selected by Tackmans' Table and using proportional stratified random sampling method. Instrument of collecting data was questionnaire that was validated by a group of experts and its reliability was calculated by using Cronbach Alpha's coefficient. The data were analysed through SPSS₁₉ software.

Results: Safety attitude among agricultural experts were favorable. Also, the relationship between experts' age, experience, information achieving, health attitude, risk taking and safety knowledge with their attitude toward agricultural safety were positive and significant. The results of path analysis showed that safety knowledge has the most direct effect and information achieving has the most indirect effect on agricultural safety attitude.

Conclusion: According to the positive attitudes of experts toward agricultural safety, therefore it is necessary to made available conditions for developing agricultural extension and educations in this regard.

How to cite this article Bijani M, Salamat E, Karami Gh, Azizi-Khalkheili T. Factors affecting on experts' attitude of agricultural Jihad organization toward safety in agricultural operations. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):281-292.

Background and Objective: Important organic chemical pollutants in petrochemical complexes include benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene and n-hexane, and some have the potential to induce blood dyscrasias. The present study was designed to investigate whether skin and respiratory exposure to these pollutants under normal occupational conditions is associated with hematotoxicity.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 419 petrochemical workers as exposed group and staff of governmental departments (101 subjects) were evaluated as referent group. Blood samples were taken and analyzed for white blood cell count, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume of red blood cells, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, platelet count and white cell differential. To prevent clotting of the samples CBC vials containing EDTA as an anticoagulant were used. CBC test was performed with a hematology cell counter (Celltac alpha model) manufactured by NIHON KOHDEN Japan. Additionally, level of exposure to important organic chemical pollutants in petrochemical companies was simultaneously measured by another group of researchers and its data were linked with the present study.

Results: Average age and length of exposure (employment) were 33.04±6.41 and 7.29±4.18 years for exposed group and 32.31 ±7.72 and 5 ±2.88 years, for referent subjects, respectively. Geometric mean concentration of n-hexane, benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylene, were found to be 2.14, 0.46, 1.35, 3.61 and 1.48 ppm, respectively. In simplistic statistical data analysis, significant differences were noted between the mean values of most blood parameters of both groups but MCV. Furthermore, after controlling for important confounders, the red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit were significantly higher in the exposed groups than in the referent subjects, while the platelet count was lower in the referent group. Atmospheric concentrations of organic solvents were generally lower than their recommened TLV values.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that after adjusting for important confounders significant associations exist between exposure to sub-TLV levels of organic solvents and hematotoxicity.

How to cite this article: Neghab M, Tayefeh Rahimian J, Jahangiri M, Karimi A, Nasiri GH, Aghabeigi M, Hassanzadeah J, Dasht Besh Podonak S, Safaiyan A. Evaluation of hematotoxic potential of benzene, toluene, xylene, ethyl benzene and n-hexane in petrochemical industries. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):293-302.

Background and Objectives: Traffic crashes are the most common causes of serious fatal injuries in all age groups. Yet, motorcyclists are known as the roads high risk group because of being exposed to most damages. Considering the crucial importance of wearing helmets in reducing motorcyclists’ death, the present study aimed to assess knowledge, attitude, and performance of motorcyclists in Bojnourd regarding utilization of helmets.

Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 360 motorcyclists were selected from different fuel stations of Bojnourd in 2012. The data were collected using a questionnaire including demographic characteristics and information regarding knowledge, attitude, and performance. Then, the data were entered into the SPSS statistical software (v. 16) and analyzed using one-way ANOVA and T student test.

Results: The mean age of the motorcyclists was 30.06+1.12 years. Besides, 55.4% of the motorcyclists did not have driver's license and 52.8% did not use helmets. The motorcyclists’ mean score of knowledge was 14.28+2.38 out of 17 and that of attitude was 30.90+4.03 out of 50. The results of one-way ANOVA showed a significant relationship between knowledge and attitude and age, marital status, occupation, level of education, place of residence, and having driver's license. However, no significant relationship was found between knowledge and attitude and history of accident in the past 12 months.

Conclusion: Considering the fact that using helmets has preventive effects on death and severity of injuries and that the present study motorcyclists had moderate knowledge and attitude in this regard, authorities are required to plan for increasing the society’s level of knowledge regarding utilization of helmets.

How to cite this article: Rezazadeh J, Rajabzadeh R, Jabbari S, Soliymani A, Emami O, Hosseini SH . Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of the Motorcyclists of Bojnourd Regarding using Helmets. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):303-312.

 Background: Fall is a common and serious problem which affects the physical and psychological well-being of the aged. In Iran there is no any study on frequency of fall among the elderly in national level. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency and pattern of fall in old people in Iran

Material and Methods: This study was a national and population based study in Iran. A random sample of 1323 elderly people aged >= 60 years was included. The frequency of falls was assessed with a questionnaire and interview.

Results: The fall incidence among elder people was 25.5% (23/3% in men, 28% in women). About 21.36% were bone fractures. The difference between two groups (those who fall, those who no fall) was statistically significant in Insomnia, Imbalance, Visual impairment, pain, Alzheimer. And there was no significant difference in mean of age and gender groups.

Conclusion: Fall among elderly population is high in Iran. It is suitable that fall preventive interventions to be done for decreasing falls in elder populations. In addition, elder people need special attention by policy-makers to control mobility disability and physical functioning disability.

How to cite this article: Taheri Tanjani P, Ainy E, Akbarpour S, Soori H. Study of Characteristics of Falls Among Iranian Elders. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):313-320.

 Background and Objective: Hydrogen sulfide is a hazardous gas which is fatal at high concentrations. The application of a spray tower to remove H₂S from air is the simplest and cheapest method but its performance is under question. In this study, the performance of a spray tower in removing H₂S from air as well as its pressure loss across the bed were investigated.

Material and Methods: In this study a spray tower was used to remove H₂S from air. H₂S was injected to the tower at the range of 0-30 ppm. The volumetric flow rate of water as the scrubbing liquid was 2 lit/min and spraying was carried out by a pump with 21-35 Kg/cm² head. The volumetric flow rate of air was supplied through a fan in the range of 2400-3000 lit/min. The pressure loss across the bed was monitored by an inclined manometer. H₂S concentrations in air were measured using direct reading device. The results were analyzed using SPSS version 16.

Results: The minimum pressure loss, 73.81±0.2887 Pa, was obtained at 1200 lit/min air flow rate without scrubbing liquid injected to the tower. The maximum pressure loss, 292.84±2.448 Pa, was experienced at 3000 lit/min air flow rate with 2 lit/min of water flow injected to the tower. The maximum removal efficiency, 70.53±1.5415%, was experienced at 1800 lit/min of air flow rate along with 15 ppm of H₂S injected to the tower. Minimum removal efficiency, 47.74±0.9295%, was gained at 3000 lit/min of air flow rate and 30 ppm of H₂S injected to the tower. Statistical t-test revealed that there is a significant difference between H₂S removal efficiency with air flow rate and inlet concentration, also between pressure drop with air flow rate and the presence of water (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The removal efficiency of spray tower decreases by increasing the input flow rate and input concentration of H₂S. The performance of water as a scrubbing liquid in spray tower is not satisfactory thus, the application of water plus chemical scrubbing liquids is strongly recommended to be studied.

How to cite this article: Jafari MJ, Nourian S, Zendehdel R, Massoudinejad MR, Sarbakhsh P, Rahmati AR, Mofidi AA. The performance of a spray tower in scrubbing H2S from air. Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):321-328.

Background and Objectives: This study was conducted to identify fatalities due to road accidents and to provide as much information as possible relating to the variables of gender, age, education and … to determine the effectiveness of statistics for future offers. Briefly, the objectives are etiological: to determine the severity and expansion of the normal process and prognostic evaluation, treatment methods and prevention measures.

Materials and Methods: In this study, a descriptive cross-sectional and retrospective approach has been employed. This research study collected comprehensive data about fatalities and by drawing attention to charts and tables to compare their classification, a procedure was determined.

Conclusion: The study found that 61% of fatalities from road accidents occurred on rural roads. More than 66% of drivers killed in car accidents in rural areas were in the 30-39 age group, but an overall review shows a decrease in accident rates. More than 70% of road accident fatalities had low literacy levels (illiterate, elementary and junior high). The highest rate of fatalities in road accidents was in the self-employed: 28%. Additionally, more than 39% of the deceased in traffic accidents were pedestrians.

Results: The results obtained from this study were the collection of data and classification of road fatalities.

How to cite this article: Ahadi MR, Pejmanzad P, Bazdar Ardebili P. The Epidemiology of Accident Fatalities in Iran (8-Year Review). Irtiqa Imini Pishgiri Masdumiyat (Safety Promotion and Injury Prevention).2015; 2(4):329-338.