Tag Archives: work environment

945–957 D. Pastare, Z. Roja, H. Kalkis and I. Roja
Psychosocial risks analysis for employees in public administration
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Psychosocial risks analysis for employees in public administration

D. Pastare¹, Z. Roja¹, H. Kalkis¹²* and I. Roja³

¹University of Latvia, Ergonomics Research Centre, Raina blvd. 19, LV-1586 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Faculty of Business, Management and Economics, Department of management, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
³MFD Healthcare group, Vienibas gatve 109, LV-1000, Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@gmail.com

Abstract:

Nowadays psychosocial risks at work have a serious impact not only on the health of employees, but also on the economic performance of organisations, and this is the biggest challenge in working environment. In Latvia, employees in public administration comprise 11% of the total population. Hence the aim of this study was to analyse the causes of psychosocial risks and the differences in their prevalence among inspectorate officials employed in the State Administration compared to office staff employed by the State Administration. A modified Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire from the Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment was used to assess psychosocial risks at work. One public administration organisation was selected for the study, which involved 111 staff (60 inspecting officers and 51 office staff). The analysis of the results of the psychosocial risk assessment shows that there are statistically significant differences in the assessment of four out of 11 psychosocial risks to the working environment. The most common psychosocial work environment risk factor among inspectors is the inadequate attitude of management, but the most common risk factor among office employees is the lack of impact on work. To reduce the spread of psychosocial risks more effectively, an individual approach is required for each worker.

Key words:

inspectors, Office workers, psychosocial risks, public administration, work environment

377–391 G. Hrenov, Õ. Paas, P. Tint and K. Reinhold
Workers’ representation in OHS activities: Example of Estonian industrial sector
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Workers’ representation in OHS activities: Example of Estonian industrial sector

G. Hrenov, Õ. Paas, P. Tint* and K. Reinhold

Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate 5, EE19086 Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: piia.tint@ttu.ee

Abstract:

The safety level in 11 Estonian enterprises was investigated. Some of them have implemented OHSAS 18001 or belong to foreign corporations. These enterprises have generally good or very good safety level. The larger the enterprise is, the better are the possibilities to give regular training for the work environment representative (WER) in occupational health and safety. The study includes quantitative and qualitative study. The MISHA method is used as the tool for quantitative study. The parts from the interviews with the enterprises representatives’ (management and employees) concerning the role of the WER in the safety performance (qualitative study) are included. The clarification and appropriate application of the WER’s role and position are the key elements to raise the safety level at enterprises. Two hypothesis: 1) on the connections between the real and formal safety elements concerning WERs and 2) OHSAS 18001 implementation effectiveness on safety activities (including WERs’ role improvement) were proved with statistics: Factor analysis were carried out with KMO and Barlett’s test, ANOVA and T-square test with Wilks’ Lambda row.Additionally, knowledge management in safety may enhance the activities among WERs and thus, increase the safety performance in enterprises.

Key words:

management responsibilities in safety and health, safety activities at small and medium-sized enterprises, safety and health management, work environment, work environment representative

397-404 S. Toropov, B. Reppo, A. Leola and V. Palge
Modelling of heat exchange of milking parlour
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Modelling of heat exchange of milking parlour

S. Toropov, B. Reppo, A. Leola and V. Palge

Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences,Kreutzwaldi 56, 51014 Tartu, Estonia

Abstract:

Unheated cowsheds are light constructions and can be referred to as sheds with outdoor climate, because the temperatures in the cowshed and milking parlour are almost identical to the outdoor climate. Control of the complicated temperature conditions in a milking parlour requires an adequate survey of the situation. The aim of the present study was to prepare a heat exchange model for a milking parlour and testing its workability by experimentally studying the indoor air temperature of the original object. The dynamic model of the heat balance of a milking parlour of an uninsulated cowshed is presented. Powersim Studio 7 environment was used for modelling the heat situation in a side-by-side milking parlour for 40 cows. Input and reference data of the model consist of the data on indoor climate measured at the original object, the farm for 600 cows, in winter. To get the necessary initial data for compiling the model, the indoor and outdoor temperatures of the milking parlour were measured, their daily values varying 8.75…17.81°C and 1.1…6.2°C, respectively. The composite model describes the actual situation with sufficient adequacy. So, with cows in the milking parlour, the measured indoor temperatures were practically of the same value withthose obtained by modelling, the values differed only by 3…4 deg that can be considered acceptable and applicable when evaluating the heat conditions of a milking parlour. The created dynamic heat exchange model for a milking parlour of an unheated cowshed is applicable for making practical decisions and can be used for design and control of the heat situation at the milking parlour.

Key words:

indoor climate, uninsulated cowshed, work environment