Tag Archives: risk management

201–214 I. Cepure, Ž. Roja, H. Kaļķis and G. Lāma
The improvement of the occupational health and safety system in the production company in Latvia
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The improvement of the occupational health and safety system in the production company in Latvia

I. Cepure¹, Ž. Roja¹, H. Kaļķis¹²* and G. Lāma¹

¹University of Latvia, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Department of Human Factors and Work Environment, Jelgavas iela 1, LV-1004 Riga, Latvia
²University of Latvia, Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences, Department of Management and Business, Aspazijas blvd. 5, LV-1050 Riga, Latvia
*Correspondence: henrijs.kalkis@lu.lv

Abstract:

Various studies indicate that occupational health and safety (OHS) systems are essential for preventing workplace accidents, maintaining employee’s well-being, and ensuring long-term work ability, particularly in production environments undergoing technological and organizational change. As production companies introduce new technologies, upgrade equipment and adjust workflows, emerging risks require continuous adaptation of OHS practices in order to promote productivity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the existing OHS system in one of Latvia’s largest manufacturing companies and develop improvement opportunities, focusing on employee awareness, behavioural patterns and systemic areas. A cross-sectional survey design was used to evaluate employee awareness, compliance, involvement and perceptions of work–rest organization and health promotion activities. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the authors and adjusted to the existing company’s OHS system. A total of 234 from 1,200 employees participated. The results show a generally positive awareness of the OHS system. Production company’s OHS system is largely effective in informing and educating employees about workplace safety and risks. However, improvements are needed in reinforcing safe behaviour, strengthening employee participation, ensuring transparent reporting channels and optimizing balance of work–rest time. Addressing these areas through behavioural safety interventions, ergonomic fatigue management strategies and clearer communication mechanisms may substantially enhance safety culture and reduce workplace accidents in the production environment.

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1553-1571 J. Leppälä and R. Rautiainen
Review of farm safety and health risk management tools
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Review of farm safety and health risk management tools

J. Leppälä¹* and R. Rautiainen²

¹Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), Latokartanonkaari 9, FI00790 Helsinki, Finland
²University of Nebraska, Swanson Hall 3058, Omaha, 68198-5110 Nebraska, USA
*Correspondence: jarkko.leppala@luke.fi

Abstract:

Risk management aims to prevent intolerable risks that could jeopardize a farm’s goals and strategies. Many studies indicate that safety and health risks pose the greatest threats to farm continuity and business sustainability. Even a single injury to a key farmworker could have severe consequences for the whole farm.

The review employs content and thematic analysis to identify and classify safety and health risk management tools to assist farmers in their important risk management efforts. There is also an increasing need in EU to provide information about social conditionality requirements on farms, which include also terms in farm safety and health management.

A total of 62 risk management tools were analysed. The main typical risk factors in agriculture include machinery safety, livestock safety, chemical handling, and health hazards such as animal dust, gases, noise, biological hazards causing skin and respiratory diseases and ergonomic issues. This study is part of the Strengthening Farm Safety and Health Knowledge and Innovation Systems (SafeHabitus) project. The findings will contribute to the development of a farm safety and health risk management tool database in the SafeHabitus project.

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323-326 R. Reiman and L. Vakra
Environmental risk assessment of plant protection products
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Environmental risk assessment of plant protection products

R. Reiman and L. Vakra

Estonian Plant Production Inspectorate, Teaduse 2, Saku, 75501, Estonia

Abstract:

Plant protection products (PPP’s) are hazardous chemicals that are intentionally spread into the environment. In order to protect human and animal health and the environment the risk assessment has to be performed before the authorisation of PPP’s. Risk assessment is based on the general principles and requirements laid down in the European Council Directive 91/414/EEC (concerning the placing of plant protection products on the market), international guidelines and Estonian legislation. This paper describes ecotoxicological and environmental risk assessment, the use of mathematical models and feasible risk mitigation measures to assure acceptable risk of PPP’s under the proposed conditions of use in Estonia.

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