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.

Key words:

employee, health promotion, production, risk management, Safety, system

Ammonia emission in cowsheds and pigsties during the summer periood

O. Sada, E. Mikson and B. Reppo

Institute of Technology, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Kreutzwaldi 56,
EE51014 Tartu, Estonia

Abstract:

As is known, cows in uninsulated cowsheds can tolerate lower temperatures much better than higher temperatures, so we can say that these buildings are well suited for animals, although there are problems with workers and the working environment in uninsulated cowsheds in extreme cases, during very low and high outside temperatures. The goal of this study was to identify the outdoor climate impact on the indoor climate in cowsheds with 420, 500 and 500 cow places during winter and summertime. For that, indoor and outdoor temperature, relative humidity and indoor ammonia content were measured simultaneously. The processed results are well applicable when designing new cattle housing or improving the indoor climate of already existing uninsulated cowsheds. Building of large pigsties with deep litter and without litter which use liquid manure removal systems has become a wide practice nowadays. Indoor climate parameters of the working environment have an impact on the human capacity for work and the productivity of animals. Enlargement of pigsties is accompanied with problems regarding the achievement of the required indoor climate for the working environment. For the purpose of studying the pigsties with different animal-keeping technologies and the simultaneous effect of temperature and relative humidity on the emission ammonia content in the air of a pigsty were measured in summer above a pig-pen at the height of 1.5 meters from the floor and were measured daily. Data logger equipment, relevant sensors and content of ammonia in the air was measured for the study by using Gas Monitor Pac III equipment. Measurement results were statistically processed by using the computer programmes AMR Win Control, Pac III Software3.nn, SAS and MS Excel.

Key words: