| 1 |
Author(s):
Darin M. Dillow, Tyler Asher, Ph.D..
Page No : 1-5
|
Technical Paper: Understanding the Current Heat Stress Initiative and Its Impact on the Workforce
Abstract
Hot climates and the corollary heat stress injuries and incidents have always existed in the United States in some form and have presented themselves as a problem within workplaces across the country. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has several standards
but none that specifically target the reduction of heat stress injuries. In September 2021, the current administration recognized the need for better worker protections in these scenarios and has proposed new initiatives to address the problem. This article examines the recent initiative
and considers whether it reaches far enough to address the issue of heat stress within the
workplace fully.
Keywords: Heat, Climate, Injuries, Initiatives, Stress
| 2 |
Author(s):
David G. I. Heinrich, Ian Mcandrew, PhD, Jeremy Pretty, PhD.
Page No : 1-13
|
Attention, Concentration, and Fatigue in Space Operations Environments
Abstract
An online human factors research survey was distributed among a sample population of 59 remote operations professionals to gather data about stress and complacency as part of a larger research project. Previous research gathered information about the current applications and theory of human-computer interaction technologies within satellite operations literature. Subsequently, this study seeks to determine if attention, concentration, and fatigue-related issues experienced by satellite operations professionals are attributable to working dynamic shift work patterns. The researchers concluded that space operations centers typically employ college-educated, highly trained individuals who are able to operate within a team setting. Whether a crew size is large or small, in relation to the number of assets on orbit: space operations professionals contend with elevated noise levels, task saturation, inadequate procedures, and strict rules, which may decrease concentration and increase potential occupational fatigue-related issues.
Index Terms— Attention, Concentration, Fatigue
| 3 |
Author(s):
McKell W Sanderson, Justin Thygerson.
Page No : 1-13
|
The Case for Antifragility in Safety
Abstract
Nassim Taleb’s “Antifragility” has caused a large stir in the world of finance and economics. It has gained popularity across many other disciplines as well, ranging from computer coding, to systems engineering, and even to online video streaming. One area to which it has not been applied is the safety profession. The safety profession operates on many “fragile” concepts, and antifragility provides a promising, and practicable solution. This article explores some of the sources of fragility that are found in the safety profession. The concepts of antifragility are developed, and the application of antifragility concepts are presented as possible solutions to the fragility challenges found in the safety profession.
| 4 |
Author(s):
McKell W Sanderson, Justin Thygerson, Linda F. Martin.
Page No : 1-14
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Safety, Black Swans, and SIFs
Abstract
There is a tendency to ignore low probability, but high severity events in the safety profession. This article explores some of the reasons why these "Black Swan" events continue to rise, while overall injury rates are decreasing. Provides a focused look at the risk management, and safety theories that have led to this phenomenon.
| 5 |
Author(s):
Gabriela Malik, PhD.
Page No : 1-14
|
Extreme Value Distribution of Prices of Chosen Agricultural Products Listed on Futures Market
Abstract
The aim of this article is to present statistical properties of price distribution of agricultural products listed on the Commodities Exchange in Chicago, in particular corn, soy and wheat, as well as an analysis of behaviour of bordering extreme values of prices of futures contracts, moreover defining a generalized extreme value distribution together with evaluation of accuracy of model choice to empirical data. To be able to reach this aim descriptive statistics as well as normality of return rate of examined agricultural products were presented along with their graphic representations. Parameters of distribution of tails of random variables, describing values of given futures contracts, are estimated with the maximum likelihood method using the block method. On the other hand, evaluation of adjustment of generalized extreme value distribution function for the tails of empirical distribution is conducted on the basis of quantile plots of appropriate distributions.
| 6 |
Author(s):
Drew Hinton, CSP, CHMM, EMT, Tyler Asher, PhD.
Page No : 1-27
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Gaining a Better Understanding of Cannabidiol
Abstract
This paper evaluates general views and understanding of the health effects associated with the use and/or consumption of cannabidiol (CBD) products containing up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While cannabidiol has been around for decades, it has recently increased in popularity due to the various claims of health and wellness benefits by CBD manufacturers and distributors. However, due to a lack of federal regulations pertaining to over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, many workers in the United States are unsure as to what may be involved with CBD products, particular while at work. This article reviews how well survey participants understand CBD and its toxicological effects, whether or not they believe it should be a controlled substance by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and if survey participants understand the differences and similarities between hemp and marijuana. Based on the data, many people accurately understand where CBD is derived from, but still take a conservative approach when it comes to CBD use and/or consumption by workers in safety-sensitive positions. This paper will differentiate between what is perceived by the surveyed population versus the actual toxicology and potential health risks associated with CBD use and/or consumption.
Index Terms— Cannabidiol, CBD, Workplace Safety
| 7 |
Author(s):
Drew Hinton, CSP, CHMM, EMT, Tyler Asher, PhD.
Page No : 1-28
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Organizational Policies Addressing Cannabidiol Use in the Workplace
Abstract
This paper discusses organizational perspectives regarding the use and/or consumption of cannabidiol- (CBD) products containing up to 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). While cannabidiol has been around for decades, it has recently increased in popularity due to the various claims of health and wellness benefits by CBD manufacturers and distributors. However, due to a lack of federal regulations pertaining to over-the-counter (OTC) CBD products, many workers in the United States are unsure as to what may be involved with CBD products, particular while at work. This article reviews how well organizations across the United States have workplace policies and/or procedures specifically addressing CBD use and/or consumption. Based on the data, most organizations do not properly address CBD use and/or consumption by workers, potentially leading to misinformation from company officials, inaccurate training programs, and inaccurate disciplinary programs. This paper reviews various uncertainties and misinformation contained within company drug and/or substance abuse policies regarding how CBD-related products is treated in the workplace. Many companies across the United States have inaccurate workplace policies, which may lead to unfair enforcement and disciplinary action, restrictions that do not allow workers to use CBD products that do not contain any THC, and training programs that do not address the difference between CBD and marijuana.
Index Terms— Cannabidiol, CBD, Workplace Safety
