Showing papers in "Occupational health & safety in 2000"

A new generation.

Abstract: Dean of Undergraduates John Hutchinson, the General Council and President David Leebron assembled the Working Group on University Responses to Federal Initiatives on Sexual Assault in June, according to Associate Vice Provost Matthew Taylor. The group formed in order to address federal measures as well as to continue changes already in progress. The federal government began releasing guidelines on how universities and colleges should address sexual assault beginning in April 2014. The White House task force report, Not Alone, features certain recommendations regarding training, prevention and adjudication of sexual assault. “The working group is looking at Rice’s policies, processes and communications about sexual violence and sexual harassment, in light of what the government is either recommending or requiring to make sure that we have a clear sense of the areas in which,” Taylor said. “We either exceed the recommendations or there are things that we need to do to meet the recommendations.” The working group consists of both undergraduate and graduate representatives, as well as leadership from the Student Wellbeing Office, Student Judicial Programs, the Rice University Police Department, the Rice Counseling Center, Athletics and Graduate and Post-Doctoral Studies, among others. There are approximately an equal number of males and females in the group. “I wouldn’t say [we have had] findings yet,” Taylor said. “We have tried to educate ourselves on the government’s recommendations.” According to Taylor, the working group focused on immediate shortterm issues for the summer. Many of the federal recommendations were already being met by Rice, and several aspects were already undergoing changes before the formation of the working group. Before the working group was formed, Associate Dean of Undergraduates Donald Ostdiek had already decided to hire a Title IX Resource Navigator, who will help students navigate the investigation if they choose to come forward and report a sexual assault. The main efforts of the working group are directed towards meeting federal guidelines that state that universities should designate employees to whom students can report sexual assault in confidence. Taylor said although Rice already has designated individuals, the policy’s language did not clearly outline whether those individuals are Title IX officers, responsible employees or non-disclosing employees. He said the new language encourages individuals to report cases. “The Title IX officers, in most cases, don’t have to report a student’s name, but we make it equally fair that, in some cases, the university would have to take action based on the law,” Taylor said. “Some of the people that we know students are most likely to go to for advice after a sexual assault are college masters, resident [associates] and college coordinators. We make it clear that they are responsible employees [who are] required to notify one of the Title IX coordinators if they are alerted by a student to a case of sexual assault or sexual violence.” Director of the Center for Student Wellbeing Kate Noonan and Wellbeing Advisor Saralyn Hernandez also contributed to the working group. Hernandez and Noonan said the Wellbeing Advisors are committed to providing trauma-informed support to students who have experienced sexual misconduct. “For survivors who prefer offcampus resources, Rice contracts with the Houston Area Women’s Center, [which] can provide support to Rice students outside the hedges,” Noonan and Hernandez said. Currently, new students undergo training during Orientation Week through Project Sexual Assault-Free Environment, presented by the Houston Area Women’s Resource Center and the Student Wellbeing Office. Although the working group did not have any influence on this year’s presentation of Project SAFE, the presentation already met federal recommendations by focusing on bystander prevention. The presentation discussed non-disclosing and responsible employees, although it did not talk about consequences for potential perpetrators. Colin Losey, a Martel College sophomore who transferred from the University of Chicago, said although he thought the presentation itself was satisfactory, he did not feel that all of the options for victims of sexual assault were covered, especially the option to report to police outside the university. “I’m a transfer student from a university that was recently hit with a major Title IX investigation, and a lot of what has come out from that is that the university’s adjudication process was used in a way to keep things internal,” Losey said. “Given what has happened at other college campuses across the country, students should be clear that this is criminal behavior, and they can press criminal charges.You don’t need to contact Rice first, and Rice need not be involved.” However, Taylor said offering Project SAFE only during O-Week is unsatisfactory and that there must Honor Council removes undergraduates from graduate cases, violates constitution

Influences of pesticide risk perception on the health of rural South African women and children.

Abstract: In South Africa pesticides are seen as a means for obtaining economic development and food security as well as a means for providing rural farmers with the opportunity to contribute to economic development. However government economic strategies may lead to additional use of pesticides and a rise in population exposure without necessarily increasing initiatives to protect individuals against the acute and chronic health effects as a result of this exposure. This paper documents case study material from a multidisciplinary project assessing and characterizing potential health risks associated with women and childrens exposure to pesticides among cotton farmers and laborers in northern KwaZulu Natal South Africa. Data show that local perceptions about pesticides are scientifically incorrect in relation to health hazards. This document highlights issues that may be ignored through conventional health research methodologies. Further it provides bases of interventions and appropriate programs to be implemented.

CO2 measurements for IAQ analysis.

Abstract: These examples illustrate the utility of carbon dioxide measurements as a diagnostic tool for indoor air quality. Carbon dioxide is sometimes said to be an unreliable indicator because of uneven mixing. However, even though mixing does occur slowly in very still air, in nearly all cases there is enough air movement that mixing is not a misleading factor for diagnostic purposes. Measurements do have to be recorded with enough context for proper interpretation. For example, to distinguish between the effects of natural and mechanical ventilation. Or to understand how the results are affected by the number of people in the building and what they are doing. Or how they relate to the nature and layout of the HVAC system and how it is adjusted or intended to be used. Carbon dioxide measurements say little about how healthy an indoor environment is. But they can tell a great deal about how comfortable it is and, with good observation, can give important clues as to where to look for factors that may be affecting health. The interaction of subjective and objective elements in the interpretation of CO2 measurements makes them a fascinating and powerful tool in the hands of a careful investigator.

Challenges in combating child labour from an occupational health perspective.

Abstract: Child labor remains a widespread and growing phenomenon in the world. According to worldwide estimates of the International Labor Organization there are at least 250 million children among 5 and 14 years of age engaged in economic activities most of them in developing countries where child labor predominates. The hazards that children face vary according to the occupations and the specific working conditions. Since it is easier and more advantageous to prevent child labor than to cure it preventive approaches should be directed towards eliminating the underlying social and economic situations that produce child labor. An overall approach however should aim at providing children a safe and healthy environment well-being and respect for their dignity and the possibility to develop in society. A National Programme on Occupational Safety and Health using Occupational Health and Public Health could be implemented in the context of a national policy to eradicate child labor. Nevertheless there are several challenges in combating child labor from an occupational health perspective: public health considerations occupational health considerations ethical considerations and protected working conditions. This paper discusses each of the above challenges.

Oral fluid testing arrives.

Abstract: Most large companies, and a growing number of small- and mid-sized businesses as well, have embraced substance abuse testing as a means to optimize safety, productivity, and employee health. Effective anti-drug programs can reduce lost-time accidents, diminish absenteeism, curtail theft problems, minimize health care costs, and improve on-the-job-performance. However, many businesses still wrestle with the issue of how this testing should be done. The standard methodology (urinalysis) is accurate but has a number of drawbacks including handling urine specimens, the prevalence of sample adulteration, and the cost of organizing sample collection. This article describes a viable new option--the oral fluid test. This method can be used to detect the NIDA-5 panel conveniently, reliably, and accurately. The many benefis of the oral fluid test method are described.

Keys to a successful program.

Abstract: Drug testing has proven to be an effective safety strategy. With proper planning, implementation, and technical expertise, a company can enjoy the benefits of a drug-free workplace. Should you wish to outsource this responsibility, there are some very good Program Administrators throughout the country, some national in scope and some regional. When recruiting an administrator, make sure it is capable of satisfying your needs. These may include a national collection site network with one fee for all your locations and with appointment scheduling, Medical Review Officers on staff with 24-hour availability, custom or standard policy and procedure manuals, training capabilities, the computing ability to customize your program, and the references to back up what the administrator claims. (Fact: If you don't test for drugs and all other employers in your area do, where do you think the drug users work?)