This presentation seeks to look at the mentoring relationship from a new perspective rather than the traditionally accepted and oversimplified older to younger, experienced to inexperienced, or manager to employee views. Through an evaluation of the usage of the term mentor in both the canons of professional safety and classic literature, key examples of exemplary mentors can be identified and studied.
Through this study, key characteristics of the people and relationships can be explored in order to determine how these characteristics influence the outcome of the relationship and invididvidual growth. Participants will be invited to additionally see how these characteristics apply to the mentoring relationships they encounter. Following this exploration of key characteristics, a Mentor: Mentee Phase Model will be introduced to illustrate the success it affords constructing strong mentoring relationships. We will highlight the value of the of the Phase Model to both the mentor and mentee. This model will serve as an overview of the journey that both the mentor and mentee take as they make a covenant and embark on this growth journey together. Key points in the relationship will be enumerated as well as how to progress as obstacles arise.
Hispanic and Latino foreign-born construction workers in the United States experience higher rates of serious injuries and fatalities in the workplace than their native-born peers. Previous research has pointed to specific vulnerabilities among this population, including birthplace, age of the worker, language barriers, and education level, but little to no research has examined addressable risk factors, such as occupational risk perceptions, among this population. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the relationship between birthplace, number of years working in the United States, and occupational risk perceptions while controlling for age of the worker, language barriers, and education level. A modified conceptual model that links specific demographic factors to occupational risk perceptions served as the framework for the study. A convenience sample of construction workers in central Florida provided demographic information and self-reported risk perceptions in this cross-sectional study. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine potential relationships between birthplace and risk perceptions as well as number of years working in the United States and risk perceptions. The results of these analyses indicated a statistically significant difference in risk perceptions between foreign-born and native-born construction workers, but time spent working in the United States did not affect these risk perceptions. The implications for positive social change include the identification of risk factors that are addressable through improved training and better communication. Addressing these factors may help reduce injuries and fatalities among Hispanic and Latino foreign-born construction workers in central Florida.
To view Matt’s poster, click here.
Environmental health and safety (EHS) is a globally interconnected discipline. The health of benthic species, for example, can ultimately affect human health through bioaccumulation and biomagnification of contaminants up the food chain. Characterizing the toxicological effects of anthropogenic pollution on ecological receptors helps EHS specialists develop plans for remediating contaminated sites and helps inform industrial policy regulation, providing a cleaner and safer environment for future generations.
To view Leah’s poster, click here.
The aim of this project is to investigate the photocatalytic activity of ZnO/TiO2 composite films for the gas-phase oxidation of ethanol. Pure TiO2, pure ZnO, and their composites were formulated using a sol-gel synthesis method, and the resulting powders were cast and dried as thin films in a flat plate ultraviolet light-emitting- diode (UV LED reactor). P25 TiO2 and commercially-available ZnO were also used for comparison. Structural, morphological, and optical characteristics of the materials were characterized. The photocatalytic oxidation of ethanol vapors in air after 24 hours of reactor operation was used to assess the relative photocatalytic activity of the ZnO/TiO2 composite films. Our results show that as ZnO composition in the photocatalytic film increases, the apparent photocatalytic activity decreases, and pure ZnO (both sol-gel and purchased) had the least photocatalytic activity for vapor-phase ethanol oxidation in our test apparatus. ZnO-containing photocatalysts have lower surface areas than those of TiO2-based photocatalysts. For gas-phase photocatalysis, surface area was shown to be a critical feature for photocatalytic activity.
To see Ibrahim’s poster, click here.
Like many occupations in the informal economy, the safety and health concerns and challenges among taxi operators are often under-researched. This study sheds light on the hazardous conditions in the taxi industry and provides information that can assist taxi operators and government agencies in implementing appropriate safety measures. Regardless of occupation, every worker should have access to a healthy and safe environment and receive fair treatment and protection.
To view Christian’s poster, click here.
Patients and health professionals interact frequently and at times urgently with the hospital bed. My research evaluates the usefulness and usability of hospital beds for critical care, medical surgery, and birthing beds. Additionally, my research examines desirable characteristics as well as the ergonomic effectiveness of hospital bed design. Hospital beds are built intending to provide safety, comfort, and mobility for a wide range of patients with various diseases and treatment schedules. It is essential to understand how the design of hospital beds affects patient outcomes and healthcare provider performance using ergonomics and human factors research. Hospital beds are an essential component of the healthcare environment.
To view Chiemezie’s poster, click here.
Someone once told me, “You can’t change the world.” I took it as a challenge.
After witnessing a work-related injury very early in my career, I remember thinking to myself that someone should have done something to prevent that from happening. I then realized I was that someone. Over the last 15 years, I’ve tried to do whatever I could to improve the safety of workers. I have a genuine concern for workers’ well-being and safety. Workplace accidents and injuries can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences for individuals and their families. By focusing my research on workplace safety, I hope to contribute to creating a safer work environment that prioritizes the health and well-being of employees and prevents significant incidents from occurring.
To view Ashley’s poster, click here.
Several emerging technologies are impacting the supply chain. World Economic Forum’s top 10 emerging technologies include Digital Twin, Additive Manufacturing, Robotics, AI, and the Internet of Things. These technologies create both an opportunity to reduce risk and potentially create unanticipated hazards. This session is focused on emerging hazards from Additive Manufacturing and solutions that both manufacturers and users should consider to mitigate occupational safety and health risks. The goal is to enable risk recognition and strengthen risk management of EHS practitioners, thereby creating value for the practitioner and their organizations.
By definition, culture is “the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a particular people or society.”
An inclusive culture is one that embraces and celebrates each contributor’s differences – differences in experiences, backgrounds, and ways of thinking. There’s a lot of research indicating that inclusive businesses have more highly engaged, motivated, and productive workforces. This session discusses the critical role of leadership in creating a truly inclusive environment through cultural awareness and cultural competency.
Join Global Vice President of HSE, Paul Hendry, as he charts the complexities of implementing a mental health program throughout a workforce of 60,000. Hear how Jacobs went from running a positive mental health workshop for 16 employees in 2016 to running the “World’s Biggest Mental Health Check-In”, using their freely available One Million Lives tool in 2022. Through this powerful and insightful presentation, you will learn how mentally fit people are safer, make better decisions, and ultimately create greater returns on investment. This journey has not been without its challenges and bumps in the road; however, that return on investment is now measurable, and there is clear evidence of the positive impact investing in a mental health program can bring to both organizations and individuals.