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| Capnzx1 |
| 08.31.05 (11:24 pm) [edit] |
I have had an accquaintance for the past 12 months or so.. about 4 days ago we actually noticed each other.. i realised i liked him when i got jealous of another girl liking him.. anyway we are together now.. i think it created a little bit of a stir but thats ok.. ppl can now like me if they wish. but at least i'm happy..
me and him make the best team.. we are the terrible two around the place.. and i love it.. if theres a joke to play you can pretty much guess that one of us.. especially me will be behind it.. sometimes my friends bare the brunt of our handiwork. but they are quick to forgive.. thats what friends are for..
Capn rang me yesterday.. it was so nice to have a conversation where i could talk alot too..
He is bossy and a bit demanding but so am i.. so its all good.. he is sweet and sensitive and caring ... he is smart and wise and funny.. he can make me smile even when i'm feeling my worse
he gives me lots of attention and isnt scared to tell the world i'm his.. we have the same intials.. its so cute..
he stays up extra late to talk to me and never runs out of hugs and kisses.. he is very understanding and knows how to solve problems..
oh yeh.. i have to beextra special nice because he has my only porn movie.. he could destroy my credibility.. but i trust him.. :)
he loves the computer and singers like marilyn manson and i be evil and blast chick punk over the top.. hehehehe...
anyway.. he is the best and he knows it..
Love from your baby
Genie's Opinion
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| This is my community health project part 1.. just like to have it here in case i lose it.. like all |
| 08.31.05 (10:56 pm) [edit] |
OCCUPATION-FOCUSED HEALTH PROMOTION PROJECT
1. SHORT PROJECT TITLE
Fatigue compromises safety for male shift workers in Singleton mines.
2. SUMARY AND SIGNIFICANCE OF PROJECT
Yerxa describes occupational science as a study of the human as an occupational being, which finds purpose and meaning through activity (Wilcock, 1998). The occupation of mining can be purposeful at national, community and individual levels. Safe and healthy mining practice is the bases of productive and purposeful work, at mine sites (Newnham & Waghorne, 2001). Therefore the purpose of this promotion project is exploring the relationship between the onset of fatigue, for mining shift workers and safe occupational performance.
3. AIMS AND PROJECT PLAN
Rationale for the project
As statistics reveal there is 14% of the male population, residing in the Singleton region who are employed in the black coal industry (ABS, 2001). Statistics also reveal, a high incidence of work related injury again in the Singleton as per the Australian Bureau Of Statistics [ABS] census (2001). It has been documented that fatigue is one of the major contributors to work place injuries. In one report by Cardiff University (2000), workers attributed fatigue to 23% of casualty cases. Therefore there warrants a project to address safe work practices for male shift workers employed in the black coal industry.
Target Group
The group chosen for the project is shift workers employed in the black coal industry, as this is the primary labour force employer for Singleton. The chosen target group is males due to the fact that there is a higher male: female ratio (ABS, 2001). This group is aged between 25 and 44 years old, chosen because 30.7% of Singleton’s population is in this range (ABS, 2001).
Problem being addressed
Fatigue Vs Occupational performance and safety: -
During the night work, brain and body functions are impaired. Together, sleep loss and working at night can cause excessive fatigue. This makes it more difficult to perform, which increases the risk of accidents (Rosa & Colligan, 1997). Most on the job errors occur between the hours of 10PM and 6AM (Lynch, 2004). These stresses can be harmful to health and safety.
It is understood that the black coal industry requires shift work to maintain economic viability and for 80% of this workforce is in their job description (Lynch,2004).
The above has established that fatigue is a shift work related problem and miners are required to undertake shift work. Therefore miner’s occupational performance is reduced, ultimately affecting their safety.
Identification of the problem for the target group (Occupational Needs Assessment)
Available literature indicates a correlation between shift work and fatigue related injuries throughout New South Wales [NSW] and the Hunter Valley. This is supported by governmental data depicting a high workplace injury rate, particularly in the Singleton region. By conducting a needs assessment, the project can identify and define specific issues that are of common concern throughout the work force, the employers and the community. This assessment has four components (Rouda & Kuse, 1995).
1. Gap analysis- An increased injury rate exists among night time shift workers at mines in the Singleton and Upper Hunter area, compared to other shift workers in the mining industry of the Lower Hunter and NSW (ABS,2001).
2. Priority and importance- The need for reduced injury rates due to fatigue is crucial in managing economic expenditure for not only the mining companies, but for the community/state and federal health budgets. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2001 legislates that the working environment for the employees must be safe and without risk to health (University of Sydney, 2005). This issue requires contributions from all levels of the workforce to successfully implement any alterations.
3. Cause and Performance Identification-Literature states that persons working in the daytime are able to perform to satisfactory and safe standards whilst night time shift workers display reduced efficiencies (Cardiff University, 2000)
4. Identify possible solutions- Education and awareness
Occupational Diagnosis
Due to current work practices within the shift working sub-groups, occupational performance and productivity is compromised resulting in work place injuries impacting not only at an individual level but also affecting company economics and the dynamic relationships within the workforce.
Aims of the project
1. Collect responses from all tiers of the industry workforce through quantitative data collection.
2. Compare and identify common issues surrounding fatigue.
3. Educate and advise on strategies to combat fatigue related injuries.
4. To use the principles of occupational science to validate the application of therapeutic interventions for mine shift workers.
Proposed plan for the project
1. Compiling educational material to be presented to the workforce, in the forum of a seminar
2. Raise awareness of fatigue impaired work performance
3. Advise on strategies to combat fatigue
4. Make recommendations for more comprehensive and regular audits of work place practices, policies and procedures
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| The Quiet |
| 08.31.05 (10:52 pm) [edit] |
Late at night the quiet comes
Sounds are gone
The quiet takes them away
The barriers put up all day come down
Releasing my inner voice
It laughs at pretense
Takes away roles
Lets me be ME
Totally ME
The one who hides all day
The quiet lets me feel
Bares my soul
My thoughts can flex and stretch
Freely move around my head
I can think my own thoughts
I have time to imagine
Time to wonder
Space to create
The quiet is a gift
At the end of the day
Genie's Opinion
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| Islington |
| 08.31.05 (10:50 pm) [edit] |
There's a pool of half-darkness near the corner
Where the security light from the showroom tries to shine through.
The huge glass window displays an expensive, decadent,
Look at the size of my dick, car.
A woman stands in the pool of half-darkness.
She is alone in the street.
The wind is scattering dead leaves and dead chip packets along the footpath.
Her hair is whipped back from her face by the same wind
That whistles up her nothing of a skirt.
I drive past cocooned in the warmth of my unassuming little car.
She must be freezing I think to myself and how can she stand in those heels.
She glares into my car knowing I have little need for her trade
And I feel a deep, deep sadness that a woman has accepted being a product for sale
Surely with all the wonders of this technological age
We can teach our children their worth not their value.
I sigh, and keep going.
Genie's Opinion
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| Dawn Service |
| 08.31.05 (10:47 pm) [edit] |
I stand by the shore
In the pre-dawn light
Huddled into my coat
On an April morning.
Waiting for the sun
They were by the shore
In the early light
Huddled into their coats
On a long ago April morning
Waiting for the sun.
I don't fear the shore
I don't have to screw my courage into a tight spring that will propel me at the enemy.
I don't hear the moans, the screams, the guns, the bombs
I hear their echoes, rippling through time. shaping our land
I live the gift those countrymen of mine fought and died for
I am grateful
Genie's Opinion
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| The beach |
| 08.31.05 (10:44 pm) [edit] |
A group of teenage girls
All dressed in designer surf wear,
An unofficial uniform,
Are watching my battle with the dry shifting sand under my feet.
They eye me with resentment
Failing to believe that someone would flout the rules.
Blatantly, shamelessly walk among them
Disregarding the rule that the beach belongs to the young,
The sleek and the beautiful people.
Dressed, waxed, shaved and dieted into images of perfection
Dictated by the ads and TV shows
They have earned the right to be seen in the sun.
The hot sand is burning my feet
I'm puffing like a steam train
Wishing I had done more exercise over the winter.
Tiny droplets of sweat are running down the backs of my legs
As I trundle toward the cool strip of sand
Where the tide has receded and the waves don't quite reach.
I find a space and settle into it
Not worried about the way I look.
I'm the corner of the photo that's not quite in focus.
The kid on the end with his eyes closed.
Genie's Opinion
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| The Journey |
| 08.31.05 (10:43 pm) [edit] |
A baby of the city
At three years old
Is taken on a journey.
A journey to the outback.
Endless days of travel,
Roads so rough
The saltbush is easier.
Water tanks, wombats,
Salt lakes, no trees.
She is taught to survive
Which way is north?
How to get water?
Hunt, fish, skin a rabbit,
Light a fire,
Eat duck and kangaroo,
Swim in a dam.
A child of the planes
At seven years old
Is brought back to the city.
Small city blocks.
Where is the horizon?
Don't play in the street!
Roads are for cars and buses.
Town water, television,
Food comes from a supermarket
Fish and chip shop,
Corner store.
Rabbits are white and fluffy,
A child's pet next door.
Don't light fires!
Swim in the lake
"Watch out for sharks!"
A woman of the suburbs
At forty years of age
Longs for the quiet,
Enjoys her own company.
Needs to get away and be alone
Has claustrophobia in small places
Measures distances in time traveled
1½ hours to Sydney,
8 hours to Brisbane.
The bush keeps calling.
When the children grow up
She'll answer the call.
Genie's opinion
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| this is my first worksite assessment report |
| 08.31.05 (10:33 pm) [edit] |
WORKSITE ASSESSMENT REPORT
Name of the workplace The Castle Hotel Maitland
The Date of assessment: 20th August 2005
Occupation/Job: After Hours Cleaner
Present at assessment:
Worker Sarah
Co-Worker Jan
Occupational Therapist / Ergonomist Jeanie Skimmings
Supervisor N/A
Manager N/A
Assessment conducted:
This report reviews information gained through informal discussions with staff, examination of the component tasks of this job and quantitative dimensions of the workplace environment.
Background:
45-year-old Female with 10 years cleaning experience has been working at Castle Hotel for 2 years. There is no regular in-services or Manual Handling Training at the facility. No previous medical concerns for worker, no incidents of injury report from cleaning staff.
Purpose of assessment:
The worksite assessment was conducted in order to:
· Identify existing or potential issues that may contribute to injury or illness;
· Make recommendations to reduce these issues;
Description of duties:
Hours of work: 48 per week maximum enforceable by law (Department of Trade and
Industry, 2003)
Days of work: Monday to Saturday
Rest breaks are scheduled for:
30 mins at 5am Infrequent but standard break provided (Hospitality Industry Occupational Job Dictionary, 2004).
Roster schedule:
12am to 8.30am
The primary function of this job is to maintain the cleanliness of the hotel premises including floors, washrooms, all horizontal surfaces and general waste management. (See appendix 1 for further description)
The principle tasks are: (refer to follow tables for detailed descriptions of task demands)
1. Vacuuming of a 900sqm carpeted area with an upright vacuum cleaner for approximately 2 hours per shift. Around table and chair area.
2. Mopping of a 200sqm-tiled area with wet loop mop and roller wringer bucket for 1 hour per shift. Behind bar, outdoor courtyard, and washrooms.
3. High Level cleaning includes dusting ledges, shelves, windows and sills, above 2 meters or normal reach (National Training Information Service, 2004). Done for approximately 30 minutes per shift.
4. Horizontal cleaning, which includes damp dusting of all tables, benches and bar tops. Use clothes, neutral detergent and water. 1.5 hours per shift.
5. Cleaning the toilets including wiping down cistern and scrubbing the bowl with brush and cloths and replacing all consumables for approximately 1 hour per shift
RECOMMENDATIONS
(Refer to following tables for background information)
Recommendations to reduce the identified issues:
1. Micro fiber mopping – this will reduce manual handling and awkward postures. It eliminates repetitive lifting and filling of the bucket (Sustainable Hospitals Project, 2003). Micro fiber mops Cleans 6 times better than a standard mop for infection control (Infection Control Today, 2005). (See appendix 2 for supplier list)
2. Colour coding cleaning cloths – having different coloured clothes for each task will prevent cross contamination and the risk of infection (Woodburn, 2003). Available from Local Suppliers: $4.95-$11.50 depending on grade (see appendix 2 for supplier list)
3. Long Handled L-shaped dusters – this will eliminate the need to carry and use a ladder. Curtain rods and the top of shelves and windowsills will be done from ground level. This will minimise over reaching shoulder abduction, and unstable posture (Hospitality Industry Occupational Job Dictionary, 2004). Cost between $30-150 suppliers as for mops
4. Trolley for all cleaning equipment and tools to be pushed to each task. Stops extra distances that large heavy items need to be carried. All items stored at waist height to prevent lifting. Items no longer obstruct pathway in storeroom. Trolley handling involves pushing and pulling with forces less than 5 kg for neutral shoulders and less load bearing of cleaning equipment (Hospitality Industry Occupational Job Dictionary, 2004). (See appendix 2 for supplier list) (See appendix 3 for floor plan of the premises to examine the distance from store room to work stations to reiterate the necessity for a trolley)
5. Long handled scrubbing brush and stand to clean toilet. This will decrease the strain on the upper limb girdle and decrease slouching and constant trunk flexion.
6. Correct posture - Worker to be demonstrated how to vacuum in a straight-line pattern. This involves holding arm straight and walking behind the vacuum to push it. Then turning and walking the vacuum back down the other way. This uses the force of the legs to move the cleaner and no pulling is involved. The common back and forth movement that is usually done, for example at home is not appropriate for longer periods of time.
7. Roster Changes – a daily analysis of activities showed that each task was done in full without a break therefore a whole two hours was spent vacuuming. The extended time spent in one position increased the risk of occupational over use. By dividing each task up into smaller sections, the body moves through a variety of postures. The old task analysis' have been revised and updated so a teamwork approach has been adopted. The analysis requests that operators alternate tasks every 15 minutes. (See appendix 4 for detailed daily analysis)
8. Appropriate shelving – In addition to the trolley shelving should be fitted were possible in the storeroom. This is to reduce bending and gets the items off the floor.
WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT
Non-administrative duties
Equipment usedStandard mop, standard roller wringer bucket, blue cleaning clothes, toilet brush, low strength chemicals, 9litre bucket, 8ft ladder 20kg, Roller Wringer bucket and standard mop hold less water and attracts less dust than other mopping methods (Sustainable Hospitals Project [SHP], 2003)All cleaning clothes were blue, used same clothes for different tasks. This increases risk of disease across different work stations #1#2
Tools Industrial strength upright vacuum cleaner
Lighting Above 160lux satisfactory for work (Australian Standard 1680.1, 1990).
Ventilation / Temperature Temperature between 21-24C. Humidity 40-60%. Ventilation 0.1-0.2m/s (Division of Occupational Health, 2005). All satisfactory
Noise Vacuum within noise and vibration limits <85 dB (Department of Industrial Relations, 2005) otherwise silent >Personal protective equipment Disposable gloves, cotton lined gloves, clear safety glasses, closed in flat non-slip footwear, waterproof apron. Supplied in accordance with Australian Standard 2161.2
“Load” Vacuum cleaner 10kg - not lifted, mop 3kgs when saturated, bucket with water and chemicals 9kgs – lifted between tables and up ladder,
Seating N/A
StorageItems/equipment kept in storeroom, Items at floor level, store room at least 25metres from most workstations, tap in sink 750mm off floor level. No clear walkway, no shelving. Items were stored at floor level and considerable distance from work station, obstructing walkway #4#8
Vacuuming Manual handlingInvolves pulling the vacuum from storeroom to carpeted area. 7kg vacuumPosturesFlex knees, flex trunk, flex shoulder, flex elbow to plug in power cord (Moore, 1999)Upright stance. Flexion/extension elbow and shoulder, hand in power grip (Grandjean1, 1980)Moderate to high static muscle loading, high demand on lumbosacral region (Hospitality Industry Occupational Job Dictionary, 2004).MobilityRequires walking and standing movement for whole taskHip, knee flexion, dorsiflexion of foot to walk, hip and knee extension accompanies (Moore, 1999)Arm / hand useRight hand. Muscles used pectorals, trapezius, rhomboids, biceps, intrinsic hand flexors (Martini, 2004) Worker standing in one position with feet and pulling and pushing the vacuum using force in arms and shoulder girdle.Doing one task for an extended period of time without variation. #6#7
Mopping Manual handlingLifting 9kg bucket in and out of sink750mm high and carrying around premises, 3kg mop lifted, PosturesUpright stance. Flex knees, extend arm, power grip to lift bucket off ground. Upright shoulder abduction, elbow extension, wrist flexion to lift bucket out of sink. Twisting at trunk, internal rotation and horizontal adduction of shoulder, flexion of elbow and stepping to mop, dynamic positioning. To wring mop flexion of hip and knee, elevation and adduction of shoulders, elbow extension and finger flexion (Moore, 1999) Mobility(as for vacuuming)Arm / hand useBoth. Principle muscles used deltoids, pectorals, rhomboids, levator scapulae, biceps, intrinsic hand muscles, quadriceps, iliopsoas (Martini, 2004)Also frquent cylindrical grasp (Hospitality Industry Occupational Job Dictionary, 2004). Wet loop mopping involves heavy lifting and awkward postures contributing to musculoskeletal injuries (SHP, 2003)Lifting heavy bucket in and out of high sink.Doing one task for an extended period of time without variation. #1#1#7
High Level Cleaning Manual handlingLifting 5kgs water in a bucket with one hand. Lifting 8ft ladder20kgs to position.PosturesWiping- shoulder abduction, internal rotation, and flexion, elbow extension, wrist and finger extension. For climbing trunk flexion, hip and knee flexion, dorsiflexion, and dynamic posture unstable. Filling bucket same as posture to fill mop bucket (Moore, 1999)MobilityWalking as for vacuuming, climbing up and down a ladder, extended reaching. Arm / hand useRight hand. Principle muscles deltoid, triceps, wrist extensors, pectorals for wiping. For climbing psoas major, quadriceps, gluteus, abdominal muscles (Martini, 2004) Lifting a heavy ladder increases risk of musculoskeletal injuries and pinch injuries due to assembly of ladder. Over reaching whilst up ladder increased risk of falls and shoulder injury.Lifting a bucket up a ladder compromised stability. #3
Horizontal Cleaning Manual handlingLift a 5kg bucket around to each table.PosturesStatic stance trunk flexion, shoulder flexion and lateral adduction, wrist extension, shoulder elevation to 750mm and 1200mm high to wipe. Carrying bucket finger, elbow and shoulder flexion, shoulder elevation, forearm supination (Moore, 1999)MobilityWalking, no bendingArm / hand useRight hand. Triceps, biceps, pectorals, supinator, deltoid, trapezius (Martini, 2004) Doing one task for an extended period of time without variation. #7
Toilet cleaning Manual handlingLifting 5kg bucket to the bathroomPosturesBending position- knees flexion, static squat, trunk flexion, shoulder and elbow flexion, forearm pronation, finger flexion, internal rotation of shoulder (Moore, 1999)MobilityWalking to bathroom, bending down and leaning over.Arm / hand useRight hand. Principle muscle groups abdominal muscles, quadriceps, wrist extensors, pronator, intrinsic hand flexors, and pectorals. (Martini, 2004) Lower back strain while bending to repetitively clean out all toilets. Doing one task for an extended period of time without variation. #5#7
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| back |
| 08.29.05 (4:45 pm) [edit] |
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hey ppl of the blog world.. i've decided to get back on here.. i have to be on the computer everyday for uni anyway.. therefore why not type some babble on here.. i'll do soething tonight.. have fun for the day :)
Genie's opinion
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