Assessment of the effect of ultrasonic noise in the workplace on employees' health and well-being and analysis of factors determining preventive action Ultrasonic noise is increasingly present in the workplace due to the widespread use of ultrasonic-emitting devices such as ultrasonic cleaners, welders, and drills. Despite its prevalence, the impact of ultrasonic noise on employees' health and well-being remains insufficiently studied and requires in-depth analysis. This article examines the effects of ultrasonic noise on workers' health and identifies factors determining the implementation of preventive measures. The study was based on a detailed survey targeted at individuals professionally exposed to ultrasonic noise. The questionnaire included questions regarding the subjective assessment of noise annoyance, its impact on health, sleep problems, and barriers to using hearing protection devices. Keywords: ultrasonic noise, workplace, hearing protection devices, survey, workers' health
Design and testing of noise measurement systems for a sensor network for monitoring vibroacoustic hazards Noise is a common physical hazard in the work environment. To limit the risk of permanent hearing loss among employees working in noisy conditions, it is essential to conduct a precise assessment of the level of workers’ exposure to this harmful factor. In the case of non-stationary workstations or work environments that are subject to continuous changes, a proper assessment of an employee’s exposure to noise can be challenging due to the random nature of changes in the occurring hazard and the difficulty in estimating the exposure time. The solution to this problem may be continuous noise monitoring using wireless sensor networks. This article presents the structure and operating principle of a system for monitoring and remotely controlling noise and mechanical vibrations in machines and devices, enabling, among other things, continuous monitoring of employee exposure to noise. One of the elements of the developed system is a personal noise meter, the construction and results of which are presented later in the article. Keywords: noise, noise monitoring, wireless sensor networks, Internet of Things
Bacteria of the genus Pseudomonas as harmful biological factors in the occupational environment Bacteria of the Pseudomonas genus can be present as harmful biological agents in the workplaces of various professional groups, including healthcare, sewage treatment plants, water and sewage companies, agriculture workers, food production, metallurgy industry plants, as well as microbiological laboratories and quality control in the pharmaceutical, cosmetic and food industries. Exposure to Pseudomonas bacteria can lead to various diseases and health issues, including skin infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, as well as immunotoxic reactions through inhalation of the toxins they produce (including both endo- and exotoxins). The main elements of prevention for these hazards should include a thorough assessment of occupational risks and the use of appropriate preventive measures. Keywords: Pseudomonas, harmful biological agents, bioaerosol, surfaces
rom agar plates to mobile apps: the evolution of microbiological monitoring The article discusses the development of methods and solutions used in microbiological laboratories – from classical manual techniques to modern automated systems and mobile applications that support everyday diagnostic work. It highlights the potential of a hybrid approach combining proven methods with state-of-the-art digital technologies based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). The paper also points out future research directions that may lead to more precise solutions (e.g., smartphone applications) and systems (e.g., technological lines) while simultaneously ensuring time and cost efficiency. Keywords: microbiological laboratory, microbiological testing, automation, artificial intelligence (AI), mobile applications
The article discusses selected aspects of occupational safety among officers of the State Fire Service (Państwowa Straż Pożarna, PSP), with particular emphasis on firefighters’ attitudes toward risk during both training and rescue operations. The analysis includes statistical data on occupational accidents in the PSP from 2016 to 2023, as well as the results of a survey conducted among 251 firefighters. Attention is given to risk awareness, readiness to respond to unsafe behaviours, and factors that hinder actions aimed at ensuring individual and team safety. The need to strengthen psychosocial competencies and to foster a safety culture within rescue services is highlighted. Keywords: firefighters, State Fire Service, occupational accidents, attitudes toward risk
The article presents the results of a survey, the aim of which was to obtain detailed information on the experiences and opinions of firefighters on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when extinguishing fires in open areas and during accompanying activities. Particular attention was paid to respiratory protective equipment (RPE), as rescuers' safety depends on its effectiveness, comfort of use, fit, and reliability. 1,501 completed questionnaires obtained from State Fire Service (PSP) units were analyzed. The results indicate that the most frequently reported problems by firefighters include: insufficient comfort and the high weight of PPE, as well as equipment shortages or poor quality. While most firefighters consider their equipment effective, cases of equipment failure were also reported. The level of user training proved to be a significant factor influencing the perception of PPE effectiveness and fit. The study results were used to formulate recommendations for PPE design, use, and evaluation, including procedures for RPE, which can contribute to improved safety during rescue operations. Keywords: personal protective equipment, firefighters, respiratory protective equipment, open-area fires, comfort, safety
New technologies affect the labor market, including the needs of employers and employees related to various skills and knowledge – especially digital competences that enable smooth functioning in a digital society. In the context of digital competences, people with disabilities constitute a special group. Eliminating digital inequalities and limiting the digital exclusion of this group requires support in the form of training, workshops or courses facilitating the use of new technologies. The article presents the results of the analysis of the training market in the field of digital competences for this target group. Keywords: disability, trainings, digital competencies, training services
Work in the metallurgy industry often involves exposure to a hot microclimate relating to the technological processes carried out. Employees are exposed to hot factors, including thermal radiation and contact with flames or glass mass, the temperature of which reaches approx. 1000–1200°C. Thermal discomfort of persons exposed to a hot microclimate during work can be reduced by using cooling clothing. Expectations regarding such clothing were determined thanks to surveys conducted among the staff of the glassworks Krosno Glass S.A. Their results confirmed the need to use cooling clothing during work – according to a significant number of employees, such clothing should be used when the ambient temperature is 25°C. According to the respondents, such clothing should provide cooling primarily of the chest and shoulder blades, and also be as light as possible, preferably below 0.5 kg, and allow for the control of the cooling intensity. The results of the survey will form the basis for the development of cooling garments as part of a system for monitoring and counteracting heat stress while working in a hot microclimate in a glassworks. Keywords: cooling clothing, thermoelectric modules, smart clothing, metallurgy, expectations
Types and characteristics of drinking water The main component of the human body is water, which performs many important functions in the body. Proper hydration requires supplying adequate amount of fluids from beverages and food such as fresh vegetables and fruits. To maintain the proper water balance, one should drink as much fluids as a person gets rid of from their body through the kidneys, lungs, skin and digestive tract. There is no clear answer to the question of which water to choose for drinking. The choice of water should depend on individual preferences, health status, age, physical activity, weather conditions, work performed, water quality, costs, possible health effects of drinking certain types of water. Water is the best drink for our body, but not every type of water is for everyone. The best solution seems to be drinking different types of water. Keywords: drinking water, types of water, tap water, filtered water, dispenser water, mineral water, carbonated water, non-carbonated water, flavoured water, alkaline water
Construction and testing of actuators of directional sound sources Directivity is an important feature of sound sources and should be taken into account, for example, when designing sound systems. Control of the directivity of sound sources can be achieved by selecting the number of transducers, i.e. elements that convert electrical signals into acoustic signals built into the directional sound source and/or appropriate control of the parameters of signals fed to the inputs of these transducers. In each case, the parameters of the transducers themselves should be taken into account. The article describes three models of directional sound sources implemented using the most popular and most frequently used transducers, which are dynamic loudspeakers. The first model is a linear source, and the other two models are so-called loudspeaker matrices. The construction details of the sources and the results of measurements of the effect of the number of transducers built into the sources, stimulated by a test signal, on the shape of their directional characteristics are presented. Keywords: directivity, line source, loudspeaker matrix
Analysis of the effectiveness of microorganism inactivation using UV-C lamp The article discusses the results of tests assessing the effectiveness of inactivation of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) deposited on three different surfaces made of metal (stainless steel), plastic (polypropylene), and glass, each of them with a smooth and rough texture, and generated into the air in the form of monobioaerosols. In each case, two types of UV-C lamps were used for inactivation: a low-pressure mercury lamp and a modular light-emitting diodes. For the UV-C inactivation tests, microorganisms representing three groups of microorganisms were selected, i.e. from among bacteria, the reference strains: Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 260; from among viruses, the reference strain of bacteriophage PhiX174 ATCC 13706-B1; from among fungi, the mold Aspergillus versicolor ATCC 9577. Inactivation tests were performed on aqueous suspensions of these microorganisms applied to the above types of surfaces. Keywords: ultraviolet radiation, low-pressure mercury UV-C lamp, UV-C LED lamp, inactivation, microorganisms, metal, plastic, glass, surface structure, survival, photoreactivation
In intellectual work stands, such as office work, the annoyance of working conditions is a significant issue, as they can negatively impact well-being and concentration, and thus employee productivity. An annoyance factor in an office workstation can be noise – originating from building equipment or external sources – or the visual environment. Recent research indicates that interactions between the visual environment and sound can reduce the perception of annoyance caused by one of these factors, opening up the possibility of proactively shaping favorable working conditions. However, further research is needed in this area. This article presents a methodology for research on the impact of audiovisual interactions on the annoyance of working conditions and work efficiency, conducted at the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB). The construction of two laboratory stations used in this research is described. The first is located in a semi-CAVE room, enabling the creation of a virtual office, and the second is located in an acoustic chamber, ensuring accurate reproduction of spatial sound. In addition, techniques for creating an audiovisual environment at these sites and ways of using them in research are discussed. Keywords: noise annoyance, audiovisual interactions, office work, semi-CAVE, ambisonics
Measurements of radon activity concentration and procedures following the exceedance of the reference level in the workplace This publication outlines a procedure for measuring radon concentrations in workplaces that complies with applicable laws and national and international guidelines. It describes the methodology for taking measurements, selecting locations, determining measurement duration, and interpreting results. Particular attention is given to the steps to take if the reference level of 300 Bq/m³ is exceeded. The required corrective actions and workers' exposure assessment are also discussed. The publication aims to support employers and occupational health and safety professionals in ensuring safe working conditions by effectively monitoring and limiting radon exposure. Keywords: radon, ionization radiation, track detectors
Currently used standardized methods for assessing exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV), hand-arm vibration (HAV) as well as to noise at workstations do not account for the simultaneous occurrence of these vibroacoustic factors and therefore underestimate occupational risk assessments, because in such cases, the energy dose absorbed by the worker is greater than when exposed to noise alone or to a single type of vibration. This article proposes a method for assessing worker exposure to the simultaneous effects of these three factors and presents the results of an occupational risk assessment conducted using this method for five real-world workplaces. Keywords: whole-body vibration, hand-arm vibration, noise, occupational risk
Ergonomics and workflow versus the efficiency of production processes in the food industry – a case study The aim of this article is to analyse the impact of the ergonomics of working conditions and workflow organisation on the efficiency of production processes in the food industry, using the example of a pork processing plant. Based on a case study, a comprehensive diagnosis of the packer’s workstation was carried out using tools such as the Motion Capture system, CAPTIV L7000 software and 3DSSPP, which enabled the identification and assessment of activities that strain the musculoskeletal system and indicated areas requiring ergonomic intervention. The implementation of a utilitarian workflow model, combining ergonomic factors with workflow optimisation, brought measurable benefits in the form of increased productivity, improved working conditions and reduced occupational risks. The article also highlights the role of modern technologies in monitoring and improving production processes and points to the versatility of the developed model, which can be adapted to other industrial sectors. Keywords: ergonomics, workflow, productivity, food processing, occupational safety and health
Good practices for digital work platforms: towards decent and fair working conditions Platform work can support sustainable development by increasing access to the labour market and enabling flexible forms of employment. It can also facilitate the acquisition of additional sources of income and the professional integration of pe- ople from groups at risk of exclusion. However, platform work also carries the risk of precariousness, mainly due to the lack of job stability and limited access to social protection, as well as problematic health and safety conditions. Therefore, increasing attention is being paid to good practices that can improve the conditions of this work. The article presents examples of these practices and the principles according to which working conditions on digital platforms can be assessed in terms of fairness and de- cent employment conditions, as well as examples of the results of such assessments. Keywords: platform work, good practices, occupational safety, Fairwork
Reduced performance in selected biomechanical and sensory parameters among employees aged 50+. Preliminary analysis of own research Many parameters that affect working conditions change with age of employee, including biomechanical parameters such as strength and balance, as well as sensory parameters such as vision and hearing. Changes in these parameters in employees aged 50+ are beginning to be noticeable. on a group of 110 people (54.5 ±4 years old), conducted by the Central Institute for Labor Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB), showed that the size of these changes in the case of people aged 50 to 65 is important for work safety and ergonomics. Keywords: muscle strength, balance, visual acuity, hearing threshold, 50+
Driver attention disorders due to using a phone – results of simulator and questionnaire studies There are many experimental and questionnaire studies confirming the fact that using a phone while driving a car has a negative impact on the driver's efficiency and road safety. The article provides an overview of these studies and also presents selected results of studies conducted by the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB) on a group of drivers, which concerned situations when the driver's attention is distracted due to talking on a hands-free set and performing manual activities related to using road navigation. The results obtained may constitute the basis for developing a strategy to change drivers' attitudes and implementing actions aimed at reducing dangerous behavior on the roads. Keywords: driver attention disorders, road safety
Requirements for protective clothing against liquid chemicals related to formal market placing obligations Protective clothing against chemical agents is included in the group of personal protective equipment that protects its user against highly dangerous, often even fatal, hazards. The article presents the requirements for protective clothing against liquid chemicals (Type 3 and 4) imposed by EN 14605:2005+A1:2009 from the point of view of the producer of protective clothing, i.e. the formal market placing obligations. Detailed information on clothing protecting against chemical substances can be found in the Interactive Knowledge Base on Personal Protective Equipment, developed by the Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute (CIOP-PIB). The article draws attention to a new tool being developed at CIOP-PIB aimed at communicating practical information on the technology of production and principles of use of selected types of protective clothing. Keywords: liquid chemicals, protective clothing, requirements, personal protective equipment
Application of nanomaterials in disinfectants The long-term use of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics in high concentrations has detrimental effects on human health and the environment, so there is an urgent need to develop new disinfectants that are effective, but with less toxicity than currently found in available formulations. Research in recent years has shown that nanotechnology-based products may be a promising alternative to conventional antibacterial and antiviral agents. The nanomaterials used in them would also enable disinfection and antiseptic applications with a low probability of microorganisms acquiring resistance. There are broad prospects for the use of nanomaterials as biofilm control agents and to accelerate skin wound healing. Keywords: nanoparticles, nanomaterials, nanometals, disinfection, biofilm
