Analysis of the circumstances of accidents and impact of transformations on the accidents in a beverage delivery company

The aim of the study was to analyze the narratives in accident files to document the circumstances of accidents in a beverage delivery company, in particular, in regard with the activities performed at the time of the accident and the deviations reported. A second aim was to understand the impact of the transformations introduced by the company on accident patterns. Narrative material from 546 files covering a 7-year period was analyzed. Special attention was given to collecting information on the activities conducted at the time of the accident, including location, foot support base, operation, and material involved. The analysis allowed specifying elements that have good potential for improving handling situations and decreasing accident risks. Three categories of deviation were analyzed: situations reported as particular or difficult, unforeseen events, and dysfunction reported in the activity itself. Results show that several external factors play an important role in the occurrence of accidents. Most of these factors are beyond risk analysis of handling situations. The impact of the transformations on the number, seriousness, and causes of accidents was dramatic. Analysis shows that current investigative risk tools are insufficient in helping management predict how decisions will affect safety. The discussion situates the results within the various theories of musculoskeletal mechanisms of injury.     

Preparation and Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Chitosan Loaded Methylcellulose-Based Biodegradable Films: Effects of Gamma Radiation

Chitosan (0.1–1%, w/w), dissolved in 2% acetic acid solution, was added into 1% methylcellulose (MC)-based formulation containing 0.5% vegetable oil, 0.25% glycerol and 0.025% Tween^?80. Films were prepared by casting. Puncture strength (PS), puncture deformation (PD), viscoelasticity coefficient and water vapour permeability (WVP) of the films were measured. The PS value of 312 N/mm was observed for MC-based films containing 0.25% chitosan. Values of PD, viscoelasticity coefficient and WVP of these films were 5.0 mm, 44.1%, and 6.0 g mm/m² day kPa, respectively. The MC-based films containing 0.25% chitosan were also exposed to gamma radiation (0.5–50 kGy). The PS of the treated films decreased significantly from 312 at 0 kGy to 201 N/mm when treated at a dose of 50 kGy. However, WVP values were not affected by increasing irradiation the dose used. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy supported the molecular interactions due to addition of chitosan in MC-based films. Thermo gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetric experiments showed that thermal properties of the films were significantly improved by chitosan loading. Surface topography of the films was studied by scanning electron microscopy and found rougher due to chitosan addition.