Journal of Health and Safety at Work

Introduction: In HSE management systems competency has been considered as an important tool for selecting managers and resource allocation. Lack of proper HSE managers can undermine the performance of the management system. On the other hand competent HSE managers can improve the performance of management system and reduce the time to perform activities. This study was aimed to present a model to select the HSE managers.

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Material and Method: In this study, similar models were examined to select the basic framework. Model dimensions and weights were determined using the focus group technique. The model was used in a large industrial company. The model was approved by the evaluation of the results and correction of the identified defects.

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Result: The approved model included technical, behavior and concept competence. Technical competence for managers in level 1 and 2 and behavior competence for managers in level 3, were the most important dimensions.

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Conclusion: HSE managers in various level should have different competencies which can be evaluated by presented model in the current study, before employment and also it can be used as a basis for monitoring individuals during specific period of time.

Introduction: Pharmacies are one of the main elements of the service chain in the health system in each country. Therefore, it is important to identify characteristics of the job as well as the health issues of the employees of this business. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ergonomic issues of pharmacies.

Material and Method: This qualitative study was conducted using content analysis during a 5- month study in the pharmacies of Maragheh city, Iran. Data was collected using focus group discussion. Thirty individual including 12 Pharmacists, 12 pharmacy technicians and 6 inspectors of deputy of the food and drugs office  participated in five meetings. Data analysis was carried out simultaneously using the conducted content analysis.

Result: Using content analysis method 23 ergonomic issues were identified in the studied pharmacies. These issues were categorized into three broad categories based on the classification of the International Ergonomics Association (physical, cognitive, and organizational issues). The results showed that from ergonomic point of view, different issues of all three categories such as work postures, work space and layout, mental workload and work-rest schedules are of great importance for staffs. Some issues were more emphasized by personnel, themselves.

Conclusion: Unlike what appears at first, pharmacies as a work environment have multiple issues related to workforce health. Therefore, the occupational health and ergonomic evaluation of pharmacies that has been neglected should be taken into account by ergonomic researchers. Also, interventions to promote the ergonomic level of pharmacies require attention to all aspects of ergonomics. The results of this study can be used as a basis for promoting the regulations of establishment and utilization of pharmacies as well as ergonomic assessment of them.