Search results
1 – 5 of 5Arto Reiman, Mikael Forsman, Ingela Målqvist, Marianne Parmsund and Annika Lindahl Norberg
The purpose of this paper is to identify various individual factors and combinations thereof that can contribute to truck drivers’ occupational accidents, particularly connected…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify various individual factors and combinations thereof that can contribute to truck drivers’ occupational accidents, particularly connected to work performed outside the cab in various work environments.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 74 accidents were analysed through in-depth interviews with truck drivers. These interviews were conducted employing the critical incident technique, and analysed utilising a qualitative content analysis approach.
Findings
The contributing factors identified were categorised into 14 categories. In all, 13 of these were grouped into four sections reflecting the drivers’ work outside the cab: “Goods and equipment”, “Loading/unloading area”, “Loading/unloading tasks”, and “Organisation”. A single risk factor was associated with 40 accidents while the other 34 involved combinations of factors.
Research limitations/implications
Although the tasks performed by truck drivers in different countries are probably similar, one limitation might be that all the accidents characterised occurred in one country: Sweden.
Practical implications
The findings reveal that complex combinations of risk factors often contribute to accidents. In addition to the transportation company itself, other stakeholders, such as clients, and designers and manufacturers of technology, may influence the occupational safety of truck drivers. Different stakeholders who could contribute to managerial decision making that is designed to prevent accidents are identified and discussed.
Originality/value
This investigation contributes to an in-depth understanding of the causes of accidents in the transportation industry. The findings are discussed from the perspective of the stakeholders and safety management in an attempt to identify key stakeholders who can improve accident prevention.
Details
Keywords
To investigate safety at truck drivers' work outside the cab with a special focus on work environment and equipment maintenance to prevent occupational accidents.
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate safety at truck drivers' work outside the cab with a special focus on work environment and equipment maintenance to prevent occupational accidents.
Design/methodology/approach
Two statistical databases on Finnish occupational accidents for truck drivers are analysed. Firstly, the national accident statistics database is examined to understand the broad context, and secondly a database on fatal accidents is analysed to better understand the root causes of the accidents and their relationship to human factors in maintenance. Based on the root cause analysis, four accident scenarios are created, and risk management measures are prioritized by occupational safety and health specialists (n = 7).
Findings
The study shows that there are a variety of accidents in truck drivers' work. Most of the accidents occur outside the cab while performing tasks other than driving. Further, in-depth analysis of the fatal accidents increases understanding of the possibilities of different risk management and maintenance actions in preventing such accidents.
Research limitations/implications
Databases contain different limitations concerning the data.
Practical implications
Truck drivers' work environments are wide in nature. Efficient safety management requires broad participation from different stakeholders. In addition to safe work activities, work environment and equipment maintenance is highlighted as a key component for safe and fluent delivery transportation.
Social implications
Road transportation forms a backbone of modern society. Accidents affect the efficiency of transportation and cause manifold costs reaching all the way to the societal level.
Originality/value
This study adds an important dimension of delivery transportation to a current scientific discussion on human factors and maintenance.
Details
Keywords
Skilled workers are crucial for an organization’s success, and managing, retaining and attracting them is vital in long-term. This study aims to explore talent management…
Abstract
Purpose
Skilled workers are crucial for an organization’s success, and managing, retaining and attracting them is vital in long-term. This study aims to explore talent management practices in the Finnish restaurant industry and to align workers' expectations with the real-world experiences of their work to reduce turnover and enhance job satisfaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopts a mixed methods approach, including a survey and interviews with workers and managers to gain insights into their expectations and experiences of work. The study considers themes for designing and implementing effective talent management procedures.
Findings
This study highlights the importance of employees' experiences of their work conditions, leveraging positive emotions and fair utilization of temporary agency work (TAW). Understanding the different work preferences of generational cohorts and addressing the challenges associated with owner disengagement and TAW can also contribute to attracting and retaining talent in the restaurant industry.
Originality/value
Skilled workers have often been portrayed as targets that need to be managed, with insufficient consideration given to their preferences, needs and expectations. With the findings of this study, companies can establish mutual understanding with their employees and attract diverse talent.
Details
Keywords
Tero Sotamaa, Arto Reiman and Osmo Kauppila
The purpose of this paper is to explore companies’ business risks and challenges across macro- and micro-environments, as well as how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore companies’ business risks and challenges across macro- and micro-environments, as well as how small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can benefit from digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), as part their risk-management (RM) strategies in the face of recent disruptive events.
Design/methodology/approach
We perform a literature review on risk management and business continuity (BC) in the context of SMEs, both in general and specifically in the manufacturing sector.
Findings
The critical importance of RM and BC for SMEs is highlighted. The review underscores the significant impact of recent disruptions on SMEs and reveals a range of risk factors affecting their BC. Moreover, the review recognises how SMEs, in general, and manufacturing SMEs, in particular, can benefit from using digital technologies and AI as essential components of their RM.
Originality/value
The review highlights transformative role of digital technologies and AI in enhancing RM. Through a systematic classification of risk factors within macro- and micro-environments, this novel approach provides a structured foundation for future research. It provides practical value by enabling SMEs to integrate dynamic capabilities and adaptive capacities through the adaption of digital technologies and AI into their RM.
Details