It has been shown that simple transmission measurement of chemical protective gloves is　possible by combining a real-time monitor with a measuring jig1). Therefore, the author compared the experimental conditions, results, and discussion between the simple transmission measurement in this study and JIS T8030, which is a conventional method of evaluating gloves, and examined the evaluation method that enables more appropriate selection of gloves. For the combination of gloves and solvents, the commonly used glove manufacturers disclosed their standard breakthrough detection time and permeability resistance class. Comparison of the permeability class disclosed by the glove manufacturer and the permeability class by simple measurement showed that the permeability classes of the solvents that permeated quickly were the same, but the class of the simple measurement was lower when the permeability slowed. For substances with high skin sensitization, carcinogenicity, and toxicity, it was considered that gloves could be used more safely if the start time of transmission of the simple measurement by real-time monitoring was used as the usable time.

Existing research emphasizes the benefits of economic analysis for occupational accident prevention measures, especially cost-benefit analysis (CBA), which is not widespread in Japanese firms. This study examines the factors hindering the use of CBA for safety measures. Particularly, this study conducted a questionnaire survey investigating 127 Japanese manufacturing firms to develop strategies that promote the use of the analysis. The survey found that the responding firms have not conducted CBA. Major reasons for this would be the limited understanding of CBA for safety measures and insufficient time or human resources to conduct the analysis. To promote the conduct of CBA, it is necessary to carefully explain to firms the basic concepts of economic analysis and increase their awareness of CBA. Development of CBA support tools that address the needs of firms such as quantifying the positive effect of safety on the productivity and profit would also help firms conduct CBA. Furthermore, CBA would be effective for customizing the methods according to firm size and industry. -

Complex systems consisting of many different components are interconnected and provide a variety of services. Many of the unexpected and emergent accidents that occur in such systems are caused not only by mechanical failures but also by multiple factors, including erroneous behavior of humans and organizations and software defects. The accident model STAMP based on system theory and the STAMP-based causal analysis method CAST have been proposed as a methodology for analyzing the causes of accidents in such complex systems and for considering measures to prevent recurrence. In this paper, based on the findings obtained during the CAST analysis, the issues of CAST and its proposed solutions are presented, by reconstructing CAST, the solutions are summarized in an analysis method equivalent to CAST. Next, the usefulness of CAST is examined through the reconstructed CAST analysis for actual accidents, and it is shown that CAST is useful for visualizing the structure of system functions and safety in an abstract and hierarchical manner, and for examining systematic accident prevention measures.