Conference Papers by Sotirios Kavouras
In Proceedings of 270th The International Institute of Engineers and Researchers (IIER) International Conference on Natural Science and Environment,19-20 December 2019. Florence, Italy (pp. 22–26). International Institute of Engineers and Researchers: Dharma Vihar, India., 2019
Environmental and occupational safety and health (EOSH) is considered very important aspect to ac... more Environmental and occupational safety and health (EOSH) is considered very important aspect to achieve sustainability. EOHS is not just a moral and legal responsibility but a multiplier for the societies looking towards high and sustainable standards of living. In addition accidents are not only counterproductive, but they also cost, which inevitably affects a principal pillar of sustainability. Therefore, the scientific interest is directed towards the socioeconomic dimensions of the EOHS. In this debate, education can act as catalyst by encouraging a dialogue to promote a safety culture. Thus, the current research, addressed a questionnaire in order to study EOSH and the safety culture through analyzing socioeconomic determinants.
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Papers by Sotirios Kavouras
Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy
The reduction of waste amounts, mainly Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), has not been successful in ma... more The reduction of waste amounts, mainly Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), has not been successful in many parts of Southern Europe, including Greece. Looking ahead, much more needs to be done and Circular Economy (CE) can address this challenge. Nowadays, emerged from the growing interest to boost ‘green’ growth in EU, CE and, by extension, waste management – an inherent element of CE – are issues that have become one of the EU's and Greece's main policy priorities. In accelerating the transition towards CE, the present study focuses on building environmental awareness. Upon the latter, the establishment of the first Environmental Education and Recycling Center in Greece is illustrated here as a best practice, in an attempt to explore the factors affecting acceptance to establish an additional center in Megara Municipality, close to Athens. Based on the above, a quantitative survey was carried out collecting questionnaires from 209 respondents. Although not completely representative of total population, the sample offers a good basis in order to study the factors that influence environmental awareness. Statistical analysis indicates how the establishment of an Environmental Education and Recycling Center in Megara depends on the (i) demographic profile data (age, monthly income, employment status), (ii) environmental consciousness, (iii) recycling habits and (iv) financial incentives. The empirical findings of this study also show that acceptance levels will increase with emphasis on the local development, by improving urban infrastructure and creating new jobs. Finally, according to the questioned sample, the old Megara Railway Station (OSE) is considered the appropriate area for the proposed Environmental Education and Recycling Center.
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Sustainability
A safe and healthy working environment is vital for overall sustainability, due to the fact that ... more A safe and healthy working environment is vital for overall sustainability, due to the fact that it affects opportunities of economic and social development. However, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), despite the international commitment to Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) via the 2030’s Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), work-related accidents are still far too common. Work-related mortality accounts for 5% of all deaths worldwide; a toll which has increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in the context of COVID-19, new demands on the labour market, such as teleworking, adequate protective measures, and proper use of personal protective equipment when physical presence cannot be avoided, are necessitating new approaches to ensure health and safety. Arguably, education can be viewed as a cross-cutting strategy in advance of a culture of safety for future generations, through strengthening skills and broadening knowledge. Indeed,...
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Sustainability , 2022
A safe and healthy working environment is vital for overall sustainability, due to the fact that ... more A safe and healthy working environment is vital for overall sustainability, due to the fact that it affects opportunities of economic and social development. However, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), despite the international commitment to Occupational Health and Safety (OSH) via the 2030's Agenda Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), work-related accidents are still far too common. Work-related mortality accounts for 5% of all deaths worldwide; a toll which has increased dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, in the context of COVID-19, new demands on the labour market, such as teleworking, adequate protective measures, and proper use of personal protective equipment when physical presence cannot be avoided, are necessitating new approaches to ensure health and safety. Arguably, education can be viewed as a cross-cutting strategy in advance of a culture of safety for future generations, through strengthening skills and broadening knowledge. Indeed, even though education cannot be considered a panacea, related to SDG 4, which seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all, it can be considered a critical component to deal with OSH issues using a preventive, rather than a reactive, approach. Given this fact, European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has stressed the prevention approach through mainstreaming OSH in education at all levels, and in all fields of vocational and academic training. Aware of the potential of universities to provide graduates the broad-based knowledge to produce labour-market skills including OSH, the aim of this study is to contribute to the discussion on mainstreaming OSH into Greek university education, using Harokopio University (HUA) as a case study. For this purpose, a web-based survey was conducted to address HUA's students, faculty members, and staff OSH knowledge, risks awareness, and attitudes, as well as their perceptions, opinions, and beliefs about the role of OSH for academia. A statistical analysis depicted respondents' high level of willingness to contribute to the promotion of OSH, while additional evidence suggests a considerable commitment of the respondents to participate in HUA's OSH-related training and education.
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Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy, 2022
The reduction of waste amounts, mainly Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), has not been successful in ma... more The reduction of waste amounts, mainly Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), has not been successful in many parts of Southern Europe, including Greece. Looking ahead, much more needs to be done and Circular Economy (CE) can address this challenge. Nowadays, emerged from the growing interest to boost ‘green’ growth in EU, CE and, by extension, waste management – an inherent element of CE – are issues that have become one of the EU's and Greece's main policy priorities. In accelerating the transition towards CE, the present study focuses on building environmental awareness. Upon the latter, the establishment of the first Environmental Education and Recycling Center in Greece is illustrated here as a best practice, in an attempt to explore the factors affecting acceptance to establish an additional center in Megara Municipality, close to Athens. Based on the above, a quantitative survey was carried out collecting questionnaires from 209 respondents. Although not completely representative of total population, the sample offers a good basis in order to study the factors that influence environmental awareness. Statistical analysis indicates how the establishment of an Environmental Education and Recycling Center in Megara depends on the (i) demographic profile data (age, monthly income, employment status), (ii) environmental consciousness, (iii) recycling habits and (iv) financial incentives. The empirical findings of this study also show that acceptance levels will increase with emphasis on the local development, by improving urban infrastructure and creating new jobs. Finally, according to the questioned sample, the old Megara Railway Station (OSE) is considered the appropriate area for the proposed Environmental Education and Recycling Center.
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Conference Papers by Sotirios Kavouras
Papers by Sotirios Kavouras