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The objective of the article was to describe the importance of a good technically and economically planned process for purchasing a rail vehicle. Compliance with this process with safety standards and energy efficiency is crucial regarding effectiveness in the long-life cycle cost of a rail vehicle. Methods that were used focused on audit and document analysis. In the result based on a specific audit of a railway company, some non-compliances were found, and it was methodically proven that they are significant risk factors in terms of performing such processes in the future. Major conclusions regarded the importance of fulfilling legal requirements of SMS for purchase purposes, involvement of a safety engineer post in this process, and usage of technical feedback regarding previous operation of railway vehicles and operational findings from the past. The transport policy of the EU and other developed countries sets ambitious goals for reducing energy consumption in transportation activities, which is linked to the aim of reducing environmental burdens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Airborne LiDAR data are used to assess defoliation in old-growth forest stands in Warsaw, Poland It was found that defoliated trees are often of old age and cause severe risks to visitors in the two assessed urban nature reserves. Both reserves were affected by a severe winter storm and closed to visitors and old trees valuable for biodiversity were cut at a high rate, respectively. The proposed methodology helps predict risks to visitors and can be used to develop precise visitor management, visitor information, and other targeted measures to ensure trade-offs between biodiversity potential and visitor risks are minimal. Urban nature reserves in Poland are precious relics of ancient nature with preserved biodiversity. They consist of valuable trees several 100 years old, are biodiverse, and are valuable recreational spaces right in and around cities. It is therefore critical to manage tradeoffs between visitor safety due to, e.g., falling dead branches and the need for old-grown trees for biodiversity conservation. This study aimed to determine whether airborne laser scanning data (LiDAR) can confirm that trees exhibiting the worst crown defoliation are the first to be damaged in storms. Our results show that during Storm Eunice in 2022, the detected defoliated trees, in fact, were damaged the most. Despite such evidence available to the city, no targeted changes to the management of the reserves were taken after the storm. One of the forests was completely closed to visitors; in the other forest, areas with damaged trees were fenced off, and then, the remaining branches and fallen trees were removed to make the forest available for recreation. Using available evidence such as LiDAR data, we propose more targeted and nuanced forms of managing biodiversity conservation in conjunction with visitor safety. This includes the establishment of priority areas, visitor information, and visitor management. This way, airborne laser scanning and Geographic Information Systems can be used to balance management needs accounting for both biodiverse old-grown forest structures while at the same time providing added safety for visitors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the article is to define the risk factors in rail transport and to show that the lack of sufficient identification of risks in individual phases affects the implementation of this type of transport. A literature study has been conducted to identify key risk factors and their impact on rail transport in Poland. For this purpose, a list of railway accidents in 2010–2020 in which people were injured, or there were significant losses in terms of the environment was presented. The realization of the objective focused on research proceedings covering the theoretical and cognitive sphere. This study included an analysis of the existing theoretical heritage in the area of risk management processes in rail transport, as well as a survey of the empirical research, which concentrated on the identification and assessment of key factors that influence the realization of rail transport in Poland. The work is of a utilitarian nature, as the need for conscious risk management has been demonstrated in rail transport, and guidelines for risk management in rail transport have been developed. In addition, the paper presents the possibilities offered by modeling a problem situation with the help of network thinking methodology for solving complex problems, including supporting creativity on the example of railroad transport in Poland. To define problem situations in the studied area, a complex process of a multifaceted approach to the analyzed issue is required. When assessing the effectiveness of risk management in rail transport, one should take into account the adverse factors influencing the studied phenomenon. The main sources used to write this article were the available literature in the field of emergency management and publications on railroad transport. The conclusions have been based on the results of logical analysis, verified empirically with the use of statistical methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The globally increasing healthcare expenditures related to the need to treat the consequences of adverse events, as well as the number of claims filed by patients (or their families) and remuneration paid as their result mean that the interest in the subject of adverse event cost management is increasing. An increase in the number of cases concerning medical errors has also occurred in Poland in recent years. The newest statistics from the Ministry of Justice demonstrate that the courts are awarding increasingly higher amounts. The goal of this work was an attempt to approximate, based on our own experiences, the impact of adverse events on the expenditures of the healthcare system in Poland, including the costs of treatment of the consequences of such events, described by the authors as "secondary harm"., Methods: Based on the analysis of 100 cases for compensation for the occurrence of a medical event, an initial estimate of the costs of primary (initial) treatment, which resulted in the occurrence of the adverse event, and the costs of subsequent hospitalisations/stays, which were its consequences. The study was conducted in the period from October 2020 to November of 2021., Results: The statistical analysis of the examined cases enabled establishing that in 62% they concerned women. Only 38% were events which applied to men. The highest number of cases concerned events which occurred in the last years, that is 2018 (35%), 2019 (23%), and 2017 (17%). The most frequent events included those related to incorrect diagnosis (the lack of correct diagnosis), which resulted in appropriate activities not being undertaken and a lack of appropriate treatment, e.g., lack of diagnosis of cancer, myocardial infarction, appendicitis, or fracture (26%). The next one was incorrect surgical treatment (17%)-the consequence of which was most frequently a need for repeated surgery and an incorrect conservative treatment of injuries. The obtained results demonstrate that significantly higher funds are spent by medical entities for "restorative" actions (on average EUR 1433, which attempt to mitigate against the negative consequences of incorrect decisions or actions in the original treatment (average cost of EUR 814))., Conclusions: The consequences of adverse events include not only health-related harm for the patient, but also long-term social, familial, or professional results. The authors of the article are of an opinion that all the conducted analyses and conclusions drawn from them should serve the improvement of patient safety. They also form an initial point for establishing recommendations and advice for the improvement of safety and quality of medical services and the reduction of healthcare-related costs. The authors propose covering the parties injured by an adverse event (subjected to "secondary harm") with a unique, innovative programme of post-accident health care, "Health Reconstruction".

Gen Z, people born in the Internet age, are entering the labour market and soon will be responsible for public administration. Such a situation creates the need to study their professional motivations and competencies. We aim to determine: (1) What are the motivating factors of Gen Z representatives? (2) What is the factor's structure of competencies of Gen Z employees? (3) Do Gen Z's interest in public administration result from their needs to realise the public interest? These questions are fundamental for the strategy of hiring and training newcomers. This original paper's insights have emerged iteratively based on a systematic literature searching method and data obtained from the surveys ( n = 335). Research of Polish representatives of Gen Z showed that their expectations are similar to those found in other countries. However, their responses suggest that ethical issues are not the most important for them. The presence of generation G on the labor market will generate a paradigm shift in the activity of companies and public institutions that will be the employers of these young people. Reconfiguration of the principles of human resource management is necessary so that organizations benefit from the qualities of generation Z-they gravitate towards gamified processes because of mobile-centricity; they are natives of global communication, self-learners, and self-motivators; they appreciate transparency.

The aim of the research presented in the article was to analyse the legitimacy of the use of scoring models in banking activities, together with the assessment of the effectiveness of this tool in reducing the high value of the NPL ratio in Polish cooperative banks on the example of banks belonging to the BPS S.A. association in the period between 2004 and 2020. We used a variety of research methods for this purpose including a depth review of the literature, analysis of statistical data regarding the sector of Polish cooperative banks, analysis of financial data of cooperative banks, construction of an econometric panel model, and the designing a questionnaire (which was later sent to the management board of selected cooperative banks). Our research confirmed the significant impact of the use of scoring models in lending activities on the value of the NPL ratio in cooperative banks. The analysed cooperative banks, which used the scoring models proposed by BIK in their lending activity, showed significantly lower values of the NPL ratio in each analysed year than banks that used other scoring models. Our study also confirmed the different direction of the impact of the models offered by BIK and individual scoring models on the value of the NPL ratio. We have also shown that the scoring models proposed by BIK have a statistically significant negative impact on the level of the NPL ratio, and the banks' own scoring models have a statistically significant positive impact on the level of the NPL ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic revealed many weaknesses in the functioning of businesses. It turns out that managers are not prepared to manage the enterprise's resources in a high-risk environment. Considering risk managers' issues requires reaching for theoretical and practical knowledge about competencies shaped in unpredictable conditions. This study attempts to determine the importance of the company's resource management risk among the managerial staff. For the research carried out in 2019–2020, a questionnaire, interview, and literature studies were used. The questionnaire was addressed to 282 managers from western Poland. Particular attention was paid to establishing the crucial components of the company's resource management competence. Moreover, the regular self-assessment of risk competence made it possible to present preferences in managing strategic resources, depending on the type of position held. The competence of human resources management risk was also examined according to biographical variables (i.e., age, sex, seniority, and total seniority). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issues related to management control and risk management are related not only to the safe operation of a given organization, but also contribute to ensuring the continuity of its operations. The main purpose of this article is to present the general principles of the organization of the management control and risk management system and to check the knowledge of its essence and principles by the employees of local government units. In the empirical part of the article, the method of desk research was used, as well as a questionnaire, which check the knowledge of rules and procedures by local government units' employees. The research results show that the understanding of the essence and principles of management control system and risk management by employees is incomplete. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct training in the field, increasing the knowledge of the management control system. This is important because a properly functioning management control system may contribute to the improvement of public service provision, better use of resources, and may also prevent wastage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public healthcare organizations usually operate under significant financial strain and frequently strive for survival. Thus, in most cases, financial stability is a "holy grail" of public healthcare organizations in general and hospitals in particular. The financial stability itself is partly dependent upon the ability to manage risk associated with hospital actions. In the paper, we seek to address the question related to the moderating role of stakeholders' engagement in the relationship between risk management practices and a hospital's financial stability. To answer this question, we designed and carried out empirical research on a sample of 103 out of 274 Polish public hospitals operating at the first-level (closest to the patient). Results show that risk management practices are positively related to financial stability. Hospitals with well-developed risk management practices are better prepared and find appropriate answers to threats, helping them attain financial stability. We also found that stakeholder engagement acts as a moderator of the relationship between risk management practices and financial stability. Research results indicate that with more sophisticated risk management practices, stakeholder engagement in decision-making leads to statistically lower financial stability. On the other hand, high levels of stakeholders' engagement help when risk management practices are underdeveloped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flash floods pose a significant threat to humans but the state of our knowledge on the occurrence and related risk of such phenomena is insufficient. At the same time, many climate change models predict that extreme rainfall events will occur more and more frequently. Identifying areas susceptible to flash floods is more complicated that in the case of floods occurring in the valley bottoms of large rivers. Flood risk maps in Poland have not been developed for small catchments. The study objective was to assess whether the threat related to flash floods is taken into account in the spatial planning system of municipalities. Studies were conducted in the Lublin Upland, E Poland (an area of about 7200 km2). A preliminary assessment of susceptibility of 369 catchments to flash floods was carried out in a GIS environment using multi criteria analysis. The susceptible catchments cover about 30% of the area. Existing planning documents, flood hazard and flood risk maps were analyzed for municipalities located in the catchments with highest susceptibility to this phenomenon. Our results show that flash flood risk is usually not recognized at the level of local governments even when it is significant. Local planning documents do not take into account the existence of this threat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infections caused by the toxigenic strains of Clostridioides difficile in the hospital environment pose a serious public health problem. The progressive increase in hospital infections in Poland indicates that risk management is a tool that is not used in an effective way and significantly differs from the goals set by the Leading Authorities, the Ministry of Health and its subordinate units. Systematic education of medical personnel constitutes the basic element of rational risk management aimed at reducing the number of infections as it allows for the transfer of knowledge, development of appropriate organizational procedures, and improves internal communication. This paper presents the results of a survey conducted in hospital facilities throughout Poland. The study dealt with what medical personnel know about channels of transmission and prevention of Clostridioides difficile infections in the hospital setting, professional training and risk management in terms of reducing the number of infections. The survey reveals that Clostridioides difficile continues to be a serious problem in the inpatient care system. Procedures and management strategies implemented by hospitals in order to limit the spread of the pathogen are predominantly focused on short-term action, which does not lead to a real improvement in terms of hospitalized patients' safety. The infection risk management system was assessed at a fairly low level. The obtained research results confirmed the research hypotheses that had been formulated.

The subject matter of the article relates to the assessment of the perception of selected types of risk in economic activities of the SME sector, which change their intensity as a result of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The current economic downturn is unprecedented and involves many companies and industries that have faced new, previously unknown challenges and threats. The objective of the article is to identify the most important risks and their resources based on the empirical research carried out in small and medium-sized enterprises in Poland. The formulated objective was accomplished using the data collection method, i.e., the survey and reports on the condition of the SME sector in Poland as well as statistical data analysis methods, i.e., structure index and the analysis of variance, using the SPSS system. The process of primary data collection was carried out by means of an electronic survey among selected enterprises of the SME sector, conducting business activities in Poland. In the study, the employment factor was taken into account as a determinant of the perception and assessment of the intensity of selected risks arising from the economic activity in the Polish market in the conditions of the current economic downturn. On the basis of the obtained results, the impact of market, economic, financial and operational risks, depending on their intensity, on the functioning of micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises was identified. Based on the analysis of variance, the effect of the size of the company on the level of individual risks was also examined. As a result of the observations made, it was established that, during the pandemic, the level and type of risk is similar in all the surveyed enterprises. They are most often threatened by strong competition in the industry, an increase in energy prices and insufficient profit. The overall results of the empirical research indicate the importance and the need to manage the key threats to the Polish SME sector.

The development and enhancement of occupational health services (OHS) at the national level is central to ensuring the sustainable health, well-being and work engagement of the working population. However, due to differences in national health, social security and occupational safety and health systems, the content, capacity, coverage and provisions of OHS vary considerably across national contexts. Obtaining a better understanding in terms of such similarities and variations internationally is essential as such comparative information can help inform evidenced-based decision-making on OHS at both policy and practice levels. This paper therefore reviews and analyses the key policies, standards and approaches in OH systems and services, using both academic and grey literature, across 12 industrialised countries (Australia, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Poland, United Kingdom and the United States of America). It provides a detailed overview and categorization of OHS in these selected countries in terms of the legal and policy context, organisation and financing and coverage and staffing while specifically discussing variations aimed at psychosocial risk management and the promotion of mental health and well-being at work. It draws conclusions on key development needs of OHS internationally to ensure psychosocial risk management and mental health promotion are prioritised effectively in a preventive manner.

Obesity is currently the most common metabolic disease, causing numerous health problems and, if untreated, leading to premature mortality. Obesity is a significant issue among people of working age since their ability to work depends directly on their health condition and psychomotor fitness. Demographic and socioeconomic factors have a significant impact on the body weight of people of working age. The aim of this study is to identify relationships between the body mass index and selected demographic and socioeconomic variables in working-age residents of the city of Wrocław, Poland. The study involved 4315 respondents (2206 women and 2109 men) aged 18-64 years from Wrocław. The sample selection was random and purposive, using multilevel stratification. The applied research tool was the authors' own cross-sectional diagnostic questionnaire of socioeconomic status. Based on the collected data, the respondents' body weight was categorized according to WHO criteria. The majority of respondents (60%) had a normal body weight, while 40% were categorized as overweight or obese. The difference was statistically significant ( p < 0.001). Sex, age, occupational status, marital status, number of people in the household, having a steady source of income, disposable (net) income, and savings were significantly correlated ( p < 0.001) with respondents' body mass index. Public health programs aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle behaviors should be addressed primarily to groups at the highest risk of overweight and obesity.

This article presents the research from the first phase of our study on blood-borne risk management, wherein we solicited epidemiologists' and healthcare practitioners' expert opinions on a blood-borne infection risk assessment in Poland. Forty-two experts were recommended by epidemiology consultants and recruited from all districts in Poland. We used the SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) method in the evaluation. Experts' opinions showed that there is room for improvement in the prevention of blood-borne infections. Commonly reported weaknesses in the risk assessment included gaps in knowledge and inappropriate procedures, which are largely caused by financial constraints and practitioners' lack of awareness of developments in their trade. Strengths included legal regulations for medical services and procedures, surveillance, and increasing awareness on the part of medical staff. When paired with the existing statistical data, these results provide a comprehensive view of the problem of blood-borne infections in Poland. The analysis supported the development of a strategy proposal to prevent blood-borne infections and enhance existing risk assessment procedures.

"Food loss", defined as food produced for human consumption, which for various reasons leaves the supply chain, can be assigned to a group of new risks. Irrational use of food constitutes a risk to the environment. Moreover, food losses represent a missed opportunity to improve global food security. The aim of this study was to develop a risk management model for dairy product losses using the example of ripening cheese. The necessary data to develop the model were derived from a survey that was conducted in five dairies located in Poland. Total losses for nine products amounted to 1.1% of the average annual production, which accounted for more than 5635 t per annum. The studies that were conducted allowed the identification of three management methods of food loss in dairies: reprocessing, hand over for feed, and disposal. The level of risk was defined as "high" with two suggested courses of action: prevention and tolerance. Risks must be prevented by eliminating any errors that may result in a product of inadequate quality. Another solution is to redistribute or sell products at a reduced price, which despite their reduced quality, are nevertheless suitable for consumption. To some extent, this risk must be tolerated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]