Occupation disease prevention and control

Essay on Occupational DiseasesIntroductionOccupational diseases are health conditions that arise due to prolonged exposure to risk factors or hazards present in the workplace. They are different from work-related injuries, as occupational diseases develop gradually over time rather than from a single event or accident. While industrial progress and technological advancements have led to improved working conditions in many sectors, occupational diseases remain a critical concern, affecting millions of workers globally. The understanding, prevention, and management of occupational diseases are vital for ensuring the health and safety of workers.Types of Occupational DiseasesOccupational diseases are categorized based on the type of exposure and the resulting health impacts. Some common types include:Respiratory Diseases: Many industries expose workers to airborne hazards, such as dust, fumes, chemicals, or fibers. Prolonged inhalation of these substances can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and silicosis. For example, miners and construction workers are at risk of pneumoconiosis, a lung condition caused by inhaling coal dust or asbestos fibers.Skin Diseases: Dermatitis and other skin conditions are prevalent in occupations involving chemicals, irritants, or extreme conditions. Hairdressers, cleaners, and healthcare workers are often exposed to various chemicals, leading to allergic reactions or dermatitis.Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Prolonged physical labor, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomics in the workplace often result in MSDs. These disorders affect the muscles, joints, and bones. For instance, factory workers, clerks, and nurses often report issues like back pain, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome.Hearing Loss: Occupational hearing loss is common in industries where workers are exposed to loud noises over extended periods. This includes construction, manufacturing, and music industries. Prolonged exposure to high decibel levels without proper protection can lead to permanent hearing damage.Occupational Cancers: Exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, such as asbestos, certain chemicals, or radiation, increases the risk of cancer. Asbestos, for example, has been linked to mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.Causes and Risk FactorsOccupational diseases are often caused by a combination of factors. These

1. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS ANJIMA T MADHU

2. INTRODUCTION Occupational health hazards refers to the potential risk and dangers that employees might encounter in their workplace. These hazards can stem from various sources including physical , chemical , biological and psychosocial factors. Preventing occupational health hazards is crucial for ensuring the safety , well being , and productivity of workers . This can be done by combination of identifying potential risks , implementing safety merasures , providing education and training and promoting a culture health and safety within the organisation.

3. OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE Occupational disease is defined as the disease caused by work or work environment Occupational disease occur as a resukt of exposure to physical , chemical , biological or psychological factors in the work place

4. FACTORS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH PHYSICAL – heat , noise , radiation CHEMICAL – solvents , pesticides , heavy metals , dust BIOLOGICAL – tuberculosis , Hep.B ,HIV PSYCHOLOGICAL STRESSOR – lack of control over work , inadequate personal support MECHANICAL – mainly cause accidents and injuries

5. TYPES OF OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE Asbestosis Pneumoconoioses Occupational dermatosis Occupational cancers Occupational asthma

6. PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS PRIMARY PREVENTION OF PHYSICAL HAZARDS NOICE CONTROL - Engineering and design changes can be done for noise reduction -Shielding can be done around noisy equipment -Machines should be kept in a good working condition -Silencers should be adequately installed -Acoustic principles should be applied to contain noise Wall should be soundproof to contain high intensity noise. Exposure to noise should be limited

7. Extreme of Heat control measures To prevent extreme heat , appropriate clothing can be worn Air conditioning should be installed in the workplace and ventilation should be increased There should be adequate hydration of the workers Shelters and places to rest in between the long working hours should be provided in extreme of temperatures To tackle radiation hazards , containment or shielding can be done Employes should be educated about the warning signs of heat strokes and preventives measures.

8. Radiation/Light hazard prevention Minimize the number of workers in areas with known risk of radiation The distance between the source and workers should be increased Length and quantum of exposure to radiation should be reduced Shielding the radiation source will protect people from getting unnecessary exposure Provision of personal protective equipment such as lead jackets and gloves can effectively shield an individual from radiation. Welders can be provided with protective goggles while working

9. SECONDARY PREVENTION Early detection of hearing loss and corrective measures Identification of heat induced electrolytes and water Re warming quickly by infusion of warmed fluids and circulating warm air devices or blankets in case of cold exposure or hypothermia In case of process with radiation hazards the following measures can be taken - pre employment and periodical medical examination Personal monitoring badges

10. Removing a worker from the operations if the radiation dose exceeding the safe limits and monitoring for further effect Pocket dosimeters and whole body radiation counters Monitoring radioactivity in the biological fluids

11. PRTEVENTION OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS Good house keeping practice to reduce dust and fibres Adequate ventilation and fitting of exhaust fans Substitution of harmful chemical with the harmless chemicals Automation and mechanization of dusty processes Segregation and enclosing the dusty operations Provisions of appropriate personal protective equipment such as mask Education of workerd about the need for correct use of PPE.

12. PRIMARY PREVENTION OF BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS Machines and dusty areas can be cleaned with cotton or other similar fibres can be cleaned using vaccum cleaners. Avoid dry dusting Humidity of the spinning and clothing loans can be increased Prevent exposure to potential organisms such as Anthrax Avoid the dusty areas or pollen or other plant materials Wear N95 masks Wear other personal protective equipments Employes at risk of contracting infection should be vaccinated

13. SECONDARY PREVENTION In case of accidental exposure to organisms , post exposure prophylaxis( PEP) need to be initiated. There should be early detection and treatment of conditions such as byssinosis , bagassosis and occupational asthma

14. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENTS (PPE) PPE is a precautionary step to protect yourself and the people around you PPE is specialized clothing or equipment worn for protection against dangerous or infectious materials PPE prevents contact with an infectious agent by creating a barrier between the potentially infectious materials and the public health practitioner

15. Purpose of PPE Stop the spread of illness/infections Protection of health practitioners health Protection of clients health Protection of family’s health Protection of family health

16. PPE available Gowns , aprons , coveralls Shoe cover Hair cover Respirants / masks Goggles or face shields Gloves

17. CONCLUSION Occupational diseases should not be neglected and should give proper attention at time. It is the main role of the nurse to work as an educator and protector in the field of occupation. Early dectection and timely management can control occupational diseases.

18. BIBLIOGRAPHY Brunner and suddarth’s textbook of Medical surgical Nursing South Asian edition, volume 2 www.slideshare.com

19. THANK YOU.