Occupational hazards

Types of hazards along with their preventive measures.

1. Occupational Hazards & It’s measures

2. Introduction: What is Occupational Health?? Occupational health refers to the identification and control of the risks arising from physical, chemical, and other workplace hazards in order to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.

3. Meaning of Occupational hazards: A substantial risk to a worker’s physical or mental well-being which is present in a certain task, job or profession. Occupational hazards include the likelihood of accidental injuries and diseases. They are the conditions surrounding a work environment that increase the probability of death, disability or illness to a worker.

4. Types of Occupational hazards and it’s preventive measures :- 1. Biological hazards: It is caused by exposure to bacteria, viruses, insects, plants, birds, animals or humans at workplace. Diseases caused: Common cold, Rabies, Tuberculosis, Zika virus etc.

5. Preventive measures: Protective gears such as gloves, masks gowns or eye wear should be used. Vacuum seals and air curtains should be installed in laboratories to be secured. Antidotes should be readily available when in an accidental contact of a disease. Frequent hand washing. Decontaminate all surfaces and reusable devices after use.

6. 2. Chemical hazards: It is the resultant exposure of chemicals substances such as reagents, toxic fumes, gases or flammable materials like gasoline, solvents or explosive chemicals etc. Diseases caused: Cancer(skin, lung etc), irritation to eyes, asthma etc.

7. Preventive measures: Limit access to chemicals. Do not use excessive lubricants or grease on equipments. Clean and sanitize equipments that has come in contact with pesticides. Be aware to mention certain allergic properties labeled properly on food containers. Keep chemicals out of reach from food, ingredients and packaging. Train employees to follow safe handling and application procedures for maintenance of chemicals etc.

8. 3. Physical hazards: It is caused by radiations including ionizing, non-ionizing (microwaves, radio waves, etc). High exposure to sunlight / ultraviolet rays. Temperature extremes – hot & cold. Working in confined spaces. Listening to constant loud noise, vibrations. Pressure extreme area – high & low. Diseases caused : Hypothermia, dysbarism w.r.t pressure change, claustrophobia, brain tumors etc.

9. Preventive measures: Good sanitation and quality control program. Wear proper attire to protect from skin burn or rash. Use barrier creams if possible. Hydrate yourself always. Use heat or cold resistant gloves when in need. Wear protective ear gears for noisy workplace. Limit working time on drilling objects and wear protective gear on hands or body as required.

10. 4. Ergonomic hazards: It occur when the type of work, body positions and working conditions put a strain on your body because of repetitive movements, improper set up of workstation , frequent lifting objects etc. Injuries caused: Muscle soreness, swelling or numbness. Musculoskeletal injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, tendinitis.

11. Preventive measures: Use a work station that is suitable to your height and to maintain proper posture. Take frequent brakes and relax yourself by stretching or a walk. Vary the muscular movements while working. Only use optimum force that is required to complete the task. Pace your work. Don’t be too fast or slow to do the work. Indulge in physical activity like sports or fitness training in leisure time to strengthen your muscles and to be more flexible. Introducing mechanical robots or machines to lift heavy objects.

12. 5. Psychological hazards: They are aspects of the work environment and the way that work is organized that are associated with mental disorders or physical injury or illness. Work load, bullying, lack of appreciation, dispute, bullying, sexual harassment etc. Effects on Health: Stress, anxiety, poor communication and interpersonal relationships. Tiredness, fatigue etc.

13. Preventive measures: Training should be given to increase awareness of signs and symptoms of critical incident stress or anxiety levels. Scheduling shift basis to avoid over work load on an employee. Indulge in team participation such as recreational games or organize corporate sports events. Develop healthy relationship with your fellow colleagues through counseling techniques. Develop mental health by engaging in yogic practices and breathing techniques to calm your mind and to gain confidence.

14. 6. Safety hazards: They are caused by slipping or tripping of heavy/light objects , inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns, electric shocks or fire explosion etc. Causes: Injury, illness or death. Unsafe healthy working environment leads to potential risks.

15. Preventive measures: Prohibition of smoking in manufacturing areas. Hazardous operation should be isolated. Suitable emergency exists. Use proper safety gear and equipments. Clean up spills immediately. Don’t carry loads that you can’t see over. Always watch where are you going. Use cautionary signs to indicate any problems. Handle equipments properly or any mechanical device as per the instructions.

16. THANK-YOU