Occupational health and hazardsjsjshhshs

Occupational health

1. Occupational health and hazards Dr. Niyar Snigdha Pathak (PT) Asst. Prof.

2. Definition and Concept of Occupational Health Occupational health is a multidisciplinary field focused on the promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupations.“ (World Health Organization, WHO)

3. Objectives Adaptation of work to workers' capabilities and limitations. Prevention of occupational diseases and work-related injuries. Improvement of the working environment to ensure safety and comfort.

4. Historical Background Origins : Bernardino Ramazzini ( Father of Occupational Medicine ) (1633–1714) wrote De Morbis Artificum Diatriba ("Diseases of Workers"). 20th century: Formation of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in 1919. Establishment of the WHO-ILO collaboration on occupational health in 1950.

5. Goals of Occupational Health Primary Goals : Protect workers from workplace hazards. Promote healthy work habits and lifestyles. Foster safe and ergonomic workplace environments. Achieve physical, psychological, and social well-being.

6. Long-Term Outcomes : Lower absenteeism. Improved workforce productivity. Reduction in healthcare costs.

7. Core Areas of Occupational Health Components : Prevention : Risk assessment, hazard identification, and control measures. Surveillance : Monitoring workplace environments and worker health. Education and Training : Empowering workers with safety knowledge. Rehabilitation : Supporting workers’ recovery from occupational injuries.

8. Legal and Ethical Aspects of Occupational Health International Guidelines : ILO conventions and recommendations. WHO guidelines on occupational health services.

9. Legal Frameworks : Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) – USA. Factories Act, 1948 – India.

10. Ethical Principles : Protect workers’ rights to a safe and healthy workplace. Provide health interventions without discrimination.

11. Occupational Health Hazards

12. Hazards refer to any physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial agent present in the workplace that can potentially harm a worker’s health. (ILO)

13. Major Categories : Physical Hazards : Noise, radiation, heat, vibrations. Chemical Hazards : Asbestos, lead, solvents. Biological Hazards : Pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses). Ergonomic Hazards : Poor posture, repetitive motion. Psychosocial Hazards : Work stress, harassment, long hours.

14. Physical Hazards Heat : Sources : Hot machinery, furnaces, outdoor work in high temperatures. Effects : Heatstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion, burns. Prevention : Hydration stations, cooling breaks, protective clothing, ventilation.

15. Cold : Sources : Refrigeration units, outdoor work in extreme winters. Effects : Hypothermia, frostbite, chilblains. Prevention : Insulated clothing, heating facilities, monitoring body temperature.

16. Light : Sources : Excessive or inadequate workplace lighting, glare from screens. Effects : Eye strain, headaches, temporary blindness from glare. Prevention : Proper lighting design, use of anti-glare screens, breaks for eye rest.

17. Noise : Sources : Machinery, construction sites, industrial equipment. Effects : Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), stress, communication problems. Prevention : Soundproofing, noise barriers, ear protection devices.

18. Vibrations : Sources : Heavy machinery, construction tools, transportation jobs. Effects : Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), lower back pain. Prevention : Anti-vibration gloves, proper seating, maintenance of tools.

19. UV Radiation : Sources : Sunlight, welding, UV lamps. Effects : Skin burns, eye damage, increased risk of skin cancer. Prevention : Sunscreen, UV-blocking goggles, protective clothing, shade provision.

20. Control Strategies : Use soundproofing materials in noisy environments. Provide PPE (e.g., earplugs, heat-resistant clothing). Implement regular maintenance of machinery.

21. Chemical Hazards Chemical hazards are substances that can cause harm to health, either through direct contact or exposure via air, water, or surfaces.

22. Modes of Action : Local Action : Direct chemical contact affects the exposed area. Examples : Acid burns, skin irritation from cleaning agents. Prevention : Use of gloves, protective creams, and proper handling practices.

23. Inhalation : Breathing in chemical fumes, vapors, or dust. Examples : Asbestos leading to asbestosis, inhalation of solvents. Prevention : Respiratory masks, proper ventilation, substitution with less harmful substances.

24. Ingestion : Accidental consumption of chemicals. Examples : Contamination of food or drinks with pesticides or toxic chemicals. Prevention : Separate storage for food and chemicals, personal hygiene practices like washing hands.

25. Examples of Common Workplace Chemicals : Toxins : Benzene, lead, pesticides, asbestos. Chronic Effects : Lung diseases, cancer, liver/kidney damage.

26. Control Measures : Use less harmful chemical substitutes. Ensure proper storage and labeling of chemicals. Provide adequate ventilation and PPE.

27. Biological Hazards Sources : Healthcare settings: Exposure to pathogens like HIV, hepatitis, and tuberculosis. Agricultural settings: Exposure to zoonotic diseases from livestock.

28. Effects : Acute: Infections, rashes. Chronic: Occupational asthma, long-term infections. Prevention : Use of PPE (e.g., gloves, masks). Regular immunizations and health checks. Following strict biosafety protocols.

29. Ergonomic Hazards Hazards arising from poorly designed workstations, equipment, or repetitive motions. Examples : Improper seating causing back pain. Repetitive motion injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

30. Control Strategies : Use adjustable ergonomic furniture. Promote proper body mechanics and workplace exercises. Conduct regular workstation assessments.

31. Psychosocial Hazards Work stress leads to anxiety, depression, and burnout. Workplace bullying and harassment affect mental health.

32. Prevention Strategies : Create a supportive work environment. Implement mental health awareness programs. Enforce anti-bullying policies.

33. Cumulative Effects of Occupational Hazards Long-term exposure to multiple hazards can lead to:Chronic illnesses (e.g., cancer, respiratory diseases). Increased workplace accidents and injuries. Reduced life expectancy of workers.

34. Prevention and Management of Occupational Hazards Hierarchy of Controls : 1. Eliminate the hazard. 2. Substitute with safer alternatives. 3. Use engineering controls (e.g., ventilation systems). 4. Implement administrative controls (e.g., job rotation). 5. Provide PPE as a last resort.

35. Workplace Monitoring : Regular inspections and risk assessments. Training Programs : Educate workers about hazards and safety practices.

36. References World Health Organization. Occupational Health . Available at: www.who.int International Labour Organization (ILO). Introduction to Occupational Health and Safety . Available at: www.ilo.org National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Occupational Hazards . Available at: www.cdc.gov/niosh Alli, B. O. (2008). Fundamental Principles of Occupational Health and Safety. International Labour Office.