Occupational hazard

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Construction workers at height without appropriate safety equipment
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Occupational hazards
Hierarchy of hazard controls
Occupational hygiene
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An occupational hazard is a hazard experienced in the workplace. This encompasses many types of hazards, including chemical hazards, biological hazards (biohazards), psychosocial hazards, and physical hazards. In the United States, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conduct workplace investigations and research addressing workplace health and safety hazards resulting in guidelines. [1] The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes enforceable standards to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. [2] In the EU, a similar role is taken by EU-OSHA.

Contents

Occupational hazard, as a term signifies both long-term and short-term risks associated with the workplace environment. It is a field of study within occupational safety and health and public health. [3] Short term risks may include physical injury (e.g., eye, back, head, etc.), while long-term risks may be an increased risk of developing occupational disease, such as cancer or heart disease. In general, adverse health effects caused by short term risks are reversible while those caused by long term risks are irreversible.

Chemical hazards

Chemical hazards are a subtype of occupational hazards that involve a wide variety of chemicals. Exposure to chemicals in the workplace can cause acute or long-term detrimental health effects. There are many classifications of hazardous chemicals, including neurotoxins, immune agents, dermatologic agents, carcinogens, reproductive toxins, systemic toxins, asthmagens, pneumoconiotic agents, and sensitizers. [4]

NIOSH sets recommended exposure limits (REL) as well as recommends preventative measures on specific chemicals in order to reduce or eliminate negative health effects from exposure to those chemicals. [5] Additionally, NIOSH keeps an index of chemical hazards based on their chemical name, [6] Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Number (CAS No.), [7] and RTECS Number. [8] Furthermore, OSHA has set permissible exposure limits [9] (PEL) on around 500 chemicals which are enforceable by law.

These exposure limits include evidence that a certain amount of a chemical exposure is linked to one or more adverse health effects. For instance, heart disease [10] is more prevalent in workers who are exposed to the chemicals found in engine exhausts. Exposure to carbon tetrachloride has shown to cause liver and kidney damage. [11] Exposure to benzene has been linked to leukemia. [12]

Biological hazards

Biological agents, which create biological hazards, include bacteria, fungi, viruses, microorganisms, and toxins. [13] These biological agents can cause adverse health effects in workers. Influenza is an example of a biological hazard which affects a broad population of workers. [14]

Exposure to toxins generated by insects, spiders, snakes, scorpions, [15] [16] [17] etc., require physical contact be made between the worker and the living organism. Skin exposure to biological agents can cause contact dermatitis (caused by exposure to urushiol from poisonous Toxicodendron plants [18] ), Lyme disease, [19] West Nile virus, [20] and coccidioidomycosis (caused by exposure to fungi). [21] According to NIOSH, outdoor workers at risk for these hazards "include farmers, foresters, landscapers, groundskeepers, gardeners, painters, roofers, pavers, construction workers, laborers, mechanics, and any other workers who spend time outside." [18]

Health care professionals are at risk to exposure to blood-borne illnesses (such as HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C) [22] and particularly to emerging infectious diseases, especially when not enough resources are available to control the spread of the disease. [23] Veterinary health workers, including veterinarians, are at risk for exposure to zoonotic disease. [24] Those who do clinical work in the field or in a laboratory risk exposure to West Nile virus if performing necropsies on birds affected by the virus or are otherwise working with infected tissue. [20]

Other occupations at risk to biological hazard exposure include poultry workers, who are exposed to bacteria; [25] and tattooists and piercers, who risk exposure to blood-borne pathogens. [26]

Psychosocial hazards

Psychosocial hazards are occupational hazards that affect someone's social life or psychological health. Psychosocial hazards in the workplace include occupational burnout and occupational stress, which can lead to burnout. [27]

According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of occupational burnout include a cynical attitude towards work, severe lack of motivation at work, erratic sleeping habits, and disillusionment about one's occupation. [28]

Physical hazards

Physical hazards are a subtype of occupational hazards that involve environmental hazards that can cause harm with or without contact. Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards. [29]

Heat and cold stress

Heat and cold stress occur when the temperature is significantly different from room temperature (68-74 degrees Fahrenheit). [30] When the body is exposed to heat stress, excess sweating can lead to a range of heat-related illnesses. [31] Excessive cold can lead to several cold-related illnesses such as hypothermia, frostbite, etc. [32]

Vibration hazards

Occupational vibration hazards most often occur when a worker is operating machinery that vibrates as a symptom of its functioning (e.g., chainsaws, power drills, etc.). The most common type of vibration syndrome is Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). Long-term exposure to HAVS can lead to damage occurring in the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. [33]

Noise

Each year in the US, twenty-two million workers are exposed to noise levels that could potentially harm their health. [34] Occupational hearing loss is the most common occupational illness in the manufacturing sector. [35] Workers in exceptionally high noise environments, such as musicians, [36] mine workers, [37] and even those involved with stock car racing, [38] are at a much higher risk of developing hearing loss, when compared to other workers (e.g., factory workers, etc.).

While permanent noise-induced hearing loss is often preventable through proper hearing protection, limiting the amount of time one is exposed to high levels of noise is still required. [39] As such a widespread issue, NIOSH has been committed to preventing future hearing loss for workers by establishing recommended exposure limits (RELs) of 85  dB(A) for an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). [40] The Buy Quiet program was developed by NIOSH to encourage employers to reduce workplace noise levels by purchasing quieter models of tools and machinery. [41] [42] Additionally, a partnership with the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) has resulted in the creation of the Safe-in-Sound Award to recognize excellence and innovation in the field of hearing loss prevention. [43] [44]

Furthermore, OSHA's development and implementation of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) [45] has required employers to more effectively protect their workers against noise levels that are too high. The HCP empowers workers to not only receive noise exposure testing, as well as audiometric testing, but also to have access to noise protection devices adequate for the noise levels they are being exposed to. [46] [47]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Noise</span> Unwanted sound

Noise is sound, chiefly unwanted, unintentional, or harmful sound considered unpleasant, loud, or disruptive to mental or hearing faculties. From a physics standpoint, there is no distinction between noise and desired sound, as both are vibrations through a medium, such as air or water. The difference arises when the brain receives and perceives a sound.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Personal protective equipment</span> Equipment designed to help protect an individual from hazards

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection. The hazards addressed by protective equipment include physical, electrical, heat, chemical, biohazards, and airborne particulate matter. Protective equipment may be worn for job-related occupational safety and health purposes, as well as for sports and other recreational activities. Protective clothing is applied to traditional categories of clothing, and protective gear applies to items such as pads, guards, shields, or masks, and others. PPE suits can be similar in appearance to a cleanroom suit.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health</span> US federal government agency

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is the United States federal agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Despite its name, it is not part of either the National Institutes of Health nor OSHA. Its current director is John Howard.

Occupational noise is the amount of acoustic energy received by an employee's auditory system when they are working in the industry. Occupational noise, or industrial noise, is often a term used in occupational safety and health, as sustained exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. Occupational noise is considered an occupational hazard traditionally linked to loud industries such as ship-building, mining, railroad work, welding, and construction, but can be present in any workplace where hazardous noise is present.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational hygiene</span> Management of workplace health hazards

Occupational hygiene or industrial hygiene (IH) is the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, control, and confirmation (ARECC) of protection from risks associated with exposures to hazards in, or arising from, the workplace that may result in injury, illness, impairment, or affect the well-being of workers and members of the community. These hazards or stressors are typically divided into the categories biological, chemical, physical, ergonomic and psychosocial. The risk of a health effect from a given stressor is a function of the hazard multiplied by the exposure to the individual or group. For chemicals, the hazard can be understood by the dose response profile most often based on toxicological studies or models. Occupational hygienists work closely with toxicologists (see Toxicology) for understanding chemical hazards, physicists (see Physics) for physical hazards, and physicians and microbiologists for biological hazards (see Microbiology, Tropical medicine, Infection). Environmental and occupational hygienists are considered experts in exposure science and exposure risk management. Depending on an individual's type of job, a hygienist will apply their exposure science expertise for the protection of workers, consumers and/or communities.

The permissible exposure limit is a legal limit in the United States for exposure of an employee to a chemical substance or physical agent such as high level noise. Permissible exposure limits were established by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Most of OSHA's PELs were issued shortly after adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Act in 1970.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chemical hazard</span> Non-biological hazards of hazardous materials

Chemical hazards are hazards present in hazardous chemicals and hazardous materials. Exposure to certain chemicals can cause acute or long-term adverse health effects. Chemical hazards are usually classified separately from biological hazards (biohazards). Chemical hazards are classified into groups that include asphyxiants, corrosives, irritants, sensitizers, carcinogens, mutagens, teratogens, reactants, and flammables. In the workplace, exposure to chemical hazards is a type of occupational hazard. The use of personal protective equipment may substantially reduce the risk of adverse health effects from contact with hazardous materials.

A recommended exposure limit (REL) is an occupational exposure limit that has been recommended by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. The REL is a level that NIOSH believes would be protective of worker safety and health over a working lifetime if used in combination with engineering and work practice controls, exposure and medical monitoring, posting and labeling of hazards, worker training and personal protective equipment. To formulate these recommendations, NIOSH evaluates all known and available medical, biological, engineering, chemical, trade, and other information. Although not legally enforceable limits, RELS are transmitted to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor for use in promulgating legal standards.

Control banding is a qualitative or semi-quantitative risk assessment and management approach to promoting occupational health and safety. It is intended to minimize worker exposures to hazardous chemicals and other risk factors in the workplace and to help small businesses by providing an easy-to-understand, practical approach to controlling hazardous exposures at work.

Workplace health surveillance or occupational health surveillance (U.S.) is the ongoing systematic collection, analysis, and dissemination of exposure and health data on groups of workers. The Joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health at its 12th Session in 1995 defined an occupational health surveillance system as "a system which includes a functional capacity for data collection, analysis and dissemination linked to occupational health programmes".

Prevention through design (PtD), also called safety by design usually in Europe, is the concept of applying methods to minimize occupational hazards early in the design process, with an emphasis on optimizing employee health and safety throughout the life cycle of materials and processes. It is a concept and movement that encourages construction or product designers to "design out" health and safety risks during design development. The process also encourages the various stakeholders within a construction project to be collaborative and share the responsibilities of workers' safety evenly. The concept supports the view that along with quality, programme and cost; safety is determined during the design stage. It increases the cost-effectiveness of enhancements to occupational safety and health.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Physical hazard</span> Hazard due to a physical agent

A physical hazard is an agent, factor or circumstance that can cause harm with contact. They can be classified as type of occupational hazard or environmental hazard. Physical hazards include ergonomic hazards, radiation, heat and cold stress, vibration hazards, and noise hazards. Engineering controls are often used to mitigate physical hazards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Safe-in-Sound Award</span>

The Safe-in-Sound Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award is an occupational health and safety award that was established in 2007 through a partnership between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). In 2018, the partnership was extended to include the Council for Accreditation in Occupational Hearing Conservation (CAOHC).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational hearing loss</span> Form of hearing loss

Occupational hearing loss (OHL) is hearing loss that occurs as a result of occupational hazards, such as excessive noise and ototoxic chemicals. Noise is a common workplace hazard, and recognized as the risk factor for noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus but it is not the only risk factor that can result in a work-related hearing loss. Also, noise-induced hearing loss can result from exposures that are not restricted to the occupational setting.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Agricultural safety and health</span>

Agricultural safety and health is an aspect of occupational safety and health in the agricultural workplace. It specifically addresses the health and safety of farmers, farm workers, and their families.

Occupational heat stress is the net load to which a worker is exposed from the combined contributions of metabolic heat, environmental factors, and clothing worn, which results in an increase in heat storage in the body. Heat stress can result in heat-related illnesses, such as heat stroke, hyperthermia, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat rashes, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Although heat exhaustion is less severe, heat stroke is a medical emergency and requires emergency treatment, which if not provided, can lead to death.

Engineering controls are strategies designed to protect workers from hazardous conditions by placing a barrier between the worker and the hazard or by removing a hazardous substance through air ventilation. Engineering controls involve a physical change to the workplace itself, rather than relying on workers' behavior or requiring workers to wear protective clothing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Occupational dust exposure</span> Occupational hazard in agriculture, construction, forestry, and mining

Occupational dust exposure occurs when small particles are generated at the workplace through the disturbance/agitation of rock/mineral, dry grain, timber, fiber, or other material. When these small particles become suspended in the air, they can pose a risk to the health of those who breath in the contaminated air.

There are unique occupational health issues in the casino industry, many of which are attributed to repetitive tasks and long-term exposures to hazards in the casino environment. Among these issues are cancers resulting from exposure to second-hand tobacco smoke, musculoskeletal injury (MSI) from repetitive motion injuries while running table games over many hours, and health issues associated with shift work. Safety and regulatory agencies in the United States have implemented regulatory measures to address the specific risks associated with workers in the casino industry, and have made efforts to identify additional possible risks to casino workers, including noise-induced hearing loss and heavy metal poisoning from exposure to dust from coins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Workplace hazard controls for COVID-19</span> Prevention measures for COVID-19

Hazard controls for COVID-19 in workplaces are the application of occupational safety and health methodologies for hazard controls to the prevention of COVID-19. Multiple layers of controls are recommended, including measures such as remote work and flextime, personal protective equipment (PPE) and face coverings, social distancing, and enhanced cleaning programs. Recently, engineering controls have been emphasized, particularly stressing the importance of HVAC systems meeting a minimum of 5 air changes per hour with ventilation or MERV-13 filters, as well as the installation of UVGI systems in public areas.

References

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  2. ↑ "About OSHA". United States Department of Labor. Archived from the original on 2019-06-09. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  3. ↑ Ramos, Athena; Carlo, Gustavo; Grant, Kathleen; Bendixsen, Casper; Fuentes, Axel; Gamboa, Rodrigo; Ramos, Athena K.; Carlo, Gustavo; Grant, Kathleen M. (2018-09-02). "A Preliminary Analysis of Immigrant Cattle Feedyard Worker Perspectives on Job-Related Safety Training". Safety. 4 (3): 37. doi: 10.3390/safety4030037 .
  4. ↑ "CDC - Chemical Safety - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  5. ↑ "NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. September 2007. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  6. ↑ "Index of Chemical Names, Synonyms and Trade Names". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Index of Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS No.)". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Index of RTECS Numbers". Centers for Disease Control and Preveniton. Retrieved June 29, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Permissible Exposure Limits – OSHA Annotated Table Z-1 | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  10. ↑ "Occupational health and safety – chemical exposure". www.sbu.se. Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services (SBU). Archived from the original on 2017-06-06. Retrieved 2017-06-01.
  11. ↑ "1988 OSHA PEL Project - Carbon Tetrachloride | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2020-02-25. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  12. ↑ "CDC | Facts About Benzene". emergency.cdc.gov. 2019-05-15. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  13. ↑ "Biological Agents - Overview | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  14. ↑ "CDC - Seasonal Influenza (Flu) in the Workplace - Guidance - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  15. ↑ "CDC - Insects and Scorpions - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  16. ↑ "CDC - Venomous Snakes - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  17. ↑ "CDC - Venomous Spiders - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  18. 1 2 "CDC - Poisonous Plants - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  19. ↑ "CDC - Lyme Disease - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  20. 1 2 "CDC - West Nile Virus - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  21. ↑ "CDC - Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis) - Jobs at Risk - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  22. ↑ "CDC - Bloodborne Infectious Diseases - HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis B Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  23. ↑ "CDC - Emerging Infectious Diseases - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  24. ↑ "CDC - Veterinary Health Care: Biological Safety - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  25. ↑ "CDC - Poultry Industry Workers - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  26. ↑ "CDC - Body Art - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  27. ↑ "CDC - Stress at Work - NIOSH Workplace Safety and Health Topic". www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  28. ↑ "Know the signs of job burnout". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  29. ↑ "Susan Harwood Grant Products By Topic". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2015-09-03.
  30. ↑ "Heat & Cold Stress". ehs.princeton.edu. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
  31. ↑ "Heat Stress Related Illness | NIOSH | CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2020-11-13. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  32. ↑ "Cold Related Illnesses | NIOSH |CDC". www.cdc.gov. 2020-02-21. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  33. ↑ "Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) - University of Strathclyde". www.strath.ac.uk. Retrieved 2022-03-28.
  34. ↑ "Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention: Facts and Statistics". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  35. ↑ "Occupationally-Induced Hearing Loss". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. March 2010. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  36. ↑ Kardous, Chuck; Morata, Thais; Themann, Christa; Spears, Patricia; Afanuh, Sue (July 7, 2015). "Turn it Down: Reducing the Risk of Hearing Disorders Among Musicians". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  37. ↑ "Mining Topic: Hearing Loss Prevention Overview". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  38. ↑ Kardous, Chucri; Morata, Thais (August 16, 2010). "High Speeds, Higher Decibels". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  39. ↑ "They're Your Ears: Protect Them" (PDF). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 2007. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  40. ↑ Kardous, Chuck; Themann, Christa; Morata, Thais; Lotz, Gregory (February 8, 2016). "Understanding Noise Exposure Limits: Occupational vs. General Environmental Noise". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  41. ↑ "Buy Quiet". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved 2016-06-24.
  42. ↑ Hudson, Heidi; Hayden, Chuck (November 4, 2011). "Buy Quiet". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  43. ↑ "Safe-in-Sound: Excellence in Hearing Loss Prevention Award". Safe-in-Sound. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  44. ↑ Morata, Thais; Johnson, Ryan (January 11, 2011). "These Go to Eleven". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved June 24, 2016.
  45. ↑ "Occupational Noise Exposure - Hearing Conservation Program | Occupational Safety and Health Administration". www.osha.gov. Retrieved 2022-04-14.
  46. ↑ Moroe, Nomfundo F. (2022), Khoza-Shangase, Katijah (ed.), "Early detection and management of occupational and environmental noise", Preventive Audiology: An African perspective, Cape Town: AOSIS, ISBN   978-1-77634-245-7, PMID   38446955 , retrieved 2024-03-12
  47. ↑ "Hearing Conservation Program". UArizona Research, Innovation & Impact. 2024-01-22. Retrieved 2024-03-12.
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