This document discusses occupational health and safety. It begins by defining occupational health and discussing the various hazards workers may face, including physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, and psychosocial hazards. Examples of diseases associated with each type of hazard are provided. The document also discusses preventative measures that can be taken to minimize workplace hazards, such as implementing engineering controls, using personal protective equipment, and conducting health monitoring. Overall, the document outlines the important role of occupational health and safety in protecting worker health and the various factors that can impact worker well-being.
3. INTRODUCTION
Occupational health and safety is a discipline with a broad scope involving many specialized
fields. It encompasses the social, mental and physical well – being of workers that are the
“whole person”. This would help develop an understanding of the ergonomic, physical,
chemical, biological, psychosocial and social determinants of OHS. All occupational fields
have their own hazards. There are varieties of hazards to which workers may be exposed and
which may cause various diseases. By following the proper guidelines and precautions, all
occupational hazards can be minimized.
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4. DEFINITION
As per the definition adopted by the joint ILO/WHO Committee on Occupational Health
(1950), occupational health is the adaptation of work to man and of each man to his job. It has
the following components.
▸ Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental and social wellbeing
of workers in all occupations
▸ Prevention among workers in their employment from risks resulting from factors adverse
to health
▸ Placing and maintenance of a worker in an occupational environment adapted to his
physiological and psychological equipment.
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5. TERMINOLOGIES
▸ OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
Refers to the potential risk to health and safety for those who work outside the home
▸ HAZARD
Something that can cause harm if not controlled
▸ OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE
Disease directly caused by a person’s occupation
▸ WORK PLACE
Setting in which many people spend the largest proportion of their time
▸ OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Occupational environment is meant the sum of external conditions and influences which prevail at the place
of the work and which have a bearing on the health of the working population.
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6. OBJECTIVES OF OHS
▸ To maintain and promote the physical, mental and social well being of the
workers.
▸ To prevent occupational diseases and injuries.
▸ To adapt the work place and work environment to the needs of the workers i.e
application of ergonomics principle.
▸ It should be preventive rather than curative.
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7. FUNCTIONS OF OHS
▸ Pre-employment medical examination.
▸ First Aid and emergency service.
▸ Supervision of the work environment
for the control of dangerous
substances in the work environment.
▸ Special periodic medical examination
particularly for the workers in
dangerous operations.
▸ Health education for disseminating
information on specific hazards and
risks in the work environment.
▸ Special examination and surveillance
of health of women and children.
▸ Advising the employer or
management for improving working
conditions, and placement of
hazards.
▸ Monitoring of working environment
for assessment and control of
hazards.
▸ Supervision over sanitation, hygiene
and canteen facilities.
▸ Liaison and cooperation with the
safety committees
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8. TYPES OF INTERACTION IN THE
WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Physical agents
Heat, cold, humidity, air
movement, heat radiation,
light, noise, vibrations
and ionizing radiation.
Chemical agents
These comprise a large
number of chemicals, toxic
dust and gases
Biological agents
The workers may be
exposed to viral, rickettsia,
bacterial and parasitic
agents which may result
from close contact with
animals or their products,
contaminated water, soil
or food.
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A. Man and physical, chemical and biological agents:
9. Contd..
B. Man and machine:
An industry or factory implies the use of machines driven by power with emphasis on mass
production. The unguarded machines, protruding and moving parts, poor installation of the
plant, lack of safety measures are the cause of accidents which is the major problem in
industries.
C. Man and man:
There are numerous psychological factors that operate in the place of work. These are human
relationships amongst workers themselves on the one hand, and those in authority over them on
the other hand.
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10. OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS
▸ Physical hazards - Physical factors encompass environmental factors that can cause harm to workers
even when they’re not directly touched. Radiation, high sunlight exposure, working in extreme
temperatures, and constant loud noises are all examples of physical hazards.
▸ Chemical hazards - Any chemicals in the workplace can put workers at risk. Some chemicals are far
more dangerous than others, but even common chemicals can cause skin irritation, illness, or respiration
problems.
▸ Biological hazards - affect those who work with animals, people, or infectious plant materials. People
who are working at daycare centers, colleges, hospitals, nursing homes, etc. can be exposed to blood or
other body fluids, fungi and mold, bacteria, viruses, and more.
▸ Safety hazards - Safety hazards are the most common type of hazard and they are present in virtually
every workplace at one time or another. Think of hazards like spills, working from heights, unguarded
machinery, wiring issues, confined spaces, forklifts, and more.
▸ Psychosocial hazards
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12. PHYSICAL HAZARDS
▸ Heat – Direct & indirect effect of high temperature, radiant heat, heat stagnation.
▸ Cold – General & local cold injury Light – Acute & chronic effect of bright & dim light &
glare.
▸ Radiation
a. Ionizing - X-rays,gamma rays,beta particles, alpha particles
b. Non-ionizing - microwaves, infrared, and ultra- violet light
c. Noise – Auditory & non auditory effect.
d. Vibration – hazardous in the frequency range of 10- 500Hz
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14. CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Chemical hazards
▸ Acids
▸ Bases
▸ Heavy Metals – Lead
▸ Solvents – Petroleum
▸ Particulates – Asbestos, Silica and other fine dust/
fibrous materials
▸ Fumes – noxious gases/vapors
▸ Highly- reactive Metals
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Ways of acquiring chemical hazards
A. Local action: irritants, sensitizers
B. Inhalation: Dusts – organic ,
Inorganic Gases - Methane,
Nitrogen, CO2, CO, Hydrogen
sulphide, HCN
Irritant gases: Ammonia,
Anesthetic gases: Chloroform,
Ether, Trichloroethylene. Metallic
compounds
C. Ingestion: Metallic compounds:
Arsenic, Antimony, Beryllium,
Chromium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead,
Mercury, Manganese, Zinc.
15. DISEASES DUE TO CHEMICAL AGENTS
Gases – gas poisoning.
Inorganic dusts: Coal dust - Anthracosis
Silica - Silicosis.
Asbestos - Asbestosis.(lung disease)
Iron - Siderosis.
Organic dusts : Cane fiber - Bagassosis.
Cotton dust – Byssinosis.
Hay or grain dust – Farmer’s lung.
Chemicals – Burns, dermatitis, cancer, respiratory illness
Metals – lead, mercury, arsenic, chromium cause poisoning
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16. BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS & ITS DISEASES
Biological hazards
▸ Bacteria Viruses
▸ Fungi – molds
▸ Insects – mosquitoes
▸ Hazardous Plants – Poison Ivy
Birds Animals
▸ Blood-borne Pathogens
Diseases due to Biological Agents
▸ Hepatitis B Virus
▸ Hepatitis C Virus
▸ Tuberculosis – particularly among
Healthcare Workers
▸ Asthma – among persons exposed
to organic dust
▸ Blood-borne Diseases - HIV/AIDS
Anthrax Brucellosis Tetanus
Leptospirosis
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17. PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS
▸ Work-related stress
▸ excessive working time and overwork
▸ Violence – from outside the organization
▸ Bullying – emotional and verbal abuse
▸ Sexual Harassment
▸ Mobbing
▸ Burnout
▸ Exposure to unhealthy elements – tobacco, uncontrolled alcohol
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18. DISEASE DUE TO PSYCHOSOCIAL
AGENTS
▸ MSDs and work-related psychosocial factors such as high workload/demands, high
perceived stress levels, low social support, low job control, low job satisfaction and
monotonous work.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
▸ can affect the body’s muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments and nerves. As well as the back,
neck, shoulders and upper limbs; less often they affect the lower limbs.
▸ develop over time and are caused either by the work itself or by the employees' working
environment.
▸ Problems with work collegues
▸ Outside pressures – financial problems, transport difficulties
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19. DISORDERS DUE TO PSYCHOLOGICAL
AGENTS
Psychological Hazards resulting from stress &
strain
▸ Depression
▸ Discouragement
▸ Boredom
▸ Anxiety
▸ Memory loss
▸ Dissatisfaction
▸ Frustration
▸ Irritability
▸ Pessimism
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20. ERGONOMIC HAZARDS
Ergonomic hazards include heavy lifting, repetitive and forceful movements, and awkward
postures that arise from improper work methods and improperly designed workstations and
equipment.
Some examples of task related risk factor for musculoskeletal injuries are patient transfers,
material handling, frequency of lifting, pushing/pulling of objects, and poorly designed work
area.
These ergonomic hazards can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which can affect the nerves,
tendons, muscles and supporting structures of the body. Low back pain and carpal tunnel
syndrome are well recognized work related musculoskeletal disorders
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21. OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS
Inflammation of the skin caused by exposure to a substance in the workplace.
Exposure usually occurs from direct contact but may, in rare circumstances, occur through the airborne
route
Allergic contact dermatitis - when a person becomes sensitized to a substance (allergen)
Irritant contact dermatitis - when the skin is exposed to a mild irritant (such as detergent or solvents)
repeatedly over a long period of time or to a strong irritant (such as acids, alkalis, solvents, strong soaps, or
cleansing compounds) that can cause immediate skin damage
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22. OCCUPATIONAL CANCER
Cancer specifically attributed to significant levels of exposure to an agent in the workplace and occurring
among substantial numbers of workers.
SOME OF THE MAJOR TYPES:-
1. SKIN CANCER.
2. LUNG CANCER.
3. CANCER BLADDER.
4. LEUKAEMIA.
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The characteristics of occupational cancer are:
They appear after prolonged exposure
The period between exposure and
development of disease may be 10 to 25
years.
The disease may develop even after
cessation of exposure.
The localization of tumors is remarkably
constant in any one occupation.
23. MEASURES FOR HEALTH PROMOTION OF
WORKERS
1. Nutrition
2. Communicable disease control
3. Environmental sanitation
4. Mental health
5. Measures for women and children
6. Health education
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24. PREVENTIVE MEASURES – 4P’S
Pre-selection - the workers should be medically examined before employment.
Pregnant women should not be allowed to work in risky areas.
Protection – protecting clothing, long leather gloves, aprons, boots, barrier creams.
Shielding of workers in x-ray field, so that direct contact to skin can be avoided.
Personal hygiene – supply of warm water and adequate washing facility, soap, towels.
Periodic inspection – medical checkup and early detection, transfer from risky area, proper
education of workers to identify skin irritation.
Adequate ventilation in work place to prevent inhalation of harmful gases and dust.
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25. PREVENTION OF OCCUPATIONAL
DISEASES
Medical measures
▸ Pre-placement examination
▸ Periodical examination
▸ Medical and health care
services
▸ Notification
▸ Supervision of working
environment
▸ Maintenance and analysis
of records
▸ Health education and
counseling
Engineering measures
▸ Design of building
▸ Dust – enclosure and isolation
▸ Good housekeeping
▸ Protective devices
▸ Mechanization
▸ Environmental monitoring
▸ Substitution
▸ Statistical monitoring and
research
Legislative or statutory measures
▸ The most important factory laws
in India today are ;
▸ The Factory Act , 1948
▸ The Employees State
Insurance Act , 1948
▸ Some of other specialized acts
adapted to the particular
circumstances of the industry
are –
▸ The Mines Act, The Plantation
Act, The Minimum Wages Act,
The Maternity Benefit Act, etc.
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26. IMPORTANCE OF OHS IN HOSPITALS
Hospitals are large, organizationally complex, system driven institutions employing large
numbers of workers from different professional streams. They are also potentially hazardous
workplaces and expose their workers to a wide range of physical, chemical, biological,
ergonomically and psychological hazards. Thus Occupational Health and Safety issues
relating to the personal safety and protection of its workers is a very important Environmental
Health concern for hospitals
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27. MEASURES
Preventative measures include universal precautions (gloves, gown, goggles and mask), and
appropriate management of sharps, spills, and contaminated waste. If acute exposure to a
biological hazard does occur, staff members need to be aware of relevant policies and
procedures for appropriate management of the exposure.
This will include:
▸ Appropriate washing for mouth, eyes or skin exposure
▸ First aid for penetrating sharps injury
▸ Prophylaxis for high risk exposure
▸ Testing of the source if possible
▸ Testing and follow up of exposed staff
▸ Incident reporting.
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28. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
NURSE
“Occupational health nurses, working
independently or as part of a larger multi
professional team, are at the frontline in
helping to protect and promote the health of
working populations”
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29. OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH NURSE
Occupational Health Nurses (OHN)s are registered nurses who independently
observe and assess the worker's health status and to respect them from job tasks and hazards.
Using their specialized experience and education, these registered nurses recognize and
prevent health effects from hazards exposure.
▸ Have special knowledge of workplace hazards and the relationship to the employee health
status.
▸ Understand industrial hygiene principles of engineering controls, administrative controls,
and personal protective equipment.
▸ Have knowledge of toxicology and epidemiology as related to the employee and the work
site.
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30. Role of the Occupational Health Nurse
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Clinician
Adviser
counselor
Health
educator
Researcher
specialist manager
Co-
ordinator
31. NURSE’S SAFETY
▸ Be extra careful when lifting
▸ Working in pairs is better—always
▸ Constant maintenance is a must
▸ Report all hazards immediately
▸ Prioritise careful needle handling
▸ Always utilise protective equipment
▸ Be aware that physical assault is a possibility
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32. JOURNAL REFERENCE
▸ TITLE - COVID-19 Risk Factors Among Health Workers: A Rapid Review
▸ Author – Mhango Mathias Dzobo
▸ Journal – safety and health at work
▸ Published – September 2020
▸ Volume 11, issue 3, page no. 262 – 265
▸ Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) poses an important occupational health risk to health workers
(HWs) that has attracted global scrutiny. To date, several thousand HWs globally have been reported
as infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus that causes the disease. It
is therefore a public health priority for policymakers to understand risk factors for this vulnerable
group to avert occupational transmission.
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33. Contd..
They searched for reports, reviews, and primary observational studies (case control, case cross-over,
cross-sectional, and cohort). The review included studies conducted among HWs with Covid-19 that
reported risk factors irrespective of their sample size. Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSION: Lack of personal protective equipment, exposure to infected patients, work overload,
poor infection control, and preexisting medical conditions were identified as risk factors for Covid-19
among HWs. In the context of Covid-19, HWs face an unprecedented occupational risk of morbidity
and mortality. There is need for rapid development of sustainable measures that protect HWs from the
pandemic.
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34. JOURNAL REFERENCE
TITLE - Designing a Game for Occupational Health and Safety in the Construction Industry
AUTHOR – Greuter, Tepe, Peterson
PUBLISHED – DECEMBER 2013
ABSTRACT: There is a multitude of worksite hazards and many OH&S controls. A key challenge for
OH&S training is to engage learners. Serious Games are a promising vehicle to engage learners and
enhance their retention of important concepts. This paper reports on the design decisions and the
development of an informative and entertaining game, which is intended to motivate users to learn
about workplace hazards. The game is also intended to help users retain their knowledge of workplace
hazards and their management, and to assist with knowledge transfer into the real world.
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35. CONTD..
CONCLUSION
They developed a Serious Game for construction industry students. This game is about hazard
identification, management via a hierarchy of OH&S controls, and the relationship between hazard
control and productivity. The game is designed as an activity to support the learning and teaching of
construction safety induction.
This game supports players to build their own understanding about layered controls, by offering different
solutions and providing opportunities to resolve conflicting priorities at workplace.
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36. CONCLUSION
Occupational diseases should not be neglected and should give proper
attention at time. It is the main role of a occupational health nurse to work as
an educator and protector in the field of occupation. Early detection and
timely management can control occupational diseases.
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