Occupational Hazards

Specific Hazards Summary Section

based on what you learned from each of the readings - complete the information
given for each of the occupational health hazards.

Occupational Health Things you need to know

What is MSI? What causes
it?
A musculoskeletal injury
Strains and Sprains
(MSI), which is a term
(Ergonomic) used to describe an injury
of the muscles, tendons,
ligaments, and joins. This
is usually caused when
muscles and/or ligaments
that hold bones together
are stretched too far and
becomes torn
What is the difference What is the safe lifting
technique? List the 8 steps
between ‘back pain’ and
‘back strain’? 1. Place your feet apart for
good balance
2. Bend your knees
3. Hold the object as close
Back pain occurs naturally
and is commonly found in
to your body as possible
4. Lift smoothly and slowly
all ages, even at the ages 5. Pivot with your feet –
of 12, while back strain is don’t twist your back
6. Push, rather than pull, a
the result of putting
load
pressure on the back in 7. Share the load with a
awkward positions. partner
8. Get mechanical
assistance for heavy
loads

What are symptoms of
heat stress?
Symptoms of heat stress
are: onset of a headache
Heat Stress
or nausea, decreased
efficiency, co-ordination,
and alertness, increased
irritability, light-
headedness or dizziness,
fainting, hands, feet, and
ankles swelling, usually
one to two days after first
exposer
What are some health
problems?
If heat stress is not dealt
with in its early stages,
more serious and even
fatal conditions may
quickly develop, such as
heat exhaustion and heat
stroke
What are ways to prevent heat
stress? (list 4 ways)
1. Learn to recognize the
signs and symptoms of
heat stress in yourself and
co-workers. Avoid working
alone
2. Acclimatize your body
(gradually expose yourself
to head at work)
3. Drink plenty of water (one
glass every 20 minutes).
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
4. Wear light- colored, loose-
fitting clothing made of
breathable fabric (such as
cotton)

List 4 ways to reduce sun exposure

Sun Exposure 1. Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UVB protection

2. Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants
3. Wear a hat
4. Always wear sun screen
What is the What are some What is the best way to reduce
dangerous noise potential, but less noise
level? obvious, noise exposure?
Noise Exposure hazards?
A noise level The best way to reduce noise
higher than 85 Some less obvious exposure is the workplace design; by
decibels (dBA) noise hazards are designing the workplace to protect
can, on average, kitchen equipment, its worker from noise exposer, they
damage your gardening/landscaping are kept safe and the effects of
equipment, musical these hazards are greatly reduced
 hearing after 8 instruments, recorded
hours music or movies,
public address and
amplification systems,
cleaning equipment,
and traffic

What is Asbestos? Health problems Health problems of Health problems

of ASBESTOS? LEAD? of DUST?
Asbestos is a Asbestos easily Exposure to lead can
fibrous material crumbles by hand cause abdominal Dust an cause
that was once used and releases pain, constipation, irritation in the
Mineral and Chemical
in many products fibres into the air. depression, and the eye, coughing,
Hazards because it added When these individual to be sneezing, hay
strength as well as fibres gets distracted, forgetful, fever and
heat and chemical breathed in and irritable and asthma attacks
resistance accumulate in nauseous
your body, it can
cause many
serious diseases
such as cancer
What are pesticides? How do you protect against pesticides?

Mineral and Chemical Pesticides are control products that
Hazards Continued destroy or inhibit the activities of pests,
and minimize their injurious, noxious or
troublesome effects
Try to reduce or eliminate any
unnecessary exposure to pesticides.
Always make sure that you use them
responsibly, check for alternatives, and
follow directions on the label.

What are blood-borne diseases?

Blood-borne diseases are diseases that affect humans because their blood and
other certain body fluids can become infected with micro-organisms, known as
blood-borne pathogens. The diseases can be spread when someone comes into
Biological Hazards
contact with infected blood or body fluids. Some examples of blood-borne diseases
would be HIV and Hepatitis A, B and C

What are three ways our bodies can be
infected with blood and bodily fluids at
work?
We can be infected by these at work by
coming into contact with needles that
Biological Hazards may carry the disease, eyes, nose,
continued mouth or broken skin come in contact
with blood, and splashes or punctures
that expose the fluids
How can we protect ourselves from
Blood Borne diseases?
We can protect ourselves from blood-
borne diseases by using sharp devices,
such as needles, safely and dispose of
responsibly, keep your work area clean,
and get vaccine that can help prevent
blood-borne diseases