Lec 2 occupational physical risks

OCCPATIONAL HAZARDS

A hazard refers to any source of potential damage, harm or adverse health effect on something or someone under certain condition at work.
cause harm or adverse effects
( to individual as health effects)
or
(to the organization as property or equipment losses)

Risk; the chance or probability that a worker will be harmed if exposed to a hazard.
Types of occupational hazards :
Physical hazards (noise, vibration, temperature, electricity, radiation, light and pressure ).
Chemical hazards (dust, mists, fumes, gases, fibers, vapors and liquids).
Biological hazards (insects, mites, moulds, yeasts, fungi, bacteria, viruses and parasites) .
Ergonomic : fitness of the work process and work place to the workers (posture, movement, repetitive motion and light) .
Psychological hazards (tension, stress, and phobia) .
Accidents and mechanical hazards .
Physical hazards
Physical hazards can be defined as hazards that arise at work due to the influence of various forms of energy.
1…. Temperature
A… Heat Stress


Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments indoors or outdoors,
or even those engaged in strenuous physical activities may be at risk for heat stress.

Those at risk include outdoor workers as farmers, construction workers, traffic policeman
and »»»
workers in hot environments, such as fire fighters, bakery workers,boiler room workers, and factory workers.


Exposure to extreme heat can result in occupational illnesses caused by heat stress, including heat rashes, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and sometimes death.

Heat can also increase workers’ risk of injuries, as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, dizziness, and may reduce brain function responsible for reasoning ability, creating additional hazards.


Others such as burns, may occur as a result of contact with hot surfaces, steam, or fire.

Heat Rash
most common problem in hot working environments.
caused by excessive sweating in hot humid environment mostly with wearing heavy protective clothing.
Looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.
may appear on the neck, upper chest, groin, under the breasts and elbow creases.
The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less humid work environment.



Heat Cramps
Painful muscle spasms that occur when a person drinks large amounts of water but fails to replace the body salt loss
Usually controlled by drinking fluids that contain electrolyte replacements (sport drinks)

Heat Exhaustion
fatigue and collapse resulting from prolonged exposure to excessive or unaccustomed heat.
Signs and symptoms are intense thirst, heavy sweating and body temperature greater than 38C.
Also headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability and confusion.
Typically treated by rest in a cool place and replacing fluids and minerals.

Heat Stroke
Heat Stroke is the most serious heat-related health problem.
occurs when the body’s temperature regulating system fails and body temperature rises to critical levels (greater than 40 C).
It is a medical emergency that may result in brain damage or death.
Signs are confusion, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Heat stroke (continue):
Measures
move the worker to a shady, cool area and
remove as much clothing as possible.
Wet the worker with cool water and circulate the air to speed cooling.
Place cold wet cloths, wet towels or ice all over the body or soak the worker’s clothing with cold water.