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 What is the difference What is the safe lifting
it? between ‘back pain’ and technique? List the 8 steps
‘back strain’?
MSI is short for 1.Place your feet apart for
Musculoskeletal injury. Back pain is a condition good balance.
Strains and Sprains
When the muscle is that affects 60% of young 2.Bend your knees.
(Ergonomic) stretched too far and people by the time they 3.Hold the object as close
becomes torn. It also reach age 18. to your body as possible.
could happen when the Back strain affects far 4.Lift smoothly and slowly.
ligaments that hold the fewer young people. 5.Pivot with your feet-
bones together are don’t twist your back.
stretched or torn as a 6.Push, rather than pull, a
result of being twisted load.
7.Share the load with a
partner.
8.Get mechanical
assistance for heavy loads.

What are symptoms of What are some health What are ways to prevent
heat stress? problems? heat stress? (list 4 ways)

-Onset of a headache or Fatal conditions such as 1.Learn to recognise the

nausea heat exhaustion and heat signs and symptoms.
Heat Stress
-Decreased efficiency, co- stroke if left undealt with. 2.Acclimatize your body.
ordination, and alertness 3.Drink plenty of water.
-increased irritability 4. Wear light-coloured,
-Light-headedness or loose-fitting clothing
dizziness made of breathable fabric.
-Fainting
-Hands, feet, and ankles
swelling, usually one to
two days after first
exposure.

List 4 ways to reduce sun exposure

Sun Exposure -Wear sunglasses with 100% UVB protection.

-Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants.
-Wear a hat
Always wear sunscreen.
 What is the What are some What is the best way to reduce noise
dangerous noise potential, but less exposure?
level? obvious, noise
Noise Exposure hazards? The worker can be enclosed in a
A noise level booth that protects her or him from
greater than 85 -Kitchen equipment noise. Sound absorbent materials on
decibels (dBA) -Gardening and walls or ceilings near noisy machinery.
averaged over landscape equipment Earmuffs, ear plugs, ear caps.
eight hours can be -Musical instruments
damaging to -Public address and
hearing amplification systems
-Traffic
-Recorded music or
movies

What is Asbestos? Health problems Health problems of Health problems

of ASBESTOS? LEAD? of DUST?
Asbestos is a
fibrous material -Chance for -Abdominal pain -Irritation of the
that was once used Asbestosis, a lung -Constipated eyes
Mineral and Chemical
in many products disease from -Tried -coughing
Hazards because it adds prolonged -Headachy -sneezing
strength as well as exposure to -Irritable -hay fever
heat and chemical asbestos dust. -Loss of appetite -asthma attacks
resistance -Memory loss
-Lung cancer -Pain or tingling in
the hands and/or
-Mesothelioma, a feet
form of cancer -Weak
caused by -depressed
exposure to -distracted
asbestos. -forgetful
-irritable
-Nauseous/Sick

What are pesticides? How do you protect against pesticides?

Mineral and Chemical Pesticides are pest control products that By taking integrated pest management
Hazards Continued control, destroy or inhibit the activities practices, and approach combining
of pests. biological, cultural, physical and chemical
tools to manage pests.

What are blood-borne diseases?

Blood contains micro organisms known as blood-borne pathogens.

Some examples are HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.
Biological Hazards
 What are three ways our bodies can be How can we protect ourselves from
infected with blood and bodily fluids at Blood Borne diseases?
work?
By being weary of your surrounding and
Sex, a cut or injury, saliva, used needles by not touching used needles and
and condoms. condoms.
Biological Hazards
continued