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
(MSI) is an injury of the
muscle, tendon, ligament or
Strains and Sprains
joint. There are two types of
(Ergonomic) MSIs; muscle strains and
muscle sprains. These strains
are usually caused by a
muscle being stretched too
far and becomes torn, while
the sprains are a result of the
ligament that hold bones
together is stretched or torn
after being twisted.
What are symptoms of heat
stress?
What is the difference What is the safe lifting
between ‘back pain’ and technique? List the 8 steps
‘back strain’?
1. Place your feet
Back pain occurs naturally in apart for good
a large percentage of people, balance
while back strain results from 2. Bend your knees
lifting heavy objects or 3. Hold the object as
working in an awkward close to your body
position. Back strain also gen as possible
generally effects much fewer 4. Lift slowly and
people than back pain does. smoothly
5. Pivot with your feet
– don’t twist your
back
6. Push a load, rather
than pull
7. Share the load with
a partner
8. Get mechanical
assistance for
heavy loads
What are some health What are ways to prevent
problems? heat stress? (list 4 ways)

The signs and symptoms of If heat stress in not treated in 1. Learn to recognize
heat stress consist of onset of early stages, it could cause the signs and
Heat Stress
headache or nausea, more serious, even fatal, symptoms of heat
decreased efficiency, co- conditions to develop quickly stress in yourself
ordination and alertness, (ex. Heat exhaustion and and co-workers.
increased irritability, light- heat stroke). Avoid working
headedness or dizziness, alone.
fainting, and hands, feet and 2. Acclimate your
ankles swelling (usually 1-2 body; gradually
days after first exposure). expose yourself to
heat at work
3. Drink plenty of
water (1 glass every
20 minutes). Avoid
caffeine and
alcohol
4. Wear light-
coloured, loose
clothing made of
breathable material
(ex. Cotton)
List 4 ways to reduce sun exposure

Sun Exposure 1. Reduce exposure between 11am and 4pm to avoid intense UVA and UVB radiation
2. Wear sunglasses with 100% UVB protection
3. Wear clothing with long sleeves and pants, along with a hat
4. Always wear sun screen; recommended SPF 15 or higher (by the BC Cancer Agency)
What is the What are some What is the best way to reduce noise
dangerous noise potential, but less exposure?
level? obvious, noise hazards?
The best way to reduce noise exposure is
Noise Exposure
A noise level higher Some less obvious noise the workplace design; by designing the
 than 85 decibels hazards are kitchen workplace to protect its workers from
(dBA) can, on equipment, noise exposure, they are kept safe and the
average, damage gardening/landscaping effects of these hazards are greatly
your hearing after equipment, musical reduced.
eight hours. instruments, recorded
music or movies, public
address and
amplification systems,
cleaning equipment, and
traffic.

What is Asbestos? Health problems of Health problems of Health problems of

ASBESTOS? LEAD? DUST?
A fibrous material
that was used in Asbestosis (lung Exposure to lead can Dust can cause
multiple products disease) can result cause all of the irritation in the
Mineral and Chemical
because of the from asbestos dust following: eye, coughing,
Hazards strength and heat and exposure, lung Abdominal pain, sneezing, hayfever
chemical protection it cancer can be constipation, and asthma
added. caused by asbestos depression, and the attacks.
fibers in the lung individual to be
and Mesothelioma distracted, forgetful,
(rare, but deadly irritable and
form of cancer) can nauseous/sick.
be caused by
asbestos exposure.
What are pesticides? How do you protect against pesticides?

Mineral and Chemical A pesticide, or pest control, is used to
destroy, control or inhibit the activities of
Hazards Continued
pests, while minimizing their injurious,
noxious and troublesome effects.
What are blood-borne diseases?
You can protect against pesticides by using
them responsibly, check for alternatives,
follow directions on the label, keep out of
children’s reach, wash fresh produce under
running water, store away from children, pets,
feed, food and water, and dispose of the
container properly.

Biological Hazards 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 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 How can we protect ourselves from Blood
infected with blood and bodily fluids at work? Borne diseases?

We can be infected by these at work by We can protect ourselves from blood-borne

coming into contact with needles that may
carry the disease, eyes, nose, mouth or
Biological Hazards broken skin come into contact with blood,
continued and splashes or punctures that expose the
fluids.
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.