Question

Write short note on the following:

Occupational Health Hazards

Answer 1

Occupational health hazards refer to the physical, chemical and other risks that one is exposed to at their workplace. These hazards need to be prevented or controlled to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment. These hazards may include chemical agents and solvents, heavy metals such as lead and mercury, physical agents such as loud noise or vibration and physical hazards such as electricity or dangerous machinery which can cause potential damage to the persons using them.  

The occupational hazards include the following:

1. Chemical hazards arise from excessive airborne concentrations of mists, vapours, gases or solids in the form of dusts, fumes and fibres.
2. Physical hazards include exposures to vibration, radiation, and noise, hot or cold environment.
3. Biological hazards include organism or toxic substances produces by living things that can cause illness or disease in humans. Examples are bacteria, fungi, parasites and insects. 
4. Ergonomic hazards include design of workplaces and jobs that involve repetition, force and awkward posture.
5. Psychological hazards represent an important group and include occupations that might endanger the mental health of workers.