Occupational Health: Health Hazards at Workplace - Report Example

Occupational Health: Health Hazards at Workplace Name Course Tutor 04 September 2012 The hazards encountered in the workplace Workplace health hazards are inevitable, especially as many organisations undergo changes, increase production, establish more production equipment and units and the general changes taking place in workplaces and natural environment. Workplace health hazards are at same time dangerous to the health and safety of workers, a situation that calls for appropriate steps to address it. This assessment involves an investigation on four workplace health hazards: whole body vibration, solar ultra violet radiation, heat and noise. Preliminary approach In order to address the workplace health hazards, it requires the concerned stakeholders to develop an effective occupational hygiene assessment roadmap to guide the process. It is only through having an effective assessment roadmap that critical results and conclusions can be developed, which can in turn become important in developing strategies to reduce or eliminate the hazards (Macquarie University, 2012). Preliminary approach; which includes the steps to be undertaken in carrying out the assessment process in the workplace is discussed in the subsequent paragraphs. First step in this process involves getting introduced to the management team in the company, and clearly setting the objectives of the workplace hazards assessment process (Macquarie University, 2012). In order to establish the objectives, it is necessary during the meeting to identify and establish clearly the concerns of stakeholders regarding the prevalence of hazards in the company. The second step involves forming a team with the help of the management. The team has to be inclusive, where employees and supervisors are involved. The primary responsibility of the team is take part and facilitates recognition of hazards that are present in the company (Safe Work Australia, 2012). A small training session has to be developed for the team in order to ensure they have basic understanding of the workplace hazards assessment process. After the training is completed, it is necessary for other stakeholders in the company to be informed about the assessment, in order to establish a good rapport and eliminate any form of suspicion that may derail data and information collection process. Small sessions have to be conducted with employees, supervisors and managers, whereby, objectives, goals and data collection procedures are explained to the employees (Macquarie University, 2012). Next step is for the occupation hygienist in conjunction with members of the team or committee to establish the primary areas to be investigated in the company. This involves dividing the workplace into major areas that must be considered for hazards (Safe Work Australia, 2012). Some of the important areas that can be considered for assessment include receiving areas, storage areas, processing areas, customer service areas, and office areas. Other areas can include sidewalks, walkways, parking lots and driveways. Next step is for the occupation hygienist to lead the team in conducting surveys around the company in order to identify prevalent health hazards. The surveys should include employee interviews, reviewing of existing records on major hazards incidences, and review of government and non-governmental standards that detail various exposure hazards in the workplace environments (Safe Work Australia, 2012). This process has to do with establishing starting points for the assessment with regard to information that exists regarding the hazards. Completion of this step constitutes a stepping ground for detailed assessment process. Assessment of health hazards Assessment in this part involves establishing how identified hazards are absorbed and metabolised in the body, and the related health effects. This is a way to know how each hazard in the workplace has ability to contribute to ill health or injury to the workers. It also constitutes key ground to develop genuine recommendations to address these hazards. Whole body vibration Whole body vibration constitutes a common occupation problem that workers in high-vibration environments are likely to be subjected to (Hawkins, 2003). This is a kind of vibration that is transmitted to the entire body of a worker largely as a result of the worker being in contact with a vibration source; either standing or sitting on a vibrating surface. The changing work environment in modern world tends to create and accelerates high-vibration environments that many workers find themselves exposed to. In the workplace environment, victims to WBV are crane operators, tractor drivers, and heavy equipment operators’ fork-lift operators. Other employees likely to come in contact of heavy machines or equipment are at same time likely to be victims of WBV. WBX exposure in workplace is absorbed or transmitted to employees through the seat and floor (Hawkins, 2003). Therefore, employees who sit or stand on heavy machines or equipment or ground that is vibrating heavily for relatively longer period of time are likely to experience WBV without knowing. WBV is associated with both short-term and long-term health consequences. Short-term exposure to WBV leads to increase in heart rate, hyperventilation, headache, loss of balance and motion sickness. Furthermore, muscle fatigue, discomfort, impact on cognitive functions, effect on speech, vision and effect on motor performance become visible (Gupta, 2006). On the other hand, long-term exposure to WBV is likely to generate disease associated with spinal disc and its failure, low back pain, disorders of the gastrointestinal and degenerative disorders (Gupta, 2006). In this case, WBV is known for resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Solar ultra violet radiation Another type of workplace health hazard is the solar ultra violet radiation. People cannot avoid sunlight; but the adverse destruction of the environment and ozone layer has permitted radiation of poisonous and harmful sunrays to the world. Workers are no exceptional to this exposure, and many workers come in contact with numerous sources that increase their chances of being exposed to ultra violet radiations. Ultra violet radiations constitute forms of solar radiations that have been linked to numerous adverse health effects. In the workplace, sources of ultraviolet radiation include numerous forms of welding arcs and UV lamps (U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, 1985). At the same time, the sun is the primary source of ultraviolet radiation outdoors. As a result, employees working outdoors in the company are likely to be exposed to high ultraviolet radiation, especially during spring and summer. Notable sources in the workplace that excessive ultraviolet radiation may originate include incandescent, fluorescent, discharge-type light, welding activities, printing processes and curing of inks and paints (U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment, 1985). Absorption of ultraviolet radiation take places largely through the skin, which constitutes the body part exposed directly to sun rays and other artificial radiations in the workplace (Kanerva, 2000). Small amount of ultraviolet radiation is considered to have positive benefits, such as vitamin D synthesis in the skin. It is only that when overexposure takes place that is when serious health outcomes are realised; both short-term and long-term effects. Sunburn is the notable short-term effect of ultraviolet radiation. Apart from sunburn, ultraviolet radiations cause eye problems, affect immune system, skin cancer, photo-aging and senile cataracts (Kanerva, 2000). Noise Noise, sometimes considered to be unwanted sound, is regarded to be one of the prevalent occupational health issues (Raichel, 2006). Workplace noise at high levels is detrimental to the welfare of workers. High level noise in the workplace affects hearing and also hinders oral communication. At same time, high level noise detracts the employees from performing at peak capacity. Sources of noise in the workplace include heavy machines in the company, processes in the workplace that generate high levels noise (Raichel, 2006). Furthermore, building accoutrements such as furnaces, air conditioning and ventilation (HVAC) systems and plumbing, together with office equipment, contribute to the increase level of noise in the workplace. Noise affects people when the intensity and frequency of the noise exceed the tolerable level. As a result, determining how noise transmits and become an occupational hazard requires measurement of intensity, duration, or both. It has been established that noise pose dangers to human health, whereby, excess noise has been linked to both physiological and psychosocial problems. For instance, noise is associated with hearing loss, which is considered to be one of the most health problems in world today (Spellman and Bieber, 2011). At the same time, high levels of noise is associated with continuous occupation hazard with negative effects such as increased blood pressure, reduced performance, sleeping difficulties, annoyance and stress and occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (Spellman and Bieber, 2011). NIHL in most cases cannot be reversed or cured. Heat Workplace heat originates largely from operations and activities that take place in the company. Operations in the company are likely to involve or generate high air temperatures that in turn affect the workplace environment by increasing temperature (Bohle & Quinlan, 2000). At the same time, employees are likely to come into direct physical contact with hot objects. Moreover, employees are likely to be involved in laborious physical actions that have high latent for generating heat strain. Besides, employees carrying their activities outdoor are likely to be exposed to hot weather, a situation that increases their overall body heat. Employees may be exposed to extreme heat in a number of ways that include where workers come in contact with an object that is hot to cause injury. Sources of heat may include burns that originate from contact with hot or molten metal and plastics, steam, water and other related substances (Bohle & Quinlan, 2000). At the same time exposure to processes and machinery in the workplace environment generate considerable heat that affects employees. Exposure to excessive workplace heat has a number of health effects such as thermal stress, lung damage and burns. As a result, excessive heat has both short-term and long-term effects such as reduced concentration, employees stress, aggravate effects of other hazards like noise and toxic substances, heat illness such as heat cramps, and heat exhaustion and heat stroke (Bohle & Quinlan, 2000). Besides, health impacts like heat rash, chronic heat fatigue and reproductive disorders have been associated with excessive heat (Bohle & Quinlan, 2000). Exposure and STEL limits of health hazards (1/4pg max) Noise Exposure and STEL limits for noise concerns limits based on 8-hour work shift. For many agencies, time-weighted average (TWA) sound level of 85 dB (A) to 90 dB (A) is recommended for noise exposure limit for 8-hour work day (Rom, 2006). For 12-hour shift, noise exposure limit is 88.2 dB (A) (Rom, 2006). Whole body vibration Guidelines provided by the EU Physical Agents Directive (Consult Net, 2012). Daily exposure limit value which is standardised to an eight-hour reference period should be 1.15 m/s2 (Consult Net, 2012). Daily exposure action value standardised to an eight-hour reference period should be 0.5 m/s2 (Consult Net, 2012). Heat Exposure and STEL limits for heat uses wet bulb globe temperature scale (WBGT) (Bhattacharya & McGlothlin, 2012). At the Threshold Limit Value (TLV), WBGT under common conditions in a day in the workplace should be 28.70C (Bhattacharya & McGlothlin, 2012). When the workplace is in direct sunlight, then WBGT should be 28.80C (Bhattacharya & McGlothlin, 2012). Ultra violet radiation Based on Exposure limit (EL), UV-A spectral region 315 to 400nm, total radiant exposure on unprotected eye must not exceed 10 Kj.m-2 (Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, 2006). This should be within 8 hour period in a day. How each hazard can be measured? Noise In order to measure the level of noise in the company, so as to establish whether it has impact to workers, assessment is carried out to establish key sources of noise in the company. After noise sources are identified, a random a sample of the sources is carried out where only a few are selected in order to find the intensity and frequency of noise. After this, an appropriate device is selected to be used in carrying out the measurement process. In this case, a continuous sound measurement instrument known as noise dosimeter is used (Guidotti, 2011). A dosimeter constitutes any device that measures total dose rather than the exposure at any point in time. In other words, noise dosimeter is used in this case to determine what the average noise exposure is over a period of time, which in most cases is 8 hours that corresponds with a normal work shift (Guidotti, 2011). Workers in identified sample points are given the dosimeter (attached to them) in order to establish the frequency of noise as they carry on their activities. On average, the measurement is carried out for a period of five days, before calculating the average sound level. The process further involves averaging sound level by measuring the loudness over time (8 hours for 5 days) and averaging over the total period (5 days). What will be generated is equivalent to weighting the loudness by the length of time the noise (sound) lasts. After the five-day period time, it is possible to generate the average intensity and frequency of noise as time-weighted average (TWA) in dBA units. Recommendations are established based on the results obtained; whether the average dBA units generated are above the recommended units per 8-hour day period. Whole body vibration Heat It was established that heat is another adverse occupational hazard. Sources of heat in the workplace are identified through assessment of the major workplace areas and employees. At the same time, specific reviews are made in order to have a detailed picture of heat in the workplace. After the assessment, measurement of heat to establish the level, intensity and nature is carried out. The measurement process involves selecting sample areas, both indoor and outdoor, as well as a few employees who are exposed to heat in the workplace. Purposive sampling is used to identify and select areas where the measurement of heat can take place. On the other hand, random sampling is used to identify individuals to take part in the study. Time-period set for the measurement process is 5 days, and the measurement is to take place within a daily-time period of 8 hours. Heat measurement in a day takes place three times a day: in the morning, between 10am and 12am, and around 3pm. In order to carry out heat measurement, an instrument known as wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is used (Health and Safety Executive, n.d). The instrument has ability to enable calculation of air temperature, radiant heat and humidity. Furthermore, to achieve more reliable results, exposure standards are categorised based on physical activity and workers acclimatisation. Moreover, adjustments are made for wearing types of clothing and personal protective equipment (Health and Safety Executive, n.d). The measurement takes place in a period of five days, and average measures are generated. The final measure values obtained after the period are compared to the reference values that are provided in the standard. The provided standard values include appropriate metabolic rate and state of acclimation of the worker. Where results are found to be above the provided reference values, recommendations are made to improve the current situation in the workplace. Ultra violet radiation Risk assessment of ultraviolet radiation involves identifying the notable sources in the workplace that excessive ultraviolet radiation may originate. The sources were found to include incandescent, fluorescent, discharge-type light, welding activities, printing processes and curing of inks and paints. Measurement of ultraviolet radiation in the workplace is conducted both indoor and outdoor. The location of exposure, the distance from the sources of radiation, and duration of exposure at the identified locations are further determined for all tasks and all exposed parts of the employee’s body. As a result, these constitute locations where exposure to ultraviolet radiation is measured. UVR sensitive polysulfone (PS) film badges are used (Gies, Glanz, O’Riordan, Elliot, & Nehl, 2009). These measurement instruments are used in sample of employees, where they are required to put the badges on the wrist for five days. Monitoring takes place on both employees with badges, both inside the company and outside. The employees are largely at the identified exposure sources. Recording takes place and any change noted. Measurement is largely carried out and a comparison is made with reference exposure limit values. This forms the basis upon which to make decisions regarding the specific recommendations to undertake in order to minimise the risks associated with exposure. Whole body vibration Assessment of whole body vibration in the workplace constitutes the first step. Sources and how whole body vibration is transmitted has to be identified first. Assessment results are generated through inspection and other check-up activities. At the same time, the entire workplace environment is inspected, especially the machinery and other equipment. Interview with employees is conducted to establish their level of understanding or perception with regard to whole body vibration. In order to generate more accurate results that can be used to develop recommendations for control measures, a measurement exercise is carried out that is facilitated by the occupation hygiene team. Appropriate instruments are selected to be used in the measurement process. Key sources where whole body vibration takes place are selected in order to be investigated. Team members are trained in basic aspects that concerns measurement of whole body vibration in order to ensure their participation and involvement is fruitful. After key sources are selected, a random sample is carried out to select a sample of employees to be part of the measurement process as subjects. Consent of employees is guaranteed and employees are free to leave when they feel uncomfortable. But, to avoid the bias that may result from such activities, the employees selected as samples are taken through basic training on how to be actively involved in the measurement process. As a result, confident of participants is increased. Measurement is carried out using the set of instruments recommended by International Standard ISO 2631-1 (Funakoshi, Taoda, Tsujimura & Nishiyama, 2004). The measurement is carried out for five days, within the 8-hour period time for each day. Accelerometer is used in the measurement process. Results obtained are evaluated in accordance to the guidelines that exist with regard to the internationally established tolerable levels of whole body vibrations in the workplace. Control recommendations The following constitute recommendations that can be adopted in order to reduce the impact generated by excess of the following activities in the workplace. Noise Excess noise in the workplace can be reduced or eliminated through undertaking a total rearrangement of the workplace in order to reduce chances of exposure to excess noise. In order to achieve positive results from the rearrangement process, there is need to carry out cost-benefit analysis, apart from the hazards assessment in order to know how best to realise the rearrangement. Administration to undertake initiative of purchasing and distributing personal protective equipment to workers, especially those in high concentrated noise areas. Heat Employees should be trained in basic skills of protection from heat hazards in the workplace. Organisation of work activities that reduce exposure of employees to heat. This can be reinforced by providing protective equipment to employees in order to enable them protect from heat. Ultraviolet radiation Establish radiation protection standards for the company. The process of establishing these standards should be inclusive in order to ensure little resistance is witnessed when implementing the standards. Putting in place strategies such as reducing frequent exposure to UV radiation by employees. Strategies can further include reorganizing the work in order to see employees have reduced level of exposure to UV radiation. Whole body vibration To undertake initiatives that minimise heavy vibration in the company, such as changing equipment and equipment location. Creating awareness among employees on the best ways to reduce exposure to whole body vibration sources. List of References Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency. (2006). Occupational Exposure to Ultraviolet Radiation. Radiation Protection Series Publication No. 12. Retrieved October 3, 2012, from http://www.arpansa.gov.au/pubs/rps/rps12.pdf Bhattacharya, A., & McGlothlin, J. D. (2012). Occupational Ergonomics: Theory and Applications. Boca Raton: CRC Press. Bohle, P., & Quinlan, M. (2000). Managing Occupational Health and Safety: A Multidisciplinary Approach. South Yarra: Macmillan Education AU. Consult Net. (2012). Hand Arm & Whole Body Vibration. Retrieved October 3, 2012, from http://www.consultnet.ie/vibration.htm Funakoshi, M., Taoda, K., Tsujimura, H., & Nishiyama, K. (2004). Measurement of Whole-Body Vibration in Taxi Drivers. Journal of Occupation Health, 46: 119-124. Gies, P., Glanz, K., O’Riordan, D., Elliot, T., & Nehl, E. (2009). Measured Occupational Solar UVR Exposures of Lifeguards in Pool Settings. American Journal of Industrial Medicine, 52: 645-653. Guidotti, T. L. (2011). Global Occupational Health. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Gupta, A. (2006). Industrial Safety and Environment. New Delhi: Firewall Media. Hawkins, L. (2003). Tolley's Guide to Managing Employee Health. Bristol: Reed Elsevier. Health and Safety Executive. (n.d). Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Index. Retrieved October 3, 2012, from http://www.hse.gov.uk/temperature/heatstress/measuring/wetbulb.htm Kanerva, L. (2000). Handbook of Occupational Dermatology. London: Springer. Macquarie University. (2012). Workplace Inspections Procedure. Retrieved October 3, 2012, from http://mq.edu.au/policy/docs/workplace_inspections/procedure.html Raichel, D. R. (2006). The Science and Applications of Acoustics. London: Springer. Rom, W. N. (2006). Environmental and Occupational Medicine. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Safe Work Australia. (2012). Guide For Major Hazard Facilities: Safety Assessment. Retrieved October 3, 2012, from http://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/SWA/AboutSafeWorkAustralia/WhatWeDo/Publications/Documents/669/Safety%20Assessment.pdf Spellman, F. R., & Bieber, R. M. (2011). Physical Hazard Control: Preventing Injuries in the Workplace. Plymouth: Government Institutes. U.S. Congress, Office of Technology Assessment. (1985). Reproductive Health in the Work-place. Washington: U.S. Government Printing Office. Read More