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
What is MSI? What causes
it?
MSI, or Musculoskeletal
injuries are injuries of the
Strains and Sprains
muscles, tendons,
(Ergonomic) ligaments and joints.
What are symptoms of
heat stress?
- Onset of a headache or
nausea
Heat Stress
- Decreased efficiency, co-
ordination and alertness
- Increased irritability
- Light-headedness or
dizziness
- Fainting
- Hands, feel, ankles
swelling, usually one or
two days after first
exposure
List 4 ways to reduce sun exposure
Sun Exposure - Always wear sunscreen
- Wear a hat
- Wear clothing with long sleeves and long pants
- Wear sunglasses with 150 UVB protection
Things you need to know
What is the difference What is the safe lifting
between ‘back pain’ and technique? List the 8 steps
‘back strain’?
1. Place feet apart for
Back pain is natural and good balance.
experienced by 60% of 2. Bend your knees.
young adults, while back 3. Hold the object as close
strain is caused by to your body as possible.
frequent heavy lifting or 4. Lift slowly and
working in awkward smoothly.
positions. 5. Pivot with your feet,
don’t twist your back.
6. Push, rather than pull, a
load.
7. Share the load with a
partner.
8. Get mechanical
assistant from heavy
loads.
What are some health What are ways to prevent
problems? heat stress? (list 4 ways)
Heat exhaustion and heat - Learn to recognize
stroke could develop, symptoms of heat stroke
which are very serious and in yourself and in co-
potentially fatal workers, avoid working
conditions. alone.
- Acclimate your body
(gradually expose yourself
to heat)
- Drink plenty of water
(one glass every 20
minutes), avoid caffeine
and alcohol.
- Wear light-coloured and
loosed fitting clothing
made of breathable fabric
(such as cotton)
 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? - Workplace design: house the
source of noise in a sound-
85 decibels - Kitchen equipment muffling enclosure
- Garden equipment - Alternatives include wearing
- Musical instruments earmuffs/earplugs and
- Recorded music or putting sound-absorbent
movies materials on the walls
- Public address and
amplification systems
- Cleaning equipment
- Traffic

What is Asbestos? Health problems Health problems of Health problems

of ASBESTOS? LEAD? of DUST?
A fibrous material Inhaling asbestos Abdominal pain, Eye irritation,
that was used due fibres may cause constipation, coughing,
to its high heat and lung cancer and tiredness, headaches, sneezing, hay
Mineral and Chemical
chemical resistance other serious irritability, loss of fever and asthma
Hazards problems. appetite, memory attacks
loss, pain and tingling
in the hands/feet,
weakness
What are pesticides? How do you protect against pesticides?

Mineral and Chemical Chemicals used to protect against pests. Reduce and eliminate unnecessary
Hazards Continued However, these chemicals can also be pesticide and control the use of
harmful towards humans. pesticides inside the house.

What are blood-borne diseases?

Biological Hazards Diseases that can be transmitted through bodily fluids such as blood. Some examples
include HIV and Hepatitis B.

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?
Wear gloves and stay away from needles
- If viruses from infected on the streets.
blood/bodily fluids enter the
Biological Hazards body
continued - If a piece of tissue used for
transplant is infected
- Coming into contact with
infected fluids