Case Study 10 Occupational Health

Hazards

Instruction: Give atleast 3 examples each of physical and ergonomic

hazards present and encountered by Mechanical Engineers, Mechanics, and
machinists in their respective industries and give recommendation to
prevent or atleast minimize the health hazards present in their workplace.

Physical hazards present and encounter by Mechanical Engineers,

Mechanics, and machinists with their preventions:

 Mechanical Engineers
1. Noisy Machines - Purchase equipment and machines that are quieter. To
keep noise from reaching people, construct enclosures and barriers. Wear
ear protection. Reduce exposure time.
2. Hot environment (Working near furnaces. Summer outdoor work.) - To
allow sweat to evaporate, wear light, loose clothing. Before beginning a
full-time job, slowly acclimate yourself. To avoid over-exertion, pace your
job or play. Even if you are not thirsty, drink enough water regularly. If
you're feeling very hot, choose a cool spot or seek shade. Request training
in recognizing the signs and symptoms of heatstroke. If you suspect
someone is suffering from heatstroke, seek medical care right once.
3. Cold Environments (Working outdoors in cold weather. Working in cold
storage.) - Dress appropriately. Recognize the signs and symptoms of
hypothermia. If you detect someone experiencing hypothermia, seek
medical attention. If you begin to shiver excessively or become confused,
seek warm refuge.
 Mechanics
 1. Fires (Chemical reactions, heat, ignition, electrical short circuit, static
electricity, friction.) - Stick to the fire safety guidelines. Set the alarm and
get out of the working area as quickly as you can. For assistance, dial 911.

2. Slips, Trips, and falls (Slippery and cluttered floors and working surfaces.)
- Use suitable safety equipment when working at heights; follow safe work
procedures; keep the floors clear of trash, dirt, and spills; clean up spills
immediately.
3. Light, Lasers (Lasers, Welding) - Never, ever look into a laser beam.
 Machinists
1. Whole-Body Vibration (Working on a vibrating platform, driving farm
tractors or other heavy vehicles, especially on rough terrain) - Seats with
vibration isolators for vehicle operators. Rotating machines with vibration
isolators placed on them. Vibration-absorbing flooring for areas where
people stand and work for extended periods.
2. Power Frequency Electromagnetic Field (ELF) (Working near electric
power transmission or distribution lines.) - Do not work or play near
electricity distribution transformers or under power lines.
3. Hand / Arm Vibration (Operation of vibrating handheld equipment) -
Choose tools that have anti-vibration mounts. Vibration-absorbing
material should be used to cover the handles. Reduce the amount of time
you spend on the computer. Hands should not be exposed to the cold.

Ergonomic hazards present and encounter by Mechanical Engineers,

Mechanics, and machinists with their preventions:

 Mechanical Engineers
1. Poor posture - Repositioning objects and surfaces in the working area to
eliminate the need to reach.
 2. Repeating the same movements over and over - Assuring that all work
environments provide employees with the entire range of motion they
need to execute a task.
3. Improperly adjusted workstations - Workplaces are being redesigned to
accommodate individuals to minimize stress and enhance posture.

 Mechanics
1. Poor lighting – To avoid injuries or unanticipated events, workplaces
should be completely lit up.
2. Having to use too much force, especially if you have to do it frequently -
Using heavy lifting equipment to limit employee workload.
3. Awkward movements, especially if they are repetitive - Allow staff to take
breaks to help relieve short-term stress.
 Machinists
1. Poor shoulder /wrist position - Employees who perform repetitive or
difficult jobs should be rotated to reduce exposure.
2. Overhead work - Changing the work pace to lessen strain.
3. Vibration - Tasks with vibration are divided to lessen the amount of effort
required by personnel.