Assessing and managing risks

Question 1

What are the 5 steps in a workplace risk assessment?

Answer 1

1) Identify hazards
2) Decide who might be harmed and how
3) Evaluate risks and decide in precautions
4) Record findings and implement them
5) Review assessment and update

Question 2

How are hazards classified?

Answer 2

Physical, chemical, biological, psychological, ergonomic, mechanical, safety

Question 3

How is exposure monitored?

Answer 3

Environmental- ambient
Personal- inhalation
Fixed point sampling- thermal/light
Biological- urine/blood

Question 4

What is health surveillance?

Answer 4

Systematic regular and appropriate procedure to detect early signs of work related illness among employees exposed to certain health risks and to act on results.

Question 5

What is needed to diagnose occupational disease?

Answer 5

Description of the effect
Assessment of exposure, define causal agent, minimum intensity and duration
Acceptable time sequence including latent stage
Consider competing causes
Consider non occupational factors