Element 13 Physical and Psychological Health Flashcards
LEARN
What is the primary purpose of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)?
To limit the noise exposure that employers can expose their workers to.
What are the three key exposure values established by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005?
- Lower exposure action value: 80 dB(A) LEP,d
- Upper exposure action value: 85 dB(A) LEP,d
- Exposure limit value: 87 dB(A) LEP,d
What are the components of the outer ear?
- Auricle
- External auditory meatus
What are the components of the middle ear?
- Tympanic membrane
- Auditory ossicles (malleus, incus, stapes)
What are the two functional units of the inner ear?
- Vestibular apparatus (vestibule and semi-circular canals)
- Cochlea
What is tinnitus?
Ringing in the ears.
Define sound pressure.
Sound is the vibration of air molecules or variation in air pressure that can be sensed by the ear.
What is sound intensity measured in?
Watt per square meter (W/m2).
What does amplitude refer to in sound waves?
The pressure difference between the peaks and troughs of the sound waves.
What is the frequency range that the human ear can hear?
20 to 20,000 Hz.
True or False: Ultrasonic sounds are too high for humans to hear.
True.
What does the decibel scale (dB) measure?
The intensity of sound.
Fill in the blank: The threshold of hearing is at _______ dB(A).
0
What is the typical noise level of a chainsaw?
115 dB(A)
What is a dosimeter?
A device that measures personal exposure to noise over the working day.
What must employers do if noise exposure exceeds 80 dB(A) LEP,d?
- Arrange for a noise assessment by a competent person
- Make hearing protection available
- Provide information, instruction, and training.
What are the basic noise control measures?
- Isolation
- Absorption
- Insulation
- Damping
- Silencing
What is the role of health surveillance in the context of noise exposure?
To ensure that hearing is not being impaired and to check that control measures are working.
What is Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?
A condition caused by holding vibrating tools or equipment.
What are typical health effects of whole-body vibration?
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stomach problems
- Motion sickness
- Back pain
- Insomnia
What are common tools that pose a significant risk of HAVS?
- Drills
- Sanders
- Pneumatic breakers
- Lawnmowers
What should be included in a risk assessment for vibration exposure?
- Equipment used
- Information from manufacturers
- People at risk
- Frequency and duration of exposure
- Employee opinions
What are basic hand-arm vibration control measures?
- Elimination of the vibration source
- Purchase of low vibration emitting equipment
- Use of jigs and holders
- Regular maintenance
- PPE to keep hands warm
- Training on risks
- Adequate supervision
What is Vibration white finger?
A health effect associated with prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration, leading to irreversible damage.
What is the aim of health surveillance for vibration exposure?
To ensure preventive actions are effective and exposure levels remain unchanged.
What is the significance of the audiogram in hearing tests?
It compares an individual’s hearing abilities to the average capabilities of the same age.
True or False: Employers are required to keep confidential medical records of health surveillance.
False.
What must employers do if employees are at risk of hearing damage?
Provide health surveillance (hearing checks or audiometry testing).
What is the consequence if an employer exposes employees to noise above 87 dB(A) LEP,d?
Exposure must be stopped, and investigations must take place.
What is the purpose of health surveillance?
To ensure preventive actions are effective, exposure levels remain unchanged, and new risks do not emerge
Health surveillance may include medical records for research and epidemiological studies.
What triggers a referral to an occupational health professional during health surveillance?
Reported initial symptoms identified through a questionnaire
What was the outcome of the case study involving Places for People Homes?
Fined £600,000 for failing to manage risks associated with vibrating tools and lacking health surveillance
Company had a turnover of £827m in 2018/19 and pleaded guilty to breaching s 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work Act.
What are the two types of radiation based on energy levels?
Ionising radiation and non-ionising radiation
Define ionising radiation.
Radiation with enough energy to change atoms and damage DNA molecules
What is non-ionising radiation?
Radiation that does not have sufficient energy to cause ionisation in matter
List examples of non-ionising radiation.
- Ultraviolet (UV)
- Infra-red
- Microwaves
- Radio waves
- Lasers
What health effects can ultraviolet (UV) radiation cause?
- Reddening of the skin
- Ageing of the skin
- Skin cancer
- Painful effects on the eyes
What are the different types of ionising radiation?
- Alpha - short range, highly ionising, stopped by paper
- Beta - mid range, affects 1cm of soft tissue
- Gamma - long range, low ionising, requires lead for shielding
- X-rays - produced by bombarding electrons
What is radon?
A naturally occurring ionising radioactive gas that can accumulate in buildings
Radon is the second largest cause of lung cancer in the UK after smoking.
What are common occupational sources of ionising radiation?
- Hospital and dental x-ray equipment
- Nuclear power generation
What are basic ways to control exposure to radiation?
- Eliminating risks
- Shortening exposure time
- Increasing distance from radiation source
- Shielding
- Personal protective equipment
- Welfare facilities
What should a radiation protection strategy include?
- Surveillance and monitoring of employees
- Assessment of working methods
- Establishment of contaminated areas
- Continued assessment of protective measures
What is the role of a Radiation Protection Supervisor?
To supervise arrangements set out in local rules and ensure compliance with competent person’s advice
True or False: Dose limits for ionising radiation are set to protect workers and the public.
True
What is the most common mental health issue reported in the construction industry?
Stress, depression, or anxiety
What percentage of construction industry workers reported experiencing some form of mental health issue in 2020?
83%
What are common symptoms of depression?
- Low mood lasting a long time
- Affects everyday life
- Can lead to suicidal thoughts
Define anxiety.
A natural human response to perceived threat, often leading to worry or tension
What are the management standards related to mental health?
- Demands
- Control
- Support
- Relationships
- Role
- Change
What is PTSD?
A type of anxiety disorder that may develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events
What are the effects of excessive stress on an individual?
Leaves individuals feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
What is included in the concept of relationships in the workplace?
Promoting positive working to avoid conflict and dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
What role does clarity play in an employee’s understanding of their position?
Whether people understand their role within the organisation and whether the organisation ensures that they do not have conflicting roles.
How is organisational change managed and communicated?
How organisational change (large or small) is managed and communicated in the organisation.
What are common causes of mental ill-health at work?
Organisation of work, workplace culture, working environment, job content, job role, relationships, home-work interface.
What factors are included in the organisation of work?
Working hours, long hours, shift work, unpredictable hours.
What aspects are encompassed in workplace culture?
Communication, organisational structure, resources, support.
List some factors of the working environment.
- Space
- Noise
- Temperature
- Lighting
What are the key considerations for job content?
Workload, time pressures, boredom.
What does job role clarity involve?
Clarity, conflict of interests, lack of control.
What are the implications of relationships at work?
Bullying and harassment, verbal/physical abuse.
What does the home-work interface refer to?
Commuting, childcare issues, relocation.
How should jobs be designed to manage mental health?
Ensuring realistic workloads, organized shifts, selecting the right people.
Fill in the blank: Employees should receive _______ to understand their roles.
[clear job descriptions and feedback]
What role do managers play in supporting mental health?
Recognizing signs of stress and providing help early.
True or False: Communication and consultation are crucial for managing change.
True
What are the tips from HSE’s Management Standards for managing mental ill-health?
- Start small and grow
- Do not use change as an excuse to do nothing
- Be realistic
- Be open
What does ‘Demands’ refer to in the management of mental health?
Issues such as workload, work patterns, and the work environment.
What is meant by ‘Control’ in the workplace?
How much say a person has in the way they do their work.
What should support in the workplace include?
- Encouragement
- Sponsorship
- Resources
What is the focus of the ‘Relationships’ area in mental health management?
Promoting positive working and dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
What is the significance of the ‘Role’ area in mental health management?
Understanding roles and avoiding conflicting roles.
How should change be managed according to the guidelines?
- Provide timely information
- Access to support
- Awareness of job impacts
True or False: Most people with mental ill-health cannot continue to work effectively.
False
What are some common mental health challenges faced by individuals recovering?
Varied challenges in relation to work.
What should managers be trained to do regarding mental health?
Spot signs of mental ill health and support affected staff.
What percentage of construction workers suffer work-related mental ill health?
6 in 10
What are the most common causes of mental health problems in construction workers?
- Financial issues
- Long hours
- Physical strain
What percentage of respondents felt their organisations could do more for mental health?
56%
What types of violence at work are mentioned?
- Physical
- Psychological
- Verbal
- Bullying
- Harassment
What constitutes harassment under UK law?
Unwanted behaviour related to protected characteristics that violates dignity or creates a hostile environment.
List examples of bullying and harassment.
- Unwanted physical contact
- Unwelcome remarks
- Isolation and exclusion
- Personal insults
What should employers do to manage violence at work?
- Assess risks
- Promote a positive culture
- Establish clear policies
What is the definition of substance abuse at work?
The use of substances to deliberately alter behaviour or state of mind.
What are the potential effects of substance abuse on the workplace?
- Loss of productivity
- Poor performance
- Increased accidents
How should employers manage substance abuse at work?
- Conduct risk assessments
- Consult with employees
- Develop a policy
What should a substance abuse policy include?
- Measures to reduce substance abuse
- Rules on conduct
- Support for employees seeking help
What is the purpose of arrangements relating to intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from substance abuse?
To support individuals in overcoming substance abuse issues
What should workplace policies regarding alcohol consumption guarantee for employees seeking help?
Non-judgmental support and confidentiality
What processes should a workplace policy outline for dealing with individuals impaired by drugs or alcohol?
Circumstances for disciplinary action
What is screening in the context of substance abuse policies?
Testing for alcohol, drugs, or other substances in employees’ bodies
What type of sample is typically provided for substance screening?
Urine sample
When may employers decide to implement substance screening?
In safety-critical jobs
What must employers obtain before conducting substance screening?
Permission from employees
Under what circumstances may screening be conducted?
- After accidents or incidents
- For cause when there is suspicion of abuse
What is a recommended approach for employers to support employees with substance abuse problems?
Encouraging employees to seek specialist support
Why might employers consider allowing employees time off for substance abuse treatment?
Cost of recruiting and training new employees
What role do e-cigarettes play in employers’ smoking cessation policies?
Supporting smokers in quitting
What is the first principle for creating a vaping policy according to PHE?
Make clear the distinction between vaping and smoking
What does the second principle recommend regarding e-cigarette use and smoke-free policies?
E-cigarette use should not be routinely included in smoke-free policy
What is the focus of the third principle regarding vaping in front of children?
Supporting young people not to smoke
What should be at the center of policies on e-cigarette use in public places?
Recognizing the benefits of e-cigarettes
What does the fifth principle advise regarding communication of e-cigarette policies?
Clearly communicate e-cigarette policies
Fill in the blank: Screening is a _______ matter.
sensitive
True or False: Employers can randomly test any employee for substances without reason.
False
