L29: Biological, Mechanical & Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Question 1

Biological hazards in the workplace Includes ….

Answer 1

• pathogenic micro-organisms
• viruses
• toxins (from biological sources)
• spores
• fungi and bio-active substances

Question 2

Epidemeology of communicable diseases caused by exposures to biological hazards
in the workplace

Answer 2

Worldwide, it is estimated that around 320 000 workers die each year from communicable diseases caused by exposures to biological hazards
in the workplace

Question 3

Who is exposed to biological workplace hazards?

Answer 3

Check Summary

Question 4

Health Care workers are exposed to biological hazards via ….

VIP

Answer 4

Question 5

Animal Breeders & Handlers, Farmers & Vets

Answer 5

• In contact with animals or animal products (blood, tissue, milk, eggs) are exposed to animal diseases and infections (zoonoses) e.g. avian flu, tetanus or other agents that can cause serious allergy via sensitization.

Question 6

Exposure to molds & Yeast is common in …..

Answer 6

❶ some industrial processes

❷ in workplaces with air conditioning systems and high humidity.

Question 7

Molds can also exacerbate (make worse) the symptoms of allergies including:

Answer 7

❶ Wheezing
❷ chest tightness
❸ shortness of breath
❹ nasal congestion
❺ eye irritation.

Question 8

People who are ……. are usually more susceptible to health problems from molds

Answer 8

immuno-suppressed, or recovering from surgery

Question 9

Examples of Mechanical Workplace Hazards

Answer 9

❶ Accidents and injuries
❷ Strains/Sprains, Cuts
❸ Shearing Injuries
❹ Crushing Injuries and fractures

Question 10

• Ergonomic hazards are an extremely common type of workplace hazard.
• They can exist in many different types of work environments, ranging from …..

Answer 10

offices to factory assembly lines.

Question 11

An ergonomic hazard is ……

Answer 11

something which can put strain on a person’s
musculoskeletal system causing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

Question 12

Ergonomic hazards is caused by:

Answer 12

❶ by sitting at a chair or workstation that isn’t properly adjusted

❷ making repetitive movements throughout the day

❸ making strenuous/awkward movements throughout the day.

Question 13

Def of Psychosocial Workplace hazards

Answer 13

Psychosocial hazards include those that can have an adverse effect on an employee’s mental health or wellbeing.

Question 14

Examples of Psychosocial Workplace hazards

Answer 14

• Sexual harassment
• Victimization
• Workplace violence
• Job stress
• Long hours
• Rotating work shifts
• Demanding jobs
• limited decision latitude
• Competing time demands
• Repetitive tasks
• Threat of violence
• Job insecurity
• Poor management

Question 15

General Methods of prevention of occupational hazards

Answer 15

…

Question 16

Aim in prevention of occupational hazards

Answer 16

• The main aim is to eliminate the HAZARD

If this is not possible, we try to eliminate the RISK i.e. eliminate the possibility that the HAZARD can induce health effects.

Question 17

Preventive program includes

Answer 17

• Environmental (engineering) measures
• Medical measures

Question 18

Preventive program includes

• Environmental (engineering) measures

Answer 18

Question 19

Substitution

Answer 19

Substitution of hazardous substances or operation by non-hazardous ones.

Question 20

Isolation

Answer 20

Isolation of the hazardous process inside the work places so that other surrounding workers are not affected

• isolation of radiation or noise sources

Question 21

Segregation

Answer 21

Segregation of the hazardous process away from the work places

Examples:
incinerators (sources of gases)
electric generators (sources of noise)
ovens (sources of heat).

Question 22

Ventilation

Answer 22

• By fans to increase air movement or by exhaust system for suction of toxic gases or dusts to be collected in a special disposal system .

Question 23

Environmental Monitoring

Answer 23

• To assure that exposure at work places do not exceed the allowable levels or concentration (threshold limit value =TLV)

Question 24

Assurance of Ergonomics in the workplace

Answer 24

• To adapt the work situation to the physical capabilities of the worker.
• This to avoid loss of effort and time and to prevent accidents and musculo- skeletal disorders

Question 25

Preventive program includes

• Medical Measures

Answer 25

❶ Pre-employment medical examination .
❷ Periodic medical examination .
❸ Personal protective devices.
❹ Health education .
❺ Immunization (HCWs

Question 26

Done

Answer 26

….