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Questions and Answers
What term refers to a factor or exposure that may adversely affect health in the workplace?
What term refers to a factor or exposure that may adversely affect health in the workplace?
Which option describes the quantitative probability of a health effect occurring from exposure to a hazard?
Which option describes the quantitative probability of a health effect occurring from exposure to a hazard?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an occupational risk associated with chronic diseases?
Which of the following is NOT an example of an occupational risk associated with chronic diseases?
What percentage of GDP is typically lost due to work-related health problems?
What percentage of GDP is typically lost due to work-related health problems?
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What is the approximate cost for basic health services aimed at preventing occupational diseases per worker?
What is the approximate cost for basic health services aimed at preventing occupational diseases per worker?
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What is a primary aspect of maintaining a safe workplace?
What is a primary aspect of maintaining a safe workplace?
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Which of the following is necessary for a safe workplace environment?
Which of the following is necessary for a safe workplace environment?
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How should hazardous chemicals be handled in the workplace?
How should hazardous chemicals be handled in the workplace?
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What role does monitoring play in the workplace regarding employee health?
What role does monitoring play in the workplace regarding employee health?
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Which of the following is NOT considered as environmental protection against hazards?
Which of the following is NOT considered as environmental protection against hazards?
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What should be included in a comprehensive worker safety training program?
What should be included in a comprehensive worker safety training program?
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In managing manpower, what is important to foster a positive work environment?
In managing manpower, what is important to foster a positive work environment?
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What is the first step in hazard identification and control?
What is the first step in hazard identification and control?
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What is the primary concern of occupational health?
What is the primary concern of occupational health?
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How has the scope of occupational health evolved over time?
How has the scope of occupational health evolved over time?
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Which of these is NOT a goal of occupational health?
Which of these is NOT a goal of occupational health?
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Which of the following is included in the objectives of occupational health?
Which of the following is included in the objectives of occupational health?
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What effect can occupational diseases have on national production?
What effect can occupational diseases have on national production?
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What aspect does modern occupational health include that was not emphasized traditionally?
What aspect does modern occupational health include that was not emphasized traditionally?
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Which element is crucial for adapting the workplace to meet workers' needs?
Which element is crucial for adapting the workplace to meet workers' needs?
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Which method of hazard control is considered the most effective?
Which method of hazard control is considered the most effective?
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What is an example of an engineering control?
What is an example of an engineering control?
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Which of the following does NOT represent an occupational health hazard?
Which of the following does NOT represent an occupational health hazard?
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Why are engineering controls preferred over personal protective equipment?
Why are engineering controls preferred over personal protective equipment?
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What do administrative controls primarily aim to achieve?
What do administrative controls primarily aim to achieve?
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Which method is considered least effective in controlling hazards?
Which method is considered least effective in controlling hazards?
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In the hierarchy of safety controls, which option is the most expensive?
In the hierarchy of safety controls, which option is the most expensive?
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Which control method involves the replacement of hazards?
Which control method involves the replacement of hazards?
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What is the primary function of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
What is the primary function of personal protective equipment (PPE)?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Occupational Health
- Occupational health is health and safety at work.
- It's about preventing illnesses and injuries directly caused by work environments.
- The WHO defines it as promoting and maintaining workers' physical, mental, and social well-being in all occupations.
What is Occupational Health?
- Occupational health is a branch of medicine focused on studying and preventing health hazards arising from work.
- Exposures vary across different industries, including agricultural, commercial, construction, medicine, and transportation.
- Traditionally, it was concerned with how workers' health impacted their job performance, and vice-versa.
Further Aspects of Occupational Health
- Today, occupational health is more comprehensive, including health promotion, risk assessment, and well-being.
- It addresses a broader range of lifestyle issues including smoking, fitness, stress management, nutrition, and obesity.
- Developed nations consider a healthy workforce crucial for national development, as it increases output and reduces sickness absence and associated costs.
Goals of Occupational Health
- Reducing industrial accidents.
- Preventing occupational hazards/illnesses.
- Maximizing human and machine efficiency.
- Reducing sick leave.
Objectives of Occupational Health
- Maintaining and promoting workers' physical, mental, and social well-being.
- Preventing occupational illnesses and injuries.
- Adapting workplaces to meet worker needs (ergonomics).
- Prioritizing prevention over treatment.
Definitions (cont.)
- Occupational hazard: A factor or exposure potentially negatively affecting health.
- Occupational risk: The chance that a health problem will appear after being exposed to a specific hazard amount.
- Occupational disease: Specific illnesses prevalent among people in particular work types.
Occupational Health Overview
- Occupational health is a balance between the worker and their work environment.
Size of the Problem
- Occupational risks like injuries, noise exposure, and ergonomic issues cause substantial chronic health issues as shown by:
- 37% of back pain cases
- high rates of hearing loss & several other chronic diseases.
- These issues result in an overall economic loss of 4-6% of most countries' GDP.
- Workplace health initiatives show positive impacts by reducing absenteeism (by 27%) and health care costs (by 26%).
Work-Related Issues
- Many workers lack insurance to cover occupational diseases or injuries.
Work-Related Illnesses and Disorders
- In 2018, the WHO estimated over 885,000 deaths and 51 million lost healthy years from work-related Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and mental disorders.
- Key factors contributing to these issues: occupational carcinogens, air contaminants, work-related stress, and physical strain issues
Creating a Safe Workplace
- Emphasizes the importance of a safe environment.
- Practical steps for employers include:
- Providing and maintaining safe machinery and work systems.
- Ensuring safe use of hazardous goods and chemicals.
- Controlling hazards like dust, noise, and fumes.
- Providing hygiene facilities like toilets and change rooms.
- Providing clear information about workplace hazards.
- Providing instruction, training, and supervision, with employee well-being in mind.
Safe Working Areas
- Monitoring work areas and employee health is crucial.
- Maintaining detailed information and records regarding health and safety is paramount.
- Supporting employees with injuries or illnesses to ensure a safe return.
Criteria for a Safe Work Environment
- Sufficient space for all workers (minimum 15 m3 per person).
- Cleanliness and sanitation (especially for separate male/female facilities).
- Adequate water supply with sanitation measures (safe water supply).
- Proper lighting and workstation designs (preventing eye strain or fatigue).
- Controlling exposure to hazardous substances (chemicals, dust, noise).
- Maintaining safe temperatures (considering heat or cold exposure).
- Well-maintained equipment and safety measures (properly maintained machinery).
Manpower Management
- Worker-worker and worker-authority relationships within workplaces are considered.
- Managing these interactions helps improve job satisfaction, worker trust, and workplace stability.
Hazard Identification and Control
- A diagram describes the cyclical process of hazard control.
- Starts with identifying and defining the hazard.
- Next, potential harms are listed.
- Control methods are applied.
- Controlling options are determined.
Hierarchical Control of Hazards
- Includes Hierarchy of Controls from most effective (eliminating or substituting) to least effective (personal protective equipment).
- The principle is to initially focus on the source and implement preventive methods before focusing on personal protective measures.
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Description
Explore the essential concepts of occupational health, focusing on the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. This quiz covers definitions, the role of occupational health in various industries, and modern approaches to promoting worker well-being. Test your knowledge on health and safety in the workplace.
