Occupational Safety and Health (OSH)

Occupational Health and Safety

• Occupational health refers to the safety, health, and welfare of people at work.
• According to the United Nations, approximately 2.78 million people die each year due to exposure to occupational risk factors.
• The economic burden of occupational-related injury and death is estimated to be around 4% of the global gross domestic product each year.

Objectives of Occupational Health

• Occupational health focuses primarily on the prevention of illnesses and injuries, and the promotion of health and well-being of workers.

Professionals in Occupational Health

• Occupational health professionals come from a wide range of disciplines and professions, including medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, epidemiology, and more.

Main Focus of Occupational Health

• The main focus of occupational health is the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses, and the promotion of health and well-being of workers.

Evidence-Based Practice in Occupational Safety and Health

• Evidence-based practice in occupational safety and health involves making decisions based on the best available research evidence, professional expertise, and worker values.

Historical Development of Occupational Health

• The Factory Act of 1844 in the United Kingdom introduced restrictions on working hours for women in the textile industry.
• The Mines and Collieries Act of 1842 in the United Kingdom was a response to the dangerous conditions in the mining industry.

Common Work-Related Injuries and Risks

• The most common work-related injury in the United States is musculoskeletal disorders.
• The occupational risk factor with the largest attributable burden of disease is long working hours.

Cement Industry and Occupational Health

• The cement industry has played a major role in the expansion of the global economy.
• The two major ingredients in cement are limestone and clay.
• Nigeria has a significant number of local cement manufacturers.
• The focus of HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) in the context of Lafarge Cement production in Nigeria is to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Compliance is important in Lafarge Cement production in Nigeria to prevent harm to people and the environment.
• China is the largest cement producer in the world.
• West Africa has the largest cement industry in the region, with Nigeria being a significant player.
• The potential health risks faced by workers in the cement industry include respiratory problems, skin irritation, and musculoskeletal disorders.
• A key concern for the cement industry in terms of worker safety is the prevention of work-related injuries and illnesses.

Cement Production and the Environment

• The primary raw material used for cement production is limestone.
• The temperature range required to form clinker in the cement manufacturing process is around 1450°C.
• The main greenhouse gas emitted during cement production is carbon dioxide.
• The primary raw materials used in cement production are limestone, clay, and silica.
• The main environmental concern associated with cement production is the emission of greenhouse gases.
• Social issues related to cement production include displacement of communities, water pollution, and respiratory problems.

Research Study

• The main objective of the research study is to investigate the occupational health and safety hazards faced by workers in the cement industry.
• The study will focus on the health risks faced by workers, the safety measures in place, and the environmental impact of cement production.
• The research techniques employed will include surveys, interviews, and observational studies.
• The purpose of the literature review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the existing research on occupational health and safety in the cement industry.