Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace

Reducing Poor Posture

• Provide adjustable tables and chairs to accommodate workers of different sizes and shapes, promoting neutral postures
• Substitute heavy manual tasks with machines to reduce physical workload
• Improve work scheduling to minimize excessive overtime or shift work, which can cause fatigue
• Increase staffing to reduce individual workloads
• Provide sufficient breaks, allowing for adequate recovery time to reduce fatigue
• Ensure all loads are labeled with their weight
• Store heavy objects at waist height
• Train workers on safe use of lifting and carrying devices
• Provide PPE, such as knee pads and shoulder pads, to address ergonomic problems

Preventing Psychosocial Hazards

• Definition: Intentional usage of power that harms individuals physically, mentally, spiritually, or socially
• Examples: Bullying, harassment, aggression, violence, discrimination, victimization, and long working hours
• Effects: Work-related stress, depression, hypertension, heart disease, and mental illness
• Prevention and control:
  • Ensure sufficient breaks
  • Avoid long working hours
  • Focus on clarity and objectives around work expectations
  • Establish clear job descriptions and task assignments
  • Report incidents of inappropriate comments and behaviors
  • Investigate complaints concerning harassment and take appropriate measures
  • Develop and implement policies on dealing with violence and harassment, absence management, and early intervention stress management
  • Provide training in coping skills and individual stress management

Biological Hazards

• Definition: Biological substances that pose a threat to human health
• Examples: People, plants, and animals can be biological hazards
• Include risks from the biosphere

Hazard Types

• Chemical hazards: Exposure to chemicals in the workplace
• Ergonomic hazards: Poor posture, body movements, and physical workload
• Psychosocial hazards: Intentional harm to individuals
• Biological hazards: Biological substances threatening human health

Chemical Hazards

• Definition: Occupational hazard caused by exposure to chemicals in the workplace
• Examples: Liquids, gases, vapors, mists, solvents, paints, and vanishes
• Signs of exposure:
  • Dust, mist, smoke in the air
  • Accumulation of dust or oils
  • Unusual smells
  • Unusual tastes
  • Burning in the eyes
  • Nose, throat irritation
  • Feel better when away from the workplace
• Effects:
  • Poisoning
  • Respiratory system diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
  • Skin irritation
  • Burns

Controlling Chemical Hazards

• Hierarchy of control in OHS:
  • Elimination/Substitution: Use safer methods
  • Engineering Controls: Change work process to minimize contact with hazardous chemicals
  • Administrative and Work Practice Controls: Adjust work schedules to avoid overexposure