Chapter II: Introduction to Occupational Health and Environmental Protection PDF

Chapter II: Introduction to Occupational Health and Environmental Protection Objectives Chapter 2 of this course aims to achieve several specific objectives related to public health, hygiene, housing, the environment, sustainable development, and workplace safety. Here...

Chapter II: Introduction to Occupational Health and Environmental Protection Objectives Chapter 2 of this course aims to achieve several specific objectives related to public health, hygiene, housing, the environment, sustainable development, and workplace safety. Here are the objectives of this chapter: Analyze and recognize the essential elements related to hygiene and public health. Examine the fundamental aspects that influence health at the collective level. Acquire a deep understanding of concepts related to hygiene in the context of housing. Explore the main elements contributing to a healthy environment in homes. Familiarize with the key areas of environmental preservation. Understanding the issues associated with ecosystem protection. Understanding the issues and challenges related to sustainable development. Examine the fundamental principles of sustainable development and their practical application. Recognize the specific functions of organizations involved in promoting occupational health. Identify the missions of the various entities working for public health and occupational safety. These objectives aim to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of the various aspects related to public health, hygiene, housing, the environment, sustainable development, as well as the role of organizations in these areas. 2.1 Identify the main aspects of hygiene and public health Respecting hygiene rules is essential in everyday life, but even more so at work where exposure to chemical toxins and biological contaminants is more intense and prolonged: hygiene measures at work are quite simple to implement, help limit the risk of occupational diseases, and should precede and accompany the use of personal protective equipment and collective protection installations. Moreover, workplace hygiene and the cleanliness of the premises reflect the establishment's brand image, contribute to employee satisfaction, and enhance the quality of the reception. Hygiene at work relies both on the employer's obligations (provision of sanitary facilities, changing rooms, dining areas, cleaning and ventilation of workspaces...) and on individual behaviors (handwashing, wearing work clothes, nutrition...). In order to integrate hygiene into the daily behaviors of workers, information and training on good personal hygiene practices at work are essential, particularly in dirty jobs (construction sites, sanitation...) and/or those highly exposed to chemical and biological risks (agri-food industries, agriculture and livestock, healthcare facilities...). 2.2. Determinants and Indicators of Public Health These are variables that can be measured directly and that allow for the description of the health status of individuals in a community. They allow for the quantification, comparison, and tracking of the evolution of a given health issue (over time and space). Example: daily, regular, occasional tobacco user. Types of indicators Demographic indicators Life expectancy (LE): it is the average lifespan one can have at birth Age pyramid: graphical representation with distribution by age and sex Birth rate: number of live births per thousand inhabitants Fertility rate: number of births relative to the number of women of childbearing age Morbidity indicators (Morbidity rate): number of sick people compared to the number of healthy people for a given population and over a specified period of time, Mortality indicators (Mortality rate): is the ratio between the annual number of deaths and the average total population over a given period in a given territory. The calculation of prevalence can help highlight public health priorities. Prevalence: it is the number of cases of illness or any other medical event recorded in a specific population during a specific period. 2.3. Understanding the concepts of home hygiene The unsanitary conditions of housing have been the subject of public policies for many years, which have greatly contributed to the improvement of health. However, the concept of indoor air quality has only recently emerged, whereas the monitoring of outdoor air pollution has long been established and developed. A Concepts and Definitions A.1. Housing It is a living unit, apartment, or house, regularly housing one or more individuals who share its use. It is a tangible property identifiable by its occupants, its location, and its architectural form. A.2. Habitat It is a more vague, broader concept. We prefer to broaden the notion referred to by the terms dwelling or housing and speak of habitat, meaning not only the building in which a person takes shelter but also what surrounds that building, including all the services, facilities, and devices whose existence is necessary or desirable to ensure physical and mental hygiene, as well as the social well-being of the family and the individual. It is a more qualitative, more comprehensive dimension. A.3. Sanitation Character of what is favorable to human health; state of an environment favorable to health A.4. Unsanitary conditions (substandard housing) Unhealthy, harmful, or potentially detrimental to health. The latter includes any housing situation that can impair the health and dignity of individuals or violate the right to housing, such as buildings at risk of collapse, unsanitary housing, habitats with lead accessibility, precarious conditions, etc. The risk factors are mainly related to the occupants, the modes of habitat occupation, the structure of the dwellings, the construction materials, and also the pollution emanating from the immediate external environment. A.5. Comfort What constitutes material well-being, conveniences that make daily life easier. Comfort elements: WC*, hot water*, elevator, garbage chute (*mandatory in new housing). Interior space: The dimensions (surface area, volume, height) of the rooms, their number, and their distribution must allow the occupants to carry out normal activities (rest, cooking, toilets, need for isolation, need for privacy...). B. Relationship between habitat and health It is generally accepted that the environment of a person is one of the main elements that determine their level of physical and mental health, as well as their social well- being. The habitat is an integral part of this overall environment and therefore contributes to shaping health and well-being. Health is intimately linked to human exposure to the environment. Chronic exposure to low doses over a long period is suspected to be responsible, in particular, for the increase in cancers, asthma, and cardiovascular diseases. Many complaints about discomfort and nuisances often stem from poor indoor air quality. When trying to improve the hygiene of the environment, one can be more or less ambitious. Four objectives are possible: 1) Prevent premature mortality; 2) Prevent diseases and injuries; 3) Ensure the proper functioning of the human body; 4) Ensure comfort. C. Habitat: Indoor Air The evolution of lifestyles has led the entire population to spend an increasingly long time indoors. An adult spends 80 to 90% of their time indoors, which is approximately 12 to 14 hours per day in their home, 6 to 8 hours in a professional setting, 0.5 to 2 hours in transportation, and 1 hour in various places (leisure, sports, etc.). Elderly people and very young children often spend more than 97% of their time indoors. The WHO has shown that indoor air pollution in the home ranks eighth among the most important risk factors and accounts for 2.7% of the global disease burden. The quality of indoor air results from several factors. The main factors that determine indoor air quality are pollution sources and their intensity, thermal comfort, the rate of indoor air renewal, and outdoor air quality. 2. 4. Know the main areas of environmental protection -Protection of ambient air and climate Reduction of emissions into ambient air or ambient concentrations of atmospheric pollutants as well as the control of greenhouse gas emissions and gases that have a negative effect on the stratospheric ozone layer. Examples: particulate filters and atmospheric pollutant analysis devices. Wastewater management Prevention of surface water pollution through the reduction of wastewater discharges into inland surface waters and the sea (includes: collection and treatment of wastewater, including control and regulatory activities). Example: septic tanks, vehicles used for wastewater collection, sewer cleaning. Waste management Prevention of waste production and reduction of its harmful impact on the environment. Included are the activities of waste collection and treatment, including control and regulation activities. Also included are recycling and composting, the collection and treatment of low-level radioactive waste, street cleaning, and litter collection. Examples: waste bags and pouches intended to replace plastic bags, vehicles used for waste collection, incinerators. Protection and remediation of soils, groundwater, and surface water Prevention of pollutant infiltration, decontamination of soils and waters, and protection of the soil against erosion and any other physical degradation as well as against salinization. Monitoring and controlling soil and groundwater pollution are included. Examples: organic farming products, soil sanitation and purification services, groundwater and surface water services 2.5. Identify the role and mission of various organizations in occupational health and safety and public health The role of the Health and Safety Committee: ❖Ensure the enforcement of legislative and regulatory provisions within the establishment. ❖Layout and maintenance of buildings in accordance with hygiene and safety regulations. ❖Concrete arrangement of safe workstations (e.g., access for the disabled). Regulations related to Hygiene and Safety. Missions of other occupational health and safety organizations The missions of other health and occupational safety organizations are clearly specified in the regulatory texts related to Hygiene and Safety, particularly: The Order of 22 Rajab 1429 corresponding to July 26, 2008, relating to the hygiene and safety plan in building, public works, and hydraulic activities. Law No. 88-07 of January 26, 1988, relating to hygiene, safety, and occupational medicine: All citizens have the right to the protection of their health. The state ensures the prevention and fight against epidemic and endemic diseases. The right to protection, safety, and hygiene at work is guaranteed by law. The right to rest is guaranteed. The fundamental rights necessary for workers are as follows: Social security and retirement; Hygiene, safety, and occupational medicine; Repos. Workers also have the right to respect for their physical and moral integrity and their dignity. The employer organization is required to ensure the hygiene and safety of the workers. Occupational medicine is an obligation of the employer organization. It is the responsibility of the employer. The execution of all activities related to hygiene, safety, and occupational medicine is financed by the employer organization. Define the ways and means to ensure the best conditions for workers in terms of hygiene and occupational safety. Define the responsible persons and employer organizations tasked with implementing the prescribed measures. General rules regarding hygiene and workplace safety: Obligation of the employer to ensure hygiene and safety for workers. Ensure the cleanliness of the premises assigned to Work. Ensure comfort in terms of ventilation, lighting, heating... Introduction of the concept of individual protection. Integration of worker safety in the choice of techniques and technologies and in the organization of work 2.6. What about greenhouse gases and climate change? In its lower part at the boundary of the troposphere, the "greenhouse effect" is located, a concentration of various gases (called "greenhouse gases" (GHGs) such as water (H2O), CO2, CH4, N2O, ozone (O3) of not solely anthropogenic origin) having the virtue of absorbing infrared rays; without this phenomenon, the temperature at the Earth's surface would be -15 °C instead of the current average of 18 °C. But the increased levels of certain gases in the atmosphere are the cause of "climate change," which poses a serious problem today. High concentrations of GHGs lead to an increase in the average air temperature at the Earth's surface, which results in "global warming." 2.7. What is smog? "Smog" is a brownish and oxidizing fog that forms in urban areas on sunny days and in the presence of heavy road traffic. It is a mixture of ozone, carbonyl compounds (mainly aldehydes), and peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) formed from primary pollutants emitted by vehicle engines (nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons). There is an intrinsic link between air pollution and climate change. Smog pollutants and GHGs are often emitted by the same exhaust pipes, the same factory chimneys. By taking measures to reduce air pollution, we simultaneously slow down global warming. 2.8. Air Quality Monitoring The monitoring of air quality has been entrusted to accredited air quality monitoring associations. The air quality measurement network has several monitoring stations, also called fixed stations. The air quality index, known as the "ATMO index," is calculated daily in major urban areas to inform the population about the overall air quality. The ATMO index is calculated based on four pollutants automatically measured by urban background stations: nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and particulate matter with a diameter of less than 10 μm (PM10). We find the ATMO Index In the form of a table or in the form of a drawing (figure II.2). The air quality is rated on a scale from 1 to 10: 1, 2: very good, 3, 4: good, 5: average, 6, 7: poor, 8, 9: bad, 10: very bad. A color-coding system is associated with the index values: green from 1 to 4, orange from 5 to 7, red from 8 to 10 2.9. Air Quality Monitoring Network in Algeria Algeria is among the countries that have their own air quality monitoring networks, already operational in two wilayas (Algiers, Annaba). It was in June 2001 that the first air quality monitoring network was established in Algiers, named "SAMA SAFIA," which is part of the National Observatory for the Environment and Sustainable Development. The missions assigned to "SAMA SAFIA": ▪ Continuously monitor air pollution levels in major urban centers. ▪ Detect pollution peaks and the periods during which the limit thresholds are exceeded. ▪ Establish air quality forecasts using simulation models. ▪ Alert the authorities during critical situations and inform the populations of the measures to follow to minimize health impacts. ▪ Allow for the scheduling of measures to be implemented to protect citizens' health and improve quality of life. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is calculated and updated every hour, based on the measurement of various pollutants taken at the different stations of the air quality monitoring network "SAMA SAFIA" distributed across the territory. The parameters generally used for the calculation are ozone, fine particles, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide. 2.10. Understanding the issue of sustainable development The concept of sustainable development is entirely contained in Agenda 21 (Action 21: Document developed at the Rio Conference 1992): human beings are at the center of concerns related to sustainable development. They have the right to a healthy and productive life, in harmony with nature. The text then defines what harmonious and balanced development is:(the right to development must be realized in a way that equitably meets the development and environmental needs of present and future generations) the respect for nature is affirmed (to achieve sustainable development, environmental protection must be an integral part of the development process and cannot be considered in isolation) international cooperation is specified: (all States and all peoples must cooperate in the essential task of eliminating poverty, which is an indispensable condition for sustainable development, in order to reduce differences in living standards and better meet the needs of the majority of the world's peoples) Figure 2.1: ATMO Index In the form of a table or in the form of a drawing 2.11. The three pillars of sustainable development Sustainable development, since the Rio conference, is represented by the integration of three spheres, according to "three pillars": - The environment - The economy - The social He combines the three objectives of economic efficiency, environmental preservation, and social equity within a framework of good governance. It is about establishing a viable economic development, socially equitable and ecologically livable. When economic growth allows for the improvement of social conditions without harming the environment, then we can speak of sustainable development. Figure 2.2: Field of Sustainable Development 2.12. What are the actions and solutions for global sustainable development? The main courses of action: The fight against climate change Limit carbon emissions and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) at the source (buildings, transportation, industrial production). Every human activity emits GHGs; therefore, all processes of production, distribution, and consumption need to be revised to reduce GHG emissions as much and as quickly as possible. - International control of carbon quotas and markets; - Encourage the development of renewable energies (large wind, photovoltaic solar...) and research in the field of energy efficiency. The preservation of natural environments and biodiversity We are wasting the energy and natural resources that we thought were abundant. - Regulation of consumption and fight against pollution; - Preservation of aquatic natural environments; - New ways of producing thanks to the evolution of techniques (Organic farming, Local polycultures …) ; - Protect the seas and coastlines from rising waters and the proliferation of invasive species (algae…). The sobriety of consumption and sustainable production Responsible consumption and production: - The modification of behaviors; - Strive for a more sustainable consumption of raw materials and environmental, economic, and social impacts; - Waste reduction The emergence of ecological responsibility - Access to Knowledge: integration into school programs and information for the population (evaluations and scientific expertise, research work, natural environment observatories, epidemiology); - Ability to participate: involvement in public research programs, in representative bodies, and in the financial sector 2.13. Conclusion Human activities, particularly industrial ones, have been at the center of environmental issues for several years, and undoubtedly will be for some time to come... These activities, while providing economic prospects to the populations, also lead to a profound alteration of the environment. Today, the growing environmental awareness in industrialized countries has led to profound reforms in environmental law, forcing companies to exploit the land with a certain respect for nature. Indeed, before being a legal issue, pollution is primarily an environmental and health problem. Certain human activities and the operation of certain industrial facilities can lead to soil, water, and even atmospheric pollution, which can be extremely harmful to health and the environment. Attention thus primarily focuses on issues related to pollution, particularly those concerning air and water quality, toxic chemicals, and waste management. It was only from the 1980s onwards that environmental protection was recognized as a major issue by most social actors. At the end of the 1980s, a genuine school of thought emerged that combined business and the environment in order to contribute to solving the environmental problem. Sustainable development then appeared as a remedy.