Ch. 13 Occupational Health

Occupationally Associated Diseases and Conditions

Allergic and irritant dermatitis Respiratory diseases Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma Fertility and pregnancy abnormalities Hearing loss caused by noise Musculoskeletal disorders Traumatic injuries and fatalities Conditions associated with job stress

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Apparatuses "...designed to protect employees from serious workplace injuries or illnesses resulting from contact with chemical, radiological, physical, electrical, mechanical, or other workplace hazards."

Gauley Bridge Disaster

Caused exposure of unprotected workers to high levels of silica dust Resulted in about 1,500 cases of silicosis and 1,000 deaths The incident revolves around the contraction of silicosis while constructing a new hydroelectric power plant.

Occupational Disease

Defined as those health outcomes that are '"...caused or influenced by exposure to general conditions or specific hazards encountered in the work environment.'"

Infectious Diseases (Examples of Workers at Risk)

Health care workers Public utility workers Agricultural workers Social service workers and corrections personnel Clinical laboratory specialists Mortuary workers Adult film industry workers

Allergic and Irritant Dermatitis

Manufacturing, construction, food production, and activities such as metal plating and engine service put workers at highest risk for skin problems.

Occupational Medicine

Medical specialty focusing on detection and prevention of diseases that arise from the work environment

Agents of Occupational Disease

Noise Dusts Toxic heavy metals and their fumes Carbon monoxide Chemicals Ionizing radiation Microbial agents Lifting heavy weights Repetitive motion Workplace accidents Work-related stress

Job Stress

The term job stress is ". . . defined as the harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker."

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and Asthma

• About 30% of cases of COPD and asthma can be linked to occupational exposures. • COPD is related to workplace exposure to dusts. • Asthma has become the most frequently diagnosed occupational respiratory disease in the U.S.

Carbon Monoxide

• An odorless, hazardous, toxic gas • Found in many work settings • Causes the formation of carboxyhemoglobin, which reduces the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood

Conditions Associated with Job Stress

• Anxiety, stress, and neurotic disorders • "Going postal" • Critical incident stress Note: Of six job categories, the classification of technical, sales, and administrative support had the highest percentage of cases of anxiety, stress, and neurotic disorders in 2001.

Industries Accounting for the Largest Frequencies of Death

• Construction • Transportation and public utilities • Agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting

Exposure Limits

• Guidelines and regulations for limitation of workplace exposures to hazardous agents • The threshold limit value (TLV) "Refers to airborne concentrations of substances and represents conditions under which it is believed that nearly all workers may be unaffected."

Respiratory Diseases

• Many of the work-related respiratory diseases are chronic conditions that have long latency periods. • Asbestosis, coal workers' pneumoconiosis, silicosis, byssinosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer are examples of work-related respiratory diseases.

U.S. Agencies That Conduct Surveillance

• National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) • National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) • Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) • Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) • Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

Surveillance Programs Operated by NIOSH

• National Surveillance System of Pneumoconiosis Mortality (NSSPM) • National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) Surveillance System • State-based Sentinel Event Notification System for Occupational Risks (SENSOR)

Triangle Shirtwaist Company Fire

• Occurred on March 25, 1911 in New York City • 146 women died in 15 minutes • Doors were locked and fire escapes were missing.

Preventing Occupational Disease

• Primary Prevention - Engineering controls • Quieter machinery, improved building ventilation - Optimal work practices and administrative controls • Use of safety education programs, reorganizing work schedules to reduce exposure to hazards

Examples of PPE

• Respirators - Various types are used to filter airborne particles, remove airborne chemicals and gases, or supply clean air. • Devices to Protect Hearing - Ear muffs and ear plugs • Protective Eyewear - Goggles, face shields, safety glasses, and full-face respirators

Leading Causes of Disabling Conditions

• Sprains and strains • Bruises and contusions • Cuts, lacerations, and punctures

Noise

• The term ototoxic refers to agents that can produce hearing loss. • Ototoxic agents include very loud sounds and several classes of drugs and chemicals used in the work environment.