Occupational Hazards

Introduction

What is meant by Occupational Hazards?

Every occupation is associated with certain risks because of which the person can get

1. Certain diseases

2. Injuries, etc.

This can happen suddenly or may take years. In simple words - "Occupational Hazards" mean damage to health or injuries at work place.

How Occupational Hazards Can Happen Suddenly ?

I will elaborate this with a few examples.

e.g.
1. A factory worker while working on some machine gets serious injury to his hand or worker working at a height falls down and gets head injury. Such “Occupational Hazards” happen within a short duration.

2. An auto / bus driver has a risk of getting involved in an accident foe his entire life. This is an occupational hazard for him.

How Occupational Hazards Can Happen Slowly?

Certain diseases occur after years.
e.g. A person getting exposed to radioactive material at work place e.g. x-ray technician, may develop hazards related to radiation exposure ( like cancer ) after years.

How radiation exposure can damage our body?

1. It can lead to mutations in cells. This leads to cancer.

2. Radiation exposure can damage testes. This can lead to decreased sperm production and may reduce fertility.

What Precautions One Has To Take?

One has to follow safety rules while working.
e.g.

1. X-ray technician has to wear lead apron to prevent unnecessary radiation exposure.

A few more examples of “Occupational Hazards”

1. TB and other respiratory tract infections – Due to exposure to mycobacterium tuberculosis, healthcare workers are at a risk of developing TB and other respiratory tract infections.
It is advised to use face masks to decrease risk.

2. Risk of Hepatitis B and HIV transmission -
Healthcare workers and doctors are at an increased risk of HIV due to needle prick injuries which can occur accidently during surgery or while collecting blood samples. One has to consider each and every patient as HIV +ve unless and until proven otherwise. Follow all universal safety precautions like – wearing gloves, using glasses while operating on HIV or Hepatitis B +ve patients.

Read more about “ Hepatitis B vaccine “ at - Hepatitis-B-vaccine

3. A person who does “ welding” work must use protective glasses otherwise he may get “ keratitis”. In this condition, eye becomes red due to inflammation of cornea ( the black circular part which we see from outside). There is a lot of pain and watering. Person can’t tolerate light.

Preventive Measures For Occupational Hazards

1. Know more about your occupation. Read literature about “Occupational Hazards” . .

2. Take all the precautions to prevent “Occupational Hazards”

3. Avoid “ hurry, worry, curry” nature while working. Be calm and quiet.

What Precautions One Should Take While Handling HIV Or Hepatitis +ve Patient's Blood Products?

While handling HIV Or Hepatitis +ve patient's blood products, wear double gloves.

What To Do In Case Of Needle Prick?

Immediately report to the senior doctor present on duty.

Why Occupational Hazards Have Got So Much Importance

An employer must provide adequate facilities to protect his employees/ workers at workplace. If an employee gets physical injury or damage to health while on duty, employer also has to share the responsibility.

Always remember, your life is precious. Every organ is important. Take care.

I will write more about “Occupational Hazards” in next few resources.

Occupational Hazards