Occupational Hazards: Protecting Workplace Health

Occupational Hazards

Hearing Loss

Occupational hearing loss, or deafness, is the functional deficit that occurs when an individual experiences a partial or complete loss of hearing. This is determined by the hearing threshold, which is the weakest sound stimulus that a particular ear can perceive. While the terms "deafness" and "hearing loss" are often used interchangeably, they are distinct conditions.

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis encompasses a group of lung diseases caused by inhaling and accumulating inorganic dust particles, and the subsequent reaction within lung tissue. Disease development depends on the dose of inhaled and retained particles, the particles' biological activity, the induced tissue reaction, and individual sensitivity.

Drug Use in the Workplace

Drug use negatively impacts workplace productivity, increasing accidents, absenteeism, and deteriorating individual and overall performance. It also leads to health problems, reduced quality of life, strained interpersonal relationships, and a damaged work environment.

Job Stress

Job stress is an individual's reaction (physiological, emotional, behavioral, etc.) to a stimulus capable of causing a stress response. It involves an interaction between the stimulus's characteristics and the individual's resources.

Pesticides

Pesticides are organic or inorganic chemicals, natural or synthetic, designed for environmental application to eliminate organisms harmful to humans, plants, seeds, and other living things. Contact with pesticides (stomach poisons, fumigants, systemic repellents) can cause oral, respiratory, and skin irritation.

Solvents

Solvents are substances that dissolve other substances to form solutions. They are commonly used for dissolving or suspending substances, cleaning surfaces, and as secondary products in various processes. Organic solvents, which are volatile chemical compounds, can have harmful psychotropic effects if inhaled. Each solvent should be clearly labeled with its composition, health effects, potential reactions with other solvents, flammability, and water reactivity. One labeling method uses a color diamond with four colors: red, blue, yellow, and white.