57. Occupational hygiene (medicine) – subject, aim, tasks. Work activity forms. Occupational hazards.

What is the primary focus of occupational medicine?

The interaction between the person and the work environment.

What are the core activities of occupational medicine?

• Recognition of occupational risks and hazards,

• Prevention of work-related diseases through control strategies,

• Diagnosis of occupational illnesses

• Treatment and rehabilitation of affected workers.

Define occupational hygiene.

A system of workplace management that identifies, evaluates, and controls hazards to acceptable levels.

What are the four main principles of occupational hygiene?

1. Anticipation – Predicting potential risks before they appear.

2. Recognition – Identifying existing workplace hazards.

3. Evaluation – Measuring the extent of exposure and risk.

4. Control – Implementing strategies to minimize or eliminate hazards.

What are examples of working environmental factors?

Intensity, exposure time, physical and chemical factors like noise, radiation, and chemical toxicity.

What are examples of working process factors?

• Physical: noise, heat, vibration, radiation.

• Chemical: toxic gases (e.g., CO, benzene), dusts, solvents.

  These factors influence health depending on the intensity and duration of exposure.

What should workplace risk assessment address?

• Physical workload: repetitive lifting, standing long hours.

• Mental workload: high concentration, stress, decision-making.

• Shift work: disrupts circadian rhythm and sleep.

• Psycho-social factors: job insecurity, interpersonal conflict.

• Ergonomic problems: poorly designed chairs or monitors.

What should workplace risk assessment address?

• Hardware: machines, tools, devices.

• Software: work procedures, training programs.

• Workspace design: visibility, accessibility, layout.

• Physical environment: lighting, noise, ventilation.

• Human factors: skill, strength, mental capacity.

What are the minimum ergonomic requirements for workstations?

• Adjustable screen height to avoid neck strain.

• Stable, adjustable seat with lumbar support.

• Tiltable keyboard for natural wrist position.

• Spacious surface for movement and comfort.

• Document holder to prevent frequent head movements.

What are the routes of exposure to occupational hazards?

• Inhalation: gases, dusts, aerosols.

• Skin absorption: chemicals like pesticides or solvents.

• Ingestion: accidental swallowing via hand-to-mouth contact.

• Mucous membrane contact: eyes, nose, mouth exposure.

Name the five main categories of occupational hazards.

• Physical: noise, temperature, radiation.

• Chemical: solvents, heavy metals, gases.

• Biological: bacteria, viruses, fungi.

• Mechanical: machinery-related injuries.

• Psychological: stress, burnout, harassment.

Give examples of ergonomic physical hazards.

• Repetitive movements (typing, factory work).

• Vibration (using jackhammers).

• Awkward posture (bending, reaching).

• Extreme temperatures (outdoor or furnace work).
  These can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

What is the hierarchy of hazard control?

• Elimination: remove the hazard completely.

• Substitution: use a safer alternative.

• Engineering controls: isolation, ventilation.

• Administrative controls: job rotation, training.

• PPE: gloves, masks (least effective, last resort).

What injuries are commonly caused by manual handling?

• Lower back injuries, herniated discs, sprains.

• Often caused by repeated lifting, twisting, or poor technique.

• May become chronic or disabling if untreated.

What four factors should manual handling assessment address?

• Task: frequency, movement, lifting distance.

• Load: weight, size, stability.

• Working environment: floor conditions, space, lighting.

• Individual capabilities: strength, fitness, prior injuries.

What are repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)?

• Cumulative trauma disorders from repeated small movements.

• Examples:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)

  • Tendonitis (inflammation of tendons)

  • Gamer’s thumb (de Quervain’s tenosynovitis)

• Common in office work, gaming, factory labor, or music performance.