PHS 404: Occupational Health and Safety Course Guide

Flashcards covering key concepts from the PHS 404 Occupational Health and Safety course guide.

What is the main focus of occupational health and safety?

The study of the basic elements in occupation including the worker, tools, processes, and work environment to maintain and protect health and well-being.

What historical event significantly influenced occupational health practices?

The Industrial Revolution, which led to industrialization and raised awareness about workers' health conditions.

What are the three dimensions of health according to WHO (1948)?

Physical health, mental health, and social health.

Define occupational health as per WHO (2001).

A multidisciplinary activity aimed at the protection and promotion of workers' health by preventing and controlling occupational diseases and accidents.

List two objectives of occupational health education.

1. Promote and maintain the highest degree of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers. 2. Prevent adverse effects on health caused by working conditions.

What is a hazard in the context of occupational health?

A source of danger to health that can cause injury, disease, or even death.

What is the difference between hazard and risk?

Hazard is the potential to cause harm, while risk is the probability of that hazard causing harm.

What methods are used for hazard identification?

Observations of workplace conditions, investigating worker complaints, examining accident records, and conducting health surveys.

What factors can influence the toxicity of a chemical substance?

Dosage, exposure route, species, age, sex, the ability to be absorbed, metabolism, distribution within the body, excretion, and the presence of other chemicals.

What are the four main exposure routes for toxic chemicals?

Inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, and injection.

What is the purpose of health surveillance in occupational health?

To monitor and assess health impacts of workplace hazards and ensure the safety and well-being of workers.

Name two important steps in the evaluation of occupational health disorders.

Assessing the work environment and conducting health surveillance to monitor worker health outcomes.

Define the concept of 'ergonomics' in occupational health.

The science of designing and arranging workplaces, products, and systems to fit the people who use them, maximizing safety and efficiency.

What role does diet play in occupational health?

An adequate diet is essential for maintaining energy levels and overall health, enabling workers to perform their duties effectively.

List the components of effective industrial health education.

1. Industrial health services 2. Industrial health instruction 3. Healthful industrial environment.

What is 'work fatigue' and how can it impact workers?

Work fatigue is the reversible lowering of working capacity; it can lead to decreased performance and increased risk of accidents.

What is the goal of using personal protective equipment (PPE) in the workplace?

To reduce the risk of injury or illness when exposure to hazards cannot be eliminated through other means.

What are engineering controls in occupational health?

Methods that involve physical changes to the workplace to reduce or eliminate hazards, such as ventilation or machine guards.