Topic 12. Occupational Health

Occupational Risks

Refer to the likelihood that an injury or illness will occur as a result of exposure to workplace hazards.

Occupational Hazards

any workplace condition that causes risks to employee health

Safety

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• any condition, substance, or object that can injure a worker

Chemicals

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• any hazardous chemicals and toxins

Biological

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• biological materials in some settings like in hospitals, veterinary clinic

Physical

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• any that harms the body without touching

Ergonomic

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• any that causes strain on the body over a period of time

Work Organization

SIX CATEGORIES OF HEALTH HAZARDS:

• Caused by people in the organization

61.82%

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) accounts for _______ of all reported occupational diseases across industries (Conda et al., 2025)

52%

Biological hazards like those caused by NSIs account for more than ____ of all occupational risks faced by HCWs (Carol Sharma BGH et al., 2023)

Needlestick and Sharp Injuries (NSIs)

penetrating wounds from needles or scalpels contaminated with a patient's blood that creates a direct route for devastating viruses like Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV to enter a HCW’s body

Immunizing pharmacists, nurses, medical technologists, physicians, and dentists

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NSIs

• Who?

Any Healthcare setting (ex: hospitals)

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NSIs

• Where?

Vaccinations, Venipuncture, Blood Collection, IV line insertion, Suturing, and Testing

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NSIs

• When?

High-Risk Activities, Dangerous Practices, and Time Factors

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NSIs

• Why?

High workloads, inadequate training, lack of PPE, and unsafe disposal

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NSIs

• Determinants?

underreporting

Despite established protocols, the true prevalence of the problem is likely to be underestimated due to severe a.__________, which has also been documented in other countries (Conda et al., 2025). This is evident in the b.______________ representing the number of cases of NSIs in the country (PSA, 2023; DOLE, 2023).

a = ?

limited availability of data

Despite established protocols, the true prevalence of the problem is likely to be underestimated due to severe a.__________, which has also been documented in other countries (Conda et al., 2025). This is evident in the b.______________ representing the number of cases of NSIs in the country (PSA, 2023; DOLE, 2023).

b = ?

Chemical Agents

Common Causes of Occupational Diseases

• includes Dusts, gases, vapors, fumes, mists

Physical Agents

Common Causes of Occupational Diseases

• includes abnormal pressures, extreme temperature, humidity, noise, radiation, electricity

Mechanical Agents

Common Causes of Occupational Diseases

• includes Movement of machine parts, cutting instruments

Infectious Agents

Common Causes of Occupational Diseases

• includes Bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses

primary causative agent of concern

The _______________________________ with NSIs are Infectious Agents

2 million

Where do Needlestick & Sharps Injuries thrive?

• Globally, over __________ occupational exposures occur among 35 million healthcare workers annually.

recapping needles, general wards, nurses, and waste disposal

Where do Needlestick & Sharps Injuries thrive?

• The highest rates of NSIs according to causes, devices, hospital locations, occupations, and procedures were for _____________________________

percutaneous inoculation

Common Pathogens Encountered with NSIs

• Almost any organism can be transmitted following needlestick injuries through _____________________ via contaminated needles, scalpels, or broken glass,

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

Common Pathogens Encountered with NSIs

Primary Clinical Concerns:

1. 30-180 days upon infection

2. 2-26 weeks upon infection

3. 1-3 months upon infection

1 = ?

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV)

Common Pathogens Encountered with NSIs

Primary Clinical Concerns:

1. 30-180 days upon infection

2. 2-26 weeks upon infection

3. 1-3 months upon infection

2 = ?

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Common Pathogens Encountered with NSIs

Primary Clinical Concerns:

1. 30-180 days upon infection

2. 2-26 weeks upon infection

3. 1-3 months upon infection

3 = ?

Puncture wound or laceration, often on the fingers

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications with NSIs:

• Immediate Symptoms

Jaundice, fever, nausea, and abdominal pain

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications with NSIs:

Hepatitis B and C

1. Delayed Symptoms

2. Complications

1 = ?

Liver cancer, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications with NSIs:

Hepatitis B and C

1. Delayed Symptoms

2. Complications

2 = ?

Flu-like symptoms (such as fever or chills)

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications with NSIs:

HIV

1. Delayed Symptoms

2. Complications

1 = ?

Progression to AIDS

Signs, Symptoms, and Complications with NSIs:

HIV

1. Delayed Symptoms

2. Complications

2 = ?

First Aid

After sustaining a Needlestick & Sharps Injury (NSI), apply a.__________ by immediately washing the area with b.____________________, and the wound must be c.__________. Afterwards, seek d._________________.

a = ?

saline or water

After sustaining a Needlestick & Sharps Injury (NSI), apply a.__________ by immediately washing the area with b.____________________, and the wound must be c.__________. Afterwards, seek d._________________.

b = ?

cleaned

After sustaining a Needlestick & Sharps Injury (NSI), apply a.__________ by immediately washing the area with b.____________________, and the wound must be c.__________. Afterwards, seek d._________________.

c = ?

emergency care

After sustaining a Needlestick & Sharps Injury (NSI), apply a.__________ by immediately washing the area with b.____________________, and the wound must be c.__________. Afterwards, seek d._________________.

d = ?

Antibody Tests, Antibody/antigen tests, and Nucleic Acid Test (NATs)

Diagnosis

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

1 = ?

HBsAg, HBsAb, and Hepatitis B core antibody (Anti-HBc; total immunogloblulin G)

Diagnosis

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

2 = ?

HCV antibody test / AntiHCV test and Nucleic Acid Test for HCV RNA

Diagnosis

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

3 = ?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Treatment

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

1 = ?

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Treatment

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

2 = ?

No approved Post-Exposure Prophylaxis

Treatment

1. HIV

2. HBV

3. HCV

3 = ?

occurrence

Objectives of Occupational Health

1. To prevent the _____________ of occupational diseases and injuries

2. To minimize the _____________ of any disease or injury

3. To utilize ________________________

4. To promote the _____________________________ of the worker

1 = ?

progression

Objectives of Occupational Health

1. To prevent the _____________ of occupational diseases and injuries

2. To minimize the _____________ of any disease or injury

3. To utilize ________________________

4. To promote the _____________________________ of the worker

2 = ?

maximally residual capacities

Objectives of Occupational Health

1. To prevent the _____________ of occupational diseases and injuries

2. To minimize the _____________ of any disease or injury

3. To utilize ________________________

4. To promote the _____________________________ of the worker

3 = ?

optimum health & well-being

Objectives of Occupational Health

1. To prevent the _____________ of occupational diseases and injuries

2. To minimize the _____________ of any disease or injury

3. To utilize ________________________

4. To promote the _____________________________ of the worker

4 = ?

Republic Act No. 11058

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

• “The Philippine Occupational Safety and Health Standards Law”

• enacted during the administration of Rodrigo Duterte

Employers

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

Republic Act No. 11058

1. they must eliminate hazards, implement safety programs, provide training, and supply free PPE

2. they have the right to be informed, use protection, report dangers, and refuse unsafe work without retaliation

3. they enforce safety laws through inspections, investigations, and penalties to ensure compliance

1 = ?

Workers

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

Republic Act No. 11058

1. they must eliminate hazards, implement safety programs, provide training, and supply free PPE

2. they have the right to be informed, use protection, report dangers, and refuse unsafe work without retaliation

3. they enforce safety laws through inspections, investigations, and penalties to ensure compliance

2 = ?

Government

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

Republic Act No. 11058

1. they must eliminate hazards, implement safety programs, provide training, and supply free PPE

2. they have the right to be informed, use protection, report dangers, and refuse unsafe work without retaliation

3. they enforce safety laws through inspections, investigations, and penalties to ensure compliance

3 = ?

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

• Enforces occupational safety and health laws, including inspections, hazard monitoring, and compliance with RA 11058

Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC)

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

• Serves as the technical and training arm of DOLE, providing workplace safety training, research, and expert guidance to improve occupational health practices.

National OSH Strategy (2024-2028)

Government Programs and Legal Frameworks:

• A framework developed by DOLE, in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), that provides a roadmap to strengthen workplace safety and health in the Philippines.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

International Organizations

• Develops and promotes international OSH standards (e.g., conventions and guidelines), provides technical assistance to the Philippines, and supports the implementation of the National OSH Strategy through policy advice and capacity-building

World Health Organization (WHO)

International Organizations

• Leads initiatives on preventing occupational diseases, promotes healthy workplaces, and provides evidence-based guidelines on managing chemical, biological, and psychosocial risks in work environments.

Occupational Health Nurses Association of the Philippines (OHNAP), Industrial Occupational Hygiene Society of the Philippines (IOHSAP), and Human Factors and Ergonomics Society of the Philippines (HFESP)

Non-Government Organizations:

• they support occupational health through training, research, and advocacy in areas like workplace health services, industrial hygiene, and ergonomics.

Limited Coverage and Protection for Workers

Current Issues and System Gaps

• Many employees remain exposed to workplace hazards due to gaps in Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) enformcement and coverage

Fragmented Data and Poor Information System

Current Issues and System Gaps

• The lack of reliable OSH data and reporting mechanisms hinders the accurate monitoring of workplace injuries, diseases, and emerging risks.

Weak Governance and Coordination

Current Issues and System Gaps

• Insufficient coordination among government bodies, unclear roles, and limited OSH awareness among stakeholders.

Implementation Challenges

Current Issues and System Gaps

• Operational gaps prevent the consistent delivery of OSH programs.

stronger enforcement and monitoring systems

Despite these interventions, several systemic needs are crucial to strengthen occupational health in the Philippines:

1. Need for _________________________________

2. Expansion of OSH coverage to the ___________________

3. Importance of _____________________

4. Integration of occupational health into broader ______________________

1 = ?

informal sectors

Despite these interventions, several systemic needs are crucial to strengthen occupational health in the Philippines:

1. Need for _________________________________

2. Expansion of OSH coverage to the ___________________

3. Importance of _____________________

4. Integration of occupational health into broader ______________________

2 = ?

multi-sectoral collaboration

Despite these interventions, several systemic needs are crucial to strengthen occupational health in the Philippines:

1. Need for _________________________________

2. Expansion of OSH coverage to the ___________________

3. Importance of _____________________

4. Integration of occupational health into broader ______________________

3 = ?

public health strategies

Despite these interventions, several systemic needs are crucial to strengthen occupational health in the Philippines:

1. Need for _________________________________

2. Expansion of OSH coverage to the ___________________

3. Importance of _____________________

4. Integration of occupational health into broader ______________________

4 = ?