Occupational Hazards
Specific Hazards Summary Section
based on what you learned from each of the readings - complete the information
given for each of the occupational health hazards.
Occupational Health
What is MSI? What causes it?
-MSI is a term used to define
muscle, tendon, ligament, and
joint injuries, sprains, or strains
Strains and Sprains
-it is caused by heavy, repetitive
(Ergonomic) work that takes a toll on the
joints and bones
What are symptoms of heat
stress?
-headache or nausea
-decreased amounts of dexterity
and/or awareness
Heat Stress
-increased irritability
-dizziness/light-headed
-fainting
-swelling of hands, feet, and
ankles within one or two days of
initial exposure
Things you need to know
What is the difference
between back pain and technique? List the 8 steps
back strain?
Back pain: Occurs in 60%
of children up to 18, even
beyond that, as a form of
development during
adolescence.
Back strain: caused by
heavy lifting of working in
awkward positions for
long periods of time
What are some health
problems?
-heat stroke or heat
exhaustion if left
untreated, which could
be lethal to health
What is the safe lifting
1) Get close to the object
in question, so you can
use your power area
to lift
2) Position feet shoulder
width apart, with one
foot slightly ahead of
the other
3) Assess the object for
its weight and if the
objects inside move
4) Bend at the knees, and
keep the natural curve
of your back
5) Obtain a strong grip
on opposite ends of
the object
6) Lift using one smooth
motion, using your leg
power to get the
object rather than
your arms and back.
Remember not to
suddenly jerk upwards
7) Move around by
walking and pivoting
when needing to turn,
never twist your body
8) Utilize existing
facilities or equipment
to assist with the
lift/placement
What are ways to prevent heat
stress? (list 4 ways)
1) Familiarize yourself with the
symptoms and signs of heat
stress/stroke/exhaustion
2) Hydrate yourself frequently
with liquids/water
3) Acclimatize your body to the
heat, letting your body
gradually adapt to the heat/sun
4) Wear light coloured, loose,
breathable (i.e. cotton) clothing
 List 4 ways to reduce sun exposure
1. Wear a hat
Sun Exposure 2. Wear long sleeves and pants
3. Apply sunscreen of #15 or higher
4. Seek out shade between 11:00-4:00, when UVB and UVA rays are strongest

What is the dangerous What are some What is the best way to reduce noise
noise level? potential, but less exposure?
obvious, noise Formatting the workplace so that all the
Noise Exposure >85 decibels (dBA) hazards? dangerous noises are confined in a sound
-kitchen appliances confining space, or installing sound-
-gardening and absorbing materials on the walls or ceilings
landscape equipment around noisy machinery to decrease
(i.e. lawn mowers) noises. Workers working with loud
-musical instruments machines could also be isolated in a stall. If
-recorded music or the workplace cannot be modified so that
movies the sound is at a safe level, the employer is
-amplification devices required to provide hearing protection at
and public addresses no cost for the employees.
-traffic
-cleaning equipment
(i.e. vacuum cleaners)

What is Asbestos? Health problems of Health problems of Health problems of

A fibrous material ASBESTOS? LEAD? DUST?
that was used to When asbestos gets If exposed to high The severity of
strengthen friable, the powdery grains amounts of lead for damage one receives
products, and could get inhaled easily, a short period of from inhaling dust is
Mineral and
provide heat and and go straight to the time, a person can measured by how
Chemical Hazards chemical deepest part of the lungs, feel: abdominal much dust someone
resistance. the alveoli. This could pains, constipation, inhales in a period of
cause lung cancer later on, fatigue, loss of time. Some health
as asbestos does not break appetite, highly effects from inhaling
down easily and will irritable, amnesia, small dust particles
remain in the lungs for a pain or tingling in include but arent
very long time, potentially hands and feet, and restricted to: eye
causing a rare lung cancer kidney and brain irritation, coughing,
called Mesothelioma, damage. An sneezing, asthma
which is caused by extremely high attacks, and hayfever.
prolonged exposure to exposure to lead can
asbestos. also lead to death.
What are pesticides? How do you protect against pesticides?
Chemicals manufactured for the intent of killing Buying organic or locally grown fruits and
Mineral and pests and insects in order to protect vegetables decreases the chance that you will
Chemical Hazards cultivatable goods or animals. They are used on have to deal with pesticides. If you consume a
crops that are later sold to supermarkets, and produce which tastes bitter or leaves a
Continued
numbness to your lips, its probably covered
 pose a health risk to the consumer if not in pesticide, and you should stop buying that
cleansed properly. brand. Growing your own crops is another
way to know with 100% certainty what you
are consuming.
What are blood-borne diseases?
Viruses carried and transferred via blood and liquids secreted from the human body. The most
common blood-borne diseases are HIV and Hepatitis B and C. HIV causes AIDS, and the hepatitis
viruses cause the same diseases with the same name.
Biological Hazards

What are three ways our bodies can be infected
with blood and bodily fluids at work?
1) Coming into contact with used needles
that could be potentially carrying
viruses
2) Encountering used condoms which
Biological Hazards could be infected with viruses
continued 3) Unintentional contact with infected
blood or body fluids
How can we protect ourselves from Blood
Borne diseases?
Stay away from anything that has come from
inner body fluids, and take some basic
precautions if you work in an area which
requires you to come into contact with these
liquids, like wearing gloves and washing your
hands with disinfectant soap after
completing the task.