Occupational Hazard and Health Effects

COSH Training | Module 11

 Objectives
• Explain the key concepts of occupational health.
• Discuss and explain common hazards in the workplace and their effects
on workers’ health.
• Describe the role of medical surveillance in
preventing occupational illnesses and injuries.
• Identify ways to protect one’s self from health
hazards.
 DATA ON OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES AND
INJURIES
Local Statistics

• Top 4 Diseases in Construction Industry

• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Tuberculosis
• Occupational Asthma
• Occupational Dermatitis
 DATA ON OCCUPATIONAL ILLNESSES AND
INJURIES
Local Statistics

• Top 4 Work related claims

• Dermatitis and other skin diseases
• Hypertension
• Renal failure
• Tuberculosis

• Source: OSHC Study on EC Claims from SSS, 2001-2004

 Occupational health
• Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree
of physical, mental & social well-being of workers
of all occupations by:

PREVENTING PROTECTING PLACING worker in

workers from workers from tasks adapted to
getting sick, health risks, his ability.”
Types of Health Hazards
Routes of Entry
• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Absorption through skin
• Injection
• Transfer across placenta
Physical
• Equipment/machinery/tools
• Noise
• Vibration
• Heat
• Illumination
• Pressure
Physical Hazards (Noise)
• Hearing damage may be
acute or immediate after
exposure to very loud
sounds
• The major risk factor that
may cause hearing damage
from noise is prolonged and
unprotected exposure to
harmful levels.
 Early Signs of Hearing Loss
• Difficulty in understanding spoken words in a noisy environment
• Need to be near or look at the person speaking to help understand
words.
• Complaint that people do not speak clearly
• Ringing noises in the ears (tinnitus)
NOISE
Permissible Exposure Limit (Noise)
 Types of noise-induced hearing loss
• temporary threshold shift
(TTS) or auditory fatigue
where hearing recovery occurs
after 24-48 hours
• permanent threshold shift
(PTS) - irreversible hearing loss
occurs and manifestations of
hearing loss are present.
Physical Hazards (Extreme Temperature: Heat
& Cold)
 Heat
• A form of thermal energy, which may
come from body metabolism, increased
physical activities, radiation from hot
objects or from the sun, and byproducts
of industrial processes.
• To keep the temperature at a stable
level, the amount of heat gained by the
body must be equal to by the amount
lost.
HEAT
 Physical Hazard (Vibration)
• Vibration is a physical factor that
causes mechanical oscillations.
• It affects workers when the
mechanical energy is
transmitted to the body.
Physical Hazards (VIBRATION)
• HEALTH EFFECTS

• Pain
• Numbness
• Tingling of hands
Two types of Human Vibration
• General or whole body vibration
• Local or segmental vibration
Vibration exposure to hands
• Short-term exposure to vibration may cause tingling and numbness in
fingers and hands.
• Long-term exposure to hand-arm vibration damages the fingers and
hands. Damage is especially painful when hands are cold.
 Prevention and Management
• using tools with a lower vibration level,
• minimizing time of use or time riding on vibrating
equipment,
• keeping hands warm, and
• using anti-vibration gloves - they also help to keep
hands warm.
Whole body vibration exposure
• Whole body vibration may cause damage to muscles and joints. In the
beginning there is pain which, with time, becomes an injury.
• Riding in a car or truck on a gravel road in a campground or park or
riding some amusement rides may expose you to whole-body
vibration.
• Potential sources:
 buses
 mining vehicles
 construction vehicles
Physical Hazards (VIBRATION-Whole Body)
• HEALTH EFFECTS

• Spine Disorders
• Muscular and Joint Disorder
• Gastrointestinal Disturbance
 Illumination
• Proper lighting or illumination of the
workplace is important to have safe and
healthy workers.
• Signs that are lighted properly decrease the
risk of accidents.
• Adequate illumination improves productivity
by ensuring that the details of the task can
be easily seen by the worker thereby
decreasing errors and wastage of materials.
Physical Hazards (Inappropriate Illumination)
• HEALTH EFFECTS and USUAL COMPLAINTS

• Visual Fatigue
• Double Vision
• Headaches
• Painful Irritation
• Lacrimation
• Conjuctivitis
 Chemical
• Solid
• Liquid
• Gas
• Organic Solvent
• Asphalt
• Lead
• Cement
• Wood Dusts
 Chemical Hazards (Organic Solvent)
• SOURCES
Paints
Varnishes
Adhesives
Preservation Agents

• ROUTE OF ENTRY
Inhalation of Vapors
Skin Absorption
 Chemical Hazards (Organic Solvent)
• HEALTH EFFECTS
Neurotoxic: Headaches, dizziness, drunken feeling, progressive loss of
consciousness
Reproductive: Spontaneous abortion, Infertility
Liver: Cancer, Cirrhosis
Skin Diseases: Irritative Effects
 Chemical Hazards (Asphalt)
• SOURCES
Paving
Roofing
Concreting Works

• ROUTE OF ENTRY
Inhalation of Fumes
Skin Absorption
 Chemical Hazards (Asphalt)
• HEALTH EFFECTS
Headaches
Skin Rash
Fatigue
Throat and Eyes irritation
Cough
Skin Cancer
 Chemical Hazards (Lead)
• OCCUPATIONAL SOURCES
Welders
Solderer
Demolition workers
Painters

• ROUTE OF ENTRY
Inhalation
Skin Absorption
Ingestion
 Chemical Hazards (Lead)
• HEALTH EFFECTS
Anemia
High Blood Pressure
Kidney Damage
Miscarriages
Brain damage
Infertility
 Chemical Hazards (Cement)
• OCCUPATIONAL SOURCES
Cement Manufacturing
Construction Site

• ROUTE OF ENTRY
Inhalation
Skin Absorption
Ingestion
 Chemical Hazards (Cement)
• HEALTH EFFECTS
Skin Irritation
Eye Irritation
Respiratory Irritation
Pneumoconiosis
Cement Burn
 Chemical Hazards (Dust)
• HEALTH EFFECTS
Pneumoconiosis - occupational lung diseases due to exposure to harmful
dust (ex. silica, asbestos)

SILICOSIS ASBESTOSIS
 Chemical Hazards (Dust)
• Prolonged and chronic
exposure to asbestos and
silica dust increases the
risk of developing lung
cancer

• TOBACCO Smoke
Increase the risk
 Ergonomic
• Incorrect posture, stagnant position
• Unnecessary, forceful and/or unusual lifting
or reaching
• Repetitive actions
• Improper tools, workstation and equipment
design
 Psychosocial
• Stress
• Workplace violence
• Bullying (emotional and verbal abuse)
• Sexual harassment
• Mobbing
• Burnout
Other factors affecting workers health
• Age
• Sex
• Genetic makeup
• Medical history
• Lifestyle factors
Health Effects of Occupational
Health Hazards
Health effects of occupational health hazards
Injury

Health
Effects

Illness /
Death Disease
Biological
• Bacteria
• Viruses
• Fungi
• Parasites
• Insects
• Plants
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
• Tuberculosis is at the top of the list because it remains one of the
most prevalent illness affecting Filipinos.
• It is among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality based on
Philippine Health Statistics and Field Health Service Information
System.
• It is the sixth leading cause of illnesses and deaths in the Philippines
• The country is ninth out of the 22 highest TB-burden countries in the
world and has one of the highest burdens of multidrug-resistant TB.
 Tuberculosis
• Bacteria Mycobacterium
tuberculosis
• TB bacteria usually attack the
lungs, but can also attack any part
of the body such as the kidney,
spine, brain, bones and intestines.
• If not treated properly, TB disease
can be fatal.
Paano nakakahawa ang TB?

• Ang TB ay naipapasa kung ang isang tao ay

makalanghap ng mikrobyo ng TB na nasa hangin
galing sa ubo o bahing ng taong may TB.
Tandaan na ang TB ay:
• HINDI namamana.
• HINDI nakukuha sa pagpapagod, pagpupuyat, o
pagkatuyo ng pawis sa likod.
• HINDI naipapasa sa paggammit ng kubyertos o
baso ng taong may TB.
• HINDI nakukuha sa kagat ng lamok.
• HINDI naipapasa sa paggammit ng damit o kumot
ng taong may TB.
Paano ginagamot ang TB?
• Ang TB-DOTS o Tutok Gamutan ang
pinakamabisang paraan para magamot ang TB.
Kailangan lamang ng ‘di bababa sa 6 buwang tuloy-
tuloy na gamutan. Iinumin ang mga gamot para sa
TB araw-araw sa gabay ng health service provider.
Importanteng hindi mahinto ang gamutan upang
hindi umabot sa pagiging drug resistant ang TB
(DR-TB), dahil magiging mas matagal ang gamutan
(hanggang 24 na buwan) o maging dahilan ng iyong
pagkamatay.
Ano ang mga side effects ng gamutan?
• Posible na ika'y makaranas ng mga side effects gaya
ng pangangati ng balat, kawalan ng gana kumain,
pamamanhid ng paa, at iba pa. Ito ay panandalian
lamang at di kailangan ikabahala. Importanteng
ipaalam sa iyong health service provider ang iyong
mga nararamdaman upang malunasan ito kaagad.
Ano ang mangyayari 'pag hindi mo tinapos ang
gamutan?
• Kapag hindi nakumpleto nang tama ang
pagpapagamot, maaaring maging Multi-Drug
Resistant (MDR) na ang TB mo. Kapag umabot na
sa MDR-TB, hindi na magiging mabisa ang mga
gamot na kasalukuyan mong iniinom.
Ang MDR ay isang malalang uri ng TB dahil:
• mas mahirap gamutin
• mas mahal at mas marami ang kailangang gamot
• mas matagal ang gamutan, umaabot ng 18-24 na buwan.

Mas madalas na mararanasan ang mga side effects

ng mga gamot para sa MDR-TB gaya ng pagkahilo,
pagsusuka, pananakit ng tiyan, lagnat, kawalan ng
gana, at iba pa. Kaya importante na makumpleto mo
nang tama ang iyong kasalukuyang gamutan.
 Transmission
• Primarily an airborne disease.
• The bacteria are spread from
person to person in tiny
microscopic droplets or aerosol
when a TB sufferer forces air from
his/her lungs when coughing,
sneezing, speaking, singing, or
laughing.
Signs and Symptoms
 Prevention & Management
• TB can survive for extended periods of time in the air and on various
surface areas.
• It was found that 28% of the tuberculosis bacteria remain alive in a room
after nine hours. Tuberculosis can live up to 45 days on clothing, 70 days
in carpet, 90 to 120 days in dust, approximately 105 days on a paper
book, and approximately six to eight months in sputum.
• Ultraviolet light, volume of air in a room and recirculation of air through a
HEPA filter are important factors that affect the survival of the bacteria.
• Until the droplet falls, it can be breathed in at any time.
 Prevention & Management
• Personal hygiene & handwashing
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet
• Exercise regularly
• Get plenty of rest
• Wear a mask
• DOTS by the WHO and National TB Program (EO 187 s. 2003)
 Human Immunodeficiency Virus

causes AIDS --

Acquired and not hereditary

Immune system is affected
Deficiency due to the collapse of the immune system
Syndrome referring to the group of symptoms that
characterize a disease
Body fluids known to transmit HIV :
 Blood
 Semen
 Vaginal/Cervical Secretions
 Breast Milk
 Rectal Fluids
 Pre-Seminal fluids

Note: HIV cannot be transmitted through

sweat, saliva or urine.
 HIV and AIDS
• HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a
virus that attacks the immune system. If
untreated, a person’s immune system will
eventually be completely destroyed.
• AIDS refers to a set of symptoms and
illnesses that occur at the very final stage of
HIV infection.
Transmission
Transmission
Prevention and Management
• Abstinence
• Be faithful
• Condom
• Detection
• Early Treatment
Quick Facts on HIV and AIDS (as of April
2015)
Quick Facts on HIV and AIDS (as of April
2015)
Quick Facts on HIV and AIDS (as of April
2015)
Quick Facts on HIV and AIDS (as of April
2015)
Quick Facts on HIV and AIDS (as of April
2015)
 Hepatitis
• Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver.
• The condition can be self-limiting or can
progress to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis
or liver cancer.
• Hepatitis viruses are the most common
cause of hepatitis in the world but other
infections, toxic substances (e.g. alcohol,
certain drugs), and autoimmune
diseases can also cause hepatitis.
Hepatitis A
• one of the oldest diseases known to humankind, is a very
infectious viral disease.

MODE OF TRANSMISSION
• Ingestion of food contaminated with human waste and urine
of persons who have Hepatitis A
Signs and Symptoms
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms: weakness, muscle and joint
aches, loss of appetite, dizziness
• With or without vomiting
• Tiredness or fatigue
• Abdominal discomfort (pain in the liver area)
• Dark/brownish urine
• Jaundice
Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop between 2 and 6 weeks after infection.

Treatment
There is no specific medicine to cure the
patient or shorten the course of illness.
Sick persons should be isolated, advised to
rest, take plenty of fluids, and avoid fatty
foods.
Patients who fail to take fluids or are too weak
to eat are sometimes brought to hospital for
intravenous administration of fluids and
vitamins.
Prevention and Control
Wash hands after using the toilet, before preparing food,
and before eating.
Dispose human waste properly.
Thoroughly cook oysters, clams, and other shellfish for 4
minutes or steam for 1 minute and 30 seconds.
Practice safe handling and storage of food and water.
Get Hepatitis A vaccine.
Hepatitis B
• is a viral disease which can be acute or chronic liver disease.
Chronic hepatitis B infection may lead to liver cancer.
Hepatitis B may also lead to the following complications:
Chronic hepatitis
Cirrhosis
Liver failure
Liver cancer
Mode of Transmission
May be spread through the following:
From mother to child during birth;
Through blood transfusion;
Through sharing of unsterilized needles, knives, or razors;
and
Through sexual intercourse.
Treatment and Prevention
TREATMENT: NONE
PREVENTION:
Immunization of infants with 3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine at preferably using 0,
1, and 6 months regimen (at birth, 1 month old, and at 6 months) or at birth, 4
weeks, and 8 weeks old.
Hepatitis B immunoglobin is given in addition to the birth dose of Hepatitis B
vaccine to newborns delivered from mothers who are known to Hepatitis B
surface antigen reactive.
Treatment and Prevention
PREVENTION:
Use of safe/clean injection and equipments/supplies
Vaccination of adults in high-risk settings such as healthcare workers and
those with multiple partners practicing unprotected sex such as men having
sex with other men and prostituted women
Correct and consistent use of condoms
Hepatitis C
is a disease of the liver . Most people who are infected with hepatitis
C do not have any symptoms for years. The virus stays in the liver and
causes chronic liver inflammation, cirrhosis, or liver cancer.
Mode of Transmission
Usually spreads through contact with blood products, like
accidentally being stuck with a dirty (used) needle, using IV drugs
and sharing needles, or getting blood before 1992
Signs and Symptoms
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Abdominal pain
Jaundice (the skin turns yellow)
Weakness and fatigue
Dark yellow urine, light-colored stools, and yellowish eyes
Treatment
Medicines, such as interferon and ribavirin, do not cure hepatitis C,
but they do make people feel better and they may prevent future
liver problems.
Prevention
Use a condom during sexual activity to protect yourself and your partner from
contracting Hepatitis C.
Do not share injecting device/ paraphernalia with anyone.
Wear gloves if you have to touch anyone’s blood.
Do not use an infected person’s toothbrush, razor, or anything else that could
have blood on it.
Make sure any tattooing or body piercing is done with clean tools.
There is no vaccine for Hepatitis C.
Signs and Symptoms
Liver changes
Prevention and Management
• Over-all, hepatitis can be prevented by ensuring good personal
hygiene
• Avoid sharing food, cutlery, cigarettes with people who have hepatitis
infection
• Do not share needles, syringes, or other injecting equipment
• Public awareness about sexual transmission and protected sex
• Use condom with sex partners
• Immunization
Tetanus
• Tetanus, commonly called lockjaw, is
another illness caused by a bacterial
toxin or poison from the spore of the
bacterium Clostridium tetani.
Who are at risk?
• Agricultural workers
• Miners
• Construction workers
 Prevention & Management
• Tetanus toxoid immunization
• Antibiotics prescribed by the physician
(penicillin or tetracycline)
• Use proper PPE when risks are present
 Handwashing
• Before, during, and after preparing food
• Before eating food
• Before and after caring for someone who is sick
• Before and after treating a cut or wound
• After using the toilet
• After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has
used the toilet
• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
• After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
• After handling pet food or pet treats
• After touching garbage
How should you wash your hands?
• Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off
the tap, and apply soap.
• Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Be sure
to lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under
your nails.
• Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the
"Happy Birthday" song from beginning to end twice.
• Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
• Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.
 What should you do if you don’t have soap
and clean, running water?
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Hand sanitizers are not as effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy.
Goals of Ergonomics
• To make work safe and humane
• To increase human efficiency
• To create human well-being
Ergonomics
Back and Neck Pain
(2) Health Laws, Policies and Issuances

a. Occupational Health Services

(Rule 1960, Occupational Safety and Health Standards)

1963: Emergency Health Services

 Medicines and Facilities

 Emergency Medical and Dental Services
b. Emergency Occupational Health Personnel and
Facilities (Department Order No. 13)

Number of OH Physician OH Dentist OH Nurse First Aider

workers

1 – 50 1 Full time

51 - 200 1Full time

201 – 300 1 Part time 1 Part time 1 Full time

> 300 1 Full Time 1 Full time 1 Full time

Emergency Hospital: 1 bed in excess of 300 workers

Additional bed for every 100 workers in excess of 300
If WITHOUT emergency hospital or dental clinic …

A hospital or dental clinic must be located not more

than five (5) kilometers away from the workplace
(urban area), or …

Can be reached in twenty-five (25) minutes of

travel (rural area)

Note: Transportation must be readily available

Hand Exercises
Any questions?