“Stay safe on the job and avoid becoming a workplace casualty! Discover the power of applied occupational and hygiene and protect yourself from the dangers lurking in your workplace.”
Applied occupational and hygiene is an important field that aims to protect workers from occupational hazards by identifying, evaluating, and controlling potential hazards in the workplace. The goal of applied occupational and hygiene is to create a safe and healthy working environment by implementing measures that reduce or eliminate the risks associated with exposure to harmful substances, physical agents, or biological agents.
Applied occupational and hygiene involves a range of activities, including workplace assessments, risk assessments, exposure assessments, and the development of control measures. These activities are critical in protecting workers from a wide range of hazards that can negatively impact their health and well-being.
One of the main areas of focus in applied occupational and hygiene is the control of hazardous substances. Workers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous substances, including chemicals, dusts, fumes, vapors, and gases. These substances can cause a variety of health problems, such as respiratory problems, skin irritation, cancer, and neurological disorders. Exposure to hazardous substances can occur through inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact.
To control exposure to hazardous substances, applied occupational and hygiene professionals must first identify the substances present in the workplace and assess the level of risk associated with exposure to these substances. They then develop control measures to reduce or eliminate exposure to these substances, such as engineering controls (e.g., ventilation), administrative controls (e.g., work practices), or personal protective equipment (e.g., respirators).
Another important area of focus in applied occupational and hygiene is the control of physical hazards. Physical hazards can include noise, vibration, radiation, temperature extremes, and ergonomic hazards. Exposure to these hazards can cause a range of health problems, such as hearing loss, musculoskeletal disorders, and burns.
To control exposure to physical hazards, applied occupational and hygiene professionals must first identify the hazards present in the workplace and assess the level of risk associated with exposure to these hazards. They then develop control measures to reduce or eliminate exposure to these hazards, such as using sound barriers, isolating machinery, or providing ergonomic workstations.
Applied occupational and hygiene professionals also focus on the control of biological hazards. Workers in healthcare, agriculture, and food processing industries are particularly vulnerable to exposure to biological hazards. These hazards can include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that can cause diseases such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, and HIV.
To control exposure to biological hazards, applied occupational and hygiene professionals must first identify the hazards present in the workplace and assess the level of risk associated with exposure to these hazards. They then develop control measures to reduce or eliminate exposure to these hazards, such as using disinfectants, implementing safe work practices, or providing personal protective equipment.
In conclusion, applied occupational and hygiene is an important field that focuses on protecting workers from occupational hazards. Exposure to hazardous substances, physical hazards, and biological hazards can cause a range of health problems, and it is the responsibility of employers to implement measures to reduce or eliminate these risks. By creating a safe and healthy working environment, employers can ensure that their workers remain healthy and productive, and that their businesses remain successful.
