Table of Contents
What is Occupational Disease?
A disease that is contracted as a result of work-related exposure to various environmental factors is called an occupational disease. Work-related environmental factors can include exposure to chemical, biological, and physical agents. Some common examples of occupational diseases include asbestosis, black lung disease, and silicosis.
An occupational disease can occur when an individual is exposed to a hazardous material at work. The hazardous material can cause the individual to develop a disease or illness. Some common examples of hazardous materials include asbestos, lead, and mercury.
Exposure to a hazardous material can also cause an individual to develop a chronic illness. Some common examples of chronic illnesses include cancer and lung disease.
An individual can also develop an occupational disease from a physical injury that occurs at work. Some common examples of physical injuries include burns and fractures.
If an individual develops an occupational disease, they may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can help the individual pay for medical expenses and lost wages.
What is an Occupational Hazard?
An occupational hazard is an event or condition in the workplace that can cause physical or psychological harm to employees. Some common occupational hazards include exposure to hazardous materials, noise exposure, and stress.
Types of Occupational Hazards
There are many types of occupational hazards, which can be grouped into the following categories:
• Physical hazards: These are physical agents that can cause harm to workers, such as noise, radiation, vibration, heat, cold, and dust.
• Chemical hazards: These are agents that can cause harm to workers through skin contact, inhalation, or ingestion. They can include solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
• Biological hazards: These are agents that can cause harm to workers through contact with the skin, eyes, or respiratory system. They can include viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
• Ergonomic hazards: These are physical hazards that can cause harm to workers through repetitive motion or excessive force. They can include activities such as typing or lifting.
Psychosocial Hazards
Workers in some occupations may be exposed to psychosocial hazards. Psychosocial hazards are factors in the workplace that can affect workers’ mental health. These factors can include things such as job stress, harassment, and violence.
Workers who are exposed to psychosocial hazards may experience stress, anxiety, and depression. They may also have problems with their physical health, such as increased rates of heart disease and high blood pressure.
There are many ways to reduce the risk of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. These include training workers on how to deal with stress, providing support services such as counseling, and creating a safe and healthy work environment.
Chemical Hazards
Chemical hazards are dangers posed by chemicals. They can be divided into three categories:
Physical hazards: These are dangers posed by the physical properties of the chemical, such as its flammability or toxicity.
These are dangers posed by the physical properties of the chemical, such as its flammability or toxicity. Health hazards: These are dangers posed by the chemical’s ability to cause injury or disease.
These are dangers posed by the chemical’s ability to cause injury or disease. Environmental hazards: These are dangers posed by the chemical’s ability to harm the environment.
Some common chemical hazards include:
Flammability: Chemicals that are easily ignited and burn rapidly are considered flammable.
Chemicals that are easily ignited and burn rapidly are considered flammable. Toxicity: Chemicals that are harmful to humans or the environment are considered toxic.
Chemicals that are harmful to humans or the environment are considered toxic. Corrosivity: Chemicals that can corrode or damage materials are considered corrosive.
Chemicals that can corrode or damage materials are considered corrosive. Reactivity: Chemicals that can react violently with other substances are considered reactive.
Prevention of Occupational Diseases
Prevention of occupational diseases is done through various methods, including education, engineering controls, and personal protective equipment. Education helps workers understand the risks of their jobs and how to protect themselves. Engineering controls are changes to the workplace that reduce the risk of exposure to hazards. Personal protective equipment includes gloves, goggles, and other clothing and equipment that protect workers from exposure to hazards.
Examples of Occupational Health Hazards
There are a variety of occupational health hazards that can affect employees in a number of different ways. Some of the most common hazards include:
•Chemical exposure: Working with chemicals can cause a number of health problems, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and blindness.
•Noise exposure: Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause hearing loss.
•Heavy lifting: Lifting heavy objects can cause back injuries and other musculoskeletal problems.
•Stress: Working long hours or under high pressure can lead to stress-related health problems.
•Exposure to hazardous materials: Working with hazardous materials can cause respiratory problems, skin irritation, and other health problems.
What is a Hazard?
A hazard is something that could cause harm.
Occupational Health and Safety Problems
There are many potential occupational health and safety problems that can occur in a dental practice. Some of the most common problems include:
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including HIV and hepatitis
• Exposure to other infectious agents, including tuberculosis and MRSA
• Exposure to chemicals and other hazardous materials
• Musculoskeletal injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries
• Eye injuries
• Hearing loss
