OCCUPATIONAL

HEALTH
ENGR. JOSEPH NATHAN B. MARQUEZ
INSTRUCTOR
• It is important to understand the key concepts in the causation of disease from
work exposures. You will be defining the following terms in the course of this
module: exposure, toxicity, hazard, and risk. You also wish to emphasize that
hazards in the workplace can cause harm if there is undue exposure through
elevated workplace concentration without control measures in place.
• Occupational diseases and work-related illnesses can be prevented. It is
important to have health programs in place, which allow for screening
susceptible individuals and early diagnosis of diseases to prevent progression
of an illness or to immediately control workplace hazards so that optimum
workers health is maintained.
 OBJECTIVES

1. The key concepts of occupation health.

2. Common hazards in the workplace and their effects on the worker’s health.

3. The role of mechanical surveillance in preventing occupational illness and injuries.

4. Ways to protect one’s self from health hazards. 

 DEFINITION OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

• Occupational health has been defined by the ILO and the WHO as the
• Promotion and maintenance of the highest degree of physical, mental & social well-being of
workers of all occupations
• Prevention among its workers of departures from health caused by their working conditions
• Protection of workers in their employment from risks usually from factors adverse to health
• Placing & maintenance of the worker in an occupational environment adapted to his/her
physiological ability
 AS YOU KNOW,

• Occupational health encompasses the social, mental and physical well-being of workers
in all occupations.
• It includes the protection of workers from illnesses arising from work through promotion
of safety and health programs.
• It should always be a priority to adapt the work to the human being. Poor working
conditions have the potential to affect a worker's health and safety.
• Poor working conditions can affect not only the workers but their families, other people
in the community, and the physical environment.
 REVIEW ON OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

• Recall the different hazards presented in the previous module. Exposure to these health
hazards is most often the cause of ill-health and that is what you want to avoid.
Eliminating exposure to hazards removes the conditions for ill-health and its negative
consequences while you are at work.
• The ill-health that results from exposure to harmful environmental conditions in the
workplace is explained in this flowchart:
 KEY CONCEPTS IN OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH

• You should realize that predisposition of a worker to suffer from an occupational illness depends
on the characteristics of exposure to a hazard and on individual susceptibility. Not all workers
exposed to hazards get sick. For example, some workers become deaf because of noise only after
prolonged and frequent exposure to high levels of noise over many years.
• Remember that workplace hazards can potentially cause harm to a worker. However, the risk or
the likelihood that this harmful effect would take place depends on the conditions of exposure.
These factors include intensity and duration of exposure to the hazards, timing of exposure and
multiplicity of exposure.
• 1. Exposure duration or the length of time of being vulnerable to work hazards. Constant
exposure to amounts which have low levels in the workplace over a prolonged period of
time increases the risk of disease after a latency period (the interval between exposure to
a hazard(s) and the clinical appearance of disease);
• 2. Magnitude, level or dose of exposure. As the concentration or amount of a hazard is
increased the likely it can do more harm.
• 3. Timing of exposure. This is related to exposure duration. A worker who is exposed to a
hazard continuously or for several periods in a day is more at risk than those with less
exposure
• 4. Multiplicity of exposure. Exposures to mixtures of hazards or several chemicals at the
same time can cause synergistic or cumulative effects.
• Despite having similar exposure to workplace hazard, workers may be affected
differently due to non-occupational factors. In smokers, for instance, clearance of dusts
that have entered the lungs is inhibited, thereby increasing the risk of succumbing to the
ill-effects of the hazard. The non-occupational factors that must be considered include
age, sex, genetic factors, previous medical history and lifestyle habits of the worker.
• Age is an important factor since elderly and young workers have poor metabolic
processes, which allow a buildup of toxic substances. In a normal adult, these substances
can be easily neutralized.
• Sex is a very important consideration, too. A hazardous agent may be toxic to female
workers and not toxic to male workers or vice versa. For pregnant women, some toxins
may cause developmental problems in the fetus. Lead and mercury have been
documented to cause neurological defects in the offspring of exposed pregnant women. In
both men and women, other toxins may affect their reproductive systems.
• The genetic make-up of a worker should also be considered because those with history of allergies
will find it difficult to work in an environment where their allergies would likely flare up. Also
those with enzyme deficiencies may not be able to handle toxic substances that enter the body.
• Your medical history is important to identify previous illnesses, which may be aggravated by
substances, or agents found in the workplace. An anemic (weak and pale) worker who will be
employed in a company using lead may continue suffering from anemia (condition characterized
by an abnormally low number of red blood cells in the circulating blood) due to lead exposure. A
worker diagnosed with a liver disease should be closely monitored if he/she would be working
with solvents since which may compromise the liver functions.
• Lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, unhealthy
diet, drug abuse, among others can alter a worker’s natural defense mechanisms and
increase the chance of developing ill-effects. For example, higher risk of liver disease in a
worker exposed to solvents and a history of alcohol consumption; or increased risk of
hypertension in a worker with occupational stress who is also eating high salt and high fat
diet. The risk of lung cancer is much greater in workers who have workplace exposure to
asbestos fibers and who also smoke.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
HAZARDS
• Hazards in the workplace that can cause ill-health among workers include the following:
• 1. Chemical hazards such as dusts, gases, vapors and mists.
• 2. Physical hazards such as noise, illumination, extremes of temperature, vibration and
radiation (non-ionizing and ionizing).
• 3. Ergonomic hazards due to repetitive movement, improper posture, forceful exertions,
monotonous tasks, mental stress, etc.
• 4. Biological hazards that can cause harm to humans such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, and
parasites.
HEALTH EFFECTS OF CHEMICAL HAZARDS

• Workers are exposed to various chemicals in the workplace. These chemicals have
inherent toxicities that can potentially harm humans depending on the amount that has
entered the body and the conditions of exposure. Here are some concepts you must
understand:
Toxicity is the intrinsic capacity of a chemical agent to adversely affect an organism, including
humans.
• Toxic chemical is the agent that can cause the adverse effect.
• Hazard is the potential for the toxicity to be realized in a specific setting or situation.
• Exposure refers to the process or extent that a worker experiences or comes in contact with a
particular hazard in the workplace or as a result of one’s occupation.
• Dose is the amount of the toxic agent that has entered the body.
• Risk is the probability or chance of a specific adverse effect to occur.
• Chemicals can enter the body by several routes. Being familiar with all routes of entry
will help in preventing exposures. The most important and most common route of entry is
by inhalation through the lungs. Organic solvents and pesticides are examples of
chemicals that are easily absorbed through the skin. Chemical substances can also enter
the body through the mouth by accidental ingestion.
POINTS TO CONSIDER REGARDING INHALATION

• Although the body filters many of the normal pollutants from the air a person breathes, it
cannot eliminate every type of contaminant.
• Small particles are difficult for the body to eliminate and can get deep into the lungs
where they can cause respiratory problems.
• Workers in dusty occupations are more susceptible to respiratory diseases than workers in
non-dusty occupations.
• Chemicals in their various forms can be inhaled and damage various target organs (organs
most affected) as well as the lungs.
POINTS TO CONSIDER REGARDING SKIN
ABSORPTION OF SUBSTANCES
• The skin is a major route of entry for hazardous substances in the workplace.
• Chemicals can be absorbed faster through inflamed or abraded skin but solvents may also
be absorbed in healthy skin into the bloodstream and transported to target organs where
they can have damaging results.
POINTS TO CONSIDER REGARDING ENTRY OF
HAZARDOUS AGENTS THROUGH THE MOUTH
• Hazardous agents can enter the body by being ingested or swallowed, usually through
involuntary actions which you may not be aware of such as through smoking, eating with
contaminated materials in the workplace, or eating with unwashed hands.
• Although some ingested hazardous agents are neutralized in the stomach, others are
absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to target organs.
• The most important method of prevention is personal hygiene. You must ensure that you
have access to washing facilities and that food storage and dining areas are separate from
your work areas to avoid contamination with hazardous agents.
TARGET ORGAN TOXICITY OCCURS WHEN DISEASE
STATES OR ADVERSE HEALTH EFFECTS MANIFEST IN
SPECIFIC ORGAN SYSTEM OF THE BODY. THE
DIFFERENT ORGAN SPECIFIC TOXIC EFFECTS ARE:
1. Blood Toxicity
2. Dermal Toxicity – adverse effects on the skin
3. Eye toxicity
4. Hepatotoxicity – adverse effects on the liver
5. Immunotoxicity – adverse effects on the immune system
6. Nephrotoxicity – adverse effects on the kidneys
7. Neurotoxicity – adverse effects on the brain or nerves outside of the brain
8. Reproductive Toxicity – adverse effects on the reproductive system
9. Respiratory Toxicity – adverse effects on the lungs
HEALTH HAZARDS CLASSIFICATION
Ergonomics Chemical
Physical • Non-Recovery Hazard
Hazard of the body • Dusts
• Noise • Repetitive • Gases
• Vibration Nature • Vapors
of the work
• Radiation • Fumes
• Uncomfortable
• Illumination • Mists
working stations
• Températur
Biological
e Extreme
Hazard
• Viruses
• Bacteria
• Fungi
PHYSICAL HAZARD -
NOISE
• A form of vibration
conducted
through Solids,
Liquids, or Gases.
• Unwanted and
excessive sound
PHYS ICAL HAZARD
- NOISE
• Frequency – measured
in (Hertz) cycle per
seconds
• Loudness or Intensity –
measured in decibel (Db)
• Duration

Harmful or Unwanted
Sound
 NOISE EXPOSURE LIMIT
NOISE LEVELS PREVAILING IN DIFFERENT
INDUSTRIES IN THE PHILIPPINES
Manufacturing dBA
Textile Weaving 102-104

Iron and Steel Rolling Mills 94-99

Car Grinding 94-96

Stamping 95-97

Cement Mill Area 100-102

Wire and Cable Stranding 100-102

NOISE HEALTH EFFECTS &
CONTROL
“If two (2) people with
no hearing impairment
have to raise their
voices or shout to be
heard at a distance of
less than arms length
from each other, the
sound level is
potentially hazardous.”
PYS ICAL HAZARD - Vibration

It is a physical factor
that acts on man by
transmission of
mechanical energy from
sources of oscillation.
 S OURCES OF
VIBRATION
Vibration sources transmitted directly to
workers’ hand, examples are:

• Chain Saw • Tower

• Portable Grinder Crane
• Jackhammer • Cars
• Polishers • Buses
• Train
Segmental Whole
Vibration Body
Vibration
• The harmful effect of vibration on the human body also arises from local or segmental
vibration. Prolonged exposure of the hands to vibrating tools may lead to the
development of vibration disease, or “Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome” (HAVS). The risk
of HAVS is increased in the presence of other factors such as cold environmental
temperature and long working duration. HAVS is characterized by attacks of whitening
(blanching) of one or more fingers when exposed to cold; tingling and numbness in the
fingers; and pain.
PYS ICAL HAZARD -
ILLUMINATION

ILLUMINATION is the measure of

the stream of light falling on a
surface. It is measured in lumens or
lux.
• Natural
SOURCES
• Artificial

• General Lighting
TYPES
• Local Lighting
 ILLUMINATIO
N VISUAL
FATIGUE
Bright Dark ••Double
Headache
•vision
Painful
irritatio
ILLUMINATIO n
N HAZARD
• Production
of excess
tears
• Redness of
• Inadequate illumination may cause visual complaints among workers and cause
productivity problems. The usual complaints after working in poorly lighted areas are
visual fatigue, double vision, headaches, painful irritation, redness of the eyes or
conjunctivitis and frequent tearing or lacrimation.
• The appropriate lighting level is dependent on the task being performed. Generally,
precision work would need higher levels of light compared to tasks that do not deal with
details.
PHYSICAL HAZARD –
Temperature Extreme

It’s either
HOT or
Cold
FACTORS INFLUENCING
HEAT STRESS
• Air
Temperature
• Air Humidity
• Air Velocity
• Radiant
Temperatur
e
Workload
• Physical
 FACTORS INFLUENCING COLD
STRESS
• Cold Climates
• Refrigerated
Space
• Wind Chill

Responses to Cold Stress

• Body core temperature is typically 37°C
• Shivering when body Tc < 36°C
• Lose Consciousness at Tc < 34°C
PYSI CAL HAZARD – Radiation

Is the emission or
transmission of energy
as waves or moving
particles.
• Ionizing Radiation
• Non-Ionizing
Radiation
• Ionizing radiation is capable of producing ion pairs by interaction with matter. Ionizing
radiation differs from other forms of radiant energy in being able to deposit enough
localized energy in an absorbing material to disrupt atoms and molecules and produce
ions and free radicals that causes biochemical changes. Alpha particles, beta particles,
neutrons, x-ray and gamma rays are examples of ionizing radiation.
• Exposure to ionizing radiation impinges on and penetrates into matter. The media is
altered and may produce cell death, change in cell reproduction or division and genetic
mutation.
• In Non-Ionizing Radiation or NIR, there is not enough energy to cause ionization of matter.
The types of NIR are Ultraviolet (UV) rays, Infrared (IR), Lasers, Microwaves (MW),
Radio frequencies (RF), Extremely Low Frequency and Static Fields. They have distinctive
features depending on their wavelength. Different processes in the workplace can produce
NIR. Apart from sunlight, welding is another source of UV. Sources of RF and MW
radiation include radio emitters and cell phones while sources of IR are furnaces, heat lamps
and IR lasers
• Exposure to NIR may also affect the body’s organ systems. The usual target organ for UV
or ultraviolet radiation is the skin and cornea of the eyes and effects may be skin redness,
premature skin ageing, and skin cancer. Eye injuries may manifest as cataract, retinal injury
and a type of conjunctivitis known as welder’s flash. Infrared affects the eyes and may
cause corneal and conjunctive burns, retinal injury and cataract. Lasers are potential hazards
also to both the skin and eye. Other forms of NIR may cause current conduction and heat.
PHYSICAL HAZARD – PRESSURE

This is the atmospheric

force that is constantly
applied on the body,
which may be affected
by changes in altitude or
artificially induced work
conditions.
 PRESSURE
We perceive pressure in relation to the
earth’s atmosphere at sea level, about 14.7
psi.
Working at Heights
Altitude Pressure Altitude Pressure

Confined Space

Pressure Air Pressure Air Expand

Compress
CHEMICAL
HAZARD
Is a type of
occupational
hazard caused
by exposure
to chemicals When they become
in the airborne and the
workplace. concentration is
excessive…
 CHEMICAL HAZARD - TYPES
Chemical Hazards Nature or Form
Organic Solvents Vapor
Acids & Bases Mists
Dust Powder / Fibers
Heavy Metals Fumes
Gases Gas
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
ROUTES OF ENTRY
 SAFETY DATA
SHEET(SDS)
A summary of the
important health,
safety, and
toxicological
information on
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chemical or the
the
mixture
ingredients.
ELEMENTS OF THE SAFETY DATA
SHEET (SDS)
Section 1 • Identification of the Chemicals Sections outside of
Section 2
• Hazard(s) identification
OSHS jurisdiction
Section 3 • Composition / Information on Ingredients but inclusion of
Section 4 • First-aid Measures
these sections is
Section 5 • Fire-fighting Measures
necessary for a
Section 6 • Accidental Release Measures

Section 7 • Handling and Storage

GHS compliant
Section 8 • Exposure Controls or Personal Protection SDS
Section 9 • Physical and Chemical Properties

Section 10 • Stability and Reactivity

Section 11 • Toxicological Information

Section 12 • Ecological Information*

Section 13 • Disposal Consideration*

Section 14 • Transport Information*

Section 15 • Regulatory Information*

• Other information including date of preparation of

Section 16 last
revision
 DO 136-
2014
Guidelines for the implementation of Globally
Harmonized Systems (GHS) in chemical safety
program in the workplace.
SAMPLE
GHS
LABEL

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 LABELLING
BASED ON THE
DO 136- 2014

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BIOLOGICAL
HAZARD Also known as
Biohazards, refer to
biological substances
that pose a threat to
the health of living
organisms, primarily
that of humans.
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 BIOLOGICAL HAZARD
GENERAL CONCEPT
Characterized by the organism that
has:

Micro Biological Macro Biological

Bacteria, viruses,
molds, fungi Insects, parasites,
and protozoa plants and
animals
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warning-sign-png.png
 BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS:
OCCUPATIONAL
EXPOSURE
• Poor sanitation
and housekeeping
• Hospital works
• Removal of
industrial waste
and sewage
• Poor personal
cleanliness
ERGONOMIC HAZARD
“Ergonomics is
the science of
fitting jobs to
the people
who work in
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ERGONOMIC HAZARD:
TYPES
PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARD
Is any hazard that affects
mental
the well- or mental
being health of worke by
the
overwhelming r coping
individual
mechanisms and impacting the
worker's ability to work in a
healthy and safe manner.
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ERGONOMIC HAZARD:
TYPES
PHYSIOLOGICAL HAZARD
Those are environmental
factors that cause stress
to the worker.
• Non-recovery of
the body
• Repetitive nature
of the
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work
• Uncomfortable
working station
THANK YOU!!!