16.5. Occupational Hygiene: Occupational hazards

Occupational Hygiene: Occupational Hazards

Occupational Hygiene is a set of technical and scientific measures aimed at preventing and controlling occupational risks. These risks can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic or accidental, and can cause damage to the health and well-being of workers.

Physical Risks

Physical risks are those related to the physical conditions of the work environment, such as noise, vibrations, radiation, heat, cold, abnormal pressures and humidity. These risks can cause damage to the health of workers, such as hearing loss, circulatory disorders, burns, among others. Occupational Hygiene seeks to minimize these risks through measures such as noise control, use of individual and collective protection equipment, and implementation of breaks during work.

Chemical Hazards

Chemical risks are those related to the presence of chemical substances in the work environment, such as gases, vapors, dust, fumes, mists and toxic substances. These risks can cause damage to the health of workers, such as irritation, intoxication, allergies, respiratory diseases, among others. Occupational Hygiene seeks to minimize these risks through measures such as control of the emission of chemical substances, use of individual and collective protection equipment, and training of workers on chemical risks.

Biological Hazards

Biological risks are those related to the presence of living organisms in the work environment, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites and protozoa. These risks can cause damage to the health of workers, such as infections, parasitic diseases, allergies, among others. Occupational Hygiene seeks to minimize these risks through measures such as control of biological contamination, use of individual and collective protection equipment, and vaccination of workers.

Ergonomic Risks

Ergonomic risks are those related to work organization, such as inadequate posture, heavy lifting, repetitiveness, fast pace, psychological pressure, among others. These risks can cause damage to the health of workers, such as musculoskeletal disorders, stress, fatigue, among others. Occupational Hygiene seeks to minimize these risks through measures such as adjusting furniture and equipment, implementing breaks during work, and training workers on ergonomic risks.

Risks of Accidents

Accident risks are those related to the possibility of accidents at work, such as falls, cuts, burns, electric shocks, among others. Occupational Hygiene seeks to minimize these risks through measures such as the use of individual and collective protection equipment, maintenance of equipment and facilities, and training of workers on the risks of accidents.

In short, Occupational Hygiene is fundamental for the prevention and control of occupational risks, contributing to the promotion of health and well-being of workers.

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78Occupational Hygiene: Exposure Control

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