Radon is an invisible, odourless, tasteless, radioactive gas formed by the disintegration of uranium in the soil. Long-term exposure to radon gas is believed to be the second-highest cause of lung cancer after smoking. Radon has the potential to accumulate in structures below ground where uranium is present in the
risks
Patient handling is the top cause of injury among care workers. Care workers who move people are at significant risk of sprains and strain injuries. Physically dependent people need to be assessed, taking into account the task being performed and the space in which the work will take place. Controlling
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a blood-borne disease that is spread through blood and certain body fluids. HIV attacks the immune system and can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), a much more serious condition. In the workplace, the risk of HIV/AIDS is through needle-stick injuries and exposure to
Formaldehyde is a dangerous chemical, both as a gas and as a liquid. Long-term exposure increases your health risks. Employers who use this chemical must have an exposure control plan in place. [xt_networks title="Follow Us" force_original_colors="yes"] How workers are exposed Although dangerous as a liquid, formaldehyde is most dangerous as a
Too much ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure can cause sunburn, eye irritation, skin cancer, and blindness. UV radiation comes from many sources, but the sun is most common. Arc lights, welders, tanning beds, and water filtration systems may also emit harmful levels. Those working outside or around UV-emitting equipment should use
Flour dust is a hazardous substance. Workers in baking-related jobs may inhale flour dust when it becomes airborne. The dust can irritate the respiratory tract and lead to occupational asthma, also known as baker’s asthma. The health problems can develop over 30 years. Flour dust can also cause an explosion.
Metalworking fluids can cause health problems such as infections and asthma. The fluids contain a variety of different chemicals and oils and may be full of bacteria. Workers could inhale vapours or get fluid on their skin. Practising good hygiene will help protect workers from exposure to metalworking fluids. [xt_networks
Hepatitis B and C are bloodborne diseases that affect the liver. They can be transmitted from a single exposure to infected body fluids or an injury from a sharp, like a needle or scalpel. [xt_networks title="Follow Us" force_original_colors="yes"] Workers at high risk include: Hospital workers First responders Medical laboratory technicians
Silica is one of the most common hazards on a worksite, particularly in the construction, oil and gas, manufacturing, and agriculture industries. Silica dust can cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease. It can also cause lung cancer. Cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling, grinding, or blasting concrete or stone releases
Cigarette smoke contains at least 250 chemicals that cause cancer or are toxic. Many of these chemicals are already found on jobsites. These include ammonia, arsenic, and carbon monoxide. That means total chemical exposure increases for workers when they are around cigarette smoke at work. [xt_networks title="Follow Us" force_original_colors="yes"] How workers are
Cancer is caused by exposure to harmful materials and certain types of radiation. Workers in some jobs are at more risk of being exposed to these cancer-causing agents. It’s the responsibility of both employers and workers to make sure everyone stays safe. [xt_networks title="Follow Us" force_original_colors="yes"] The risks At the
It's fairly obvious that safety and health hazards can exist on worksites filled with heavy machinery and equipment, where employees often are required to engage in strenuous manual labor. S.M#15 : Hidden Hazards:25 steps to a safer office[xt_networks force_original_colors="yes"] A job where most of the work tasks are completed while