Lesson 1

 Introductory Concepts:
Promoting Safety and Health
as an Engineer’s Professional
and Ethical Responsibility
INTRODUCTION

Basic Occupational Health and Safety aims to maintain the highest degree of
physical, mental, and social well-being of workers in all occupation, prevent adverse
health effects of the working conditions, place workers in an environment well-adapted
to physical and mental needs, and, to adapt work to humans, among others.
Concerning this, engineers, just like other professionals, carry out various duties
in promoting occupational safety and health in the workplace to achieve effective
productivity and create a good work environment. Along with these are the ethical
responsibilities that they must adhere to as well as the moral dilemmas they need to
decide on every day.

Definition of Terms:
 Hazard – a source or situation with a potential to harm and cause injury, ill
health, damage to property, damage to the environment, or a combination
of these. This manifest itself through specificity, exposure, frequency, and
severity.
 Risk –the likelihood of an occurrence of a hazardous event with specified
period or in specified circumstances and the severity of injury or damage to
the health of people, property, environment, or any combination of these
cause by an event.
 Training – an activity intended for acquiring skills and necessary knowledge
of rules, concepts, or attitudes needed to function effectively in specified
task situations.
 Accident - an unexpected, unforeseen, unplanned, and unwanted occurrence
or event that causes damage or loss of materials or properties, injury, or
death.
 Occupational accident - an unexpected or unplanned occurrence, including
acts of violence arising out of or in connection with work which results in one
or more workers incurring a personal injury, disease, or death.
 Occupational injury - an injury which results from a work-related event or a
single instantaneous exposure in the work environment wherein more than
one person is injured in a single accident, each case of occupational injury
should be counted separately.
 Temporary incapacity – a case wherein an injured person was absent from
work for at least one day, excluding the day of the accident, and was able to
perform again the normal duties of the job or position occupied at the time
of the occupational accident or will be able to perform the same job but
 his/her total absence from work is expected not to exceed a year starting the
day after the accident, or did not return to the same job but the reason for
changing the job is not related to his/her inability to perform the job at the
time of the occupational accident.
 Permanent incapacity – a case wherein an injured person was absent from
work for at least one day, excluding the day of the accident, and was never
able to perform again the normal duties of the job or position occupied at
the time of the occupational accident, or will be able to perform the same
job but his/her total absence from work is expected to exceed a year starting
the day after the accident.
 Fatal case – a case wherein a person is fatally injured as a result of
occupational accident whether death occurs immediately after the accident
or within the same reference year as the accident.
 Safety culture – the product of individual and group attitudes, perceptions,
and values about workplace behaviors and processes that collectively result
safety work units and reliable organizational products.

Hopkins (2018) identified some simple tips to promote occupational safety and health:

 Implement safety and training programs for employees;

 Reward employees for safe behaviors;
 Partner with occupational clinicians;
 Use label and signs to avoid unforeseen hazards;
 Keep things clean and organized;
 Make sure that employees have the right tools and must be inspected regularly;
 Encourage stretch breaks;
 Employ safety protocols every now and then;
 Keep an open forum for employees’ thoughts; and,
 Have regular meetings regarding workplace safety.

Hopkins, M. (2018, October 22). 10 simple steps to improve workplace safety.

Concentra. https://www.concentra.com/resource-center/articles/10-simple-steps-to-
improve-workplace-safety/

Different Kinds of Occupational Health and Safety Trainings:

A. Fundamental Programs. These involve instruction in prevention of work-related
injury and illness through proper use and maintenance of tools, equipment, and
materials; knowledge of emergency procedures; personal hygiene measures; needs for
medical monitoring; and use of PPE for non-routine operations or as interim safeguard
until engineering controls are implemented.

B. Recognition Programs: These include instruction emphasizing awareness of

workplace hazards; knowledge of methods of hazard elimination and control;
understanding right-to-know laws and ways for collecting information on workplace
hazards; recognizing symptoms of toxic exposures; and observing and reporting hazards
or potential hazards to appropriate bodies.

C. Problem-Solving Programs: These consist of instructions aimed at giving workers

the information and skills enabling them to participate in hazard recognition and
control activities; to help identify and solve problems through teamwork and
cooperation in the workplace.
D. Empowerment Programs: These comprise instruction on building and broadening
worker skills in hazard recognition and problem-solving. These emphasize worker
activism with the goal of ensuring their rights to an illness and injury-free workplace
and enabling workers to effect vital control measures through educating co-workers
and through the use of committee processes or in health/safety contract negotiations.

https://www.slideshare.net/INVDPM/occupational-health-and-safety-basic-concepts

Ethical Responsibilities and Dilemmas on Basic Occupational Health and Safety

Ethical problems bound to occupational health and safety also occur in the field
of engineering. Consider an engineer faced with a moral dilemma between risking the
health of workers on a project or stopping the project in order to be able to establish
proper safety procedures and to purchase appropriate safety equipment. The former
action places workers in some degree of risk of harm, while the latter causes delays
and increases costs for the employers or clients of the engineer. Codes of ethics, as
well as laws and regulations, are in place to guide engineers in ethical decision making
such as this (Rosen, 2004).

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulation,

employees are granted the rights to know, to refuse, and to act regarding certain
practices in the workplace. These give worker’s knowledge vis-à-vis the possible
hazards that they may encounter while performing a certain task. However, the OSHA
Act only permits the workers to refuse hazardous work only when a life-threatening
danger is on sight but if it was just out of fear, it will not be accepted as valid.
Moreover, the OSHA Act focused on the rights of individuals, not on collective worker
action for health and safety. Health and safety advocates demanded an expanded right
to refuse hazardous work, as well as the mandating of workplace health and safety
committees with the right to act.

Case Study 1 (Rosen, 2004):

In the Canadian manufacturing plant of a global automotive company with

headquarters in Canada, a large number of engineering activities are carried out in a
wide range of areas. These activities include design, production of parts, assembly,
testing, and quality assurance. Many of the manufacturing processes in the plant are
performed using automated technologies and equipment. People also perform some of
the manufacturing tasks and the plant employs over 400 workers. The decision on
whether people or machines will be used for a particular task is dependent on many
factors, including costs, time, quality and worker health and safety. The plant
considered here produces a many parts for vehicles and assembles them. Among the
parts produced are engine materials and parts, pumps, fans, some exterior parts, and
electronics components. The plant normally operates three shifts per day and has
production lines including machining equipment, conveyers and overhead cranes, punch
presses, and paint-spray booths. The plant utilizes electricity and natural gas
extensively. A number of workers at the plant have over the last six months been
subject to several different health problems. The following information has been
received by the head engineer at the plant.

a) In an assembly area that was installed recently, workers have to bend to the ground
throughout the day to attach several small parts onto a large and heavy vehicle
component. Some workers have begun to develop lower back pain, likely due to the
repetitive bending. The problem has become so severe for one of the workers that he
has been told by his doctor to stay off work for two weeks so his back can recover. The
manufacturing engineers who designed the assembly operation had wanted to use an
automated system, but that option was deemed not to be economic. So, they used a
manual operation, but did not consider industrial ergonomics, as they had no expertise
in that discipline.

b) An increased incidence of respiratory illnesses has been reported over the last month
by workers operating near the paint-spray booths. Many of the substances used in the
booths (paints, solvents, etc.) are known to be causes of the observed respiratory
illnesses. But the workers are not supposed to come into contact with any of the
substances because the paint-spray booths are designed to ensure that all materials
exit the plant through a high-capacity ventilation system and that no materials can leak
back into the plant. No tests had been carried out on the ventilation system, or on the
air quality around the paint spray booths, so it is uncertain whether or not there have
been any leaks into the plant from the paint-spray booths.

c) In an area of the plant where metal cutting occurs and workers use protective
eyewear, workers have reported minor eye injuries. The area in question is one where
it is common knowledge that the workers do not routinely use the protective eyewear.
It is often observed to be hanging on nearby hooks or to be loosely hanging around the
necks of workers. Workers complain that they find the protective eyewear
uncomfortable and do not think it is needed or important. The plant manager knows of
this behavior but 11 overlooks it, since enforcing the use of the protective eyewear
seems may make the workers unhappy and, consequently, less productive. That, he
feels, could render the plant non-competitive.

Questions:
a) How would you go about investigating the causes of the observed health problems?
b) What are the unsafe conditions and acts in the plant?
c) Which of the unsafe conditions and acts identified in part b are (1) of a technical
nature, or (2) related to human behavior or management?
d) What are some steps can be taken to rectify the health problems observed?
e) Should the head engineer endeavor to rectify the health problems on her own, or
should she report the problems to the plant manager beforehand? The head engineer is
not sure if she will receive the support of the plant manager in rectifying the problems;
what should she do if support is not provided?
f) Do you feel that some of the health problems that have occurred are due to worker
health and safety being unduly compromised to allow the plant to be more productive
or profitable?

Rosen, M. (2004). Engineering health and safety module and case studies.
https://safetymanagementeducation.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/engineering-
hs-module.pdf

Occupational Safety and Health: I. Ethical Issues. (2021, January 12). Encyclopedia of
Bioethics. https://www.encyclopedia.com/science/encyclopedias-almanacs-
transcripts-and-maps/occupational-safety-and-health-i-ethical-issues
Lesson 2


INTRODUCTION
Occupational Safety

Occupational Safety deals with understanding the possible causes of

occupational injuries and accidents, and several ways to prevent unsafe act and unsafe
conditions in any kind of workplace. Safety at work encompasses the concepts regarding
good housekeeping, proper materials handling and storage, machine safety, safety
inspection, and accidental investigation, to mention a few.

A. HOUSEKEEPING
The 5S is a concept that has Japanese roots which focuses on the optimization
of production time and effort. It is a simple, practical, and a reliable approach in
improving housekeeping in any occupational environment. Housekeeping is an
important task in ensuring safety and health since it aids in lessening accidents,
hazards, risks, and injuries. It could, consequently, boost efficiency and diminishes
direct and indirect costs of illnesses. Housekeeping refers to the act of putting
everything in its proper place and it is everybody’s responsibility to observe
housekeeping in every occupation.

What are the 5S?

1. Seiri/Sort/Suriin – is the first S which means sorting out unnecessary items and
discarding them to provide enough space for things that are important. It aids in
making the work easier by eliminating unwarranted obstacles which, in return,
could prevent faulty operation.

2. Seiton/Systematize/ Sinupin – is the second S which means organizing things the

way they should be.

7 Seiton Principles:

 Follow the first-in-first-out (FIFO) method for storing items;

 Assign each item a dedicated location;
 All items and their locations should be indicated by a systematic labeling;
 Place items so that they are visible to minimize search time;
 Place items so they can be reached or handled easily;
 Separate exclusive tools from common ones; and,
 Place frequently used tools near the user
 3. Seiso/Sweep/Simutin – is the third S which means we have cleaning and
sanitizing the work environment. This aims to keep environmental condition as
neat as necessary depending on the product or equipment, prevent unwanted
deterioration and depreciation of machineries, and to keep it a safe place to
work on.

4. Seiketsu/Standardize/Siguruhin – is the fourth S which means standardizing

these housekeeping practices.

5. Shitsuke/Self- Discipline/Sariling kusa – is the fifth and last S which means doing
the process regularly like clockwork.

What is the purpose of housekeeping in the workplace?

Poor housekeeping can be a cause of accidents. To avoid these hazards, a workplace

must maintain order throughout workplace. Although this effort requires a great deal
of management and planning, the benefits are many.

What are the benefits of proper housekeeping practices in the workplace?

Effective housekeeping results in:

 reduced handling to ease the flow of materials;
 fewer tripping and slipping accidents in clutter-free and spill-free work areas;
 decreased fire hazards;
 lower worker exposures to hazardous substances (e.g., dusts, vapors);
 better control of tools and materials, including inventory and supplies;
 more efficient equipment cleanup and maintenance;
 better hygienic conditions leading to improved health;
 more effective use of space;
 reduced property damage by improving preventive maintenance;
 less janitorial work;
 improved morale; and,
 improved productivity (tools and materials will be easy to find)

B. MATERIALS HANDLING AND STORAGE

Materials handling and storage is a technique that includes lifting, placing,

storing, or moving materials with the utilization of one’s physical strength or
employment of appropriate handling apparatuses. Materials handling has two general
classifications: manual materials handling and mechanical materials handling.

I. Manual materials handling (MMH) means moving or handling things by lifting,

lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, holding, or restraining using one’s physical
strength. This is the most common cause of occupational fatigue which could later on,
lead to strains, sprains, wounds, fractures, and hernias. The level of hazard depends
on what you are handling, what the task is, and what the conditions are at the work
site.

For instance, the material or load may be:

 too heavy;
 located too high or low for a safe lift;
 too big or may have a shape that makes it hard to handle;
 wet, slippery, or have sharp edges that makes it hard to grasp;
 unstable or can shift its center of gravity because the contents may flow;
and,
 too big to let you see where you are putting your feet.

The task can make MMH hazardous if a worker:

 uses poor lifting techniques (lifting too fast, too often, too long, with back
bent, while twisting or reaching too far, etc.)
 has to move material over long distances;
 does not take appropriate rest breaks;
 has insufficient recovery time;
 has a combination of handling tasks (e.g. lifting, carrying and lowering).

The conditions where you are working can also contribute to hazards of MMH and
result in injuries. Examples of these conditions are:
 surfaces that are uneven, sloping, wet, icy, slippery, unsteady, etc.
 differences in floor levels or elevations
 poor housekeeping
 inadequate lighting
 cold or very hot and humid working environment
 windy conditions
 fast pace of work
 restricted movement because of clothing or lack of space

Most common grievances are overexertion injuries (e.g., back strain). Injuries
due to slips and falls are also often associated with pushing and pulling. Additionally,
injuries to fingers and hands can result when caught in, on, or between objects (e.g.,
between a cart and the wall) and to lower legs when bumped by carts. Therefore,
existing statistics do not reflect the importance of pushing and pulling as work factors
causing injury because the injuries fall into different categories making them difficult
to analyze.

General Tips for lifting various materials:

 Examine the load and the surrounding area prior to lifting.

 Prepare for the lift by warming up the muscles.
  Stand close to the load and face the way you intend to move.
 Use a wide stance to gain balance.
 Be sure you have a good grip on the load.
 Look forward to keeping back straight.
 Keep arms straight.
 Tighten abdominal muscles.
 Tuck chin into the chest.
 Initiate the lift with body weight.
 Use muscle power of the legs in lifting.
 Lift the load as close to the body as possible.
 Lift smoothly without jerking.
 Avoid twisting and side bending while lifting.

II. Mechanical Materials Handling pertains to use of rigid, manually, or mechanically

powered equipment mainly for handling bulky and heavy items.

1. Manually powered materials handling equipment reduce physical effort,

making materials handling easier and safer.
 Use rolling platforms to assist in carrying and handling heavy objects where
limited space does not allow for comfortable body position.
 Use a hand truck to move bulky objects.
 Use a semi-live skid for temporary storage.
 Select the rack or bin that suits the task and mount on semi-live skid or platform
truck.
 Select a stair climbing truck when moving load on stairs.
 Choose a sturdy frame hand truck with larger wheels to move materials in rough
terrain. Additional set of handles allows for assistance.
 Move and dump waste materials with dump trucks.
 Handle sheet materials with an "A" frame hand truck or dolly.

2. Mechanically powered materials handling equipment are classified into two:

lifting equipment and transport equipment. Lifting equipment includes a
variety of items for lifting heavy and bulky items with minimal human
intervention such as hoists and cranes. Transport equipment, on the other hand,
consists of forklifts, dump trucks, trailers, and conveyors, among others.

III. Materials Storage

Materials storage could easily be neglected at times in an actual work setting.
When neglected, it leads to cluttering, piling of one material over another and
obstruction of passageways. Understanding some general requirements on proper and
safe materials storage would be useful. Materials should be stored neatly and orderly
in a place with at least two exists, proper illumination and ventilation, and access
restriction.
C. MACHINE SAFETY

A machine is a tool used to make work easier. It is basically an assemblage of

parts that transmit forces, motion and energy in a predetermined manner. Simple
machines are mechanical devices that change the direction or magnitude of a force.
They are the "building blocks" of which the more complicated machines or compound
machines are made.

Hazardous mechanical motions and actions

The important aspect of machine safety – the basic types of hazardous

mechanical motions and actions. These include the movement of rotating members,
reciprocating arms, moving belts, meshing gears, cutting teeth, and any other part that
impacts or shears. These different types of hazardous mechanical motions and actions
are present in varying combinations in nearly all machines and recognizing them is the
first step toward protecting workers from the dangers they present.

Rotating

Rotating motion can be dangerous - even smooth, slowly rotating shafts can catch
clothing, and through mere skin contact force an arm or hand into a dangerous position.
Injuries due to contact with rotating parts can be severe.

Collars, couplings, cams, clutches, flywheels, shaft ends, spindles, meshing

gears, and horizontal or vertical shafting are some examples of common rotating
mechanisms which may be hazardous. The danger increases when projections such as
set screws, bolts, nicks, abrasions, and projecting keys or set screws are exposed on
rotating parts.

Reciprocating

Reciprocating motions may be hazardous because during the back-and-forth or

up-and-down motion, a worker may be struck by or caught between a moving and a
stationary part.

Transversing

Transverse motion (movement in a straight, continuous line) creates a hazard

because a worker may be struck or caught in a pinch or shear point by the moving part.

Importance of Machine Safety

To be able to prevent the following:
- severe accidents
- loss of trained and skilled employee/s
- loss of production
- damage to equipment
- incurring training cost for new employee/s
- overtime cost
- possible litigation
- accident investigation

The Hierarchy of Measures

Each measure must be considered according to the hierarchy below. This may
result in a combination of measures being used.

1. Fixed Enclosing Guards - If access to dangerous parts is not required, the

solution is to protect them by some type of fixed enclosing guard.

2. Movable (interlocked) guards or protection devices (e.g., light curtains,

presence sensing mats, etc.) - If access is required, things get a little more
difficult. It will be necessary to ensure that access can only be permitted while
the machine is safe. Protective measures such as interlocked guard doors and/
or trip systems will be required. The choice of protective device or system should
be based on the operating characteristics of the machine.

3. Protection appliances (e.g., jigs, holders, push sticks, etc) - These are used
often in conjunction with guards to feed a work piece while keeping the
operator’s body away from the danger zone.

4. Information, instruction, training, and supervision - It is important that

operators have the necessary training in safe working methods for a machine.
However, this does not mean that measures (a), (b) or (c) can be omitted. It is
not enough to merely tell an operator that he/she must not go near dangerous
parts (as an alternative to guarding them). Operators must be trained on the
hazards of their work and how to use and maintain the safety devices as well as
give safety reminders to make them aware all the time.

5. Personal Protective Equipment - In addition to the above measures, it may also

be necessary for the operator to use equipment like special gloves, goggles, etc.
The machinery designer should specify what sort of equipment is required. The
use of personal protective equipment is not the primary safeguarding method
but should complement the measures shown above.
Lesson 3

 Industrial Hygiene

INTRODUCTION

Industrial Hygiene is one of the vital disciplines in the implementation of

occupational safety and health in the workplace. It is defined as, ““the science and art
devoted to the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors or stresses
arising in or from the workplace, which may cause sickness, impaired health and well-
being, or significant discomfort and inefficiency among workers or citizens of the
community.” Implementing industrial hygiene practices such as exposure assessment
and instituting control measures to minimize occupational accidents and diseases and
their costs as well as enhance productivity. Industrial hygiene is interconnected with
the different aspects of work – research and development, production, medical/health,
safety, and management.

Recognition of Occupational Health Hazards

A. Classification of occupational health hazards

The various environmental stresses or hazards, otherwise known as occupational health
hazards, can be classified as chemical, physical, biological, or ergonomic.

1. Chemical Hazards. Occupational health hazards arise from inhaling chemical

agents in the form of vapors, gases, dusts, fumes, and mists, or by skin contact
with these materials. The degree of risk of handling a given substance depends
on the magnitude and duration of exposure.
a. Gases are substances in gaseous state are airborne at room temperature.
Examples are chlorine, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, carbon monoxide, sulfur
dioxide, phosgene, and formaldehyde.
b. Vapor results when substances that are liquid at room temperature
evaporate. Examples are the components of organic solvents such as
benzene, toluene, acetone, and xylene.
c. Mist is a fine particle of a liquid float in air (particle size of 5 to 100 ums
approximately. Examples: nitric acid and sulfuric acid.
d. Dust is a solid harmful substance are ground, cut or crushed by mechanical
actions and fine particles float in air (particle size of about 1 to 150 um).
Examples are metal dusts and asbestos.
 e. Fume is a gas (such as metal vapor) condensed in air, chemically changed,
and becomes fine solid particles which float in air (particles size of about 0.1
to 1 um). Examples are oxides generated from molten metal such as cadmium
oxide, beryllium oxide, etc.

2. Physical Hazards. Problems relating to such things as extremes of

temperature, heat stress, vibration, radiation, abnormal air pressure,
illumination, noise, and vibration are physical stresses. It is important that the
employer, supervisor, and those responsible for safety and health are on guard
to these hazards due to the possible immediate or cumulative effects on the
health of the employees.
a. Extreme temperature. Extreme temperatures (extreme heat and extreme
cold) affect the amount of work that people can do and the manner in which
they do it. In industry, the problem is more often high temperatures rather
than low temperatures.
Heat stress may be experienced by workers exposed to excessive heat arising
from work. Workers at risk of heat stress include outdoor workers and workers
in hot environments such as firefighters, bakery workers, farmers,
construction workers, miners, boiler room workers, factory workers, etc.
workers aged 65 and older, those with heart disease, hypertension or those
taking medications are at a greater risk for heat stress.
Cold stress. Workers exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments
such as those in ice plants or refrigerated workplaces may be at risk of cold
stress. Refrigerants such as ammonia, methyl chloride and halogenated
hydrocarbons used in freezing and cold storage bring risks of poisoning and
chemical burns. Ammonia and other refrigerants such as propane, butane,
ethane, and ethylene, though less frequently used are flammable and
explosive chemicals. Monitoring and evaluation of these chemicals is highly
recommended when working in cold storage and refrigerating plants.
b. Radiation. Electromagnetic waves are produced by the motion of electrically
charged particles. These waves are also called “electromagnetic radiation”
because they radiate from the electrically charged particles. They travel
through empty space as well as through air and can penetrate some other
substances. Radio waves, microwaves, visible light, and X-rays are all
examples of electromagnetic waves.
c. Extreme pressure. It has been recognized as from the beginning of caisson
work (work performed in a watertight structure) that men working under
pressures greater than at a normal atmospheric one, are subject to various
illnesses connected with the job. Hyperbaric (greater than normal pressures)
environments are also encountered by divers operating under water, whether
by holding the breath while diving, breathing from a self-contained
underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA), or by breathing gas mixtures
supplied by compression from the surface. Occupational exposures occur in
caisson or tunneling operations, where a compressed gas environment is used
to exclude water or mud and to provide support for structures. Man can
 withstand large pressures due to the free access of air to the lungs, sinuses,
and middle ear.
d. Inadequate illumination. The measure of the stream of light falling on a
surface is known as illumination. The key aspects of illumination include lux,
luminance, reflectance, glare, and sources of lighting.
e. Excessive vibration. A body is said to vibrate when it is in an oscillating
motion about a reference point. The number of times a complete motion
cycle takes place during the period of one second is called the frequency and
is measured in hertz (Hz). Vibration usually refers to the inaudible acoustic
phenomena, which are recognized by through touch and feeling. It is a vector
quantity described by both a magnitude and direction. Portable meters are
available for vibration measurements. These usually provide readouts that
must be compared to the appropriate standards.
f. Noise or unwanted sound is a form of vibration conducted through solids,
liquids, or gases. The level of noise in an industrial operation can constitute
a physical hazard to the exposed workers. The extent of the hazard depends
not only on the overall noise level but also on the time period and frequency
and type of noise to which the worker is exposed.
3. Biological Hazards. Biological hazards are any virus, bacteria, fungus, parasite,
or living organism that can cause a disease in human beings. They can be a part
of the total environment or associated with certain occupations such as medical
professions, food preparation and handling, livestock raising, etc. Diseases
transmitted from animals to humans are commonly infectious and parasitic which
can also result from exposure to contaminated water, insects, or infected
people. Biological hazards will be discussed further during the occupational
health portion of this workshop.
4. Ergonomic Hazards. “Ergonomics” literally means the customs, habits, and laws
of work. According to the International Labor Organization it is “… The
application of human biological science in conjunction with the engineering
sciences to achieve the optimum mutual adjustment of man [sic] and his [sic]
work, the benefits being measured in terms of human efficiency and well-
being.” The ergonomics approach goes beyond productivity, health, and safety.
It includes consideration of the total physiological and psychological demands of
the job upon the worker. It deals with the interaction between humans and
traditional environmental elements as atmospheric contaminants, heat, light,
sound, and all tools and equipment used in the workplace. The human body can
endure considerable discomfort and stress and can perform many awkward and
unnatural movements for a limited period of time. However, when awkward
conditions or motions are continued for prolonged periods, the physiological
limitations of the worker can be exceeded. To ensure a continued high level of
performance, work systems must be tailored to human capacities and
limitations.

Examples of ergonomic hazards:

 Poor workplace design – cramped leg area, crowded worktable, distant work
materials;
  Awkward body postures – prolonged sitting, twisted body while bending;
 Repetitive movements – sewing, cutting, stamping;
 Static posture – prolonged standing without motion;
 Forceful motion – extreme pulling and pushing; and,
 Manual handling – improper carrying of materials, use of pliers etc.
5. Special Considerations:
The following items have become important OSH issues that need to be
addressed by Industrial Hygiene professionals and employers:
a. Confined space is an enclosed or a partially enclosed space. It has restricted
entrance and exit (by location, size, and means) thus, the natural airflow is
limited. This can cause accumulation of “dead” or “bad” air” and airborne
contaminants. Confined spaces are not designed and intended for human
occupancy.
Examples of confined space: Storage tanks, sewers, boilers, manholes,
tunnels, pipelines, trenches, pits, silos, vats, utility vaults, culverts.
b. Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the quality of the air inside buildings as
based on the concentration of pollutants & thermal (temperature & relative
humidity) conditions that affect the health, comfort, and performance of
occupants.

B. Methods of Recognizing Occupational Health Hazards

1. Walk-through/ocular inspection – this is necessary in identifying the
potential hazards and determining the critical conditions in the workplace. It
will be good to make a checklist for inspection.
2. Review of the process involved – The identity of the chemical intermediates
formed in the course of an industrial process and the toxicological properties
of these intermediates may be difficult to establish. Undesirable chemical
by-products such as carbon monoxide resulting from the incomplete
combustion of organic material may be formed.
3. Knowing the raw materials, by-products, and finished products – Knowing
about the raw materials used and the nature of the products manufactured
will help you determine the specific contaminants to which workers are
actually exposed. Possible impurities in raw materials such as benzene in
some solvents should be considered.
4. Gathering workers’ complaints – the actual chemicals or substances handled
may be determined by interviewing the workers. More so, their complaints
can also be gathered and assessed in the clinic record.
5. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a summary of important health, safety, and
toxicological information on the chemical or the mixture ingredients.

Evaluation of Occupational Hazards

A. Determining the magnitude of hazards using industrial hygiene equipment

through Work Environment Measurement (WEM)
 Once the hazards have been recognized, it is necessary to measure the levels of
the hazards and the magnitude of workers’ exposure to them. This is done
through the WEM which employs direct measurement of hazards.

Types of Environmental Monitoring:

1. Personal Monitoring – the measurement of a particular employee’s exposure
to airborne contaminants. The measuring device is placed as close as possible
to the contaminant’s entry port to the body. For example, when monitoring
a toxic air contaminant, the measuring device is placed close to the worker’s
breathing zone. The data collected closely approximates the concentration
of contaminants to which the worker is exposed to.
2. Area/Environmental Sampling – Environmental sampling is the measurement
of contaminant concentration in the workroom. The measuring device is
placed adjacent to the worker’s normal workstation or at fixed locations in
the work area. This kind of monitoring does not provide a good estimate of
worker’s exposure but helps to pinpoint work areas with high or low exposure
levels of contaminants.

Instruments used to measure the different hazards:

 Lux Meter - illumination

 Psychrometer - humidity
 Anemometer - air movement
 Smoke Tester - air direction
 Globe Thermometer - heat
 Sound Level Meter - noise

3. Biological Monitoring – involves the measurement of changes in the

composition of body fluids, tissue, or expired air to determine absorption of
a potentially hazardous material. Examples are measurement of lead and
mercury in blood or in urine.

Occupational Safety and Health Center. (n.d.). Basic occupational safety and health
training. Department of Labor and
Employment. https://www.oshc.dole.gov.ph/images/OSHTrainingAnnouncement/BO
SH-Manual_Narrative-Handout.pdf