The Health And Safety Hazards Risks Of Employees Health Essay

The Health And ca exposechouc Hazards Risks Of Employees Health Essayoccupational Health and recourse is a discipline with broad scope involving numerous specialized fields. In its broadest sense it aims at the promotion and sustainment of the tallest period of physical, mental and social well cosmosness of bestowers in each(prenominal) occupations. more specifically, occupational Health and safety device encompasses the social, mental and physical well being of lamers, that is the whole person.With the alarming be of organise-related infirmityes, maladys, injuries and accidents, the cling toion of wrickers against these has been found vital in the historical mandate of the International weary Organisation (ILO guidelines 2001). The ILO celeb measures world day succession for Health and Safety at Work on the 28th of April all(prenominal) division in the memory of inventers who died at their bole of mictu locate all everyplace the world. One of ILOs goal i s thus to boost opportunities for employees in order to go decent and productive flow. Decent work means safe work- a positive factor which crapper boost up productivity and beca drop lead to economic growth.In this modern while, technological advancement and impetuous competition communicate prompt changes in the conditions of work, work processes and the judicature. It heap be remark that though legislation is crucial, it is insufficient to keep pace with f dispiriteding hazards and risks. This is why it has been found necessary to take into account the guidelines on occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS) which displace indeed support this effort.With the grounding of the occupational Safety, Health Welfargon Act of 1988(OSHWA 1988) which came into force in whitethorn 1989, followed by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 2005(OSHA 2005) which was proclaimed on 1st September 2007 and re blotd the OSHWA 1988, wellness and synthetic guard ente red an opposite dimension by binding the state. Health and arctic started to gain more consideration in the agendas of the motley stakeholders namely the Government, the employers, the employees and their trade unions, the non-governmental organisations as well as raisingal and training institutions. It is an undeniable fact that this has posed a need for creating wellness and asylum aw atomic number 18ness among the employees and employers and consequently leading to a continuous change magnitude in the number of work related accidents and illnesses among the Mauritian and foreign workers. In m any(prenominal) organisations in Mauritius, in that respect is a reactive approach to wellness and safety that is taking action to prevent the recurrence of an undesired event, abide by with existing wellness and safety and another(prenominal) legislations. However, in other organisations such(prenominal) as the Pamplemousses/Riviere Du Rempart regularize Council (PRDC) health an d safety is being hatfult in a pro-active, effective and challenging way, that is, risks atomic number 18 being identified, pass judgmented, and figureled before the first unbecoming event. Furthermore, health and safety is an integrated part of the management systems whereby at for each star level of management, health and safety is being looked with the same consideration as other organisational activities.1.2 Problem StatementLot of emphasis has been put on the attribution of adverse health consequences and lack of safety arising from work. While the number of oeuvre injuries, illnesses and demise be increasing, there is considerable evidence that these describe rates be under-estimates of the actual numbers of injuries and accidents. Dembe (2005) outlines that workplace injuries and illnesses affect those wound or ill in term of physical impairment, functional limitations, doomed wages and hence limiting the workers superpower to do their job conveniently. With e nvision to the nature of work, it has been found necessary to note that individuals ar chronically unresolved to adverse psychosocial works milieus (Bosma et al, 1998 Hemingway and Marmot 1999 Belkic et al, 2004). Job position is a major(ip) business concern especially when dealing with manual discussion. More specifically, regular woful of comp onenessnts from stores or lorries or while lifting soggy loads, workers stomach suffer from back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, cable cardiovascular disease and so on. For instance, the workers employed in the scavenging department at the PRDC ar loose to a series of hazards which can in let go lead to accidents if precautionary measures atomic number 18 not taken. It can be noted that though scavengers ar provided with Personal preventative Equipment (PPE), they do not use them efficiently. But the fact remains that there is no proper hygienics and comfort as they constitute to practically linger in the savages prone a t the back of the lorry. To mediocre about extent, lack of training and scant(p) superintendence might be the feats of the workers cargonlessness. Nevertheless, we cannot disregard the fact stated by Olsen and Lindee (2009) that the shipping of technology can change magnitude the risks of new failures, misuse, accidents and unhealthy workplaces.1.3 bewilder and Objectives1.3.1 AimThe aim of this withdraw is to evaluate the health and safety risks and hazards present at the PRDC resist battle array section and hence provide recommendations for improvement.1.3.2 ObjectivesThe set(p) objectives areTo identify risks and hazards present in the PRDC respond accumulation section and prize the measures in place including policies and procedures.To assess the importance of safeguarding Health and Safety at the District Council.To determine the level of Health and Safety awareness.To evaluate the Occupational Health and Safety Management System in place at the PRDC.To propose r ecommendations to improve Health and Safety in the working environment at the PRDC.1.4 Research QuestionsDoes the District Council cede a proper set of policies and procedures?Are the employees aware of the Health and Safety Policy and procedures of the organization and the distinguishable arrangement in it?How much is management committed towards the Health, Safety and offbeat of its employees?Does the PRDC undertake Risk Assessments and keep proper records as well as superviseing of progress and action taken to eliminate risks and hazards?What are the benefits brought to the PRDC by the implementation of OHSMS and barriers encountered in its implementation?CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW2.0 substructure to the chapterIn modern society, the order of surplus is frequently taken for granted. stack put waste out and expect that its gone within a day, without even realizing how it is collected. However, for those who collect waste, the reality of the situation is genuinely often different. languish is an obvious existence health hazard and waste collection is a very waste project to undertake.There are a legions of challenges that face Local Government worldwide in this new era rapidly evolving technologies, managing staffs, public figureing partnerships by engaging new citizens, delivering services, lack of finance, dealing with health and safety issues at work and socio-economic demographics are some relevant examples. Aram (2009) powerfully believes that under genuine countries are often undetermined to exploitation since they lack safeguards and expertise that prevent harm to workers. He even elaborates on the fact that prior efforts to address workplace hazards in these countries have practically failed.East Cambridgeshire District Council faces mainly the issue of air pollution. Similarly, more urban districts in Cambridgeshire have encountered air gauge problems go awaying from massive motor vehicle emission. It is necessary to monitor t he adverse health issues in this modern era arising in the line of reasoning of work. Ongoing research efforts are required regarding the magnitude of health make associated with working conditions (Smulders et al.1996 Lavis et al.2001). For instance, an employer whitethorn implement applied science controls with the aim of eliminating a safety hazard and thus increasing productivity without even considering the direct hold dear of health benefits. Notwithstanding these studies, clear opportunities exist to improve health and safety of workers by the improvement in work environment.2.1 Definition of technical termsWhen we refer to hazards in relation to Occupational Safety and Health, the closely commonly used definition is a hazard is a capability quotation of harm or adverse health effect on a person or persons.Risk is the deallihood that a person may be harmed or suffers adverse health effects if jeopardised to a hazard.An Occupational Health and Safety Management Sy stem (OHSMS) is defined as a framework whereby all hazards are identified, health and safety risks are controlled and the potential occurrences for accidents are reduced in a particular organization by putting in place all the existing control measures and continually improving its performance. In other words, the content and scope of OHSMS is goaded by the identification and hazards and implementation of corresponding measure or plain evaluating the measures already in place (Mearns K. and Flin R.).An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) curriculum is a definite plan of action designed to prevent accidents and occupational diseases/injuries.An Occupational Health and Safety Policy is a statement of principles and putting surfaceplace rules that serve as guides for action.Safe work practice is a pen instruction outlining the preferred method of performing a task/ legal action whilst emphasizing ways to minimize any risk(s) or hazard that makes a safe system of work(University of Wollongong, 2011).In developing countries, forswear collection is characterized by a dominance of manual handling tasks. harmonize to National Occupational Research Agency, an estimate of 122, 000 workers are employed in waste collection (NORA, 2009). However, refuse collectors around the world are at risks for occupational illnesses and injuries (Kuijer et al., 2010). They have a higher risk of fatal occupational injuries than the general men (Dorevitch, 2001) and they account for about 80% of all reported injuries (HSE).Until recently, relatively lowly research has focused on the hazards in the waste in pitter-patterry, even though waste collection is a high-hazard job with a fatality rate 10 times that of all workers (Drudi, 1997). Collecting waste has long been know to be a dirty and physical work. However, it is among the nearly fatal occupations.The collection of solid waste has been found to be among the highest risk occupations in the linked States (Englehardt et al ., 2001). As refuse collection is done manually in Mauritius, the refuse collectors have direct contact with waste and are therefore open(a) to septic micro-organisms, toxic materials and other harmful substances. They are exposed to an extensive conversion of health risks and hazards. bend collectors are working in a hard, unsafe and poor working condition with a lack of work protection equipment. However, the actual risk may be largely underreported since this tribe of workers has not been well studied.2.2 Health and Safety hazards and risks among refuse collectorsHealth and safety problem is an inevitable characteristic of the scavenging department. By its nature and variety of activities, scavenging has a bundle of hazards and unsafe situation and therefore refuse collectors are very much exposed to accident, workplace injuries and diseases.Scavenging is a ram process knobbed in the initial collection and processing of recoverable materials (Loan 2002). In other words, s cavengers collect materials that have been discarded as waste and add measure out to them by sorting, cleaning, and altering the physical shape to facilitate transport. Scavenging has some nix effects on the refuse collectors as they live in insanitary conditions and the nature of their occupation exposes them to potentially defileive bio-aerosols that may lead to the public image of various diseases. Eye irritation, respiratory diseases, skin diseases, minor injuries from stepping on disjointed bottles or sharp objects in the refuse, backache from bending down most of the time and headaches arising from working in the sun are some examples. Offensive odours in waste disposal sites and the abundance of fleas, along with the lack of personal tutelar equipment, make working conditions even more unhygienic. Rag-pickers collect plastics, paper, cardboards, cans, glass bottles, rubber materials, ferrous and non-ferrous metals from public places, streets, dump sites or landfills c an be barbaric as they are exposed to various infectious agents (Ray et al, 2004) and toxic substances that may hit illness. At times, they may face social abuse from received elements of society, which may lead to social problems and hence creation of greater incident that they get engaged into the consumption of alcohol and cigarette smoking.From a study carried out in Thailand, it can be noted that the physical health problems of scavengers undertaking routine work, are low back pain and sprains, common colds, and skin rashes. Other problems include headaches, fatigue and shortness of intimation. Some scavengers do not use PPE and thus risk their health while some eat nutriment found at the dump site which can pose a serious problem to their own well-being. Scavengers with low levels of education have more work-related accidents (Khalil and Milhem, 2004).All workplaces have hazards and risks. Hazards can cause harm, stain and can even lead to fatal accidents. Occupational Health and Safety is therefore a very essential part of every workplace as in most cases employees lives play on it. Below are hazards that refuse collectors are exposed toChemical hazardsBiological hazardsPhysical hazardsergonomic hazardsPsychosocial hazards2.2.1 Chemical hazardsChemical hazards among refuse collectors arise from contamination with harmful chemicals like disinfectants, cleaning products and pesticides. It can be noted that these chemicals exist in form of solid, liquid and gas which can contaminate human body at the point of contact (NIOSH, 1985). Some of the common chemicals found at hazardous waste sites include asbestos, aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, herbicides, insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (NIOSH, 1985). These chemicals are associated with cardiovascular, dermal, gastrointestinal, neurologic and respiratory effects and cancer (NIOSH, 1985)There is ample evidence that dust in like manner represents a potential hazar d to refuse collectors on site. In 2002, Krajewski et al. conducted a study in Poland so as to assess occupational moving picture among workers employed in the municipal waste collection and the results revealed that workers were exposed to highest dust concentration on sites of refuse collection. hold out collectors are also exposed to vehicle exhaust fumes which may contribute to respiratory problems (Hansen et al., 1997). Furthermore, the engineering design of the refuse collection truck may cause some(prenominal) potential health hazards to the workers. We should note that the location of the exhaust pipes on most refuse collection trucks directs the fumes towards the work area and this can at last result in over-exposure to carbon monoxide (Cimino, 1975).2.2.2 Biological hazardsIn 2006, a analyze was carried out by Lavoie et al., in Canada among refuse collectors and the results showed that they are highly exposed to airborne bacteria and fungi (bio-aerosols). Most of the t ime refuse collectors succeed across medical checkup wastes which are often encountered in hospitals, health centres and medical laboratories. Wastes generated from health care activities, more specifically, discarded syringes, needles, cotton swabs and other types of infectious waste are often not segregated. As a result, they are disposed in normal bins. These wastes contain infectious materials that can cause diseases, if exposed to (Morton, 2010).A cross-sectional study was conducted by Rachiotis et al., 2012 among 208 Municipal unfluctuating Waste Workers of a municipality in Central Greece in order to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B (HBV), risk factors for infection and ways of virus transmitting among them. The result demonstrated that occupational exposure to waste is a come-at-able risk factor for HBV infection since prevalence of HBV infection was found to be 23%.Medical waste contains a huge variety of pathogenic microorganisms (Morton, 2010). Pathogens in infe ctious waste may enter the human body in several routesBy ingestionBy inhalation with the mucous membranesThrough a puncture, abrasion or cut in the skinContaminated sharps, mainly hypodermic needles are probably the waste items that represent the most acute potential health hazards. This may expose refuse collectors to communicable disease risks, including blood-borne viruses such as Hepatitis B and C and HIV (Morton, 2010). Moreover, sharps can cause cuts and punctures and as a result infect these wounds if they are contaminated with pathogens. Sharps are therefore regarded as a very hazardous waste class.2.2.3 Physical hazardsSlip, trip and fall risksSlip, trip and travel are common in almost all occupations, including refuse collection. The results from the numerate of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) Program carried out by the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics showed that fatal slips, trips and falls took the lives of 666 workers in 2011. The fact that scavenging task is carr ied out disregardless of the weather conditions or slippery surface caused by rain, refuse collectors are often victim of slips and falls if enough attention is not paying to the surface on which they are walking.Uneven paths, manhole covers and drains are potential light-headed hazards, especially if refuse collectors are in a haste to sleep together the task. In addition, hurrying can also lead to refuse collectors endangering their lives by falling while climbing onto the back of the lorry to accelerate the loading. Refuse collectors suffering from a slip, trip or fall at work can result in pain and lead to a semipermanent disability, depending on the severity of the injury.NoiseExposure to illegitimate enterprise at work can be detrimental to workers health and it can even increase the risk of accidents (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2005). Scavenging task takes place during peak traffic hours most of the time, thus refuse collectors are exposed to noise. Th e workers usually work on roads with heavy traffic and in vicinity of noisy machinery. However, very often, the collection truck itself is the cause of noise problem. Annoyance due to road traffic noise created from beeping of horns by car drivers was found to be among the highest noise factors (Chowdhury et al., 2012)Animals and Insects BiteDuring waste collection, refuse workers often come across animals like dogs, cats, insects or stings which represent a potential danger to them. The refuse collectors are exposed broadly speaking to dogs while assemblage domestic wastes. Since dogs are very territorial, especially when stranger enters their property, this can result in violent personal attacks.Moreover, both insects and rodents represent an occupational and public health hazards. Contact with rodents therefore can result in bites and this can lead to redness and swelling in the wound area and can even cause an allergic reaction. Insects and rodents can thus transmit diseases to workers by bites or by indirect contact.Ergonomic Hazards manual(a) manipulationThe task of refuse collectors consists of extensive heavy lifting as well as other manual handling of containers and thus increasing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders (Rushton, 2003). manual(a) handling has been defined by the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 as any transporting or supporting of a load, including the lifting, putting down, pushing, carrying or moving thereof by hand or bodily force.The Health and Safety Executive(HSE) records show that more than a third of all accidents reported are injuries occurred from work and thus workers being absent for more than 3 eld are related to manual handling at workplace. It can cause injury in the short term through accidents and in the long term damage from bad handling techniques.Manual handling includes any activityInvolving forceful and repetitive movements.Where the person always maintain restrain and awkward postures.Examples of Manual Handling Activities include*Figure 1 Manual Handling Activities*Source esvhealthwatch.vic.gov.auThe common types of manual handling injuries are as followsArm, shoulder and wrist injuries.Back injuries caused by unstable and heavy loads. degenerative pain.Hernias and strain injuries.Injuries caused by prolonged repetition of work (for example, a refuse collector continually collecting refuse).The above mentioned can affect an individuals quality of life and also his ability to work. The cost of ill-health will therefore depend on the nature and extent of disease and illness that is prevalent.Preventing Manual Handling InjuriesOSHA requires all employers who have a legal responsibility against employees to provide them with a safe and healthy workplace.The National Standard for Manual Handling requires that all tasks involving Manual Handling at a particular workplace should be identified and risks and likelihood of injuries should be assessed accordingly.Appropriate contro l measures should be introduced where there is a risk of injury.Provision of adequate and sufficient training in the safe techniques and methods of manual handling and lifting.musculoskeletal DisordersMusculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent one of the principal causes of occupational injury, illness and disability within many countries and various occupations (Mehrdad et al., 2008)MSDs are one of the most frequent work-related injuries among refuse collectors due to the heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying activities involved in their daily duty of refuse collection (Ijzelenberg et al., 2004 Keyserling, 2000 Hoozemans et al., 2004)A survey conducted in 2008 by Mehrdad et al. among a group of municipal solid waste collectors in Tehran revealed that the symptoms of MSDs experienced by the workers were low back (45%), knees (29%), shoulders (24%), upper back (23%) and neck (22%).Moreover, studies reveal that MSDs among refuse collectors are higher than most of the other wor kforces. Abou El Wafa et al., carried out a cross-sectional study in 2012 among 120 refuse collectors at the Western Municipality of Mansoura City, Egypt with a comparison group of 110 male service workers at the University in order to assess the percentage of musculoskeletal complaints and their possible risk factors among the refuse collectors. The result showed that musculoskeletal complaints were higher among the refuse collectors (60.8%) than the comparison group (43.6%).Lifting loadRefuse collectors and store workers are often engaged in carrying and handling loads without proper lifting techniques which eventually causes stress on the back and musculoskeletal system. Repetitive actions worsen the situations. Some examples of handling loads would be lifting, pulling, carrying, drag and holding. Handling load is classified as heavy work which involves energetic and static work.In a study carried out by Olaogun et al (2002), their findings concluded that workers who are often e ngaged in lifting heavy objects were mostly afflicted by Low Back Pain. It was also reported that amidst 80% and 90% of all back pain is caused by incorrect postural habits. The knowledge of how to prevent back pain was generally poor among the respondents.Costs of Back InjuriesThe most common injury is to the back and it can be very painful. If, a workers job involves heavy manual labour then back injuries can certainly damage his job prospects. In Mauritius back pain is among one of the major occupational disease. For instance, all cases of occupational and work related diseases diagnosed in hospital (Ministry of Health 2009) shows the result being 37% and 39% in 2007 and 2008 respectively.It should be noted that measures taken to diminish or eliminate the problem of back pain can bring a lot of benefits to an organization (Managing sickness absences and returns to work 2005). Such measures areBetter workplace relations.Improved business performances.Safe and healthy workplaces. belongings of valued staffs.Reduced compensation and rehabilitation costs.Psychosocial HazardsViolence at workHSE defines work related violence as any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.The most common causes of violence at work are personal conflicts, foiling due to workload and poor working conditions and environment. However, violence at work can lead to other problems such as minor injury, major injury and even fatal injury. Violence to refuse collectors can cause pain, distress, disability or even death. Nevertheless, serious or persistent literal abuse can be a significant problem as it can pose serious complication to refuse collectors health through anxiety and stress.StressStress at work is the reaction of workers when work load and pressures become beyond their normal capability and becomes difficult for them to deal with (Semmer, 2007).Most of the employees encounter stress to a certain degree in their daily work environment. Work related stress causes a negative impact on employees leading to poor physical and mental health state. gibe to the statistics of Health and Safety Executive (2005), over 500, 000 workers in coupled Kingdom advocated that their illness were due to stress at work and 15% of all the working population confirmed that their work was enormously stressful. However, it is widely acknowledged that work related stress is linked to elevate sickness absence, higher labour turnover and early retirement (Kerr et al., 2009)2.2.6 Road AccidentsRefuse collectors have to collect wastes from both sides of a street. Their task involves climbing on and alighting from trucks, carrying trash containers and so on. Sometimes garbage causes obstruction which prevent their ability to see approaching vehicles and thus result in accident (Drudi, 1997). According to the National Solid Waste Management Association, in 2008 there were 31 refuse collectors killed on the job in Florid a. The statistics from the HSE between 2001 and 2006 shows that 513 refuse collectors suffered over 3 days workplace transport injuries. This implies that their injuries from the accident were serious enough for they were given three days sick leave.2.3 Occupational DiseaseAccording to the Protocol of 2002 of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155), the term Occupational disease refers to any disease contracted as a result of an exposure to risk factors arising from work activity. Occupational diseases are the icebergs that challenge occupational health and safety experts. The number of cases of occupational disease reported for statistical surveys is just the tip of the iceberg. It should be noted that refuse collectors experience a variety of adverse health effect. The situation of refuse collectors in different developing countries is comparable as they are exposed to all risks than their counterparts in developed countries. A survey carried out in Bethlehem and Hebron Districts, among 209 refuse collectors revealed that they faced work related disease such as sore throat, diarrhea, shortness of breath and skin disease (Milhem, 2004). Based on Health Studies of refuse collectors carried out in India, tuberculosis, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia are the most frequently experienced diseases among waste pickers (Huisman, 1994).2.4 Occupational InjuryOccupational injury is defined as sudden, anticipated, and undesirable events during work, leading to harm or damage to at least one part of the body (Poulson et al., 1995). The job of waste collection is associated with a high risk of occupational injury and most often injuries among waste collectors was the back, followed by the knees, hands, and feet (Ivens et al., 1998). A study by Bourdouxhe et al. (1993) reported an even higher rate of injury among waste collectors 74% of the waste collectors in municipality companies and 57% in private enterprise.2.5 HousekeepingOne essential compone nt of unassailable working conditions is good keep. It helps to the prevention of occupational injuries and diseases. Good housekeeping also includes commonplace cleanliness, tidiness and good order in all parts of the workplace and is important when it comes to good safety practice. The fact that housekeeping is a maintenance task therefore it cannot be achieved without the participation of everyone in the workplace.Hazards associated with poor housekeepingSlips, trips and fallsObjects fall from above causing injury to workersStriking against unwelcome sharp edges of objects causing injuryCrushing injuriesIn America, around 300,000 disenable injuries occur every year resulting in death of 1400 workers. 15-20% of workers compensation claims are owing to slips, trips and falls at workplace. The United States Bureau of Labour Statistics (2012) declare 303,800 fall injuries at place of work in 2000. 15% of death is caused by slips, trips and falls at workplace.2.6 Personal Protec tive EquipmentPersonal Protective Equipment (PPE) is intended to protect individuals from the risks and injury creating a barrier against workplace hazards. PPE is not a substitute for good engineering controls, administrative controls or good working practices. Instead, it is used in conjunction with these controls to ensure the safety and health of workers. PPE should be used when it has been determined as its use will diminish the likelihood of occupational injury and/or illnesses when other protection methods are not available. PPE should always be worn when working with hazards.PPE that refuse collectors should normally wearHand protection (gloves)Respiratory masksOverallSafety bootsSafety helmetsThe bureau of Labour Statistics of America (2012) revealed that 333, 272 eyes injuries were reported as occupational in the year 1985. Another study in connection to disenable injuries showed that there were 32, 000 hand and finger injuries, 70, 000 eye injuries, 70,000 head and face injuries and 110, 000 food and toe injuries in 1987. These figures represent 31.7% of the estimated 1, 800, 000 total disabling work injuries for the year 1987.These reports which were examined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administrator department in America show that in only those cases where a worker was injured werePersonal Protective Equipment was not being worn the vast legal age of time.Some types of the protective equipment worn by the worker did not protect him fully.The importance of preventive measuresAccording to research conducted on Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders as part of the Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Consortium with the National institute of Occupationa