RISK – Health complications from OHH hazards
Examples of occupational hygiene risks include airborne contaminants, carcinogens, hot/cold working conditions, vibration, laser safety, psychosocial and UV and Ionising Radiation.
Occupational health and hygiene is the process of identification, assessment, prioritisation (using a risk-based approach) and control of health hazards to protect workers' health and wellbeing, and to safeguard the community.
Hazards associated with occupational hygiene includes (but are not limited to):
- Chemical agents
- Physical agents
- Biological agents
- Ergonomic factors
- Psychosocial factors
For chemical agents, consider:
- The use of hazardous chemicals
- Exposure to airborne contaminants
- Prohibited / restricted carcinogens
- Lead work
- Route of exposure (e.g. inhalation, absorption, ingestion, injection)
For Physical agents, consider:
- Contact with Asbestos
- Importation of asbestos containing products
- Equipment containing ionising radiation
- Exposure to UV Radiation
- Use of lasers
- Noise at the workplace
For Biological agents, consider:
- Exposure to biological agents such as bacteria and viruses, and the requirements of occupational immunisation
For Ergonomic factors, consider:
- Risk factors including whole-body and hand-arm vibrations
For Psychosocial factors, consider:
- Psychosocial risk factors and the implementation of health and wellbeing programs
Sunshine Coast Airport Expansion Project set up a UV Station for its workers.