Occupational hygiene risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling workplace hazards that can affect the health and safety of workers. This can include physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic hazards. The goal of occupational hygiene risk management is to prevent or minimize exposure to these hazards to protect workers from illness or injury....
Nanoparticles have distinct features that make them valuable for a wide range of industries. But these tiny particulates also come with their share of health hazards and therefore have occupational hygienists at work to keep them in check. In this blog, we will define nanoparticles, their process of generation, health hazards, the assessment process, and...
Heat stress is the average heat load an industrial worker might be subjected to as a result of the combined effects of work-related processes and atmospheric conditions such as humidity, air temperature, radiant heat exchange, air movement, and clothing requirements. It is most commonly caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and can be exacerbated...
Occupational noise exposure to sound pressure levels above 85 dB is one of the serious concerns of Australian organisations as long-term exposure to this level can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Occupational Noise The 2015 National Code of Practice “Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work” mentions the negative effects of noise on health, stating...
The various industrial welding and thermal cutting processes produce fumes and cause serious hazards to workers undertaking the job. A huge cohort of workers is potentially regularly exposed to welding fume, contributing significantly to the work-related burden of disease and injury (IARC, 2018). Welders are potentially exposed to metal fumes, gases, ultraviolet radiation, noise, electric...
Respirable crystalline silica dust produced from processes done on products in the manufacturing and construction industries is a serious concern for organisations in Australia. It is harmful to the workers exposed to it and can cause life-threatening illnesses. This blog will discuss respirable crystalline silica dust, products and processes that produce it, precautions that need...
Workplace Exposure Standards have been in place in Australia since 1995 to help businesses eliminate or reduce the harmful chemicals to which their workers are exposed. They aim to promote Workplace Health and Safety as per the regulation and laws established in the country to secure employee health. The various chemical manufacturing and other industries...
Isocyanate compounds are harmful chemicals used in various manufacturing materials like plastics, paints, polyurethane foams, rubbers, adhesives, and varnishes. Isocyanates are available in a variety of forms. A paint hardener labelled to be free of isocyanates—that is, no isocyanate monomers2—could still be toxic due to a high proportion of other isocyanate forms, including polymeric isocyanates....
Vibration Testing is crucial for workers’ safety in Australia. The 2018-2019 Safe Work Australia statistics state that from the total compensation provided to the workers, 87% was for musculoskeletal disorders, and 40% for joint, ligament, muscle, and tendon injuries. Vibration Testing A vibration test is an assessment to identify the various machine parts that cause...
Acoustic Consultant An acoustic consultant is a certified sound and vibrations professional who helps businesses understand noise and test and design measures to control it as per the client’s requirement. Also called acoustics engineers, acousticians, or sound technicians, they utilise the scientific knowledge of the movement of sound through space in designing and enhancing buildings,...
