Occupational Health in
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector, with its diverse range of products, presents a unique set of health challenges. From appliances to edibles, each product type comes with its own set of potential hazards.
Customized Health Surveillance and Screening
For assessing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss.
For conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases caused by various manufacturing-related factors.
For conditions like dermatitis resulting from materials or prolonged exposure to certain environments.
For issues arising from vibration exposure and poor ergonomic positioning when using hand tools.
Specifically for roles like food handlers and drivers.
The Imperative of Health Surveillance
Health surveillance becomes a necessity when:
- The nature of the work has known health implications, and there’s a reasonable likelihood of health issues arising due to specific work conditions.
- There have been prior instances of work-related health concerns within the workforce or workplace.
- There’s a dependency on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as a primary measure to control exposure.
Your risk assessment procedures should ideally identify the need for health surveillance.
Instances of Health Surveillance
Certain scenarios where health surveillance becomes paramount
- Previous cases of work-related health issues within the workforce or workplace.
- Dependency on PPE, such as gloves or respirators, to control exposure. It’s essential to understand that even with rigorous supervision, PPE might not always offer complete protection.
- Recognized health issues associated with specific jobs within the industry.
It’s advisable to steer clear of blanket screening for all employees, as it might not always yield accurate results and could divert resources that could be better utilized elsewhere.
Some of the prevalent health concerns in manufacturing include:
Food Dusts
Exposure to food dusts, such as flour, can lead to respiratory issues like occupational asthma and hypersensitivity pneumonitis.
Auditory Concerns
Prolonged exposure to loud noises can result in hearing impairments and conditions like tinnitus.
Physical Strain & Postural Issues
Activities involving heavy lifting, repetitive movements, or maintaining improper postures can lead to musculo-skeletal disorders.
Vibration-Related Issues
Continuous exposure to vibrations can lead to neurological and circulatory problems, as well as musculo-skeletal disorders.
Spray Paints & Coatings
Utilizing these materials can result in skin irritations and respiratory complications.
Sickness Absence
Frequent absences can disrupt production processes and increase the workload on other team members.