UNIT II OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE 9

Definition of the term occupational health and hygiene - Categories of health hazards -
Exposure pathways and human responses to hazardous and toxic substances - Advantages and
limitations of environmental monitoring and occupational exposure limits - Hierarchy of
control measures for occupational health risks - Role of personal protective equipment and the
selection criteria - Effects on humans - control methods and reduction strategies for noise,
radiation and excessive stress.

Definition of the term occupational health and hygiene:

Occupational Health and Hygiene refers to the field concerned with the identification,
evaluation, and control of workplace hazards to ensure the safety and well-being of workers. It
involves both the prevention of injury and illness caused by conditions in the workplace and
the promotion of physical, mental, and social well-being of workers.

 Occupational Health: Focuses on preventing work-related diseases, accidents, and

promoting a healthy work environment. It covers risk assessment, health promotion,
ergonomics, and compliance with safety regulations.
 Occupational Hygiene: Involves the anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control
of environmental factors or stresses arising in or from the workplace, which may cause
sickness, impaired health, or discomfort among workers. This includes managing
chemical, biological, physical, and ergonomic hazards.

Categories of health hazards:

Health hazards in the workplace can be broadly categorized into the following groups:

1. Physical Hazards

 Noise: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss.
 Vibration: Repeated exposure can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or
other musculoskeletal disorders.
 Temperature extremes: Excessive heat or cold can lead to heat stress, hypothermia,
or frostbite.
 Radiation: Includes ionizing (e.g., X-rays, radioactive materials) and non-ionizing
radiation (e.g., UV rays, microwaves) that can cause burns, cancer, or other health
issues.

2. Chemical Hazards

 Toxic chemicals: Substances like solvents, pesticides, heavy metals (e.g., lead,
mercury) can cause poisoning, organ damage, or cancers.
 Flammable or explosive substances: Certain chemicals pose fire or explosion risks.
 Carcinogens: Substances like asbestos, benzene, or formaldehyde that can cause
cancer after long-term exposure.

3. Biological Hazards

 Infectious agents: Bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites can cause diseases such as
tuberculosis, hepatitis, or influenza.
  Allergens: Exposure to molds, pollen, or animal dander that can cause allergic
reactions or asthma.
 Biohazardous materials: Working in environments such as healthcare, agriculture,
or laboratories where exposure to blood, bodily fluids, or other biological substances
is possible.

4. Ergonomic Hazards

 Repetitive movements: Tasks that involve repetitive actions, force, or awkward

postures can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like carpal tunnel syndrome or
back injuries.
 Poor workstation design: Inadequate chairs, screens, or tools can cause physical
strain or injury over time.

5. Psychosocial Hazards

 Work-related stress: High job demands, lack of control, or job insecurity can lead to
mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and burnout.
 Violence and harassment: Workplace bullying, verbal or physical abuse can have
serious emotional and psychological impacts.
 Fatigue: Long hours, shift work, or inadequate breaks can impair decision-making
and increase the risk of accidents.

6. Mechanical Hazards

 Moving machinery: Equipment with moving parts can cause cuts, crush injuries, or
amputations.
 Falls from heights: Poorly secured ladders or scaffolding can result in falls, leading
to severe injury.
 Impact injuries: Objects falling or striking workers, like in construction, can lead to
serious injury.

Exposure pathways and human responses to hazardous and toxic substances:

Exposure Pathways

Exposure pathways describe the routes by which hazardous and toxic substances enter the
human body. The main exposure pathways are:

1. Inhalation
o Description: Breathing in hazardous substances in the form of gases, vapors,
dust, fumes, or aerosols.
o Examples: Asbestos fibers, solvent fumes, airborne lead particles.
o Human response: Respiratory issues such as irritation, asthma, lung damage,
and long-term risks like lung cancer.
2. Ingestion
o Description: Swallowing hazardous substances, either through contaminated
food, water, or direct hand-to-mouth contact.
o Examples: Consuming contaminated drinking water (e.g., lead, pesticides),
ingesting chemicals from unwashed hands.
 o Human response: Gastrointestinal issues, poisoning, liver or kidney damage,
and chronic diseases like cancer.
3. Dermal (Skin) Contact
o Description: Absorption of hazardous substances through the skin.
o Examples: Direct contact with acids, solvents, or industrial chemicals.
o Human response: Skin irritation, dermatitis, burns, or allergic reactions.
Some chemicals can penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream, causing
systemic effects.
4. Injection
o Description: Direct introduction of a substance into the bloodstream through a
break in the skin.
o Examples: Accidental needle sticks, sharp injuries, or puncture wounds from
contaminated objects.
o Human response: Localized infections, bloodborne diseases (e.g., hepatitis,
HIV), or systemic poisoning.

Human Responses to Hazardous and Toxic Substances

Human responses to hazardous substances vary depending on the type, dose, duration of
exposure, and individual susceptibility. These responses can be categorized into acute and
chronic effects:

Acute Responses

 Immediate or short-term effects following a single or short-duration exposure to a

high concentration of a toxic substance.
 Examples:
o Respiratory distress: Inhalation of toxic gases or fumes can cause coughing,
shortness of breath, or chemical pneumonitis.
o Skin burns and irritation: Contact with corrosive chemicals can lead to
burns, redness, or swelling.
o Poisoning: Ingestion of toxic chemicals like pesticides or heavy metals can
cause nausea, vomiting, seizures, or death.
o Allergic reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions like anaphylaxis, hives, or
asthma can occur in response to allergens or sensitizers.

Chronic Responses

 Long-term effects from repeated or prolonged exposure to lower levels of toxic

substances.
 Examples:
o Cancer: Prolonged exposure to carcinogens like asbestos, benzene, or
formaldehyde can lead to cancers of the lungs, liver, skin, or other organs.
o Respiratory diseases: Long-term inhalation of dust or fumes (e.g., silica,
asbestos) can cause diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
(COPD), asbestosis, or silicosis.
o Liver and kidney damage: Prolonged exposure to solvents or heavy metals
can impair liver and kidney function.
o Neurological disorders: Chronic exposure to neurotoxic substances like lead,
mercury, or certain pesticides can lead to cognitive decline, memory loss,
tremors, or mood disorders.
 o Reproductive and developmental issues: Exposure to certain chemicals
(e.g., endocrine disruptors, lead) during pregnancy can cause birth defects,
developmental delays, or reproductive issues.

Factors Influencing Human Response

1. Dose: The amount of the substance exposed to. Higher doses generally cause more
severe responses.
2. Duration: The length of exposure. Acute exposure tends to result in immediate
effects, while chronic exposure may result in long-term health problems.
3. Frequency: How often the exposure occurs. Repeated low-level exposure can still
lead to cumulative health effects.
4. Route of exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, or skin contact can influence the severity of
the body's response.
5. Individual susceptibility: Factors such as age, genetics, pre-existing health
conditions, and lifestyle choices (e.g., smoking, alcohol consumption) can affect how
someone responds to hazardous substances.

Common Examples of Toxic Substances and Their Effects

 Asbestos: Inhalation of fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
 Lead: Ingestion or inhalation can lead to neurological and developmental delays,
especially in children, along with kidney damage and anemia.
 Mercury: Can affect the nervous system, causing tremors, cognitive dysfunction, and
developmental issues in fetuses.
 Pesticides: Can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and in severe cases,
poisoning, or cancer.
 Solvents (e.g., benzene): Long-term exposure can lead to bone marrow suppression,
anemia, and leukemia.

Advantages and Limitations of Environmental Monitoring and Occupational Exposure

Limits

1. Environmental Monitoring

Advantages:

 Hazard Identification: It helps in detecting the presence and concentration of

hazardous substances (e.g., chemicals, dust, noise) in the workplace environment,
allowing for the identification of potential risks.
 Exposure Control: By regularly monitoring workplace environments, employers can
ensure that the level of harmful agents remains within safe limits, protecting workers
from dangerous exposure levels.
 Data-Driven Decisions: Environmental monitoring provides quantitative data that can
be used to assess the effectiveness of safety measures and control strategies. This data
helps in making informed decisions to mitigate risks.
 Regulatory Compliance: Monitoring helps businesses stay compliant with
government regulations and occupational health standards. This reduces the risk of
fines or penalties due to violations.
  Trend Analysis: Long-term environmental monitoring allows for the tracking of
exposure trends over time, which can identify emerging risks or the need for
improvements in control measures.
 Incident Prevention: By identifying early changes in environmental conditions,
organizations can proactively address hazards before they cause harm, reducing the
likelihood of accidents or health issues.

Limitations:

 Resource-Intensive: Environmental monitoring can be costly and time-consuming,

especially if it requires specialized equipment or expertise. Continuous or frequent
monitoring can strain resources.
 Sampling Limitations: Monitoring may not always capture accurate exposure levels
if the sampling locations or times do not reflect peak or worst-case conditions (e.g.,
only monitoring during certain shifts).
 Complexity: The interpretation of monitoring data often requires expert analysis, and
misinterpretation can lead to incorrect conclusions about the safety of the environment.
 Lag in Results: Depending on the methods used, there can be delays between sample
collection and obtaining results, making it challenging to address immediate hazards.
 Focus on Specific Hazards: Environmental monitoring typically focuses on certain
known hazards, meaning it may miss unexpected or emerging risks that haven’t been
anticipated.

2. Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs)

Advantages:

 Clear Safety Benchmarks: OELs provide defined thresholds for acceptable exposure
to hazardous substances, giving employers and workers clear guidelines on what levels
are considered safe.
 Legal and Regulatory Framework: OELs are often established by government
agencies (e.g., OSHA, NIOSH, ACGIH) and serve as enforceable legal standards,
ensuring uniform safety practices across industries.
 Health Protection: They are designed to protect workers from acute and chronic health
effects by limiting their exposure to harmful agents over defined periods (e.g., time-
weighted average (TWA), short-term exposure limits (STEL), or ceiling limits).
 Risk Communication: OELs are a widely understood and recognized tool for
communicating health risks, making it easier for workers and management to
understand and apply safety measures.
 Industry Standards: OELs serve as benchmarks for designing engineering controls,
administrative measures, and personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring consistent
safety practices across industries.
 Preventing Long-Term Health Issues: By adhering to OELs, companies can help
prevent chronic diseases such as cancer, respiratory diseases, and neurological
disorders that result from long-term exposure to hazardous substances.
Limitations:

 One-Size-Fits-All: OELs are typically based on population averages, which means

they may not protect all workers equally. Vulnerable groups (e.g., individuals with pre-
existing conditions, pregnant workers, or those genetically predisposed to health issues)
may still suffer harm at exposure levels below the established OELs.
 Incomplete Coverage: OELs do not exist for all hazardous substances, especially
emerging chemicals or new materials. Many substances in the workplace may have no
established OELs.
 Lag in Updates: Scientific understanding of toxic substances evolves, but OELs may
not be updated frequently enough to reflect the latest research. This can lead to outdated
limits that do not fully protect workers.
 Focus on Single Substances: OELs often address individual chemicals, but workers
may be exposed to complex mixtures, where combined effects or synergistic
interactions could pose greater risks.
 Short-Term vs. Long-Term Exposure: OELs often focus on preventing long-term
chronic exposure but may not always adequately protect against short-term high-
concentration exposures that can cause acute health effects.
 Assumptions in Exposure Patterns: OELs are based on assumptions about regular
working hours (e.g., 8-hour workdays) and exposure patterns, which may not accurately
reflect the conditions of shift workers, those working longer hours, or intermittent
exposures.

Hierarchy of control measures for occupational health risks:

The Hierarchy of Control is a framework used to minimize or eliminate exposure to

occupational health and safety risks. It ranks control measures from the most effective to the
least effective, guiding organizations in implementing strategies that best protect workers. The
hierarchy includes the following levels:

1. Elimination

 Description: This is the most effective control measure. It involves physically

removing the hazard entirely from the workplace.
 Examples:
o Removing toxic chemicals from a production process.
o Automating a manual task that poses risks.
 Advantages: Completely removes the risk, so there’s no chance of harm.
 Limitations: Often difficult or impossible to implement without significant changes to
processes, equipment, or products.

2. Substitution

 Description: Replacing a hazardous substance or process with a safer alternative that

reduces risk.
 Examples:
o Substituting a toxic chemical with a less harmful one.
o Using water-based paints instead of solvent-based paints.
 Advantages: Reduces risk by using less hazardous materials or processes.
 Limitations: The new substance or method must be thoroughly evaluated to ensure it
doesn’t introduce new risks.
3. Engineering Controls

 Description: Isolating people from the hazard by redesigning the work environment or
equipment.
 Examples:
o Installing ventilation systems to remove toxic fumes.
o Adding physical barriers or enclosures to separate workers from machinery.
o Implementing soundproofing to reduce noise levels.
 Advantages: These controls do not rely on worker behavior and provide continuous
protection once in place.
 Limitations: Can be costly to implement and may require regular maintenance or
adjustments to remain effective.

4. Administrative Controls

 Description: Changing work practices, policies, or procedures to reduce the duration,

frequency, or severity of exposure to hazards.
 Examples:
o Rotating workers to limit their exposure to hazardous conditions.
o Establishing safety protocols and training programs.
o Implementing signage and warning systems.
 Advantages: Relatively inexpensive and can be implemented quickly.
 Limitations: Relies heavily on human behavior, which can be inconsistent, and may
not fully eliminate the hazard. Effectiveness is limited compared to higher-level
controls.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

 Description: This is the last line of defense. PPE is used to protect workers when other
control measures are not sufficient to eliminate the hazard.
 Examples:
o Gloves, masks, respirators, earplugs, and safety goggles.
o Protective clothing, hard hats, and steel-toed boots.
 Advantages: Provides individual protection and can be deployed quickly.
 Limitations: Least effective control because it does not eliminate the hazard; it only
reduces the impact. It relies on proper use, maintenance, and worker compliance. PPE
can be uncomfortable or impede work efficiency.

Summary of the Hierarchy of Control

1. Elimination – Best, removes the hazard entirely.

2. Substitution – Replaces the hazard with a safer alternative.
3. Engineering Controls – Isolates people from the hazard.
4. Administrative Controls – Changes work procedures to reduce exposure.
5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Last resort, used when other controls aren’t
feasible or sufficient.
Role of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in Occupational Health and Safety

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) plays a critical role as the last line of defense in
protecting workers from exposure to hazards when other control measures (e.g., elimination,
substitution, engineering, administrative) are not feasible or sufficient. PPE minimizes the risk
of injury or illness by providing a physical barrier between the worker and the hazardous
environment.

Key Roles of PPE:

1. Protection Against Hazards: PPE shields workers from direct exposure to physical,
chemical, biological, and mechanical hazards (e.g., harmful chemicals, flying debris,
noise, infectious agents).
2. Supplement to Other Controls: PPE complements engineering controls and
administrative measures when residual risks remain. It does not eliminate the hazard
but reduces the impact on the worker.
3. Regulatory Compliance: In many workplaces, the use of PPE is mandatory under
occupational health and safety regulations. Employers are required to provide and
ensure the correct use of PPE in hazardous environments.
4. Injury Prevention: PPE helps prevent immediate harm such as cuts, burns, respiratory
problems, and hearing loss, reducing the severity of potential injuries or illnesses.
5. Ensures Continuity of Work: In high-risk environments (e.g., construction,
healthcare, chemical processing), PPE allows workers to safely perform tasks that
would otherwise be too dangerous without protection.

Selection Criteria for PPE

Selecting the right PPE is critical for ensuring adequate protection against specific hazards.
The choice depends on several factors:

1. Nature of the Hazard

o Chemical Hazards: PPE must be resistant to specific chemicals. For example,
nitrile gloves for handling solvents or full-face respirators for airborne chemical
exposure.
o Biological Hazards: PPE like gloves, masks, and protective clothing must
prevent exposure to infectious agents or biological materials.
o Physical Hazards: Hard hats, safety goggles, and steel-toed boots protect
against impact, flying debris, or falling objects.
o Mechanical Hazards: Cut-resistant gloves, face shields, and protective
clothing safeguard against sharp tools or moving parts.
2. Level of Risk
o High-Risk Environments: Select PPE that offers maximum protection, such as
full-body suits, respirators, or hearing protection.
o Low-to-Moderate Risk: Less intensive PPE may be used, such as gloves or
safety glasses for tasks involving minor hazards.
3. Fit and Comfort
o Proper Fit: PPE should fit each individual properly to ensure full protection
and comfort. Ill-fitting equipment can lead to gaps in protection or discomfort,
leading to improper use.
 o Adjustability: Adjustable PPE (e.g., straps, sizes) ensures a good fit for various
body types and reduces discomfort over long periods of use.
o Breathability and Flexibility: Lightweight, breathable, and flexible materials
improve worker comfort and compliance with wearing PPE for extended
periods.
4. Compatibility with Other PPE
o PPE items must work together without compromising overall protection. For
example, safety goggles should fit well with respirators, and protective clothing
should not interfere with the use of gloves or helmets.
5. Work Environment
o Temperature and Humidity: The work environment can affect the type of PPE
chosen. In hot environments, lightweight and breathable materials are preferred
to prevent heat stress. In cold environments, insulated and weather-resistant
PPE is required.
o Visibility Requirements: High-visibility clothing may be necessary in poorly
lit or high-traffic areas, especially in construction or outdoor settings.
o Contaminant Exposure: For hazardous dust or gas environments, workers may
need specialized respirators or full-body suits.
6. Durability and Maintenance
o Reusable vs. Disposable: In some environments, disposable PPE (e.g., gloves,
masks) is more suitable to prevent contamination, while in other cases, durable
and reusable PPE may be more cost-effective.
o Maintenance Requirements: Some PPE, such as respirators, requires regular
cleaning, inspection, and replacement of parts to remain effective.
7. Compliance with Standards
o PPE must meet local, national, or international safety standards (e.g., OSHA,
ANSI, ISO) to ensure it provides the necessary level of protection.
o Certifications and Testing: Ensure that PPE is certified by recognized bodies
(e.g., NIOSH-approved respirators, ANSI-rated helmets) for the specific
hazards present in the workplace.
8. Training and Ease of Use
o Ease of Donning/Doffing: PPE should be easy to put on and remove without
the risk of contamination or exposure during removal, especially in healthcare
and hazardous material environments.
o Training: Workers must be trained on the correct use, limitations, and
maintenance of PPE to ensure it is used effectively.
9. Cost and Availability
o While cost is a consideration, it should not compromise safety. High-quality
PPE may cost more initially but will offer better protection and durability,
reducing overall risk and expenses from accidents.
o Availability: PPE should be readily available in sufficient quantities to meet
the needs of all workers in the hazardous environment.
Control methods and reduction strategies for noise, radiation and excessive stress

To protect workers from noise, radiation, and excessive stress, a combination of control
methods and reduction strategies must be implemented. These strategies should align with
the Hierarchy of Control, prioritizing elimination and engineering solutions where possible,
followed by administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE).

1. Noise Control Methods and Reduction Strategies

Control Methods:

1. Elimination/Substitution:
o Eliminate or substitute noisy equipment or processes with quieter alternatives.
For instance, replace loud machinery with quieter models or use less noisy
manufacturing methods.
2. Engineering Controls:
o Soundproofing: Install noise barriers or enclosures around noisy equipment to
contain the sound.
o Vibration Damping: Use vibration-damping materials on machines to reduce
the generation of noise.
o Acoustic Insulation: Line walls, floors, and ceilings with sound-absorbing
materials to reduce the reflection of sound waves.
o Equipment Maintenance: Regularly maintain equipment to ensure it operates
quietly and efficiently. Worn or malfunctioning machinery often produces more
noise.
o Isolation of Noise Sources: Move loud machinery to separate areas or use
sound isolation chambers for particularly noisy operations.
3. Administrative Controls:
o Work Scheduling: Schedule noisy activities when fewer workers are present,
or rotate workers to limit their exposure to high noise levels.
o Noise Monitoring: Conduct regular noise level assessments to ensure that
exposure limits are not exceeded and that control measures are effective.
o Training: Educate workers on the risks of noise exposure and how to protect
themselves.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
o Hearing Protection: Provide workers with earplugs or earmuffs, especially in
environments where noise exposure cannot be reduced below the recommended
levels (typically 85 dB(A) for an 8-hour shift).

Reduction Strategies:

 Noise Control Plans: Develop and implement a noise control plan that prioritizes
quieter equipment and processes.
 Time Limits: Limit the time workers spend in high-noise areas by rotating tasks or
scheduling breaks to minimize continuous exposure.
 Hearing Conservation Programs: Implement hearing conservation programs that
include regular audiometric testing to monitor workers' hearing over time.
2. Radiation Control Methods and Reduction Strategies
Control Methods:

1. Elimination/Substitution:
o Eliminate unnecessary sources of radiation wherever possible or substitute
high-radiation equipment with safer alternatives, such as using non-ionizing
radiation methods instead of ionizing when feasible.
2. Engineering Controls:
o Shielding: Install barriers (e.g., lead shielding for X-rays, concrete for nuclear
facilities) to reduce radiation exposure.
o Distance: Increase the distance between the radiation source and workers.
Radiation exposure decreases significantly as distance from the source increases
(inverse square law).
o Automation: Use automated systems to perform tasks near radiation sources,
minimizing the need for human presence.
o Ventilation: In areas where radioactive gases or particles are present, use proper
ventilation systems to prevent the accumulation of hazardous materials.
3. Administrative Controls:
o Time Management: Limit the time workers spend near radiation sources. The
shorter the exposure duration, the lower the dose.
o Access Control: Restrict access to areas with radiation hazards to only
authorized, trained personnel.
o Monitoring and Alarming: Install radiation detectors and alarms in high-risk
areas, ensuring that radiation levels are constantly monitored.
o Training and Protocols: Provide training on radiation safety, proper use of
equipment, and emergency procedures in case of radiation exposure.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
o Radiation Protective Clothing: Use lead aprons, gloves, or full-body suits to
protect against ionizing radiation.
o Dosimeters: Provide workers with dosimeters to track cumulative radiation
exposure over time and ensure it remains within safe limits.

Reduction Strategies:

 Radiation Safety Programs: Develop and implement radiation safety programs that
include ongoing monitoring and evaluation.
 ALARA Principle: Follow the ALARA (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) principle
to ensure radiation exposure is kept to the minimum possible.
 Regular Medical Surveillance: Conduct regular health check-ups and monitoring for
workers exposed to radiation to detect early signs of radiation-related health issues.

3. Stress Control Methods and Reduction Strategies

Control Methods:

1. Elimination/Substitution:
o Eliminate Stressful Conditions: Where possible, eliminate sources of stress by
redesigning tasks or workflows, addressing workplace bullying, or ensuring fair
work practices.
 o Substitute with Ergonomic Solutions: Modify tasks to make them less
physically or mentally taxing, such as providing ergonomic equipment or
reducing cognitive workload.
2. Engineering Controls:
o Ergonomic Design: Redesign workstations and workflows to reduce physical
strain, repetitive tasks, or prolonged static postures.
o Workspace Layout: Create calming, healthy environments (natural lighting,
good ventilation, comfortable temperatures) that minimize environmental
stressors.
o Automation: Use automation to handle repetitive or high-pressure tasks that
contribute to stress, such as high-demand production lines.
3. Administrative Controls:
o Job Rotation: Rotate workers between different tasks to prevent mental fatigue
and overwork in repetitive, high-stress tasks.
o Workload Management: Ensure workloads are manageable and workers have
sufficient time to complete tasks without excessive pressure.
o Flexible Scheduling: Provide flexible work hours or telecommuting options to
allow for better work-life balance.
o Training and Counseling: Offer training on stress management techniques and
provide access to counseling or employee assistance programs (EAPs).
o Clear Communication: Maintain open, clear, and transparent communication
channels between workers and management to address concerns and reduce
misunderstandings that lead to stress.
4. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
o PPE is not typically applicable in stress management, but cognitive aids like
relaxation apps or biofeedback tools can help workers manage stress.

Reduction Strategies:

 Mental Health Support: Provide ongoing mental health resources, including access to
counselors, wellness programs, and stress reduction workshops.
 Encourage Breaks: Ensure that workers take regular breaks to rest and recover,
especially in high-pressure jobs.
 Work-Life Balance Initiatives: Implement policies that promote work-life balance,
such as paid time off, wellness programs, and flexible working hours.
 Team Building and Social Support: Foster a positive workplace culture where
workers support each other, and management recognizes and responds to employee
needs.
 Engineering Administrative
Hazard Elimination/Substitution PPE
Controls Controls

Install
Rotate workers, limit
Replace noisy equipment soundproofing, Earplugs,
Noise exposure, noise
with quieter options barriers, or earmuffs
monitoring
dampeners

Use shielding,
Limit time near
Replace ionizing sources increase distance, Lead aprons,
Radiation sources, monitor
with safer alternatives automate high-risk dosimeters
exposure, train
tasks

Create ergonomic
Adjust workloads, Not applicable
Redesign jobs to remove workspaces,
Stress provide mental (consider
stressful elements automate repetitive
health resources mental aids)
tasks

Summary of Control Methods and Reduction Strategies

These control methods and strategies focus on reducing exposure and mitigating the impact of
noise, radiation, and stress in the workplace, ensuring the health and safety of workers.