Question

 

PHC261

The 2.4 billion working people in the developing countries often have to endure employment conditions, which do not meet even basic occupational safety and health (OSH) standards. The lack of work safety, excessive workloads, and occupational physical, chemical and biological exposures result in occupational diseases, injuries and as many as 1.2 million fatalities each year. Furthermore, as little as 15% of workers in the developing countries have access to occupational health and safety services.” (Rantanen et al., 2004).

In your own words, to what extent do you agree with the information provided by the quote above? Support your argument by giving further details about developing and developed countries with examples of the services. (250 words)

 

Answer 1

Occupational disease are disease caused by work or work environment. Occupational disease occur among workers exposure to specific hazards like pesticides, lead etc.it occur as a result of exposure to physical, chemical, biological or phycosocial pathway in the workplace. The factors In the work environment and are essential in the causation of occupational disease. Long exposure to silica cause silicosis. Occupational disease factors includes the physical ( heat, noise, radiation), chemical(solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, dust), biological ( tuberculosis, hep-B), phycosocial ( lack of control over work, inadequate personal support) and mechanical ( accidents or injuries). Occupational disease in developing countries including asvestosis, occupational dermatosis, occupational cancer. Asvestosis is a common occupational disease caused by exposure to asvetos. Occupational dermatosis is common and we can prevent by providing a combination environmental, personal and medical measures.The major systems are affecting the occupational hazards are musculoskeletal system, respiratory system, neurological, dermatological, cardiovascular system etc. Recognising the occupational disease is more important. The identification of work related medical problems depend most importantly on the occupation history. It includes description of all jobs held, work, exposure, timing symptoms, epidemiology of symptoms etc. The measures that helps to preventing occupation disease are ;

* Measures applied to the process or work place

- substitution of a non hazard substances or a hazardous one and installation of engineering control and devices

* Measures primarily directed towards worker

- it includes education, advice, personal protective equipment, organisational measures.

To prevebt occupational disease effectively, health professionals must know how to anticipate and recognise condition in those are present with symptoms and those who are free sympathetic.

In developed countries preventive strategies aim at eliminating or reducing to acceptable levels the occurrence of hazardous agent and factors in the work environment and also their path of transmission. Specific measures inculdes the selection of least toxic material, substitution of material, modification of equipment , correct operation and maintenance of process and equipments enclosure and closed system, generally ventilation, isolation of workers ( control rooms), good work practices and personal protective equipments. Information , training, and education of workers on hazards and their prevention should also be a part of prevention startagies. To ensure the continued effeciency by environmental monitoring, health surveillance, biological monitoring.