Essential Concepts in Occupational Health and Safety Regulations
Fundamentals of Occupational Risk Prevention (ORP)
What is a Permanent Risk Factor?
A permanent risk factor is defined as any condition hazardous to the health of the worker.
What is a Pollutant?
A pollutant is an energy, a chemical, or a living being that can cause harmful effects on human health when present in sufficient concentration.
Routes of Entry for Pollutants into the Body
- Respiratory
- Digestive
- Dermal (Skin)
- Parenteral (Injection or wound)
Effects of Pollutants on the Human Body
Pollutants can have various effects, including:
- Irritant
- Choking (Asphyxiant)
- Anesthetic
- Corrosive
- Sensitizing
- Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Teratogenic
- Systemic
- Pneumoconiotic
Control Systems for Chemical Pollutants
Control systems are typically categorized by where the intervention takes place:
1. Focus (Source)
- Replacement of products
- Insulation or enclosure of the process
- Process modification
- Maintenance and cleaning
2. Middle (Environment)
- General or local ventilation
- Maintenance
- Alarm systems
- Training and information
3. Receiver (Worker)
- Enclosure or isolation
- Rotation of personnel
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Biological Contaminants and Biohazards
Biological Contaminants are living organisms or biological structures that cause infectious or parasitic diseases upon entering the body.
A Biohazard refers to the danger of infection, poisoning, or allergies contracted by the worker, caused by various microorganisms.
Psychological and Physical Strain
Understanding Workplace Fatigue
Fatigue is the decreased physical and mental capacity of a worker.
Symptoms of Fatigue
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Depression
Prevention of Fatigue
Fatigue can be prevented by ensuring pausing and appropriate frequencies tailored to the characteristics of the work.
What is Job Dissatisfaction?
Job dissatisfaction is the discomfort suffered by a worker as a result of their work, typically produced when the compensation received does not match the effort made.
Workplace Stress: Causes and Symptoms
Stress is experienced when the demands of the work environment exceed the capacity of the worker to cope.
Symptoms of Stress
- Feeling of helplessness
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Aggression
- Frustration
Causes of Stress
- Physical Hazards: Temperature, noise.
- Psychological Risks: Decision making, work overload, poor relationships.
- Emotional Factors: Fear, guilt.
Premature Aging and Occupational Causes
Premature aging is the experience of an acceleration of the normal aging process. While aging is a natural process, its causes in humans can be accelerated due to factors related to the work environment.
Prevention Techniques and Legal Obligations
Preventative Techniques in Occupational Health
The different preventative techniques and their purposes include:
- Workplace Safety
- Industrial Hygiene
- Ergonomics
- Occupational Psychology
- Occupational Medicine
Legal Framework for Occupational Risk Prevention
The primary rule of law regulating the prevention of occupational risks is Law 31/1995 of November 8th.
Employer Obligations in Risk Prevention
General Obligations
Employers must:
- Ensure the safety and health of workers.
- Adapt all necessary measures.
- Comply with the terms set.
- Assume all associated costs.
Specific Obligations
Employers must also provide:
- A Prevention Plan.
- Work teams and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Information, consultation, and participation mechanisms.
- Emergency measures.
- Health monitoring.
- Documentation.
- Coordination.
- Protection for sensitive collectives.