OCCUPATIONAL HAZARDS AND RISKS


As we wrap up the first working week in this New Year, it’s highly imperative for us to know the kind of hazards and resulting risks associated with our individual occupation and organization.

What is your occupation? Are you in the manufacturing sector, construction, oil and gas, financial institution, ministry offices etc., there are hazards associated with your organization.

What is Occupational Hazard and Risk?

Advanced English Dictionary defines occupational hazard to be ANY CONDITION OF JOB THAT CAN RESULT TO ILLNESS OR INJURY while OCCUPATIONAL RISKS IS THE LIKELIHOOD OF THAT CONDITION OF JOB RESULTING ILLNESS OR INJURY. Although the two are often confused, for example working with chemicals is a hazard and the risk is the likelihood of your skin coming in contact with the chemical which may cause an allergy or a skin disease. Note that a risk can be reduced (high-medium-low) and the hazard can be eliminated or controlled by good HSE management.

The two possible health effects of occupational ill health are ACUTE or CHRONIC effects.

ACUTE EFFECT: these are ill health that occur after a short term exposure to the agent and it’s often reversible and sometimes require medical attention e.g. allergy

CHRONIC EFFECT: these are ill health that develops with time. It usually occurs after a long term exposure to the agent and the resulting ill health is always severe and sometimes causing irreversible damage.

It’s important to know the hazards and risks associated with your occupation.

Are you more than five (5) in your organization? Does your organization have a RISK ASSESSMENT? Find out today and study it (IT IS YOUR RIGHT TO KNOW THE MEASURES PUT IN PLACE TO REDUCE YOUR EXPOSURE TO THESE HAZARDS AND ITS RESULTING SEVERITY)

And if it’s not available request from your employer to conduct one.

Have a safe weekend ahead.

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