Harm that develops over time.
WHY IT IS NEGLECTED
The harm is invisible until it is permanent.
WHAT CAUSES IT
Noise Dust and fumes Chemicals Vibration Repetitive work and posture Heat Stress
WHAT NOISE CAUSES
Permanent hearing loss, gradually and without pain.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Whether noise levels require control.
HOW TO TELL ROUGHLY
Whether people must raise their voices to be heard at a short distance.
WHAT TO DO
Reduce at source, enclose, or reduce exposure time, before relying on protection.
WHAT DUST CAUSES
Lung disease, some of it fatal and none of it reversible.
WHAT DUSTS DESERVE PARTICULAR CARE
Silica from stone, concrete and sand Wood dust Certain fibres
WHAT TO DO
Suppress at source, extract, and protect.
WHAT VIBRATION CAUSES
Nerve and circulation damage in hands.
WHAT TO DO
Limit exposure time, maintain tools, select lower-vibration equipment.
WHAT STRESS CAUSES
Illness, absence, error and turnover.
WHAT CAUSES IT AT WORK
Excessive demands No control over the work Poor support Unclear expectations Conflict and harassment
WHAT TO DO
Address the causes rather than the symptoms.
WHAT HEALTH SURVEILLANCE IS
Monitoring workers exposed to specific hazards.
WHEN IT APPLIES
Where exposure to certain hazards continues despite controls.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
Whether it is required for your exposures.
WHAT TO KEEP SEPARATE
Health records, from personnel files.
