Safety First

Assessing health risks in the workplace

Next to their homes, most people spend much of their time in the office—enough reason to make the workplace a safe environment as possible.

The risks present in a working environment may vary depending on the nature of one’s job. There are workplace hazards that are obvious while others are surreptitious. The saying “Ignorance is bliss” definitely do not apply for the latter.

Ventilation and space

Ventilation and ample space for movements are two paramount elements of safety in a working environment. The number one danger in working in confined spaces is the lack of adequate oxygen (particularly in the absence of an air conditioning and ventilation system). Lack of oxygen reaching the brain could lead to lack of concentration and disorientation and in a protracted period may lead to serious respiratory woes.

Dust could pile up overtime in confined spaces not to mention the catastrophic possibility of being immediately filled with poisonous gas or vapor in case of a chemical spill or fire.

Electricity and radiation

Electricity, while ubiquitous in any home or office, is still dangerous. There are no statistics in the Philippines regarding the number of electrical accidents in offices, but the records of the United States Health and Safety Executive says that about 1,000 accidents at work involving electric shocks or burns occur every year. Electric shock may occur from the use or misuse of electrical equipments, faulty or otherwise. Electrical accidents can be prevented by periodic maintenance of equipments as well as posting of clear instruction of usage for workers.

There is also a growing body of evidence indicating that computers and mobile phones are emitting an unhealthy dose of radiation. Olle Johansson, an associate professor and head of the Experimental Dermatology Unit, Department of Neuroscience at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, is a veteran researcher on the effects of electromagnetic fields (EMF) on human physiology. Johansson is a supporter of the view that EMF radiation from gadgets like computers and mobile phones are for real. His more than two decades of study on the subject likens EMF to allergens.

He explains that while the human immune system has evolved to deal with its known enemies, it is still vulnerable against EMF “allergen,” which have been introduced within the last 100 years. Based on Johansson’s studies, prolonged exposure to EMF may be an underlying cause for cellular damage and tissue repair reduction, which could lead to disease and impairment.

The World Health Organization in its website published the following statement regarding the possible health hazards of mobile phone use, it reads: “No recent national or international reviews have concluded that exposure to the radio frequency fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence. However, areas have been identified by the WHO’s EMF Project for further research to better assess health risks and have led to over $250 million in research worldwide to study RF effects on health. It will take about two to three years for the required RF research to be completed, evaluated and to publish an updated WHO health risk assessment.”

On the exposure to EMF in general the WHO states: “No recent national or international reviews have concluded that exposure to the RF fields from mobile phones or their base stations causes any adverse health consequence. However, areas have been identified by the WHO’s EMF Project for further research to better assess health risks and have led to over $250 million in research worldwide to study RF effects on health.”

A lot of anti-radiation device are now being sold online both for computers and cell phone, some looks promising while others are dubious. It is best to thoroughly examine the background of the manufacturer before purchasing any of these.

Daily hazards

There are certain jobs that entail daily exposure to chemical and biological hazards like those of chemists and medical technicians. In such cases, the best protection is to follow the safety standards prescribed by the industry’s rules and regulation. But it’s a totally different scenario if hazardous substances are stored in the workplace without the knowledge of the employees. If his task does not require it, flammable substances and strong chemicals should not be kept near workers. Besides the danger of causing fire and skin injuries, fumes from strong chemicals like cleaners were found to contain immunosuppressant components. Simply put, these things in the workplace could make the air foul and people sick.

The Philippine Constitution mandates safety in the workplace. In Book Four, Rule II (Occupational Health and Safety), Section 2 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing the Labor Code of the Philippines, it was written, “General occupational health and safety standards. —Every employer covered by this Rule shall keep and maintain his workplace free from work hazards that are causing or likely to cause physical harm to the workers or damages to property. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Labor and Employment, the Bureau of Working Conditions shall, from time to time, issue guidelines for compliance with general occupational health and safety standards.” –PERRY GIL S. MALLARI REPORTER, Manila Times