We all do some kind of job to make a living, right? We spend most of our day at our workplace. But, have you ever thought about how much the place you work affects your physical and mental health? Sometimes our jobs can be a risk to our lives in ways we don't even think about. So today, let's talk about the health risks we face at this workplace, that is, 'Occupational Hazards'.
Simply put, what are the risks in this workplace?
An "occupational hazard" is anything that can cause harm, injury, or illness to a worker's health. These can be a sudden hazard, or they can affect the body over time and cause illness.
Recognized institutions in the world divide these risks into several main types. Let's see what they are. I will explain these with examples that are familiar to us in Sri Lanka to make them easier to understand.
| Risk type | Simple explanation and examples |
|---|---|
| Safety Hazards | These are the things that can cause us immediate injuries. Think of someone working from a height at a construction site, someone near a rotating belt of a machine, a slippery place with something like oil on the floor, an electrical wire that is not properly covered, all of these fall into this category. |
| Chemical Hazards | This risk is present for those who work with various chemicals. Pesticides used in agriculture, liquids used for cleaning, acids, flammable substances, and carbon monoxide emitted from vehicle exhaust can enter the body and cause serious illnesses immediately or over time. |
| Biological Hazards | These are caused by living things. For example, someone working in a hospital may be exposed to blood or other body fluids, someone working on a farm may be exposed to germs from animal feces, or a veterinary clinic may be exposed to diseases from animals, mold/fungi, and viruses . |
| Physical Hazards | These are things in the environment that can harm us without touching us. For example, radiation for someone working in an X-ray room, working in a noisy factory, working in an extremely hot or cold environment, and prolonged exposure to sunlight for those working in the sun. |
| Ergonomic Hazards | This is a problem that many people have. This causes our bodies to accumulate stress and strain over time. Sitting in the same position for long periods of time (like those who work in an office), repeatedly performing the same movements (like those in a garment factory), and using incorrect postures when lifting weights can cause short-term pain and long-term damage to the back, neck, and arms. |
| Work Organization Hazards | This is something that directly affects our mental health. Workplace stress, bullying, sexual harassment, discrimination, and lack of respect can have a negative impact on our minds and bodies. |
Who is responsible for our safety?
Okay, now you might be thinking that if there are so many risks, there is no one to protect us. In fact, there is. Almost every country has laws, regulations and institutions to ensure the safety of workers.
In Sri Lanka, the main legal framework in this regard is the Factories Ordinance . Also, there is a government agency that specifically deals with this, which is the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH Sri Lanka ) .
These laws and institutions state that an employee has the right to a safe and healthy work environment . Accordingly, you also have rights such as:
- To receive workplace safety and health training in a language you understand.
- To work with safe, good quality machinery.
- To obtain the necessary safety equipment (e.g. gloves, helmets, safety belts).
- To protect against toxic chemicals .
- To report any injury or illness caused by your work and to obtain copies of your medical records.
The most important thing is that if you feel your workplace is unsafe, you have the right to complain about it. No one can do you any injustice for making such a complaint.
How do you ensure your safety?
The way you protect yourself may vary depending on the job you do, but there are a few things that are common to any job.
- Keep your work environment tidy. Do not leave things lying around where they could cause accidents.
- Dress appropriately for the job. If necessary, use Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE ) properly.
- Use proper form when lifting, bending, or stretching. Don't injure yourself by doing these things incorrectly.
- Do not attempt to operate any machine or equipment for which you have not been trained.
- Completely avoid using alcohol or drugs while working.
- Take breaks when needed. Continuous exertion can also cause accidents.
- Be aware of what to do in an emergency. Know where emergency exits, first aid kits, and fire extinguishers are located.
If you have an accident or develop any work-related symptoms (e.g., breathing difficulties, skin allergies, back pain ), see your doctor without delay. Also, if you feel that your workplace is unsafe, first tell your employer, i.e. your boss or manager. If they do not take appropriate action, you can complain to the relevant government agencies (e.g., NIOSH Sri Lanka). Don't think twice about your safety!
Take-Home Message
- Educate yourself about the risks (Safety, Chemical, Biological, Physical, Ergonomic, Work organization) that may exist in your workplace.
- Never neglect the personal protective equipment (PPE) provided by the organization. Wear it correctly.
- Don't ignore even minor physical pain from work. It could be the beginning of a long-term injury. Be mindful of your posture.
- Remember that you have a legal right to a safe work environment.
- If your workplace is unsafe, don't be afraid to speak up. First, inform management, and if that doesn't work, the relevant authorities. Your health is more important than anything else.
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