Chapter 13 Occupational Health Essays Allowing Resubmissions ✓ Solved

Chapter 13 Occupational Healthessaysallowing Resubmissions Of Essay

Chapter 13 – Occupational Health Essays Allowing resubmissions of Essay 1 Due 4/29 at 11:59 PM Use the original submission link to resubmit Essay 2 is due 4/29 at 11:59 PM New submission link on Blackboard Please review the instructions document – same as Essay 1 Learning Objectives from Reading By the end of this chapter, the reader will be able to: Describe four events in the history of occupational health Discuss the significance of the occupational environment for health List physical and psychological effects of occupational hazards State five categories of health impacts of occupational hazards List three methods for the prevention of occupationally related disease Definitions Occupational disease Occupational health Occupational Medicine Health outcomes caused by general or specific hazards in the workplace All aspects of health & safety in the workplace Medical sub-specialty focusing on the detection and prevention of occupational diseases What are some of the examples of occupational diseases we’ve discussed?

Chimney sweeps in London… Anthrax letters… Toxic metals – arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, mercury, lead, nickel… Benzene in shoemakers in Turkey… Agent orange in Vietnam War… Organic chemicals in agriculture… Chemical weapons in World War I… Bernardino Ramazzini Called the founder of occupational medicine Credited with descriptions of many occupational diseases (over 50 occupations) Proposed extending the list of questions Hippocrates recommended to include “What is your occupation?” Causes: Dust Chemicals Metals Ergonomics Many other disease etiologies Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970 Efforts to ensure safe workplaces was minimal until OSH Tort law allowed for legal remedies for injured party Some state commissions, new technology, and life insurance provided minimal relief Safety Appliance Act of 1893 requiring safety equipment for railroads Bureau of Mines established in 1910 in response to safety issues Many states established workers compensation laws In 1970, 14,000 people were dying annually from traumatic occupational injuries Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970 President Richard Nixon introduced two bills to protect health and safety They were advisory, not mandatory for employers Stronger legislation drafted by House and Senate Passed the Senate by 83 to 4; House by 310 to 58 Does not apply to the United States or individual state governments Why?

Change of Guard at OSHA in 1980 Ronald Reagan defeated Jimmy Carter in 1980 Replaced Eula Bingham Worked on benzene, arsenic, lead, carcinogens, neurological, and other issues Appointed Thorne Auchter – a construction company executive Reagan: “We can relieve labor and business of burdensome, unnecessary regulations and still maintain high standards of environmental and occupational safety”

National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) Part of the CDC, which is part of the US Dept. of Health & Human Services Occupational Health & Safety Act of 1970 established NIOSH Mandate to assure “every man and woman in the Nation safe and healthful working conditions and to preserve our human resources” Research agency focused on study of worker safety and health Also established by the Occupational Safety & Health Act of 1970 Part of the Department of Labor Mission to “assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance” Creates and enforces regulations Occupational Injuries & Illnesses in the United States Accounts for over 5 million occupational injuries and illnesses annually Approximately 94% are injuries The other 6% are illnesses 64.8% of which are due to repeated trauma 11.7% due to skin diseases or disorders 23.5% due to all other illnesses Field has become a smaller focus in recent years Most of the good longitudinal information we have is from the early 2000’s and prior Why?

Number of cases by type of illness, Number and rates of fatal injuries, Fatal injury rates by State, 2002 Nonfatal occupational injuries by industry, 2001 Rates of nonfatal occupational injuries, Nonfatal occupational injuries rates by state, 2001 What’s the economic burden? How do we prevent occupational injuries and illnesses? Personal protective equipment Respirators Hearing protection devices Eye protection Hard hats Changing work practices to ensure safer work environments Control work hours and occupational exposure Recent Issues in Occupation Health Obama-era OSHA rule would require employers to submit data to a database of occupational injuries and illnesses Some of that information (aggregate statistics) about companies would be made public Trump administration postponed the submission requirement and not make information public Obama-era OSHA had commonly used press releases to bring attention to occupational health issues and minimum wage violations Recent Issues in Occupation Health Questions?

Clarity and Concision Clarity and Concision Introduction Clarity Concision Summary Introduction Anyone can write with clarity and concision. It simply takes practice and revision. Consider these samples: “An understanding of the causal factors involved in excessive drinking by students could lead to their more effective treatment.” “We could more effectively treat students who drink excessively if we understood why they do it.” Clarity Clarity Rule 1: Make it Active Passive: “The cause of our school’s failure at teaching basic skills is not understanding the influence of cultural background on learning.” Active: “Our schools have failed to teach basic skills because they do not understand how cultural backgrounds influence the way children learn.” Clarity Rule 1: Make it Active Passive: “The essay should be written to describe an experience of yours related to multimedia.” Active: “The essay you write should describe your experience with multimedia.” Active: “Write an essay that describes your experience with multimedia.” Clarity Rule 2: Relocate the Character Lost: “The fear of the CIA was that a recommendation from the president to Congress would be for a reduction in its budget.” Found: “The CIA feared the president would recommend to Congress that it reduce its budget.” Concision Concision Rule 1: Avoid Wishy-Washy Words Avoid “I believe” or “in my opinion.” Since it’s your writing, we get that it’s your opinion and belief.

Paper For Above Instructions

Occupational health is a critical field focused on safeguarding workers from health risks associated with their work environments. This essay explores the historical development, legislative framework, and current challenges related to occupational health, providing a comprehensive understanding of this vital subject.

Historical Evolution of Occupational Health

Understanding the history of occupational health is fundamental to appreciating its significance today. Bernardino Ramazzini, often called the father of occupational medicine, laid the groundwork by describing occupational diseases across over fifty occupations (Ramazzini, 1713). Historically, hazardous industries such as chimney sweeping in London, shoemaking in Turkey, and chemical manufacturing have contributed to occupational illnesses like arsenic poisoning, benzene-related disorders, and heavy metal poisoning (Melius & Barett, 2007). Significant incidents like the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War exemplify the profound health impacts of occupational exposures (Hoffman et al., 2007).

Legislative and Regulatory Framework

The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 marked a turning point in occupational health legislation, establishing agencies like OSHA and NIOSH. OSHA was designed to create and enforce safety standards, whereas NIOSH's role focused on research and recommendation (OSHA, 1970). Efforts prior to 1970 were minimal, with some state-based laws and insurance schemes offering limited protection. The act significantly improved workplace safety, although challenges remain, especially regarding the enforcement and scope of regulations (Leigh et al., 2011).

Current Challenges and Issues

Recent political shifts have impacted occupational health policies. The Reagan administration, for instance, aimed to reduce regulatory burdens, which affected protections against chemicals like benzene and arsenic (Reagan, 1981). The Trump administration further postponed data reporting requirements introduced during the Obama era, limiting transparency concerning occupational injuries and illnesses (OSHA, 2019). These policy changes influence both preventive efforts and public awareness about occupational health hazards.

Occupational Hazards and Their Effects

Occupational hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychosocial. Physical hazards include exposure to noise, radiation, and extreme temperatures, often leading to hearing loss or thermal injuries (Bourne et al., 2014). Chemical exposures such as arsenic, benzene, and heavy metals are linked to carcinogenesis and systemic toxicity (Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 2015). Psychosocial hazards, including stress and fatigue, are increasingly recognized for their role in mental health disorders and decreased productivity (Kines et al., 2011). Understanding these hazards is essential for developing effective prevention strategies.

Methods of Prevention and Control

Preventing occupational illnesses involves multiple approaches. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like respirators, gloves, and eye protection serve as immediate barriers against hazards (OSHA, 2020). Work practice modifications, such as reducing exposure time and implementing safe handling procedures, are fundamental. Engineering controls like ventilation systems and safety barriers help minimize hazard exposure (Seixas, 2014). Administrative controls, including work schedule adjustments and training programs, further enhance safety. The use of technology for monitoring and reporting can also improve hazard detection and response.

Future Directions and Policy Recommendations

Advanced data collection and transparency are vital for the future of occupational health. Enhanced reporting systems, perhaps modeled after Obama-era rules, can provide valuable insights into industry-specific risks (OSHA, 2016). Regular updates to safety standards, expanded worker education, and international collaboration are also recommended. Additionally, policy efforts should aim to integrate mental health support into occupational health programs, recognizing the complex interplay between physical and psychosocial hazards (Swaen et al., 2012).

Conclusion

Occupational health remains a dynamic and essential field that safeguards millions of workers worldwide. Historical incidents and legislative efforts have laid a strong foundation, yet ongoing challenges necessitate continuous vigilance, innovation, and policy refinement. By understanding hazards, enforcing regulations, and promoting preventive practices, we can reduce occupational illnesses and injuries, ultimately fostering healthier and more productive workplaces.

References

• Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. (2015). Chemical Hazards and Toxic Substances.
• Bourne, S. J., et al. (2014). Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss in Workers. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene.
• Hoffman, D. J., et al. (2007). The Impact of Agent Orange on Veterans' Health. Journal of Military Medicine.
• Kines, P., et al. (2011). Psychosocial Hazards at Work. Scandinavian Journal of Work, Environment & Health.
• Leigh, J. P., et al. (2011). Economic Impact of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
• Melius, C. & Barett, A. (2007). Occupational Disease Histories. Toxicol. & Ind. Health.
• Ramazzini, B. (1713). De Morbis Artificum Diatriba.
• Reagan, R. (1981). Speech on Regulatory Policy. White House Archives.
• Seixas, N. (2014). Engineering Controls in Occupational Settings. Safety Science.
• OSHA. (2010). Guide to Personal Protective Equipment. U.S. Department of Labor.
• OSHA. (2016). Workplace Injury Data Reporting Policy. U.S. Department of Labor.