Five health risk issues associated with HSE career path
There are about 12.2 million employees affected by work-associated ill health, with over half a million new cases each year. Work-related ill health is responsible for a staggering 26.8 million working days lost. Not to mention the pain and suffering of those employees affected.
This article will discuss about five major health risk associated with HSE career.
Safety hazards often hit the headlines. Fatal accidents and major incidents are shocking and attract attention. But what about the health, in health and safety? The figures relating to work-related ill health can be even more shocking.
The majority of work-related deaths aren’t from safety failings but from health problems. They might not kil you immediately, with some diseases taking years and even decades to develop. But these deaths are work-related none-the-less. In fact, the HSE estimates that 13,000 deaths each year are linked to past exposure at work.
1. Asbestos
Asbestos may have been banned in the many countries but heavy use of this naturally occurring material in the past means it can be found in hundreds of thousands of buildings, also the use of this material is still rampant in most African countries.
Asbestos is number one on our list because it is responsible for the most deaths each year. The HSE estimate that there are about 5000 deaths each year due to past asbestos exposure. Half from mesothelioma, which is an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lungs. And a further close to 2,500 from asbestos-related lung cancer, in the cells of the lungs.
Many people think that asbestos is a health risk only affecting construction workers. However, anyone can be at risk. Teachers have been known to be exposed by using drawing pins in walls. Families have been exposed by workers carrying fibres home on their clothing. In the last 10 years, according to HSE statistics, there have been over 20,000 new cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. Around 18,000 men, and 2,000 women. Women are not at less of a risk. The big skew is because construction is a male-dominated industry, and this is the most at risk sector.
2. Mental Health
Although everyone at one stage or the other faces some mental health issues, one would have thought this would be our first point, but there are bigger issues compared to mental health,
However, the HSE statistics show that this is a major contributor to work-related ill health.
A massive 15.4 million working days were lost due to work-related mental health issues (stress, depression or anxiety) in 2017/18. A mental stable worker is a productive one .
3. Manual Handling
There were just under half a million workers suffering from work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2017/18. The biggest contributor? Manual handling.
It might not seem like lifting and carrying can be a major health risk, but as HSE statistics show, it is.
Carrying things that are too heavy, or bulky, can lead to stress and strain on the bones, which at the end may affect the bosy. Your weakest point is usually your back, but shoulders, arms, hands and legs can all be affected. And, it’s not always what you carry, but also how you carry (or lift). Sometimes, just making sure you have the right posture can prevent injury.
4. Silica Dust and powdered chemicals
Another big health risk that primarily effects construction workers, silica dust. It’s made it into the top 5 because, like asbestos, silica dust exposure can be fatal.
The HSE estimate that around 17% of occupational cancer cases can be attributed to past exposure to silica dust. That’s around 850 new diagnoses, and 629 deaths each year.
There are 1.4 million workers suffering from work-related ill health, with over half a million new cases each year. Work-related ill health is responsible for a staggering 26.8 million working days lost. Not to mention the pain and suffering of those affected. Also powdered chemicals used in cleaning contribute to health issues in HSE world .
5. Hazardous Substances
We have already covered two hazardous substances in our top 5, asbestos and silica dust. These are major workplace killers but don’t think these are the only ones.
Chemicals, lead, and other hazardous substances are health risks too. Even wood dust can cause certain types of cancer. HSE statistics for 2017/18 show that there were 12,000 work-related lung disease deaths. 22% of these were not asbestos-related.
Hazardous substances don’t just cause respiratory problems. They can also cause skin issues, like dermatitis. Some hazardous substances can be toxic to internal organs or cause other conditions, like birth defects.
It’s important to know what hazardous substances you work with. Some substances will have workplace exposure limits (WELs), and others will need to have their risks minimised as far as is reasonably practicable. Remember, the COSHH regulations apply to all hazardous substances.
It is also very important to know the method of touching and handling of these chemicals for a safe working environment.
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