physical hazards dr majid golabadi. occupational health hazards physical chemical biological...

Physical hazards

Dr Majid Golabadi

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS

Physical ChemicalBiologicalErgonomic Psychosocial

PHYSICAL HAZARDS Noise Temperature VibrationRadiation Atmospheric pressure

TemperatureHeatCold

Noise

Hearing loss

VibrationWhole body Hand arm

Radiation Ionizing

Alpha,ß,X,gama

Non-ionizingEMF, Radiofrequency ,MicrowaveInfrared (IR), Visible ,Ultraviolet (UV)

Atmospheric pressure

CompressDecompression (caisson )

Vibration

8-10 million workers in the USA

exposed to occupational vibration.

Of these 7 million: Whole Body

Vibration.

Others: Hand Arm Vibration.

InjuryLoss of equilibriumNauseaHAVSCTS

Truck drivers & heavy equipment operators:Lumbar spinal disordersHemorrhoidsHerniaGI problemsUrinary tract problemsResult of extended sitting+ vibration

Resonance (amplification):Vibration of the same frequency .WBV: 5 Hz

WBV: <20 HZCritical :3-5 Hz Discomfort:2-11 HzMusculoskeletal, neurologic, circulatory, and

digestive system disorders.Visual performance impairment: 10-25Hz

LBP ,intervertebral disc damage, spinal degeneration, intervertebral osteochondrosis, calcification of discs.

Reproductive effects: SAB, congenital malformation, menstrual changes.

Vibration sickness: GI problems, decreased visual acuity,

labyrintine disorders, intense musculoskeletal pain.

Vibration induced white finger (HAVS)

Ranging from 5-1500 HzUsually 125-300 Hz

Cumulative trauma: at least 2000 hours and usually over 8000 hours.

HAVS:Spasm of digital arteries (raynaud

phenomenon): damage of Peripheral nerveVascular tissueSubcutaneous tissueBonesjoints

Pathology:

Arterial muscle wall hypertrophyDemyelinating pripheral neuropathyConnective tissue depositionMicro vascular occlusion

Clinical findings:

Severe attacks:15 minutes to 2hours remove from exposures: reversible in 50%

symptoms:

Tingling then numbness then white finger in

cold.

Intermittent blanching of tip of one finger.

Progress to tip and base of all fingers.

Progress to summer season.

Advanced cases:Degeneration of bone & cartilage resulting:Joint stiffness, restriction of motion, arthralgia.Manual dexterity may decrease.Clumsiness may increase.

Diagnosis:Exposure history & response to cold.Association with Raynaud phenomenon.Exclusion of idiopathic Raynaud disease &

other causes of Raynaud phenomenon.

Other causes of Raynaud phenomenon:TraumaFrostbiteOcclusive vascular diseaseConnective tissue disordersNeurogenic disordersDrug intoxicationVinyl chloride monomer

Prevention:

Wearing glovesKeep the hands warmPrevent long period of exposuresTrainingAvoidance from:Vasoactive drugs & cigarette smoking

Treatment:Removal from exposureMassaging, shaking, placing in warm water

For intractable episodes:Nifedipin 30-40mg/dayThymoxamine For more sever cases:StanozololPGEBiofeedback & surgical sympathectomy