Leon Barretto

An occupational hazard is a hazard experienced in the workplace. Occupational hazards can encompass many types of hazards including chemical hazards, biological hazards (biohazards), psychosocial hazards and physical hazards. Occupational Hazard Identification is a fundamental step in prevention of accidents and work-related illnesses. This task must be carried out by trained professional team.

With the growing numbers of iron ore palletization industries, various impacts on environment and health in relation to the workplace will rise. Therefore, understanding the hazardous process is crucial in the development of effective control measures. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control measures (HIRAC) acts as an effective tool of Occupational Health Assessment. Most of the controls ideally should be placed at the time of construction of building (such as earthquake safety measures) and office design. However, after the preparation of HIRA document, appropriate controls should be placed with help of experts and risk is reassessed to measure their effectiveness.

Research has shown that many patients with severe injury or heart attack or any other life-threatening medical conditions, die within first one hour. Hence this is called “Golden hour”. Therefore Occupational Hazard Identification is important. It is important so that patient reaches an appropriate advanced health care facility within this hour. A timely intervention by a qualified health care worker or trained first aider may save life, relieve pain, minimize complications and subsequent disabilities. Availability of well-equipped medical room and ambulance at the work site be it a warehouse , refinery , corporate office , corporate park or factory , will help in timely management of medical emergencies in the premises as well as during transport, boost staff morale and reduce legal liabilities of the organization in case of any untoward incident. It makes a good business sense as it is an investment and not an expense.

Hazard identification and evaluation, hazard controls, roles and responsibilities, and general chemical safety are all important parts of this assessment.