Occupational Lung Disease- Prevention is better than cure
Mike Slater
BOHS President 2014/15
There are currently approximately 12,000 deaths each year due to occupational respiratory diseases
12,000 people per year equates to 33 people per dayBut we don’t hear anything about it in the news
An estimated 1.1 million people who worked in 2011/12 were suffering from a work-related illness
Lung Cancer
5.3%.of cancer deaths (over 8000 deaths in 2005) in GB are attributable to occupational exposures.
15% of COPD is attributable to occupation, accounting for approximately 4000 deaths per year in Britain
Fibrosis
In Great Britain, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, asbestosis and silicosis account for approximately 580 deaths per year
Many agents, particularly respiratory sensitisers, can cause asthma
What are the main causes of occupational lung disease in the UK?
Almost 5000 deaths per year attributable to asbestos exposure
Silica released during stone cutting activities
Source: HSE
Approx 1000 cancer deaths every year due to silica exposure
Welding is a common process and exposure to fume can lead to COPD, asthma and other diseases, including cancer.
Fume from processes like this one can lead to COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
Now you see it
Paint sprayers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous substances including solvents and isocyanates
Bakers are about 80 times more likely to develop occupational asthma than the average British worker
Approx 1000 fatalities per year from cancer due to exposure to diesel exhaust emissions at work
Active ingredients in many modern drugs are highly toxic – many are sensitisers or carcinogens
Recycling
Here workers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous
Exposure to moulds, endotoxin and other components of bioaerosols are associated with
respiratory sensitisation
Fracking
Fracking has been in the news due to environmental concerns, but the process can also lead to workers being exposed to silica
dust and hazardous chemicals
Prevention or cure?
Recognise Evaluate Control
Occupational Hygiene
Recognise Evaluate Control
Occupational Hygiene
Recognise Evaluate Control
Occupational Hygiene
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
There are many different measures that can be implemented. Some are more effective than others.
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
The use of asbestos has been eliminated
In Europe sand blasting with sand (which presents a high risk of silicosis) has been banned
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/casestudies/wetcut.htm
Using water to minimise emissions of dust during cutting of stone and concrete
Using process containment
LEV with partial containment
On-tool extraction
Local exhaust ventilation – needs to be well designed
www.aessolutions.co.uk
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Reduce exposure time Increase distance Working methods Standard procedures
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Why is PPE the last resort?
Why is PPE the last resort?
• It only protects the user• It doesn’t address the source of the problem• It is usually not as effective as people believe• It’s uncomfortable and people don’t like
wearing it
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Good management of the risk and controls is also needed
Prevention
Engineering
Work practices
PPE
Supervision
Maintenance
Procedures
Auditing
Testing
Health surveillance
Monitoring
Information
Training
Quite often a solution to common problems is already available
Occupational Hygienists have the knowledge and skills to help employers find solutions
http://www.bohs.org/OHServices-directory/
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0pTnkODfIHad5s9dpuPrpw?feature=watch
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