Meeting the needs of the present world population without depleting or damaging the global resource base, and without causing adverse health and environmental consequences, requires knowledge and means to influence action (WHO 1992a) when related to work processes this is closely related to occupational hygiene practice. The work environment should be under continuous surveillance so that hazardous agents and factors can be detected and removed, or controlled, before they cause any ill effects this is the role of occupational hygiene.įurthermore, occupational hygiene may also contribute to a safe and sustainable development, that is “to ensure that (development) meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own needs” (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987). However, preventive action should start much earlier, not only before the manifestation of any health impairment but even before exposure actually occurs. Interactions between people and the environment Only the control of health hazards can break the vicious circle illustrated in figure 1.įigure 1. So long as the unhealthy work environment remains unchanged, its potential to impair health remains. Even when feasible, the diagnosis and the cure of an occupational disease will not prevent further occurrences, if exposure to the aetiological agent does not cease. The need for occupational hygiene in the protection of workers’ health cannot be overemphasized. The goals of occupational hygiene include the protection and promotion of workers’ health, the protection of the environment and contribution to a safe and sustainable development. The profession that aims specifically at the prevention and control of hazards arising from work processes is occupational hygiene. If a harmful chemical is eliminated from a work process, it will neither affect the workers nor go beyond, to pollute the environment. However, the generation and release of harmful agents in the work environment can be prevented, through adequate hazard control interventions, which not only protect workers’ health but also limit the damage to the environment often associated with industrialization.
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Unfortunately, indispensable activities such as food production, extraction of raw materials, manufacturing of goods, energy production and services involve processes, operations and materials which can, to a greater or lesser extent, create hazards to the health of workers and those in nearby communities, as well as to the general environment. Work is essential for life, development and personal fulfilment.