GWG Unit IG2 – Risk Assessment

Element 5:
Physical and Psychological Health

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 Learning Outcomes
5.1 Outline the health effects associated with exposure to noise and
appropriate control measures
5.2 Outline the health effects associated with exposure to vibration and
GWG appropriate control measures
5.3 Outline the health effects associated with ionising and non-ionising
radiation and appropriate control measures
5.4 Outline the causes of work-related mental ill-health and how the
condition can be managed
5.5 Outline the risk factors and appropriate controls for violence at work
5.6 Outline the effects of substance abuse on health and safety at work
and control measures to reduce such risks.

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.1

GWG
Noise

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 Noise Levels

GWG

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 Anatomy of Ear

GWG

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 Noise Levels

GWG

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 Terminology
Noise - defined as unwanted sound.
Sound Pressure - Sound pressure or acoustic pressure is the local pressure
deviation from the ambient atmospheric pressure, caused by a sound wave.
GWG The unit of pressure measured in Pascal’s (Pa).
Intensity - a number of pressure changes in the noise determine its
amplitude and intensity.
Frequency - Frequency is perceived by the listener as pitch or tone. It is
measured in cycles per second (Hz).
Decibel (dB) - the unit of sound pressure level.
dB (A) – noise measurement scale matching human hearing.
dB (C) – noise measurement scale accurate for impulse noise.
Action level – level which is non-harmful for an average 8-hour exposure

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 Health Effects
• Tinnitus (ringing of bells sound in the ears)
• Tiredness and stress
GWG • Noise induced hearing damage
• Inability to hear vehicle approaching, alarms

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 Noise Assessment
Objective
• To identify which workers are exposed to the how much noise level and
time of exposure
GWG • To provide the employer with a record of information
• To take suitable measures in place to control exposure to noise

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 Noise Assessment
Different types of noise meter that can be used to undertake noise
measurement include:
Simple sound level meters – measure instantaneous noise levels and can
GWG be used for spot checks, or for very simple surveys.
Integrated sound level meters – measure noise over a period of time and
give a time-weighted average over that time period; useful for most noise
surveys.
Dosimeters – integrating sound level meters worn by the worker to give a
measure of personal noise exposure; useful for work areas where people
move around a lot.

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 Noise Control
Reducing noise at source
• Substitution
• Maintenance
GWG • Modify the process
• Silencing
Interrupt the pathway
• Insulation
• Isolation
• Absorption
Protect the receiver
• Hearing protection
• Health surveillance (Audiometry)

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 Hearing Protection
• Earmuffs – fit over the head or are attached to a safety
helmet
• Ear plugs – inserted into the auditory canal
GWG
Selection
• Comfort and fit
• Maintenance and care
• Training, information and instructions
• Issue to visitors – also consider hygiene issues
• Personal choice
• Noise reduction

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 Role of Health Surveillance
Health surveillance should be Systematic, regular in the form
of audiometry,
• To be carried out to all workers potentially exposed at or
GWG above 85 dB(A) exposure limit
• Workers with known hearing damage at lower levels

Audiometric testing - It is a medical test that quantifies the

sensitivity of a person’s hearing across range of frequencies.

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 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
Which of the following is not a health effect from exposure to
noise in the workplace?
a) Tinnitus
b) Noise induced hearing damage
c) Presbycusis
d) Stress

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.2
GWG
Vibration

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 Health Effects
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
• Vibration white finger (blanching)
GWG • Nerve damage
• Muscle weakening
• Joint damage

Whole-Body Vibration
• Damage to spinal discs
• Vertigo
• Muscle weakening

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 Vibration Assessment

• Action values
• Vibration magnitude
GWG • Exposure time

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 Vibration Control
Reduce the vibration at source:
• Elimination
• Substitution
• Maintenance
GWG
• Modify the process
Interrupt the pathway
• Isolation
Protect the receiver
• Reduce exposure time
• Health surveillance

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 Health Surveillance
At or above the exposure action value

Health surveillance allows:

• Identification of workers with
GWG
✓ Pre-existing vibration damage
✓ New vibration damage
• Removal/exclusion of such workers from vibration sources
• Investigation of vibration sources to rectify problems

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 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
What are the symptoms that the worker may experience from
exposure to vibration when using handheld grinder?
a) Nerve damage
b) Muscle weakening
c) Joint damage
d) All the above

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.3
GWG
Radiation

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 Types of Radiation
• Alpha, Beta, Gamma • Ultraviolet
• X-rays • Infra-red
• Neutron • Lasers
GWG • Microwave

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 Ionizing Radiation
Alpha
• Is a particle radiation consisting of two protons and two neutrons
bound together
GWG • Weak penetrating power approximately 2cm in the air
• Smoke detection

Beta
• Is a particle radiation consisting of high-speed electrons
• Penetration is approximately 800 mm in the air
• Thickness measurement equipment

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 Ionizing Radiation
Gamma
• Is a ray consisting of high energy electromagnetic wave emissions.
• Penetration is approximately 30 meters in the air
GWG • Radiation photography (non-destructive testing)

X- Rays
• X radiation is emitted when certain changes occur in the energy levels
of the orbiting electrons
• High penetrating power
• Medical photography

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 Ionizing Radiation
Neutrons
• Elementary particles with unit atomic mass and no electric charge
• Very high penetration
GWG • Nuclear reactor

Radon
• Produced by the decay of the unstable isotope radium
• Mines, stone quarries, soil, rocks
• Route of entry – inhalation, ingestion

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 Health Effects
Health Effects
• Radiation sickness

GWG • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea

• Blistering and ulceration of skin
• Hair loss
• Dermatitis
• Cataracts (white layer in eyes)
• Anaemia (deficiency of RBC)
• Cancer
• Genetic mutation
• Birth defects

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 Occupational Sources

• Non-destructive testing of
welds
GWG • Density measurement
• Workers in nuclear power
stations
• Medical diagnosis and
treatment
• Underground miners
• Air crew

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 Radiation Control

• Protection – Time, distance,

shielding
GWG • Enclosure
• PPE
• Health surveillance

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 Non-Ionizing Radiation

GWG

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 Radiation

Monitoring
• Check that area have been correctly designated for the hazards that
GWG exist.
• Effectiveness of the controls
• Detect breakdowns in controls or systems
• Ensure workers use the controls provided and report any defects
• Ensure employees use personal protection where its use is
designated as mandatory
• Provide information on those who may be at risk and in need of health
surveillance

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 Radiation

Health Surveillance
• Skin checks
GWG • Respiratory checks
• Reference to exposure records
• Reference to sickness records

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 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
Beta particles are emitted by radioactive material but cannot
travel very far through air or thin materials, such as paper or skin.
a) True
b) False

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.4
GWG
Mental Ill-health

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 Health Effects

Health effects:
• Psychological
GWG • Physical
• Behavioural
• Serious ill-health if prolonged

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 Risk Factors

• Demands - excessive
GWG • Control – weak
• Support - poor
• Relationships - difficult
• Role - undefined
• Change - uncertainty

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 Control Measures
• Selecting suitable employees
• Training and development of staff
• Clearly defined roles
GWG • Clear work objectives
• Comfortable working environment
• Good lines of communication
• Realistic work schedules
• Employee involvement
• Grievance procedure
• Policies to deal with stress
• Management support
 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
If stress is prolonged and relentless, the effects can lead to the
complete physical and mental breakdown of the individual.
a) True
b) False

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.5
GWG

Violence at work

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 Violence at Work

People at Risk
GWG • Working with the public or having a mobile work environment.
• Handling money, valuables or prescription drugs.
• Carrying out inspection or enforcement duties.
• Education and Health care and other service staff.
• Working with unstable or volatile persons e.g. criminal justice system.

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 Violence at Work
Control Measures
• Queue management and details
GWG • Change the task to offer less face to deal with contact
• Use of cheques, credit cards, tokens rather of money
• Vetting customers
• Avoid lone working in high-risk areas
• Call-in system for lone workers
• Arrangements to get staff house if working late
• Training
• Video cams, alarm buttons, visible security staff
• Protective screens and coded security locks

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 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
Many people resort to violence due to frustration. Which of the
following is NOT a common cause of such frustration?
a) A perception of being unreasonably penalized over an
incident
b) Dissatisfaction with a product or service
c) An expensive product
d) General lack of information following a problem

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 Unit IG2: Element 5.6
GWG

Substance abuse at work

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 Substance Misuse at Work

• Alcohol
• Drugs
GWG • solvents

Indications of Drug Abuse

• A change in personality
• Inability to work efficiently
• Increased absenteeism
• Late attendance
• Mood swings
• Theft
• Dishonesty

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 Substance Misuse at Work
Control Measures
• No alcohol at work or during working hours
GWG • Random drugs and alcohol testing
• Training and information for managers to identify a problem
• Counseling for workers to rehabilitation and treatment
• Procedures for dealing with a suspected problem

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 End-of-Section Quiz
GWG
Drugs and alcohol do not cause,
a) Increase in productivity
b) Sensory impairment
c) Skewed perception
d) Fatigue & drowsiness

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 End-of-Element Quiz
1. Lasers are sources of non-ionising radiation and can operate at UV, visible
GWG and IR frequencies.
a. True
b. False

2. Which of the following is a consequence for employer following work-related

stress of his/her workers?
a. High staff turnover
b. Potential civil legal action
c. Increased worker absenteeism
d. All the above

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 End-of-Element Quiz
3. Ear defender or muffs is easy to supervise and enforce use, as they are
visible.
a. True
GWG b. False
4. Age of the equipment is one of the factors to be considered when assessing
the risks of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
a. True
b. False
5. The _____ holds three small bones; the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup
a. Outer ear
b. Middle ear
c. Inner ear
d. Both (b) & (c)

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