Element 5: Physical and Psychological Health

Summary & Key Takeaways

Summary and Key Takeaways from this element are given below:

Element 5.1 - Noise

• Exposure to excessive noise causes Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) as well as other health
and safety risks.
• Noise exposure standards are based on a worker’s daily personal noise exposure. An exposure
of 85 dB(A) over an eight-hour work shift is generally considered to be the upper exposure
standard at which action must be taken to reduce exposure.
• Noise exposure should be assessed by undertaking a noise survey using a sound level meter.
• Control of exposure to noise can be achieved by:
– Reducing the noise at source: by elimination, substitution, maintenance, damping and
silencing.
– Interrupting the pathway from source to receiver: by isolation and absorption.
– Protecting the receiver: by providing an acoustic haven or Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE).
• There are two types of hearing protection: Ear Defenders and Ear Plugs. Both types have
advantages and limitations.
• Health surveillance in the form of hearing tests (Audiometry) is required where employee
exposure is above the upper exposure action value.

Element 5.2 - Vibration

• Exposure to excessive vibration into the hand can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
Health effects can also be seen for whole-body vibration.
• Exposure standards exist for both hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration.
• Vibration exposure can be controlled by:
– Reducing the vibration at source – by eliminating the source, substituting the source,
changing work techniques and maintenance.
– Interrupting the pathway from source to receiver – isolation.
– Limiting the duration of exposure.
• Health surveillance is required where workers are exposed to high levels of hand-arm vibration.

Element 5.3 - Radiation

• Non-ionising radiation can be categorized as:
– Ultraviolet (UV)
– Visible
– Infrared (IR)
– Microwave &
– Radio waves.
• UV, visible and IR radiation can cause eye and skin damage; microwaves and radio waves cause
internal heating.

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Element 5: Physical and Psychological Health
Summary & Key Takeaways

• The control of exposure to non-ionising radiation is by use of clothing and PPE or by maintaining
a safe distance from the source and by isolation, Safe Systems of Work (SSWs) and permits.
• Ionising radiation comes in five forms:
– Alpha particles
– Beta particles
– X-rays
– Gamma-rays &
– Neutrons.
• Exposure to ionising radiation can cause acute radiation sickness and can have chronic health
effects, such as increased risk of cancer.
• The control of exposure to ionising radiation is based on the principles Time, Distance and
Shielding. Dose limits apply.
• Radon is an alpha particle-emitting form of radioactive gas that can build up to hazardous levels
in certain premises. Radon gas levels can be measured, and appropriate controls implemented
to prevent harmful exposures.

Element 5.4 - Mental Ill Health

• Stress, anxiety, and depression are the single biggest causes of lost time in Great Britain.
• Mental ill health is accompanied by a range of Psychological, Physical, and Behavioural
symptoms that can have serious consequences for the individual.
• Work-related stress can be defined as an adverse reaction caused by excessive pressure or other
demands placed on someone at work. Though not a disease, chronic stress can cause ill health
and may act as a trigger for mental ill health, such as anxiety and depression.
• The causes of work-related mental ill health can be grouped under six headings:
– Demands.
– Control.
– Support.
– Relationships.
– Role.
– Change.
• demands, control, support, relationships, role, and change.
• The HSE Management Standards approach to risk assessment establishes six standards to be
achieved by the organisation.

Element 5.5 - Work-Related Violence

• Work-related violence is any incident where a worker is abused, threatened, or assaulted in
circumstances relating to their work. Various factors influence the risk of work-related violence,
and many occupations are at risk.
• Risk of violence can be managed by providing workplace security measures, establishing Safe
Systems of Work (SSWs) (especially for lone workers) and providing information, instruction,
and training.

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Element 5: Physical and Psychological Health
Summary & Key Takeaways

Element 5.6 - Substance Abuse at Work

• Drug and alcohol abuse can have serious health and safety consequences in the workplace,
both for the worker, others involved in any incident and the employer.
• Drugs and alcohol abuse should be controlled by the employer through clear policies, random
testing where necessary, support for affected workers and awareness campaigns.

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