special subjects
Overview of Occupational and Environmental Medicine
Workplace Safety Evaluation
In certain settings, an OEM physician may request or be asked to evaluate workplace safety. Workplace safety hazards (see table) can be categorized as Air contaminants Chemical hazards Biologic hazards Physical hazards Ergonomic hazards The physician assesses the workplace for one or more of these types of hazards and recommends ways to reduce potential risks for workers to the employer. When making recommendations, an OEM physician considers the hierarchy of hazard controls. Elimination, the most effective form of hazard control, involves removing a hazard from the workplace entirely, without replacing it. Substitution, the second most effective form of hazard control, involves replacing a hazard in the workplace with a less dangerous substitute. Examples of substitution include use of a newer machine with additional safety features or use of a different solvent with a better safety profile. When elimination and substitution are not viable options, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE) are considered. Engineering controls involve minimizing worker exposure to a hazard by physically isolating workers from a process or machine. Administrative controls change the way workers interact with the hazard, either by improving training and procedures or limiting the total time a worker is exposed to the hazard. PPE is the least effective method of hazard control and may be ineffective if PPE does not fit or seal on the worker, workers do not use their PPE, or they need to quickly remove PPE during an emergency while they are still exposed to the hazard. Discussions with workers, the employer, engineers and other scientists, and an industrial hygienist may be useful in determining which workplace modifications are feasible and would optimize worker safety. (See alsoThe National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH): Hierarchy of Controls.) 