XBHM3103

BACHELOR OF OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT WITH

HONOUR

TAKE HOME EXAMINATION

SEMESTER 3 / YEAR 2020

XBHM3103

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH MANAGEMENT

MATRICULATION NO. : 980420075495001

IDENTITY CARD NO. : 980420075495
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Part A (Question 1)
1. a) Discuss THREE types of health prevention approach.

Prevention includes a wide range of activities called "interventions." Designed to reduce

health risks or threats. There are three types of prevention, primary, secondary and tertiary.
First of all, Primary prevention aims to prevent disease or injury before it ever occurs. This is
done by preventing exposure to hazards that can cause disease or injury, changing unhealthy
or unsafe behaviors that may cause disease or injury, and increasing resistance to disease or
injury when exposure occurs.

Moreover, Secondary prevention aims to reduce the impact of diseases or injuries that
have already occurred. To this end, the disease or injury should be detected and treated as
soon as possible to prevent or slow its development, individual strategies should be
encouraged to prevent re-injury or recurrence, and plans to return people to their original
health and function to prevent long-term problems should be implemented.

Lastly, Tertiary prevention aims to reduce the continuing effects of ongoing diseases or
injuries. This is achieved by helping people manage long-term, often complex health
problems and injuries. Chronic diseases, permanent diseases to maximize their functional
capacity, quality of life and life expectancy.
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Part A (Question 1)
1. b) Give examples of control approaches for all types of health prevention as mention in (a).

The example of control approaches for primary prevention is legislation and enforcement
to ban or control the use of hazardous products such asbestos or to mandate safe and healthy
practices use of seatbelts and bike helmets. Other than that the education about healthy and
safe habits such as eating well, exercising regularly and not smoking. Next the immunization
of our body against infectious diseases.

Moreover, the example of control approaches for secondary prevention is regular exams
and screening tests to detect disease in its earliest stages mammograms to detect breast
cancer. Next people must do daily routine such as diet and exercise, to prevent from futher
heart attack and stroke.Last, suitably modified work so injured or ill workers can return safely
to their jobs.

Lastly, the example of control approaches for tertiary prevention is cardiac or stroke
rehabilitation programs, chronic disease management programs for chronic disease such as
diabetes, arthritis, and depression. Moreover, support groups that allow members to share
strategies for living well. Lastly, vocational rehabilitation programs to retrain workers for
new jobs when they have recovered as much as possible.
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rPart A (Question 3)
a) Briefly explain the aetiology of silicosis; and give FIVE occupations are at risk for
silicosis.

The aetiology of silicosis, the oldest known occupational pulmonary disease, is caused
by inhalation of tiny particles of silicon dioxide in the form of unbound (free) crystalline
silica (usually quartz) or, less commonly, by inhalation of silicates, minerals containing
silicon dioxide bound to other elements, such as talc.
Five occupation are at risk for silicosis is workers who move or blast rock and sand
(miners, quarry workers, stonecutters) or who use silica-containing rock or sand abrasives
(sand blasters; glass makers, foundry, gemstone, and ceramic workers; potters). Coal miners
are at risk of mixed silicosis and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. Moreover, Exposure to
crystalline silica may occur in a number of industries and occupations due to its wide and
variable use. The occupational groups exposed to silica were construction trades labourers,
heavy equipment operators, and plasterers and drywallers. However, workers can also be
exposed in industries such as mining, agriculture, and various manufacturing industries.
Tasks such as abrasive blasting, cutting, sawing, demolishing, drilling, grinding,
jackhammering, milling, mixing, polishing, roofing, sanding, and sweeping can also be a risk
for workers and to those working around them.

b) Discuss the silicosis control measures at workplaces according to the hierarchy of control.

First of all, based on the hierarchy of control is Eliminating. Elimination means you
completely remove the hazard from your workplace. In many cases, eliminating silica dust is
not practicable. Elimination may not be possible if silica dust is naturally occurring at your
workplace or you can’t make the end product or deliver a service without generating it. They
can be eliminate silica dust at the source by eliminating the processes that generate dust. For
example adopting production processes that generate less dust. As an example any wet
method is likely to generate less dust than a dry one. Next, treating the dust at the point of
generation, as this is more effective than capturing airborne dust, and treating the dust on its
transmission path using dust suppression techniques for example water sprays, chemical
additives, local exhaust ventilation, vacuum. Eliminate the silica containing products from
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your workplace. This will effectively remove the risk of workers being exposed to silica dust
when working with these products.
Moreover, the silicosis control measures at workplaces according to the hierarchy of
control is substitution. Substitution is where you replace a product or chemical with
something that is less hazardous and therefore has a lower risk. Effective substitution of silica
and silica containing products will depend on your workplace and the work tasks your
workers carry out. Again, substitution might not be practicable where silica is naturally
occurring or if it means you can’t make the end product or deliver a service. Substitution can
be an effective way of managing the risk of exposure to silica dust. As an example, use
products that do not contain silica or have less silica in them, use a silica containing product
that does not need to be cut, ground or polished, and use a liquid or paste form of a silica
product.

Other than that, the next is silicosis control measures at workplaces according to the
hierarchy of control is engineering controls. Engineering controls use physical methods to
change the characteristics of a task. The best engineering controls for your workplace will
depend on the tasks your workers carry out. Engineering controls to control silica dust
include, automation when cutting, grinding or drilling, using wet cutting methods, local
exhaust ventilation, drills, routers, saws and other equipment designed to be fitted with H-
class local exhaust ventilation and a water attachment to suppress dust, using sacrificial
backer-boards or spoil boards, fitting large machinery such as excavators and bulldozers with
positive pressure enclosed cabs, and cleaning up dust with a industrial vacuum cleaner.

Lastly is Administrative controls. When work with silica containing products, you
should develop and implement administrative controls to support the higher level control
measures you have in place to protect your workers. These may include, shift rotation
policies to make sure workers are not exposed to dust above the workplace exposure standard
and for extended periods of time. Roviding a laundry service for dusty PPE and work wear
supported by a policy outlining, that dusty PPE and work wear are not to be taken home,
designated areas where dusty PPE and clothes must be changed and when dusty PPE and
clothes must be laundered. Policies for storage, cleaning and maintenance of equipment
and PPE that require, dusty PPE and equipment to be stored in sealed bags when not in use,
cleaning of PPE and equipment to be done in designated areas only, and signage at the
workplace highlighting there is a dust hazard and any use of RPE and PPE.
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Part B (Question 1)
1. Differentiate health surveillance and medical surveillance in scope of its definition,
functions and indicators of the need for surveillance at the workplace.

Different between health and medical surveillance scope of its definition. Medical
surveillance includes, where appropriate, pre-assignment and periodical medical
examinations. It also includes, where appropriate, medical examinations upon resumption of
work after a prolonged absence for health reasons, and upon and after termination of work
involving exposure to chemicals and Health surveillance should also include, where
appropriate, simple techniques for the early detection of effects on health. These could
include examination and questioning about health complaints.

Different between health and medical surveillance in its function. Medical

surveillance targets actual health events or a change in a biologic function of an exposed
person or persons. Medical surveillance is a second line of defense behind the
implementation of direct hazard controls such as engineering controls, administrative
controls, and personal protective equipment and Public health surveillance provides and
interprets data to facilitate the prevention and control of disease. To achieve this
purpose, surveillance for a disease or other health problem should have clear objectives.

Health surveillance is important in workplace. A health-surveillance is composed of a

systematic set of procedures that will detect the early signs of work-related health changes
that could indicate damage to the individual's well-being. This program may include specific
medical surveillance by health professionals which in itself may include clinical
examinations or biological/biological effect monitoring to measure and assess both uptake
and/or the effects of exposure to certain environments. Health surveillance is an important
part of health-risk management and seeks to confirm whether employees are potentially
exposed to existing workplace hazards, whether the control measures are effective and the
worker is showing no biological or clinical changes that could indicate damaging exposure.
Health surveillance needs not be conducted when there is no exposure or reason to expect an
exposure unless specifically required by legislation.
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Medical surveillance is also needed in workplace but a workplace does not need to be
hazardous to realize benefit from periodic medical surveillance of the workforce. Providing
employees with access to knowledgeable health professionals demonstrates the value that the
company places on health and safety. This allows employees to have questions or concerns
addressed and potential problems identified and corrected. The importance of safety
procedures and use of personal protection can also be emphasized. In addition, these provide
occupational health professionals with a chance to promote personal health and safety and
healthy lifestyle habits. The end result can be a safer, healthier, and more engaged workforce.
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Part B (Question 2)
2. Identify THREE possible routes of entry of the hazardous substances into the body and
indicate the preventive measures before, during and after an application of pesticides.

The legislation related to pesticides usage in Malaysia is pesticides act 1974.

The Pesticides Act 1974 is the principle legislation to regulate the management of pesticides
in Malaysia. The Act covers the management of all pesticides and other chemicals used in
agriculture. The Pesticides Board is set up to implement the Act under the jurisdiction of the
Ministry of Agriculture. It is comprised of members from relevant government agencies. The
Pesticide Control Division of the Department of Agriculture was entrusted with the task of
providing the secretariat to the Board for the implementation of the act. There are presently
seven subsidiary legislations being enforced in the area such as registration, importation for
research and education purposes, labeling, licensing for sale and storage for sale, highly toxic
pesticides, advertisement, and pest control operators. Several amendments have been made to
Pesticides Act 1974 such as the control of importation of pesticides as registration samples
and control of possession or use of unregistered pesticides, and imposing of penalties for all
offences.

Possible routes of entry of the hazardous substances into the body is breathing of
contaminated air is the most common way that workplace chemicals enter the body. Some
chemicals, when contacted, can pass through the skin into the blood stream. The eyes may
also be a route of entry. Usually, however, only very small quantities of chemicals in the
workplace enter the body through the eyes. Workplace chemicals may be swallowed
accidentally if food, hands, or cigarettes are contaminated. For this reason, workers should
not drink, eat, or smoke in areas where they may be exposed to chemicals. Moreover
Injection is one of the way chemicals may enter the body. While uncommon in most
workplaces, it can occur when a sharp object such as needle. Punctures the skin and injects a
chemical or virus directly into the bloodstream. Regardless of the way the chemical gets into
the body, once it is in the body it is distributed in the body by the blood stream. In this way,
the chemical may harm organs which are far away from the original point of entry as well as
where they entered the body.
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Preventive measures before, an application of pesticides is make sure kids, pets, and
anyone non-essential to the application is out of the area before mixing and applying
pesticides. Be sure to wear clothing that will protect you when using pesticides. Consider
wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants, and closed-toe shoes in addition to any other
protective clothing or equipment required by the label. Mix pesticides outdoors or in well-
ventilated areas. Mix only what you need to use in the short term to avoid storing or
disposing of excess pesticide. Be prepared for a pesticide spill. Have paper towels, sawdust or
kitty litter, garbage bags, and non-absorbent gloves on hand to contain the spill.

Preventive measure during an application of pesticides is avoid using excessive amounts

of water, as this may only spread the pesticide and could be harmful to the environment. Read
the first aid instructions on the label before using the product. Remove personal items, such
as toys, clothing, or tools from the spray area to avoid contamination. When spraying
pesticides indoors, make sure the area is well ventilated. When applying pesticides as a spray
or dust outside, avoid windy conditions and close the doors and windows to your home.

Lastly, after using pesticides, wait for a while. If you had to vacate the premises, wait
until the recommended time before you head back home. If you accidentally left any food
outside, throw them in the garbage. Even if they used organic chemicals for the pest control
process, such food will never be entirely healthy for you. Do not clean immediately, it may
wipe off any treated baseboards, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment. Pest control
treatments are usually customized based on your needs. So, you will be told when you can
clean again and if there are any areas you should not wash. Do not do a deep cleaning for at
least a week. Repair any leaks, If you have any leaking taps or drainage pipes in the house,
get them fixed as soon as possible. Water from leaks serve as an entry for pests, and may lead
to a re-infestation. Avoid leaving paper around, Paper can be a source of food for many pests.
Wet paper (of any kind) and brown bags (used to carry groceries) are the ones to look out for.
Do not store old newspapers and magazines in or near the kitchen. Protect yourself and keep
checking for pests and lastly, wash your hands before smoking or eating. Clean your entire
body by bathing. Make sure you clean all of the part of your body that have high risk
exposure to pesticides.
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