Airborne workplace hazards may be deadly: Experts

Trades workers, technicians and machine operators
can be exposed to toxic chemicals, dusts and more.
Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Many workplace hazards are hard to miss – there are those that may cause injury or death and others that can affect a person’s mindset – but those that are not easily recognizable, including invisible fumes, dust and inhalable toxins, may be the most dangerous workplace hazards, experts warn.

These types of toxins have been linked to a wide range of health effects, including

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Asbestosis
• Cancers, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer

The problem with these inhalable hazards is that health effects may take a long time to appear, up to a few decades in some cases, while other exposures may cause immediate health problems.

In Australia, experts say that approximately 39% of workers are regularly exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace. Exposure to fumes, gases and particulates was especially likely for technicians, trades workers and machine operators.

Many of the workers surveyed said they did not receive any safety measures or equipment, while another large portion said they received inadequate controls.

Employers responsible for supplying a safe working environment

Experts recommend the following:

1. Regular monitoring of the workplace air quality and identifying hazards
2. Putting controls into place
3. Capturing dust at the source rather than letting it escape
4. Make sure there are fresh air exchanges and filtering air, if needed

Fume arms, dust collectors and air scrubbers can all help remove contaminants and reduce workers’ exposure to toxins.

Companies that fail to protect workers may have to face substantial fines.

What is your working environment like? Do your employers ensure good air quality? Let us know!


Source: Safe to Work

Air cleaners for chemicals, dust and other toxins

The AirRhino air cleaner can go
from particle to chemical filtration
on site.

Providing cleaner and healthier air can be as easy as using one of Electrocorp’s air cleaners for commercial and industrial applications.

Electrocorp air scrubbers combat workplace hazards such as fumes, gases, chemicals, odors, dust, particulates and more with proven activated carbon and HEPA filters.

The air cleaners come in different sizes and airflow configurations, with custom carbon blends, long-lasting deep-bed filters as well as many additional features to provide the best solution to virtually any IAQ concern.

Contact Electrocorp for more information and recommendations based on your workplace contaminants.

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