Chapter 17 SummaryOccupational health is the identification (identification), evaluation, and control ofworkplace factors or stresses that cause sickness, impaired health, discomfort, and inefficiency inworkers. New research into old problems, new technological exposures, the effects of newlegislation, and court decisions all combine to create ongoing situations that require effectivemanagement. Many common health hazards (for example, dust, fumes, noise, and temperatureextremes) are not always as obvious. Occupational health hazards are commonly classified intofour types: chemical, physical, biological, and ergonomic. Chemical Dangers: Many chemicalsubstances have the potential to cause serious health problems. Toxicity is defined as a material'sability to cause harm to a living organism.Hearing loss can occur immediately after being exposed to high-intensity noise energy (e.g.,from blasts or explosions). It can also be caused by low levels of excessive noise over time.
