Four categories of occupational health hazards

Biological stressors include hazards such as bacteria, viruses, mold, fungus, and insect-related contaminants. 

Ergonomic stressors are the human psychological and physiological injuries or illnesses associated with repetitive and cumulative trauma, fatigue, and exertion. 

Knowledge of work processes and an awareness of environmental stressors allow safety and health professionals to anticipate and recognize potential health hazards. Questions that should be answered during preliminary investigations and inspections might include  

Once these basic questions are answered, the safety and health professional must then evaluate the potential health hazards by determining the concentration and duration of exposure to the contaminant or stressor. The potential mode of entry or exposure of the stressor must be determined. Based upon the physical and chemical properties of the stressor, the probability of contact, absorption, inhalation, or ingestion must also be addressed. Then, the rate of generation of the contaminant must be determined. The industrial hygienist must determine if, based upon the nature, toxicity, concentration, and duration of exposure, a significant health risk exists, thus creating the potential for causing injury or illness. 

Contaminants can take a wide variety of forms. The following are some of the key terms associated with contaminant forms  

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Figure 6-6. Four categories of occupational health hazards.

Identify FOUR categories of occupational health hazard and, in EACH case, give an example of a specific hazard prevalent within the construction industry. 

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