Risks to health at work

The main hazards are of three kinds, physical, chemical and biological, although occupational psychological factors may also cause illness. 

vibration, light, heat, cold, ultraviolet and infrared rays, ionizing radiations. 

These are liable to occur as a result of exposure to any of a wide range of chemicals. 

Ill-effects may arise at once or a considerable period of time may elapse before signs and symptoms of disease are noticed. By this time the effects are often permanent. 

These may occur in workers using bacteria, viruses or plants or in animal handlers and workers dealing with meat and other foods. Diseases produced range from infective hepatitis in hospital workers (virus infecHon) to ringworm in farm labomers (fungus infection). 

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The adoption and implementation of the Framework Directive. Measures to implement the Framework Directive provide a regulatory structure within which all aspects of risks to health at work are to be managed. Specific measures addressing chemical risks and the role of OELs are made within this framework, so it is important to be clear about its content be re we examine the nature and application of these measures more specifically. 

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