DR. BRYAN CEPEDOZA-MEDICAL INSIDER
A Question & Answer Session
with Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
on Occupational Hazards
(Part 4)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): We are still in our
discussion on Occupational Hazards, Dr. Bryan. Last
week, you started mentioning some risks in ambient
work environment. What is this all about?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: These are work related factors,
such as thermal discomfort (heat or cold stress) and
noise, which may cause harm to An employee/worker.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Please elaborate, Dr.
Bryan.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Let us talk about noise. We
have to remember that noise exposure above the
allowable volume of sound, may cause temporary and
permanent hearing damage, while lower noise levels
may cause annoyance, lack of sleep, and increased
stress. Moreover, heat stress can arise from work in full
personal protective equipment like gowns, hoods,
coveralls, googles, boots, respirators, etc. Poor lighting
in work areas can also cause injuries, eye strain and
loss of vision.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I understand. But how can
we prevent all these when such materials are
necessary in the workplace as protective gears?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Well, for thermal discomfort,
there is a need to provide the employee with adequate
heating, ventilation and air conditioning. There is also a
need to limit the wearing wearing of full PPE to a
maximum of one hour. After one hour, there has to be
some form of rest in a relaxing place.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Would that be all, Dr.
Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would also like to suggest that
there should be a schedule of doing heavy work at the
coolest time of the day, allowing frequent rest breaks in
cool areas. The exposure time should also be limited,
and cool drinking water should be provided. Moreover,
there has to be a monitoring of the hydration status and
employees should be trained to recognize heat related
symptoms. Equally important is the training of
designated people to establish emergency procedures
to help workers who exhibit heat-related symptoms. (To
be continued)