DR. BRYAN CEPEDOZA-MEDICAL INSIDER
A Question & Answer Session
with Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
on Occupational Hazards
(Part 5 )
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): You said last time, Dr. Bryan, that in order to prevent occupational hazards, you suggest, among others, that there should be a schedule of doing heavy work at the coolest time of the day, allowing frequent rest breaks in cool areas.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes. I added another suggestion and that is limiting the exposure time of the employee to hazardous areas where cool drinking water should be provided.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Moreover, you suggested a
monitoring system of the hydration status where employees should be trained to recognize heat related symptoms.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: And, I said that equally important is the training of designated people to establish emergency procedures to help workers who exhibit heat-related symptoms.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What else, Dr. Bryan?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Let us talk now about noise, as a form of occupational hazard.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Oh, yes!
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would say that we have to keep noise levels in working areas as low as possible.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What is meant by as “low as possible”?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: This means that noise exposure in health-care settings should not exceed 35 dB in most rooms. This is for the health care facility where patients are being treated or observed.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I see.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: And there is still another occupational hazard and that is about inadequate lighting.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): So, what is supposed to be done, Dr. Bryan?.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: I would say that workers can make better use of daylight and keep windows clean. They can choose light coloured matte paint which diffuses light and reduces glare. Moreover, employers can provide employees with sufficient general and local artificial lighting without glare and maintain light sources in good condition.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): That’s very clear.