Hazards
Information on health and safety for forestry workers is available from the ACC website
Information on health and safety for health care workers is available from the ACC website.
Why is working in the heat bad for your health?
Human beings need to maintain a constant body temperature if they are to stay healthy. Working in high temperatures will induce heat stress when more heat is absorbed into the body than can be dissipated out.
Working at height
Under the HSE Regulations (1995) if there is a possibility of falling more than three metres the employer must provide a suitable fall arrest system.
Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can be caused by viruses, chemicals or drugs. The two most common types of viral hepatitis are Hepatitis A (also called “infectious hepatitis”) and Hepatitis B (or “serum hepatitis”). In both types, the virus affects the liver in similar ways. However their transmission and prevention are quite different.
Allergy to latex is an increasing occupational concern as more people report allergic reactions due to contact with latex products.
What is latex?
Latex is the milky sap obtained by tapping the rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensis). The raw material is mixed with a preservative, such as ammonia, then concentrated and shipped as a latex concentrate to make products such as disposal gloves. This milky fluid contains variable amounts of proteins that can be absorbed through the skin or inhaled and can cause allergic reactions in susceptible workers. More than 50 different proteins have been implicated in the allergic response, with up to a total of 240 different proteins found in latex.
Many buildings and homes in New Zealand contain lead paint. Old paint on metal bridges and plant may also contain lead. Deteriorating paint can peel off in large pieces; flake off in smaller chips or into a fine powder. Lead paint can be dangerous if it is peeling or breaking down.
Poor lighting can lead to workplace incidents, poor work performance and fatigue. It can contribute to visual fatigue, neck and back pain, blurred vision and headaches.
Information on lighting in t
WHAT IS MANUAL HANDLING?
Manual handling means more than just lifting or carrying something. The term 'manual handling' is used to describe a range of activities including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, moving, holding or restraining an object, animal or person. It also covers activities which require the use of force or effort such as pulling a lever, or operating power tools.
