Workplace Illnesses is a health condition or
disorder that is caused by the work environment or
related activities. They can be disruptive, disabling and
sometimes fatal. Examples range from hearing loss to
asthma, infections and some cancers include both acute
and chronic illnesses, such as, but not limited to, a skin
disease, respiratory disorder, or poisoning.
2
Top Causes of Workplace Illness
and How to Prevent Them
Poor Air Quality - The quality of the air within
a workplace is one of the most significant factors that
can affect employee health. Poor air quality can result
in respiratory problems, allergies, and even serious
illnesses like lung cancer. The most common culprits
that impact air quality include mold, dust, and
hazardous chemicals. To prevent poor air quality,
workplaces should ensure that they have proper
ventilation systems in place.
Cont …
Musculoskeletal Disorders -
MSDs) are a common cause of workplace illness. These
disorders can be caused by repetitive motions, poor
posture, and overexertion. MSDs can cause chronic
pain, loss of mobility, and even disability. To prevent
MSDs, employees should have access to ergonomic
equipment such as chairs, desks, and keyboards that
are designed to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally,
workplaces training on proper posture and lifting
techniques should be emphasized.
Cont …
Workplace Stress - Work-related stress
is the response people may have when presented with work
demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge
and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope.
Workplace stress is a major cause of illness among employees.
Stress can lead to physical and mental health problems,
including heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Regular work
break, recreational activities also may help in this. To prevent
workplace stress, policies that promote work-life balance should
be implemented in workplaces, also health awareness session
and the health consultation may help in reducing the workplace
stress
Cont …
Infections - The invasion and growth of
germs in the body and causes harm. The germs
may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other
microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere
in the body and may spread all through it.
cause of workplace illness, particularly during
cold and flu season. The spread of infections
can be prevented by practicing good hygiene,
including frequent hand washing and proper
cough etiquette.
Cont …
Workplace Violence - Any act or threat
of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or
other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs
at the work site. Violence can be caused by a
variety of factors, including interpersonal conflict,
domestic violence, and robbery. To prevent
workplace violence, strict policies that prohibit
violent behavior should be implemented.
Additionally, training on conflict resolution and de-
escalation techniques at workplaces should be
provide annually.
There are several reasons why employees may become
ill while on the job. However, by taking steps to prevent
all mentioned causes, We can create a safer and
healthier workplace. By prioritizing the health and well-
being of everyone in workplace, we can improve
productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more
positive work environment
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SAFETY MOMENT 25.07.2023.pptx

  • 2.
    Workplace Illnesses isa health condition or disorder that is caused by the work environment or related activities. They can be disruptive, disabling and sometimes fatal. Examples range from hearing loss to asthma, infections and some cancers include both acute and chronic illnesses, such as, but not limited to, a skin disease, respiratory disorder, or poisoning. 2
  • 3.
    Top Causes ofWorkplace Illness and How to Prevent Them Poor Air Quality - The quality of the air within a workplace is one of the most significant factors that can affect employee health. Poor air quality can result in respiratory problems, allergies, and even serious illnesses like lung cancer. The most common culprits that impact air quality include mold, dust, and hazardous chemicals. To prevent poor air quality, workplaces should ensure that they have proper ventilation systems in place.
  • 4.
    Cont … Musculoskeletal Disorders- MSDs) are a common cause of workplace illness. These disorders can be caused by repetitive motions, poor posture, and overexertion. MSDs can cause chronic pain, loss of mobility, and even disability. To prevent MSDs, employees should have access to ergonomic equipment such as chairs, desks, and keyboards that are designed to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, workplaces training on proper posture and lifting techniques should be emphasized.
  • 5.
    Cont … Workplace Stress- Work-related stress is the response people may have when presented with work demands and pressures that are not matched to their knowledge and abilities and which challenge their ability to cope. Workplace stress is a major cause of illness among employees. Stress can lead to physical and mental health problems, including heart disease, depression, and anxiety. Regular work break, recreational activities also may help in this. To prevent workplace stress, policies that promote work-life balance should be implemented in workplaces, also health awareness session and the health consultation may help in reducing the workplace stress
  • 6.
    Cont … Infections -The invasion and growth of germs in the body and causes harm. The germs may be bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. Infections can begin anywhere in the body and may spread all through it. cause of workplace illness, particularly during cold and flu season. The spread of infections can be prevented by practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing and proper cough etiquette.
  • 7.
    Cont … Workplace Violence- Any act or threat of physical violence, harassment, intimidation, or other threatening disruptive behavior that occurs at the work site. Violence can be caused by a variety of factors, including interpersonal conflict, domestic violence, and robbery. To prevent workplace violence, strict policies that prohibit violent behavior should be implemented. Additionally, training on conflict resolution and de- escalation techniques at workplaces should be provide annually.
  • 8.
    There are severalreasons why employees may become ill while on the job. However, by taking steps to prevent all mentioned causes, We can create a safer and healthier workplace. By prioritizing the health and well- being of everyone in workplace, we can improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more positive work environment 8
  • 9.