Occupational Lung Disease- Prevention is better than cure

Mike Slater

BOHS President 2014/15

There are currently approximately 12,000 deaths each year due to occupational respiratory diseases

12,000 people per year equates to 33 people per dayBut we don’t hear anything about it in the news

An estimated 1.1 million people who worked in 2011/12 were suffering from a work-related illness

Lung Cancer

5.3%.of cancer deaths (over 8000 deaths in 2005) in GB are attributable to occupational exposures.

15% of COPD is attributable to occupation, accounting for approximately 4000 deaths per year in Britain

Fibrosis

In Great Britain, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, asbestosis and silicosis account for approximately 580 deaths per year

Many agents, particularly respiratory sensitisers, can cause asthma

What are the main causes of occupational lung disease in the UK?

Almost 5000 deaths per year attributable to asbestos exposure

Silica released during stone cutting activities

Source: HSE

Approx 1000 cancer deaths every year due to silica exposure

Welding is a common process and exposure to fume can lead to COPD, asthma and other diseases, including cancer.

Fume from processes like this one can lead to COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Now you see it

Paint sprayers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous substances including solvents and isocyanates

Bakers are about 80 times more likely to develop occupational asthma than the average British worker

Approx 1000 fatalities per year from cancer due to exposure to diesel exhaust emissions at work

Active ingredients in many modern drugs are highly toxic – many are sensitisers or carcinogens

Recycling

Here workers can be exposed to a wide range of hazardous

Exposure to moulds, endotoxin and other components of bioaerosols are associated with

respiratory sensitisation

Fracking

Fracking has been in the news due to environmental concerns, but the process can also lead to workers being exposed to silica

dust and hazardous chemicals

Prevention or cure?

Recognise Evaluate Control

Occupational Hygiene

Recognise Evaluate Control

Occupational Hygiene

Recognise Evaluate Control

Occupational Hygiene

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

There are many different measures that can be implemented. Some are more effective than others.

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

The use of asbestos has been eliminated

In Europe sand blasting with sand (which presents a high risk of silicosis) has been banned

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Source: http://www.hse.gov.uk/copd/casestudies/wetcut.htm

Using water to minimise emissions of dust during cutting of stone and concrete

Using process containment

LEV with partial containment

On-tool extraction

Local exhaust ventilation – needs to be well designed

www.aessolutions.co.uk

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Reduce exposure time Increase distance Working methods Standard procedures

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Why is PPE the last resort?

Why is PPE the last resort?

• It only protects the user• It doesn’t address the source of the problem• It is usually not as effective as people believe• It’s uncomfortable and people don’t like

wearing it

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Good management of the risk and controls is also needed

Prevention

Engineering

Work practices

PPE

Supervision

Maintenance

Procedures

Auditing

Testing

Health surveillance

Monitoring

Information

Training

Quite often a solution to common problems is already available

Occupational Hygienists have the knowledge and skills to help employers find solutions

http://www.bohs.org/OHServices-directory/

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0pTnkODfIHad5s9dpuPrpw?feature=watch

President@bohs.org

http://www.bohs.org

Twitter: @bohsworld

http://www.slideshare.net/mikeslater