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[31/03, 10:10 am] Genesis: Question Identify all source of environmental hazards at your organization and discuss how it can be eliminated. [31/03, 10:16 am] Genesis: Environmental hazards is defined as extreme events or substances in the Earth and its ecological system that may cause adverse consequences for humans and things they value.It's also the state or event which has the potential to threaten the surrounding natural environment or adversely affect people's health, including pollution and natural disasters such as storms and earthquakes. [31/03, 10:26 am] Genesis: Sources Of Environmental Hazards are. Chemical hazards: It involve handling chemicals present health risks to the employees. Exposure to substances such as corrosives, fumes, vapors, liquids, and dust can be extremely harmful. This may lead to irritation, sensitization, and carcinogenicity. Hence, it is crucial for an employer to mitigate the risks through implementing safety protocols that minimize or even eliminate the possibility of employees inhaling or ingesting the substances as well as absorbing them through their skin. [31/03, 10:40 am] Genesis: Biological hazards:Employees with roles that involve interacting with other people, animals, or contagious conditions are prime candidates for exposure to biological hazards. These risks include fungi, viruses, blood, and mold. At operation terminals encountering biological hazards is more likely to happen on the field of work or groundwork. For example, employees in the operation terminals could get exposed to dust or water contaminated by some hazardous substance that are released into the environment by some heavy machines used at the field of work . These could lead to various diseases such as histoplasmosis, a potentially fatal respiratory problem. [31/03, 10:47 am] Genesis: Ergonomic hazards:Manual laborers are at risk for ergonomic hazards, which can result in disabling injuries afflicting their joints and muscles. These injuries could be caused by unlabeled heavy loads, tools or objects stored in hard to reach places, and standing in awkward positions when completing tasks­,particularly those involving weighted loads. It observed that ergonomic hazards are the most common health risk among workers in the industries. While ergonomic hazards could pose problems in terms of productivity in the workplace, these risks could also cause workers disabling and career ending injuries. [31/03, 10:51 am] Genesis: Unseen hazards:Are working conditions that involve extreme heat or cold, spending long hours under the sun or ultraviolet rays, radiation, or constant exposure to loud noises pose the risk of injuring workers with or without any contact. A common effect of environmental hazard is occupational hearing loss among workers exposed to extremely loud noises. Lot of workers have been afflicted by this condition, with employers shelling out substantial sums for workers’ compensation. [31/03, 1:52 pm] Genesis: How to eliminate environmental hazards. Environmental hazards at workplace or the organization is essential when it comes to keeping employees safe. One of the best ways to reduce workplace hazards is by putting safety measures in place and also implement strictly safety laws. [31/03, 2:01 pm] Genesis: Elimination and Substitution: The most preferred method of controlling environmental hazards is to eliminate the hazard altogether.In most cases, elimination is not feasible and when possible, substitution is the best approach to hazard mitigation. When possible, substitute less hazardous agents in place of their more hazardous counterparts. This also applies to conditions and activities. Engineering Controls:It consist of a variety of methods for minimizing hazards, including process control, enclosure and isolation, and ventilation. Process controls involve changing the way that a job activity is performed in order to reduce risk. Examples of this include using wet methods when drilling or grinding or using temperature controls to minimize vapor generation. Enclosure and isolation are targeted at keeping the chemical in and the researcher out, or visa versa. Glove boxes are a good example of enclosure and isolation. Interlock systems for lasers and machinery are other good examples of isolating processes. The most common method for ventilation in research laboratories is localized exhaust systems. Fume hoods, snorkels, and other ventilation systems are discussed at length in the Laboratory Equipment and Engineering Controls section of this site. Administrative Controls:They are controls which alter the way work is performed. They may consists of policies, training, standard operating procedures/guidelines, personal hygiene practices, work scheduling, etc. These controls are meant to minimize the exposure to the hazard and should only be used when the exposure cannot be completely mitigated through elimination/substitution or engineering controls. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) PPE should always be used as a last line of defense and is an acceptable control method when engineering or administrative controls cannot provide sufficient protection. PPE may also be used on a temporary basis while engineering controls are being developed. [31/03, 2:12 pm] Genesis: Conclusion Eliminating Environmental Hazards at the workplace need not be time consuming or even expensive. Being aware of possible hazards can increase productivity, prevent illness, reduce days off and save lives.