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RSI   REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURIES (RSI) Repetitive Strain Injuries can be caused by: * Repeated movements of the hands, limbs etc. * Application of repeated pressure. * Maintenance of a rigid posture (static work). You may suffer from any of these symptoms: * Pain * Swelling or Ganglion * Tenderness * Pins and Needles * Numbness * Muscle Weakness * Stiffness * Limited movement * Tingling * Aching and fatigue Most Repetitive Strain Injuries AREN'T prescribed industrial diseases, but if you have been told you have any of the following, you may be eligible for DSS compensation: * A "Beat" condition (Bursitis, Cellulitis) * Tenosynovitis * Writer's Cramp
ASB   ASBESTOS EXPOSURE WHAT IS ASBESTOS? Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of many small fibres. The three main types of asbestos are chrysotile (white), crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown). It is a controlled substance. ASBESTOS IS DANGEROUS TO YOUR HEALTH! The minute asbestos dust particles are harmful to your body when breathed in. Simply, the more asbestos dust you breath in, the greater the risk of lung damage and cancer: there is no cure. If you are told you have any of the following you may be eligible for DSS compensation: * Asbestosis (Pneumoconiosis) * Pleural thickening * Mesothelioma * Asbestos-related lung cancer   
CHE TA COAL TAR PRODUCTS WHAT ARE COAL TAR PRODUCTS? Coal tar products include coal tar and its derivatives, coal tar pitch and creosote. Coal tar is derived from the intense heating of bituminous coal. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF WORKING WITH COAL TAR? Coal tar products may be irritating to the skin, eyes and respiratory system. They react with the skin and make it more sensitive to ultra-violet light. Repeated, long-term exposure may cause cancer of the skin, bladder or urinary tract. You may be eligIble for DSS compensation if have any of the following from working with coal tar: * Dermatitis, warts or scaliness of the skin * Dystrophy and ulceration of the cornea * Cancer of the skin, bladder or urinary tract
ACC   ACCIDENTS THE SCALE OF THE PROBLEM Each year over 200,000 accidents are notified to the Health and Safety Executive. 700 people die from workplace accidents. But not all accidents are recorded, so the problem is much bigger! WHAT CAUSES ACCIDENTS? Although some workers face greater risks than others by virtue of the work they do, the main cause of workplace accidents is the failure to provide a safe system of work. The majority of accidents at work could be prevented by ensuring good workplace practice. ACCIDENTS AND THE LAW Your employer is legally obliged to report accidents which cause serious or fatal injuries or lead to a specified period off work.
CHE CO CEMENT Cement is an alkaline substance, containing various additives and impurities, such as chromates and cobalt. It is more dangerous to health than is generally recognised. Exposure to cement may result in the following: * Lung scarring (Pneumoconiosis) * Cement burns * Contact dermatitis * Eye damage * Stomach ulcers Cement dermatitis is a widespread problem. The chromate and cobalt content can cause allergic dermatitis. It is the lime content of cement which produces the alkaline burns and eye damage.
CHE   CHEMICALS & TOXIC SUBSTANCES RECOGNISING THE HAZARD You may encounter a chemical substance at work in the form of a gas or vapour, an aerosol, fume, liquid, solid, dust or fibre. Many chemicals, like gases or vapours, are invisible and may be produced as by-products or end products of a chemical reaction or a process. HOW DO CHEMICALS AFFECT YOUR HEALTH? Chemical substances may enter your body through the lungs, they may penetrate the skin, or be swallowed. Some are highly flammable and may be explosive under certain conditions. They may cause one or more of the following: * Lung diseases * Reproductive disease * Skin diseases * Nerve and brain disorders * Cancer * Liver and kidney disease * Heart disease * Allergies and sensitisation
CLO   CLOSE WORK The main problems associated with close work are: * Eye strain * Backache * Tiredness * Neckache * Stress * Aching fingers The symptoms of eye strain include: * Blurred vision * Tired eyes * Red eyes * Sore eyes * Double vision * Headaches Postural problems arise from badly-designed seating and bending over the work. Inadequate lighting may be a contributory factor to the eye strain forcing workers to get too close to their work.   
DUS   DUSTY WORK RECOGNISING THE HAZARD Dust is liable to be produced whenever materials are handled or broken down. You may be exposed to mineral, metal, animal or vegetable dusts at work. THE DANGERS OF WORKING IN DUSTY CONDITIONS The specific health problems depend on the type of dust you are exposed to. It may affect the: * Lungs (eg. pneumoconiosis, cancer etc) * Nose and throat (eg. nasal cancer) * Skin (eg. dermatitis, burns, ulcers etc) * Eyes (eg. conjunctivitis) * Internal organs (eg. liver and kidney diseases) Dust can also cause explosions when in confined spaces. No dust should be regarded as 'safe'.
ENV TE WORKING IN HEAT, COLD & WET THE HEAT AND THE COLD Working in extremes of temperature (outdoors, in a cold store, or near an oven or furnace) may cause problems. It can lead to loss of concentration, irritability, tiredness and discomfort, and can cause an increase in the risk of accidents at work. TOO MUCH HEAT TOO MUCH COLD * Fatigue * Chilblains and frostbite * Dehydration * Fatigue * Dizziness/fainting * Rheumatism * Heat cramps * Raynaud's phenomenon * Heat stress * Breathing/sinus problems * Heat stroke * Hypothermia THE COLD AND WET Wearing damp footwear in the cold, or working with feet immersed in water can cause immersion foot.
HRS   LONG OR DIFFICULT HOURS Long hours of work, shift work, overtime or other unsocial hours may result in headaches, tiredness and a whole range of stress-induced illnesses. Working unsocial hours has social consequences, disrupting domestic life and interfering with social activities. Unsocial hours may also lead to an increase in errors or accidents at work. WORKING HOURS AND THE LAW For most occupations there are no specific limits on the hours which you can work. There are a few exceptions. For example, the hours of work of most goods or passenger vehicles are controlled by the law.
INF ZO INFECTIONS CAUSED BY ANIMALS You may be exposed to some infections or diseases if you deal or come into contact with: * Infected animals * Untreated animal products * Animal remains * Animal excreta * Vaccines * Laboratory specimens These infections are caused by micro-organisms such as viruses and bacteria, which may enter your body through a bite, or a cut or abrasion in your skin, through your mouth and eyes or through your nose, where they may be breathed in on minute droplets. You may be eligible for DSS compensation if you are told you have any of the following: * Anthrax * Orf * Glanders * Leptospirosis (Weill's disease) * Brucellosis * Avian/Ovine Chlamydiosis * Q fever * Streptococcus suis infection * Hydatidosis * Hookworm disease (rare in UK)
NOI   NOISE AT WORK NOISE AND YOUR HEALTH Noise is sound that damages your health. If you are exposed to noise levels above 80dB you run the risk of suffering permanent hearing loss. Damage is usually gradual and may not be noticed until it is too late. In addition, noise may lead to stress, which may mean an increase in accidents at work. INFRASOUND AND ULTRASOUND Infrasound and ultrasound cannot be heard because they are outside the frequency range of normal hearing. They may cause a wide range of problems including headaches, nausea, giddiness and stomach disorders. COMPENSATION You may be eligible for DSS compensation if you are made deaf by your job.
CHE PH PHOTOCOPIERS If your workplace photocopying machine is badly positioned, poorly maintained, and used frequently or for long periods, then there are risks to your health. CHEMICAL HAZARDS The main danger to health is from the chemicals emitted into the air. The most important are: * Ozone * Nitrogen Oxide * Toners * Carbon monoxide * Selenium sulphide * Cadmium sulphide The health effects range from eye, nose and throat irritation to dermatitis, headaches and possibly the danger of reproductive problems and cancer. Other hazards arise from exposure to ultra-violet light and the heat generated by the photocopier.
PHY   LIFTING, BENDING, PUSHING, PULLING MANUAL HANDLING WORK Manual handling work involves the transport or support of a load - including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying or moving - by hand or bodily force. A load is a moveable object, and may also include live animals and people. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF MANUAL HANDLING WORK? Manual handling work is physically strenuous, and may cause back damage, hernias, trapped nerves and other injuries. About a quarter of all accidents reported to the HSE each year are associated with manual handling. MANUAL HANDLING AND THE LAW Your employer is required to assess the risk of injury from manual handling activities, and ensure that measures are taken to reduce the risk.
STA   STANDING FOR LONG PERIODS If your job involves prolonged standing you may suffer from any of the following problems: * Varicose veins * Swollen ankles * Damage to the back or spine Continuous standing should be avoided wherever possible. Where a job has to be done standing, workers should be able to work with their arms at their sides, and without excessive bending or twisting of the back. Footrests can help reduce the strain on the back. They also enable workers to change positions, as do seats and stools.   
STR   STRESS Stress is a very common term, often used to describe distress, fatigue and a feeling of not being able to cope. WHAT IS IT ABOUT WORK THAT CAUSES STRESS? The single most important factors identified is lack of job satisfaction and control. Other sources of stress include anxiety about job security, working unsocial hours and an unsatisfactory work environment - too hot, too cold, dusty, noisy etc. WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF STRESS? Stress can be damaging both mentally and physically. The symptoms of stress include indecision, lack of concentration, loss of appetite, reduced weight, skin rashes, headache, backache and difficulty sleeping, and may lead to stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, ulcers and depression.
TOB   TOBACCO AND PASSIVE SMOKING WHAT IS PASSIVE SMOKING? Passive smoking means breathing other people's tobacco smoke. WHAT IS TOBACCO SMOKE? Tobacco smoke consists of droplets of "tar" containing nicotine, and gas/vapor containing chemicals such as carbon monoxide, nitric oxide, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and acrolein. WHAT ARE THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO SMOKE? Tobacco smoke causes irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. Frequent, prolonged and intense exposure to tobacco smoke can cause lung cancer. It can worsen existing respiratory conditions such as asthma. Women who are heavily exposed to tobacco smoke during pregnancy may have lower birthweight babies.   
VDU   WORKING WITH VDUs VDUs AND YOUR HEALTH In most cases, the health problems associated with Visual Display Units work do not arise directly from the VDUs themselves, but the way in which they are you used. For example, VDU work may lead to stress because of the increased pace or pressure to meet deadlines. You may suffer from any of these problems: * Eyestrain * Skin rashes * Irritability * Headaches * Backache * Nausea * Stress * Repetitive strain injuries VDUs may trigger epileptic fits in sufferers of photosensitive epilepsy. There are new EC regulations for working with VDUs.   
VIB   VIBRATION WHOLE-BODY VIBRATION Whole-body vibration happens when your body is shaken by a machine or vehicle, such as a lorry. It may cause a range of problems depending on the frequency, intensity and length of exposure. Very low frequency vibration may cause motion sickness, and low frequency vibration leads to weakness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, back injury, hernias, piles, heart disease and digestive problems. HAND-ARM VIBRATION Hand-arm vibration occurs when you use a hand-held vibrating tool such as a chain saw. It may cause damage to the blood vessels and nerves in your fingers and hand. If you are told you have the following due to the use of hand-held vibrating tools, you may be eligible for DSS compensation: * Vibration white finger * Carpal tunnel syndrome   
WEL   WELDING PROCESSES THE HAZARDS OF WELDING PROCESSES The hazards of welding vary according to the materials and techniques used, but there are some general hazards which apply all types of welding: CHEMICAL HAZARDS Fumes and gases are produced by all welding techniques. The main gases encountered are: * Carbon monoxide * Carbon dioxide * Ozone * Nitrogen dioxide The effects of exposure to welding fumes include irritation of the respiratory system, metal fume fever, poisoning and possibly lung fibrosis. PHYSICAL HAZARDS The physical hazards of welding include the dangers of burns, damage to the eyes, electric shock and the possibility of fire and explosion.   
WKS   WORKSTATION DESIGN WORKSTATION DESIGN AND LAYOUT Badly-designed seating or an unsuitable bench height may result in an uncomfortable posture. This may cause a range of problems including varicose veins, piles, back damage and the aggravation of repetitive strain injuries. Where a job involves reaching, this should be done between 8 and 12 inches in front of the body. The workstation should be designed so that reaching is not done beyond 16 - 20 inches. The bench or desk and seat need to be considered as one unit. There are guidelines on workstation design which specifically apply to VDU work.
VIO   VIOLENCE AT WORK You may face aggressive or violent behaviour if your job involves dealing with the public, clients or patients. You may be sworn at, threatened or even attacked. Verbal abuse and threats are the most common types of incident. Assault by a member of public, client or patient is comparatively rare. Violence at work may cause you pain, suffering and even long-term disability. Physical attacks are obviously dangerous, but serious or persistent verbal abuse or threats can also damage your health by causing anxiety and stress. It is important that you report all incidents to your union representative, and ensure that a detailed record is kept. You may be eligible for compensation for certain injuries through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board.   
RAD IO EXPOSURE TO XRAYS ETC Some processes, including mining,non-destructive testing,and laboratory work may expose you to ionising radiation: * Alpha particles * X-rays * Beta particles * Gamma radiation IONISING RADIATION AND YOUR HEALTH Except in the case of severe over-exposure, you can neither see nor feel ionising radiation. The extent of damage depends on the dose and the penetrating power of the radiation. Damage to the reproductive cells causes sterility, infertility, and abnormalities in later generations. COMPENSATION The effects of ionising radiation for which you may be eligible for DSS compensation are: * Inflammation, ulceration or cancer of the skin * Inflammation, ulceration or cancer of the bones * A blood dyscrasia * Cataract   
DUS MI MINERAL & SIMILAR DUST RECOGNISING THE HAZARD You may be exposed to mineral, metal or other dusts as part of your job. These dusts may be hazardous to your health, particularly when breathed in. They may cause one or more of the following: * Respiratory problems * Toxic effects * Skin and eye problems * Cancer MINERAL AND METAL DUSTS AND YOUR LUNGS The main problem arises when these dusts get into your lungs and cause fibrosis. Some dusts may also cause irritation to the lungs and even lung cancer. COMPENSATION You may be eligible for DSS compensation if you are told you have the following lung diseases: * Pneumoconiosis * Lung cancer
DUS OR VEGETABLE & ANIMAL DUSTS RECOGINISING THE HAZARD You are likely to be exposed to dusts as part of your job, especially those of animal and vegetable origin. These dusts may be hazardous to your health and may lead to one or more of the following: * Respiratory problems * Toxic effects * Skin and eye problems * Cancer ANIMAL/VEGETABLE DUSTS AND YOUR LUNGS The main problem arises when the particles of dust get into the lungs and cause an allergic reaction. Two conditions occur in this way: * Ocupational asthma * Extrinsic allergic alveolitis FIRE AND EXPLOSION Some dusts are flammable, and may cause explosions when present in the air in high concentrations.
PHY PE LIFTING AND HANDLING OF PATIENTS WHAT IS PATIENT HANDLING? The term covers any activity in which patients are lifted, carried, supported, pushed or pulled. WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF PATIENT HANDLING? The handling of patients can be as physically demanding as other manual handling tasks. You run the risk of suffering back pain and back injury. PATIENT HANDLING AND THE LAW The new Manual Handling Regulations apply to the handling of patients. They do not lay down maximum weights. Instead they give ergonomic guidelines for the design of safe handling tasks. COMPENSATION You may be eligible for DSS compensation if your back injury was caused by an accident at work.
INF HU INFECTIONS CAUSED BY HUMANS Your job may expose you to the risk of acquiring infections. Hepatitis B, AIDS, tuberculosis and certain strains of meningitis are among those which have caused particular concern. HEPATITIS B Infection with hepatitis B can only occur if the virus enters your blood stream. Contamination with the virus most commonly occurs from a 'sharps' injury, but it may also occur through a cut or abrasion if contact is made with infected blood, blood products, or sometimes other bodily fluids. AIDS: ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME AIDS is a very serious condition for which there is still no cure. Infection with AIDS occurs by same route as hepatitis B. Unlike hepatitis B, AIDS is not a prescribed industrial disease.
RAD IR EXPOSURE TO INFRA-RED RADIATION RECOGNISING THE HAZARD Infra-red radiation is given out by any molten or red-hot material. INFRA-RED RADIATION AND YOUR HEALTH Exposure to infra-red radiation may result in the following: * Burns * Dermatitis * Cataract COMPENSATION You may be eligible for DSS compensation if you are told you have the following due to infra-red radiation: * Dermatitis * Heat cataract   
RAD UV EXPOSURE TO ULTRA-VIOLET RADIATION RECOGNISING THE HAZARD You may be exposed to ultra-violet radiation from an industrial source (eg. arc welding), or because you work outdoors in the sunlight. SUNLIGHT AND YOUR HEALTH If you work outdoors you are twice as likely to develop skin cancer compared with the general population. You also run the risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts and conjunctivitis. Ultra-violet light speeds up the ageing process, causes sunburn (erythema) and may trigger cold sores and lupus erythema. ULTRA-VIOLET RADIATION FROM AN INDUSTRIAL SOURCE Ultra-violet radiation given off by an electric arc causes painful conjunctivitis ('arc-eye' or welders flash). It may also over-heat or burn your skin.   
ENV LI LIGHTING AND GLARE LIGHTING Inadequate lighting at work can lead to: * Eye strain * Fatigue * Headaches * Accidents Working in poor light is stressful and may cause damage to your eyesight in the long run. If you work in near darkness you may suffer from an eye condition known as 'nystagmus', for which you may be eligible for DSS compensation. GLARE Badly designed lighting systems may cause glare. Glare is light in the wrong place. There are three kinds of glare - disability, discomfort and reflected - all of which can cause eye strain and fatigue. Some may disturb your vision, and thus be the cause of accidents.
ENV VE HEATING AND VENTILATION YOUR WORKING ENVIRONMENT: HEATING AND VENTILATION You may find your workplace too hot in the summer and too cold in the winter; too draughty or too stuffy. The air may be too dry or too humid. If you work in such unsatisfactory thermal conditions, without an adequate supply of fresh air, you may suffer from headaches, lethargy, sore throats, skin problems, or generally feel below par. VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEMS Ventilation and air conditioning systems can carry dust and fumes through a whole building. They may transmit airborne conditions such as Legionnaires disease and humidifier fever. There is a link between 'sick building syndrome' and the use of mechanical ventilation or air conditioning.
WKS TL TOOL/MACHINERY DESIGN From an ergonomic viewpoint certain basic requirements for the design of an efficient hand tool can be defined, namely: * It should effectively perform its intended function * It should be properly proportioned to the dimensions of the user * It should minimise user fatigue * It should provide sensory feedback * It should be appropriate to the strength and endurance of the user Economically it is unsound to buy cheap tools if they contribute to accidents and/or ill health. With all types of hand tools there is a possible danger unless unless training is given in their use.
ELE   ELECTRICITY Nearly all workplaces use electricity. Electrical energy can kill, injure, and severely burn; and electrical faults can start fires. Although less than 1 in 30 reported accidents involves electricity, more than 1 in 5 industrial fatalities is caused by electricity. So electrical hazards need to be taken very seriously, a fact which is reflected in the comprehensive and strong legal standards. The law requires the employer to concentrate on: * the electrical supply * fixed electrical equipment * portable and moveable electrical equipment * checking for live electricity * permits to work, and isolation processes * competent persons * regular inspections, testing, and repairs   
PHY KN KNEELING Regular prolonged periods of kneeling can cause excessive static stress, and the inherent hazards associated with it. Swelling or callosities on the knee, bursitis, and joint problems are linked to kneeling. Miners, carpet fitters, meter readers, plumbers, and television repairers are examples of jobs that require a lot of kneeling. Knee pads, although uncomfortable, can help to reduce the damage caused by kneeling. Beat knee is a prescribed industrial disease.   
STR PW PIECEWORK/PAYMENT BY RESULTS Productivity incentives or incentive wage rates form the basis of systems of wage payment under which the worker's earnings are related directly to some measurement of the work done by himself or by the group or working unit to which he belongs. Any system of payment by results carries with it certain possible risks to the health and safety of the people who work under the system. The higher the percentage of wages that are dependent upon the system, the greater the risk. Piecework or bonus work can lead to workers taking chances, or short-cuts, in an effort to earn more money. If the work is repetitive it can lead to the development of repetitive strain injuries (RSI's), and the worker is tempted to miss or shorten recognised breaks in order to maintain production. This can lead to fatigue and stress and an increase in accidents and ill health. Concentration on a single task can lead to forgetting safety procedure, or missing a warning signal.