Blog #22: Occupational Exposures

Ergonomics

1. Consider your findings on your MSDS about the potential dangers associated with the chemical/product you looked up.
   • Was the MSDS an adequate tool for a worker to use to gain an understanding about the potential health risks and how to protect him/herself?
   • Consider that the general public reads at a reading level at or below 6th grade, and that's if English is their first language. Was the MSDS still adequate? 
2. How did the occupational health organization's health and safety program you chose relate to your health and safety issues?

I looked up Toxnet on household bleach I use for cleaning my house, and I found an article on bleach affecting women with increase in occurrences in asthma and other respiratory diseases.  I found this article interesting that women are mainly affected because house cleaning is usually performed by women. I tried to use baking soda but it just doesn't quite clean my bathroom sinks and showers adequately, so instead, I wear a mask and keep the bathrooms ventilated while I clean.  I am not exposed to any occupational hazards at work other than ergonomics.  I have an adjustable computer desk and chair that I find helpful from preventing neck strain.  I have windows in my office to let in natural lighting and I have good ventilation with heating and cooling, all keeping me safe and comfortable.  The occupational health and safety did not really apply to me.  When I was an oncology nurse many years ago, I administered IV and oral chemotherapy where I used PPE to handle and dispose of chemotherapy drugs and wastes.

The MSDS is still adequate for the general public but not for people who cannot read or write English.  In those cases, the MSDS information should be printed in the more common languages people can read and write.