Occupational Asthma Becomes an Economic Burden
Occupational asthma is spreading fast in the
The economic loss caused by the disease is also great as the economy loses 18 million working days every year, costing society £1.1 billion every decade.
According to the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), vehicle spray painters who are in constant contact with isocyanates present in paints; bakers and flour confectioners who end up breathing flour dust; moulders, core makers and die casters who inhale wood dust, glue etc and veterinary doctors or laboratory workers who are in constant contact with fur, are the most susceptible to occupational asthma.
As a result, the IOSH is telling employers that they have an obligation to prevent the disease in their establishments. The President of the Institute, Nattasha Freeman, said that considering 20% of people die from respiratory related diseases while many more suffer lifelong from it, it becomes very important to prevent such diseases. It is the legal responsibility of every employer to protect his employees from occupational diseases. If the employer cannot ensure that employees are not in touch with harmful substances while working, they must at the least provide protective gear to them. She also said that the Health and Safety personnel’s aid can be used to prevent such diseases.
The Control of Substances (Hazardous to Health) regulation state employers must carry out a risk assessment, taking into account the actual use of hazardous substances. By doing this they can specify the appropriate control measures including sources of ventilation and the provision of personal protection equipment; this is where COSHH training can be of benefit to your organisation in putting together prevention and control measures.
