750 Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

Risk Factors Inherent in the Environment

The environment in which work is performed can greatly affect a worker’s safety and health. Environmental conditions may expose workers to excessive heat, cold, poor lighting, noise, and other stressors that increase the risk of injury or illness. Below are common environmental risk factors and controls to mitigate them:

• Temperatures: Exposure to extreme cold can prevent the body from maintaining core temperature, leading to hypothermia, which can be life-threatening. Externally generated heat in the workplace can cause an excessive total heat load on the body. This may lead to heat stress or heat stroke, which can be life-threatening.
  Controls: To control cold temperatures, insulated clothing, heated shelters, and allowance for frequent warm-up breaks may be required. For high temperatures, provide ventilation, cooling fans, hydration stations, and regular rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
• Lighting: Lighting that is too high, too low, or that causes glare may strain the eyes and force workers into awkward postures. Illumination above 1000 lux, especially in office environments, can create problems.
  Controls: Adjust lighting to fit the specific task, reduce glare with shields or filters, and provide adjustable task lights.
• Excessive noise: Noise is any unwanted sound. It may be powerful enough to cause pain and hearing damage, or it may act as a constant stressor. Both high-pitched and very low-pitched sounds can be harmful, and noise may be continuous or intermittent, with sudden or gradual onset.
  Controls: Eliminate the noise with sound barriers, reduce the noise through substitution with noise-reducing equipment, and if other methods fail, provide workers with hearing protection such as earmuffs or earplugs.
• Humidity: High humidity makes heat stress more dangerous. It can also increase the likelihood of mold and other biological hazards in the workplace.
  Controls: Provide ventilation, dehumidifiers, or heaters depending on conditions, along with proper protective clothing.
• Floor conditions: Slippery, uneven, or cluttered floors increase risks of slips, trips, and falls.
  Controls: Keep floors clean, dry, and free of clutter; install slip-resistant flooring.
• Space limitations: Tight work areas restrict safe movement and force awkward postures.
  Controls: Redesign layouts to allow adequate clearance and safe pathways.

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