NEET PG High-Yield: Occupational Hazards
Occupational hazards refer to risks inherent in the workplace that can lead to disease, injury, or death. They are broadly classified into five major categories.
Classification of Hazards
| Hazard Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Physical | Heat, cold, noise, radiation, vibration. |
| Chemical | Dusts (silica), gases (CO), metals (lead, mercury). |
| Biological | Brucellosis, anthrax, tuberculosis, hepatitis. |
| Psychosocial | Work stress, night shifts, job insecurity. |
| Ergonomic | Improper posture, repetitive movements. |
Key Occupational Diseases
- Pneumoconiosis: Chronic lung diseases caused by inhalation of dust (e.g., Silicosis, Asbestosis, Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis).
- Occupational Cancers: Associated with exposure to asbestos (mesothelioma), benzene (leukemia), and arsenic.
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL): Sensorineural loss, typically affecting the 4,000 Hz frequency range first.
High-Yield NEET PG Pearls:
- Silicosis: Associated with increased risk of Tuberculosis (Silico-tuberculosis).
- Byssinosis: Known as “Monday morning fever,” caused by cotton dust inhalation.
- Lead Poisoning: Characteristic findings include “Blue line on gums” (Burtonian line) and “Basophilic stippling” of RBCs.
- Prevention: The “Hierarchy of Controls” (Elimination, Substitution, Engineering Controls, Administrative Controls, PPE) is the gold standard for management.