Element 5

Physical and Psychological

Health
Learning Objectives

1. Describe the health effects associated with exposure to

noise and appropriate control measures.

2. Describe the health effects associated with exposure to

vibration and appropriate control measures.

3. Describe the health effects associated with ionising and

non-ionising radiation and appropriate control
measures.

4. Describe the causes of work-related mental ill-health

and how the condition can be managed.

5. Describe the risk factors and appropriate controls for

violence at work.

6. Describe the effects of substance abuse on health and

safety at work and control measures to reduce such
risks.
5.1 Noise
NOISE

Introduction
Noise is referred as unpleasant or unwanted sound;
sound becomes unwanted when it interferes with our
normal such as conversation or sleep.
Noise at work can cause hearing damage that is
permanent and disabling. This can be hearing loss that
is gradual because of exposure to noise over time, but
also damage caused by sudden, extremely loud noises.
Exposure to Noise is measured in units of sound
pressure levels called decibels, using an A-weighted
sound levels (dBA).
Occupations at Risk

• Construction workers:
‒ Plant, machinery, e.g. concrete
breakers.
• Uniformed services:
‒ Small arms and artillery.
• Entertainment sector workers:
‒ Loud music.
• Manufacturing sector workers:
‒ Industrial machinery.
• Call centre staff:
‒ Acoustic shock from headsets.
Effects of Hearing Exposure to Noise

Physical Effects
 Exposure to a high level of noise can lead to NIHL
(Noise induced hearing loss).
 Loud sounds can cause the hair cells of the inner
ear to collapse and flatten temporarily, resulting in
deafness, the hearing loss may be temporary or
permanent, the temporary hearing could cause
tinnitus.
 Exposure to noise repeatedly over years can cause
irreversible hearing damage.
 Inability to hear hazards moving vehicles,
emergency alarms and sirens.
 Noise causes difficulty in listening to a
conversation or instructions.
Effects of Hearing Exposure to Noise

Legal Finanal

Psychological effects:
 Stress – caused by unpleasant/background
noise.
 Human error – lower productivity caused
by difficulty in concentrating because of
unpleasant/background noise.
 Hypertension – there are evidences that
noise causes hypertension.
How Do We Hear?
How Do We Hear?

We hear sound because of vibrations (sound waves)

that reach our ears. We recognize those vibrations as
speech, music, or other sounds.
Outer Ear
The outer ear—the part of the ear you see—funnels
sound waves into the ear canal. The sound waves travel
through the ear canal to reach the eardrum.
Middle Ear
The eardrum vibrates from the incoming sound waves
and sends these vibrations to three tiny bones in the
middle ear. These bones amplify, or increase, the sound
vibrations and send them to the inner ear.
Inner Ear
The inner ear contains a snail-shaped structure filled
with fluid called the cochlea. Sound vibrations create
waves in the cochlear fluids. As the waves peak, they
cause tiny hair cells (types of receptors that can detect
sound) to bend, which converts the vibrations into
electrical signals.
Auditory Nerve
The auditory nerve carries the electrical signals from
the inner ear to the brain, which interprets the signals
as sound that you recognize and understand.
NOISE Terminology

Sound Pressure – the atmospheric pressure of sound

waves moving through air. The unit of the sound
pressure is Pascal (Pa)
Intensity – the measure of intensity, which relates to
how much energy the pressure wave has. Loudness of
sound is measured in decibels(dB).
Frequency - Pitch relates to the frequency, or how
many times a second the particles vibrate. The distance
between one wave and the next gives the wavelength.
For sounds all travelling at the same speed, high-
frequency (high-pitched) sounds have waves very close
together. A normal human ear is able to hear sounds
with frequencies from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
A Weighting - The most common weighting that is used
in noise measurement is A-Weighting. Like the human
ear, this effectively cuts off the lower and higher
frequencies that the average person cannot hear. It is
expressed in dBA or dB(A)
C weighting - The response of the human ear varies
with the sound level. At higher levels, 100 dB and above,
the ear's response is flatter, as shown in the C-Weighted
Response to the right.
Levels of Noise
Assessment of Noise

The control of Noise at work Regulations 2005 requires

the employer to carry out a suitable and sufficient
assessment of risk from noise to the health and safety of
those employees, the assessment should identify the
measures to be taken to control noise at work.
In conducting the risk assessment, the employer shall assess
the levels of noise to which workers are exposed by means
of—
(a) observation of specific working practices.
(b) reference to relevant information on the probable
levels of noise corresponding to any equipment used
particular in the working conditions.
(c)if necessary, measurement of the level of noise to which
his employees are likely to be exposed.
The noise level exposed by the employee may vary
throughout the day because the employee may be working
with different machineries or in different locations at
different times. While assessing these factors should be
considered.
Risk Assessment

Consider
 level, type, and duration of exposure, including any
exposure to peak sound pressure
 effects of exposure to noise on employees or
groups of employees whose health is at particular
risk from such exposure.
 indirect effects on the health and safety of
employees resulting from the interaction between
noise and audible warning signals.
 any information provided by the manufacturers of
work equipment.
 availability of alternative equipment designed to
reduce the emission of noise.
 any extension of exposure to noise at the
workplace beyond normal working hours,
including exposure in rest facilities supervised by
the employer.
 appropriate information obtained following health
surveillance, including, where possible, published
information.
 availability of personal hearing protectors with
adequate attenuation characteristics
Noise Measuring Instruments

Measuring Instrument
There are two different instruments to measure noise
exposures:
 the sound level meter
 the dosimeter.

Dosimeter.

Sound level meter

Noise Exposure Standards

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 recognise

Noise exposure standards have been set on the basis of
damage done to the ear is dependent on the energy
absorbed by the inner ear. This is determined by the
following factors
 Noise level (measured in dB(A))
 Duration of exposure (TWA)
When making measurements to estimate the noise
exposure of a person at work, there is a need to ascertain
the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure
level (LAeq) that represents the noise the person is
exposed to during the working day. There is also a need to
ascertain the maximum C-weighted peak sound pressure
level or levels to which the person is exposed. The LAeq is
combined with the duration of exposure during a working
day to ascertain the daily personal noise exposure, LEP,d.
Once this is estimated it should be compared with legal
standards
Limit values and action values

Lower exposure action values

 a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80
dB (A-weighted).
 a peak sound pressure of 135 dB (C-weighted).
Upper exposure action values
 a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85
dB (A-weighted).
 a peak sound pressure of 137 dB (C-weighted).
Exposure limit values
 a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87
dB (A-weighted).
 a peak sound pressure of 140 dB (C-weighted).
If the worker is found to have exposed to these
values, then the employer must take actions to
reduce exposure.
Where the exposure of an employee to noise varies
markedly from day to day, an employer may use
weekly personal noise exposure in place of daily
personal noise exposure for the purpose of
compliance with these regulations.
Noise Controls

Basic Noise Control Measures

Noise can be controlled by the following ways:
 Source- Eliminating or reducing noise at the
source.
 Path - Barriers to transmit noise through air.
 Receiver – protecting the receiver.
Noise Controls

Eliminating or Reducing Noise at Source

Implement low noise purchasing policy for machinery and
equipment and replace the machinery that causes noise with less
noisy machinery.
Eliminate – removing noise from the source is not practically
possible in many cases.
Substitute – change the noise source using alternate methods or
machine (e.g. diesel operated forklift replaced with battery
operated to reduce noise.)
Modifying the process – changing the work processes can reduce
noise level. E.g. replacing pneumatic screw guns with manual
process. Other methods can be replacing gear drives with belt
drives.
Maintenance - periodic maintenance and repair, such as repair of
faulty bearings, broken gear teeth, blunt cutting tools, and
maintenance of belts and fans and other moving parts.
Damping – machine rotational speeds do not coincide with
resonance frequencies of the supporting structure, and if they do,
hence damping is done to change the stiffness or mass of the
supporting structure to change its resonance frequencies.
Silencing – machines fitted with silencer on the exhaust to take
noise away from the work area.
Noise Controls

Path to Interrupt Transmission

Insulation
Isolation
Absorption

Receiver Protection
Acoustic Haven
Hearing Protection
Noise Controls

Administrative controls
Admin controls includes changes in the workplace or
schedule that reduce or eliminate the worker exposure
to noise.
Examples:
 Operate noisy machines during shifts when fewer
people are exposed.
 Limit the amount of time a person spends at a noise
source through job rotation.
 Provide quiet areas where workers can gain relief
from hazardous noise sources.
The employer must also carry out regular health
surveillance to ensure that the employees are not
affected by exposure to noise, also to make sure that the
existing controls are effective. Noise health surveillance
done through audiometry test.
Personal Hearing Protection

Earmuff – Earmuff –Helmet Ear Plugs

Headband mounted

Personal hearing protection is needed to reduce the effects

of noise exposure.
The hearing protection must be able to reduce the exposure
to an acceptable standard set by the national authorities. For
instance, 85 db(A) TWA – 8 hours/day.
Hearing protection should be considered after all
introducing all other means of controlling noise.
The high noisy area must be defined as ‘mandatory hearing
protection zones’. The workers must be aware of the noise
risks and available suitable controls to reduce exposure.
Ear Defenders – Advantages & Limitations
Selection & Maintenance of Hearing
Protection

Selection
The employer must consider several factors while selecting
personal hearing protection, including:
• Suitable for the job
 Hearing protections should provide adequate
protection. Check the manufacturer's literature.
 Compatible with other required personal protective
equipment, or communication devices.
 Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn.
 Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the
workplace.
 Able to provide adequate communication and
audibility needs (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or
warning sounds).
Selection & Maintenance of Hearing
Protection

Maintenance
The employer have a duty to maintain hearing
protection so that it works effectively. Employees
have a duty to report any defects in hearing
protection.
This duty should be explained to them, as well as
how to identify defects, as part of their training.
Training

The training must be focused on the following:

 Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
 Check hearing protection regularly for wear and
tear.
 Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer
pliable.
 Replace a unit when head bands are so stretched
that they do not keep ear cushions snugly against
the head.
 Disassemble earmuffs to clean.
 Wash earmuffs with a mild liquid detergent in warm
water, and then rinse in clear warm water. Ensure
that the sound-attenuating material inside the ear
cushions does not get wet.
 Use a soft brush to remove skin oil and dirt that can
harden ear cushions.
 Squeeze excess moisture from the plugs or cushions
and then place them on a clean surface to air dry.
(Check the manufacturer's recommendations first to
find out if the ear plugs are washable.)
Noise Controls

Information on the levels of noise reduction (attenuation)

associated with ear protectors
provided by the manufacturer of the product.

1. HML (High, Medium, Low) values.

2. SNR (Single number rating) values.
3. Octave band mean attenuation and the standard
deviation.

In summary, personal protective equipment (hearing

protection) should be the last choice because:
 It is not effective if not worn correctly or is not
maintained adequately
 It needs constant management attention to ensure its
use.
 It may introduce secondary risks (failure to hear
alarms, instructions, vehicles).
5.1 NOISE- Health Surveillance

Appropriate health surveillance (Audiometry Test

)should be conducted for all workers whose noise
exposures reach a certain level prescribed by national
laws and regulations or by national or internationally
recognized standards above which health surveillance
should be carried out.

Audiometry allows
• Identification of workers with:
‒ Pre-existing hearing damage.
‒ New hearing damage.
• Removal/exclusion of such workers from high-
noise areas.
• Investigation of noise controls to rectify problems.
5.2 Vibration
Vibration

Introduction

Vibration is a mechanical oscillation of an object, occur

about an equilibrium point. Vibration enters the body while
using powered tools e.g. jackhammer
The common health effects associated with vibration
includes:
 Hand Arm Vibration
 Whole Body Vibration

Hand Arm Vibration

Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted into workers’
hands and arms. This can come from use of hand-held power
tools (such as grinders or road breakers), or pedestrian
controlled floor saws
Regular and frequent exposure to hand-arm vibration can
lead to
 hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS); and
 carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
Effects of Exposure to Vibration

Symptoms and Effects of HAVS

Vibration white finger (VWF) – shuts down the

supply of blood to the fingers, finger turn blanching
and becoming red with painful on recovery, reducing
ability to work in cold or damp conditions.
Muscle weakening - loss of strength in the hands
which might affect manual dexterity.
Symptoms of both may come and go, but with
continued exposure to vibration they may become
prolonged or permanent and cause pain, distress, and
sleep disturbance.
Effects of Exposure to Vibration

Whole body vibration

Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat
while driving vehicles as part of their job e.g. dumper truck
driver or feet and legs e.g. aircraft cabin crew. Frequent jolts
and jarring can cause health risk including back pain.
The significant health effects include
• back pain
• damage to soft tissues in the interverbal discs.
• vertigo
Assessment of Vibration EXposure

A complete assessment of exposure to vibration

requires the measurement of vibration acceleration in
meters per second squared (m/s2) Vibration
frequencies and duration of exposure are also
determined. How hard a person grips a tool affects the
amount of vibrational energy entering the hands.
The amount of exposure is determined by measuring
acceleration in the units of m/s2. Acceleration is often
used as a measure of vibration exposure for the
following reasons:
 Several types of instruments are available for
measuring acceleration, the rate of change of
velocity in speed or direction per unit time (e.g.,
per second).
 Measuring acceleration can also give information
about velocity and amplitude of vibration.
 The degree of harm is related to the magnitude of
acceleration.
Vibration- Exposure Standards

Exposure limit values and action values

For hand-arm vibration
 daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s2 A(8).
 daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8).
For whole body vibration
 daily exposure limit value is 1.15 m/s2 A(8).
 daily exposure action value is 0.5 m/s2 A(8).

Note called ‘eight-hour energy equivalent vibration

magnitude’ or ‘A(8)’.
Vibration Control Measures

• Eliminate or reduce vibration at source

• Interrupt the pathway from source to the receiver
• Limit duration of exposure.
Vibration Control Measures

• Eliminate or reduce vibration at source

• Interrupt the pathway from source to the receiver
• Limit duration of exposure.
Reduce at Source:
Eliminate (Mount concrete breaker on Excavator arm)
Substitute (change tool/battery operated drilling machine
rather than power operated
Change work method(Welding instead of riveting)
Maintenance (Replacement of worn parts e.g Sharpened
tools will reduce the duration of the job and therefore the
exposure time)
Interrupt the Pathway:
Isolation (Separating vibrating parts from the user hands
by anti vibration Mountings the use of rubber bushes,
sleeves and anti-vibration mounts.)
Limit the Duration of exposer : Job rotation/rest breaks.
Person: Use of Anti-Vibration Tools & PPE(gloves with
special soft linings intended to provide vibration isolation
5.3 Radiation
Radiation

What is Radiation?
Radiation is energy that is transmitted, emitted, or absorbed
in the form of particles or
waves. The effect of radiation on our bodies is variable and the
ability of this energy to ionise body tissue is represented from
the vast electromagnetic spectrum as “ionising” and “non-
ionising radiation”.

Types of Radiation and Health Effects:

Non-ionising Radiation
Has low energy that is not capable of ionising other atoms. e.g.
visible light,UV,IR

Ionising Radiation
The radiation has sufficient energy to ionise other atoms. e.g.
Alpha, Beta & Gamma rays, X rays
Types & Health effects

Ultraviolet (UV) – Skin reddening and burns from

exposure to sun; inflammation to the eyes causing
temporary blindness from welding arcs, excessive
exposure may cause skin cancer.
Visible light - Excessive visible radiation can damage
the eyes and skin.
IR – skin and eyes absorb infrared radiation as heat.
Excessive exposure can cause cataracts and pain.
Microwaves and Radiowaves - Microwave radiation
(MW) is absorbed near the skin, while Radiofrequency
(RF) radiation may be absorbed throughout the body.
At high enough intensities both will damage tissue
through heating.
Lasers - emit optical (UV, visible light, IR) radiations
and are primarily an eye and skin hazard. However
human eye is more vulnerable to injury than skin.
Ionising Radiation

Types of Ionising Radiation

Alpha Particles Alpha particles have a very limited ability
to penetrate other materials.
‒ Smoke detectors and science labs. Examples uranium,
thorium, and radium
Beta Particles (strontium-90)
Beta particles are lighter than alpha particles, and they
generally have a greater ability to penetrate other
materials. As they can penetrate skin
‒ Science labs and thickness gauges.
X-rays
‒ Medical radiography and baggage security scanners.
Gamma-rays (cobalt-60)
Gamma rays and x-rays consist of high-energy waves that
can travel great distances at the speed of light and
generally have a great ability to penetrate other materials.
‒ Industrial radiography for non-destructive testing of
metal and welds.
Neutrons
Neutrons are high-speed nuclear particles that have an
exceptional ability to penetrate other materials -Nuclear
power stations.
Acute & Chronic Health effects

Ionising radiation health effects are based on the

exposure and dose received by a person.
Acute Effects
 Itchiness
 Erythema
 Hair loss
 Damage to cells
 Acute radiation syndrome (ARS) – damage to bone
marrow, nervous systems.
Chronic Effects
 Cancer (e.g. leukaemia or solid tumours)
 Genetic mutations
 Brain damage to foetus
Exposure to high or low dosage will have chronic effect,
the larger the dose exposed, the greater the risk of harm.
Controls-Ionising Radiation

Basic Means of Controlling Exposure to Ionising

Radiation
The following principles guide you how to protect
yourself from exposing to radiation sources:
Time, distance, and shielding measures minimize your
exposure to radiation in much the same way as they
would to protect you against overexposure to the sun (as
illustrated in the figure below):
 Time
 Distance
 Shielding
Controls-Ionising Radiation
Radiation –Dose limits

Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017

Dose limits on exposure: Dose limits are expressed in
millisievert
• General public < 1mSv per year.
• Workers < 20mSv per year.
The Regulations require that a risk assessment be carried
out. This should be done by a competent person.
A Radiation Protection Adviser and Radiation
Protection Supervisors may need to be appointed.
Radon Gas Health Risks & Sources

Radon Gas
Radon (chemical symbol Rn) is an odourless, colourless,
radioactive gas. It comes from the natural decay
of uranium and radium found in nearly all rocks and
soils. Radon can move up from the ground into buildings
through openings in floors or walls that are in contact
with the ground.

Health Risks
Radon can accumulate in buildings and, over time,
can pose a serious health hazard. These solid decay
products, which may attach to atmospheric dust and
water droplets, can then be breathed in and become
lodged in the lungs and airways.
Some of these decay products emit particularly
hazardous radiation called alpha particles, which cause
significant damage to the sensitive cells in the lung
Radon Gas Sources

Radon Sources - Radon gas can get into buildings

through:

 Cracks in solid floors and walls

 Construction joints – tunnel works
 Gaps in suspended floors
 Gaps around service pipes
 Cavities inside walls
 Water supplies
Radon Gas Controls

Control Measures
• Appoint RPA to carry out risk assessment.
• Radon surveys should be conducted in any
workplace to determine the acceptable level or
require any action.
• Occupied areas with levels above 300
Bq/m3(becquerels per cubic meter), the employer
may need to immediately take steps to manage
occupational exposures.
• Installation of radon proof barrier/membrane for
new building.For old building improve ventilation in
the occupied area, seal large gaps in floors
• A radon sump with an electric pump draw air from
the cavity and dissipates radon gas outside the
building.
• Personal Protective Equipment-Lead aprons can
reduce worker radiation dose.
5.3 Radiation –Health Surveillance

Health surveillance to the workers exposed to radiation

must be carried out by the employer. The main purpose
of health surveillance is to detection and early
prevention and treatment of any adverse effects caused
by exposure.
The following examination may be carried during health
surveillance:
• Skin checks – to identify potential eczema or
psoriasis, this should be examined periodically
 Respiratory checks – fitness to wear respiratory
protection devices, examinations should involve
checks of the integrity of lung function.
 Exposure records – to check employee’s exposure
records to determine if dose limits have been
exceeded.
 Reference to sickness records – examination of
the employee’s general health history.
5.4 Mental Ill-Health
Mental Ill-health– The Prevalence

The Prevalence of Mental Ill Health Within the

Workplace
• 602,000 cases of work-related stress, depression or
anxiety in 2018/19 (prevalence(Occurrence) rate of
1,800 per 100,000).
• 246,000 new cases (incidence rate of 740 per
100,000).
• 12.8 million working days lost (average 21.2 days
per case).
• Account for 44% of all work-related ill health cases
and 54% of all working days lost due to ill health.
Common Types & Symptoms

• Anxiety - Anxiety is a feeling of unease, worry or

fear.
• Depression- Depression is feeling sad or unhappy.
Depression can make workers to feel persistently
sad and down for weeks or months at a time.
• Work-Related Stress- Stress is the adverse reaction
people have to excessive pressures or other types of
demand placed on them
Mental Ill-Health Symptoms
The Causes of Stress

Work-Related Stress- Stress is the adverse reaction

people have to excessive pressures or other types of
demand placed on them
Stress is not an illness, but rather a ‘state of mind’. If
stress becomes excessive and prolonged, it can lead to
physical and mental health problems
The Causes of Stress

 Demands – excessive work demands

 Control – lack of control over work, what
work is to be done
 Support – lack of support in terms of
information, instruction and training to do the work
 Relationships – poor workplace relationships /
conflict, and in particular bullying.
 Role – lack of clarity about an
individuals’ role, what responsibilities and authority
 Change – the threat of change and the change
process itself, lack of consultation,.
Stress Control Measures

• Demands
‒ reasonable demands (workload, work patterns)
sufficient resources.
• Control
‒ given as much control as possible. How much say the
person has in the way they do their work?
• Support
‒ The encouragement, sponsorship and
resources,information, instruction, training,
additional support.
• Relationships
‒ clear anti-harassment and bullying policies.
Promoting positive working to avoid conflict and
dealing with unacceptable behaviour.
• Role
‒ clear job descriptions, responsibilities and authority.
Ensures that the person does not have conflicting
roles
• Change
‒ planning and preparation for change,
communication, time scales i.e How organisational
change (large or small) is managed and
communicated in the organisation.
Radon Gas Health Risks & Sources

5.5 Violence at Work

Work Related Violence

Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened

or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work.
This includes:
 verbal abuse - shouting, swearing or insults, sexual
harassment or other unwanted advances/behaviour,
and racial abuse.
 threats and intimidation - from
customers/patrons.
 physical violence - physical attacks including a
slap, kicking, spitting or shoving as well as more
extreme violence.
Violence- Risk Factors

The following Risk factors are common to those

occupations and situations:
 Cash handling
 Lone working
 Representing authority
 Wearing a uniform
 Dealing with people under stress
 Dealing with people under the influence
 Censuring or saying no
Control Measures

Safe system of work includes:

 Logging in employee visits
 Vetting clients before visit
 Not carrying cash or valuables during visits
 Do not go alone in high risk areas.
 No home visits after dark.
 System to contact base or report any incident.
(phone calls / walkie talkie).

The work place environment should have:

 Surveillance CCTV cameras.
 Security alarm systems.
 Barriers and screens.
 Fingerprint / ID card access controls systems.
• Training.
• Screens.
• Panic alarms.
5.5 Violence- Support

If there is a violent incident involving your workforce,

you will need to respond quickly to avoid any long-term
distress to employees. consider the following:
• Debriefing - victims will need to talk through their
experience as soon as possible after the event.
Remember that verbal abuse can be just as upsetting
as a physical attack.
Time off work - individuals will react differently and
may need differing amounts of time to recover. In some
circumstances they might need specialist counselling.
• Legal help - for serious cases
• Other employees - may need guidance and/or
training to help them to react appropriately.
5.5 Violence- Support

5.5 Substance Abuse at Work

Substance Abuse at Work

Types of Substances
Risks to Health and Safety from
Substance Abuse at Work

The effects of alcohol and drug abuse at work General

Signs areas follows:
 Slurred speech
 Memory loss
 Mood swings
 Loss of consciousness
 Absenteeism
 Late attendance
 Loss of production
 Workplace violence and harassment
 Poor decision making
 Theft
 Dishonesty
 Having trouble with co-workers
Risks to Health and Safety from
Substance Abuse at Work

Effects on safety performance:

• Sensory impairment.
• Skewed perception.
• Impaired motor control.
• Fatigue and drowsiness.

Increased risk for:

• Driving.
• Operating machinery.
• Making decisions.
• using electrical equipment or ladders
Control Measures

The employer has to collect information about the

substance abuse problem from the workplace, company
accident, ill-health history may show a clear pattern of
drug and alcohol abuse.

 Employers and employees can collaborate to design

policies which outline what is an acceptable code of
behaviour and what is not. The policy may include:
 Rules and restriction to have access to alcohol in the
workplace or during working hours.
 Ban workers under the influence of alcohol.
 Screening and testing for drugs and alcohol, this can
be done randomly or upon reporting to the work.
For example, aircraft pilots and crew members are
checked for alcohol and drug screen when they
report to the shift on daily basis.
 Rehabilitation and treatment arrangements for the
workers to tackle the problem of abuse.
 Taking disciplinary actions against employer who
refuse to get screened and tested.
 Increase awareness by to the workers, supervisors
and managers through training also give instruction
to them.
End-of-Section