HPNAME | Character | 30 | 0 |
TC | Character | 27 | 0 |
TSC | Character | 2 | 0 |
JC | Character | 14 | 0 |
JSC | Character | 8 | 0 |
JCX | Character | 5 | 0 |
TCX | Character | 8 | 0 |
NOTES | Memo | 10 | 0 |
OR | Character | 2 | 0 |
HPNAME | TC | TSC | JC | JSC | JCX | TCX | NOTES | OR |
ASTHMA | CHE,DUS,ASB | Asthma is a reduction in the diameter of the bronchi (major airway) which hinders the passage of air. This allergic reaction may be triggered by inhalation of allergens (a substance that can produce a hypersensitive reaction in the body), pollutants, infection, cold air, vigorous exercise or emotional stress. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA: The attack often starts in the evening after work, or during the night. It may be preceded by a fit of coughing, sneezing or a runny nose. The attack passes off slowly accompanied by a productive cough. The most common agents which may cause occupational asthma include: ANIMAL: hair, nails, teeth, feathers, animal debris and excreta are possible causes. VEGETABLE: hard woods, flour and cereal dust, castor oil, pollens and cotton. CHEMICAL: antibiotics, isocyanates, epoxy resins, some adhesives and paints. The pharmaceutical, plastics and rubber industry have substances that may cause asthma. Exposure to hard metal dusts like nickel, chrome, vanadium and cobalt may cause asthma. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | CH | |||||
BRONCHITIS | DUS,ENV | Bronchitis is an acute or chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the airways. Chronic bronchitis is generally defined as: chronic or recurrent cough with mucous production, "which occurs on most days for at least three months in the year during at least two years". It is difficult to separate home, environmental and occupational exposures. Predisposing factors for the development of bronchitis include: cigarette smoking, air pollution, chronic infection and abnormal physical development of the bronchi that deal with bronchial drainage. A chronic productive cough is followed after some years by the onset of breathlessness which may be episodic and follow an infection like influenza or pneumonia. This later becomes persistent with recurrent acute illnesses. There is no consensus about occupational bronchitis. Excessive incidences of bronchitis are found among workers exposed to high levels of dust such as miners and steelworkers. BROCHITIS/EMPHYSEMA is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE FOR MINERS. | CH | |||||
EMPHYSEMA | DUS | Emphysema and bronchitis (see screen for bronchitis) are two separate conditions that occur more commonly in the same persons than independently. Diagnostic confusion of emphysema and bronchitis does occur. Emphysema is characterised by overinflation and destructive changes of alveolar walls, resulting in a loss of elasticity and decreased gases. Acute emphysema may be accompanied by the rupture of alveoli by severe respiratory efforts. It is difficult to seperate occupational exposures from social and domestic exposures, but increased exposure to dust in work such as mining and steel production appears to show a higher incidence of emphysema. One exposure that has strong links with emphysema is smoking. EMPHYSEMA is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE for MINERS. | CH | |||||
PNEUMONIA | DUS,ENV,INF | FD,LD,MI,SE | FO,HT,ML | Pneumonia is an acute inflammation of the lungs. It is usually caused by inhaled bacterium. The alveoli and bronchioles of the lungs become plugged with a fibrous discharge. Characteristic of pneumonia are, severe chills, a high fever, headache, cough and chest pain. As the disease progresses the persaon may experience painful bouts of coughing, and breathing becomes more difficult, painful, shallow and rapid. Workers exposed to great heat (e.g. steel and glass industry) show a greater liability to pneumonia. Persons exposed to organic dusts also seem to have a susceptibility to pneumonia. The dust of bone, cotton, feathers, flax, flour, fur, grain, gum, hair, hemp, horn, ivory, jute, leather, linseed, malt, nuts, paprika, silk, sisal, straw, tea, tobacco, wood and wool may affect the bronchi and give rise to an increased incidence of respiratory diseases. | CH | |||
PLEURISY | ASB,DUS,CHE | Pleurisy is an inflammation of the membrane (parietal pleura) that covers the lungs. It is characterised by shortness of breath, stabbing pain, leading to a restriction of ordinary breathing with spasm on the chest on the affected side. Common causes of pleurisy include bronchial cancer, lung or chest wall abscess, pneumonia and tuberculosis.Exposure to asbestos is linked to problems of the pleura and should be investigated if this problem occurs. | CH | |||||
CHRONIC AIRWAYS OBSTRUCTION | DUS | Chronic airways obstruction is a general term used to describe an abnormal condition of the respiratory sytem. It is characterised by a mechanical impediment to the delivery, or to the absorption of, oxygen in the lungs. Occupational exposure to dust can contribute to this condition. The condition is normally a slow process, marked by a gradual increase in breathlessness. | CH | |||||
SILICOSIS | DUS | BU,MC,MI,RD | A lung disorder caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust. Characterised by fibrosis of the lung, leading to severe breathlessness.It is the most common and severe of all pneumoconioses. The level of risk depends on three factors. The level of dust in the atmosphere, the percentage of free silica in the dust,and the duration of exposure.The first symptom is usually breathlessness upon exertion, gradually worsening until it occurs after only very slight effort. See PNEUMOCONIOSIS. SILICOSIS is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | CH | ||||
ASBESTOSIS | ASB | Asbestosis is defined as a chronic lung disease caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres that causes the growth of fibrous tissue in the lung. ALL TYPES of asbestos cause similar fibrosis. The onset of symptoms is generally slow (except following a very heavy exposure) and the victim may have forgotten any exposure to asbestos. The signs and symptoms of asbestosis are similar to other lung conditions that lead to fibrosing. Increased breathlessness on exertion is usually the first symptom, sometimes accompanied with chest tightness or pain. A cough is not usually present in the early stages, or increased sputum (unless there is bronchitis present). The greater the extent of exposure, the higher the risk of developing asbestosis. High exposure workers would include laggers, insulation workers or any workers who regularly cut, drilled, sawed or machined asbestos products without adequate ventilation. ASBESTOSIS is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | CH | |||||
PNEUMOCONIOSIS | DUS,ASB | ME,MI | Pneumoconiosis is any disease of the lung caused by chronic inhalation of dust, usually mineral dusts of occupational or environmental origin. Examples of pneumoconiosis are ANTHRACOSIS (miners coal dust pneumoconiosis), SILICOSIS (silica dust exposure e.g. stone-quarry workers) and ASBESTOSIS (exposure to asbestos). Miners coal dust pneumoconiosis ( anthracosis) is responsible for more deaths than all the other forms of pneumoconiosis combined. It can progress from being symptom free to a permanent crippling condition. Whether or not a pneumoconiosis becomes incapacitating is dependent upon the amount of lung tissue that has been rendered functionless by the presence of the dust. Or by the presence of scar tissue caused by the dust, or by both. Pneumoconiosis ill effects can be difficult to separate from bronchitis/emphsymema, and may often co-exist and overlap. PNEUMOCONIOSIS is recognised by the D.S.S.as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | CH | ||||
NASAL SORES | CHE,DUS | ME,MA | NT | |||||
NOSEBLEEDS | CHE,DUS | NT | ||||||
SINUSITUS/OTHER SINUS | CHE,DUS,ENV | NT | ||||||
LOSS OF SENSE OF SMELL | CHE,DUS | NT | ||||||
POLYPS | NOI | A polyp is a small growth that projects from a mucous membrane surface.One example is a polyp on the vocal cords that may be the result of trying to project the voice at work.This may typically include jobs such as teachers,sales staff,supervisory staff and workers in a noisy environment. | SK | |||||
SORE THROAT, TONSILITIS | CHE,DUS,ENV | VE | NT | |||||
LARYNGITIS, VOICE PROBLEMS | ENV,NOI,CHE | TE | Laryngitis is inflammation of the mucous membranes lining the larynx (the organ of voice that is part of the air passage). It is usually accompanied with hoarseness or loss of voice. It may be caused by a cold, irritating fumes, sudden temperature changes. Or it may be a chronic condition resulting from excessive use of the voice, smoking or exposure to irritating fumes. In acute laryngitis there may be a cough, and the throat feels scratchy and painful. | NT | ||||
VITILIGO | CHE | Vitiligo is an acquired skin disease, consisting of irregular patches of various sizes totally lacking in pigment. Exposed areas of skin are the most affected. Some adhesive solutions and other phenolic compounds are known to be linked with depigmentation of the skin. Upholstering furniture and shoe repairing are two areas of work linked to occupational vitiligo. VITILIGO is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE for some jobs. | SK | |||||
RASH | CHE,INF,DUS | SK | ||||||
DEGREASER'S FLUSH/NOSE | CHE | ME,GA,MA | SK | |||||
FOLLICULITIS, OIL ACNE | CHE | ME,GA,MA,AS | Folliculitis is an inflammation of hair follicles. Oil folliculitis (oil acne) is caused when the follicles become clogged with oil and become infected. Many workers, especially in the engineering industry, are exposed to fine oil mists. These mists contaminate the whole working area and make contact with the oil and skin almost inevitable. | SK | ||||
SKIN CANCER | CHE,RAD, | An abnormal growth of new skin caused by exposure to chemical carcinogens, overexposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light or ionising radiation. Skin cancers are the most common and the most curable malignancies. The most common skin cancers are: BASAL CELL CARCINOMA: a malignant tumour that begins as a small, solid, raised skin lesion, and enlarges around the edges developing a central crater that erodes, crusts, and bleeds. The primary cause of of the cancer is overexposure to the sun, or to x-rays. SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA: a slow-growing malignant tumour, typically a firm, red, horny, painless condition and is often the result of overexposure to sunlight. OCCUPATIONAL CAUSES (other than overexposure to the sun) include; arsenics, petroleum, tar products, mineral oils, and fumes from some molten metals. BASAL CELL CARCINOMA and SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA are recognised by the D.S.S. as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES FOR SOME JOBS. | SK | |||||
WARTS/VERUCCAS | DUS,CHE | A wart or verruca is a benign (noncancerous and therefore not considered an immediate threat) skin lesion with a rough surface. It is caused by a common virus. Occupational warts may vary, workers exposed to asbestos, cement or fibre-glass can develop warts, and the wart may contain the substance worked with. Post-mortem workers, pathologists, butchers and laundry workers may develop a verruca sited around the knuckles, fingers or nail edges. | SK | |||||
WELDER'S FLASH | WEL | ME,GA,MA | EY | |||||
SHORT-SIGHTEDNESS | CLO,VDU | EY | ||||||
CONJUNCTIVITIS , RUNNY EYES | CHE,DUS,RAD,VDU,CLO | The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid and the front part of the eye-ball. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva caused by bacterial or viral infection, allergy or environmental factors. Red eyes, a thick discharge, sticky eyelids in the morning, and inflammation without pain are typical symptoms. Occupational exposures which may cause conjunctivitis include; ARC EYE/WELDERS FLASH: caused by looking at the electric welding process, initially just causing dazzle, some hours later it feels as if the eye is full of hot sand. IROKO DUST: caused by the toxic effect of iroko, the irritation lasts for up to 5 weeks after exposure. AMMONIA: ammonia gas has an immediate effect on the eyes causing a smarting pain. Strong mixtures can cause ulceration and scarring. PHARMACY: certain vegetable dusts used in pharmacy can irritate the conjunctiva including; rhubarb, vanilla, pyrethrum, euphorbium and senega. | EY | |||||
KERATITIS | CHE,DUS,RAD,VDU,CLO | Keratitis is any inflammation of the cornea. See cataracts and conjunctivitis. | EY | |||||
CATARACT | ENV,CHE,RAD | EL,ME,AS,MA,GA | . A cataract is an abnormal progressive condition of the lens of the eye, characterised by lack of transparency. A grey-white opacity can be seen within the lens, behind the pupil. Occupational cataracts can be caused by exposure to factors such as; electricity, toxic substances, ionising and non-ionising radiation. They are classified according to their location and shape. It appears that cataracts can be caused by increases in the eyeball temperature which disturbs the normal processes in the lens. Toxic cataracts result from systemic poisoning after long-term exposure to certain nitro compounds such as trinitrotoluene. Development of opacity is noted after 3/4 years of exposure and progresses slowly. Removal from exposure in the early stages stops the progress, but if the changes are already pronounced the cataract will still progress. CATARACTS caused by exposure to RADIANT HEAT or ELECTRO-MAGNETIC RADIATION are recognised by the D.S.S. as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. | EY | ||||
TINNITUS | NOI | Tinnitus is the word used to describe a noise heard in one or both ears. The noise heard can vary from person to person. It is variously described as; ringing, whistling, humming, buzzing and many other noises. It can be intermittent or permanent, very loud or barely audible, intolerable or just a nuisance. Tinnitus can be a symptom of otosclerosis (increase in bone size of the inner ear), Meniere's disease (chronic inner ear disease characterised by dizzyness and nerve deafness), presbycusis (normal loss of hearing with ageing), or accoustic trauma. Long exposure to noise at work leading to a loss of hearing ability (noise induced hearing loss) is often accompanied by tinnitus. | EA | |||||
HEADACHES, MIGRAINE | STR,NOI,CHE,HRS,ENV,VDU,DUS | NE | ||||||
ANXIETY,IRRITABILITY,DEPRESSED | STR,HRS,VDU,NOI | A general feeling of uneasiness, uncertainty, hopelessness or fear that may be inappropriate or out of proportion to the situation. Often a response to an emotional, physical, social, economic or other factor that requires a response or change. For example, a response to changes at work; including overwork, feeling undervalued, introduction of new technology, or a feeling of lack of control. | NE | |||||
FITS/CONVULSIONS | CHE | NE | ||||||
SOLVENT EXPOSURE | CHE | A solvent is any liquid in which another substance can be dissolved. Common solvents include; benzene, carbon tetrachloride, methylated spirits, paraffin. trike, toluene, and turpentine. Many solvents are used as a degreasing agent, the biggest hazard for workers is that the solvent degreases parts of the human anatomy. The most obvious exposure is skin. Health hazards associated with exposure to solvents include; dermatitis, skin/eye/respiratory irritant, heart problems, reproductive effects, motor activity, cancers and tumours. Symptoms of exposure include; headache, drowsiness, flushed face, dizzyness, irritability, loss of memory, no sense of smell, no appetite, lack of energy,aggression and heart failure. | NE | |||||
POST TRAUMA SYNDROME | ACC,STR,VIO | POSTTRAUMA RESPONSE: a sustained painful response to unexpected extraordinary life events. Defining characteristics include reexperience of the traumatic event (flashbacks), intrusive thoughts, repetitive dreams or nightmares, talking excessively about the event, emotional numbness, altered lifestyle with self-destructive behaviour and difficulty with interpersonal relationships. POSTTRAUMA STRESS DISORDER: an anxiety disorder characterised by an acute emotional response to a traumatic event or situation. The situation normally involves severe environmental stress such as a natural disasteror serious accident.Symptomsinclude recurrent, intrusive recollections or nightmares,diminished responsiveness to the external world, hyperalertness or an exaggerated startle response, sleep disturbances, irritability, memory impairment, difficulty in concentrating, depression, anxiety, headaches and vertigo. | NE | |||||
DIZZINESS, FAINTING | CHE,ENV | NE | ||||||
MEMORY LOSS | CHE | NE | ||||||
HEART PROBLEMS, BLOOD PRESSURE | CHE,STR,HRS,PHY,TOB | HT | ||||||
STROKE | STR | HT | ||||||
THROMBOSIS | CHE,STR,HRS,PHY,TOB | HT | ||||||
VIBRATION WHITE FINGER/RAYNAUD | VIB,RSI | RAYNAUD'S PHENOMENON: intermittent attacks of decreased blood supply to the body's extremities, especially the fingers, toes, ears, and nose. They can be triggered by exposure to cold or emotional stimuli. The attacks are characterised by the affected areas going white, then bluish, then redness. This is usually accompanied by numbness, tingling, burning and often pain. The condition is usually called RAYNAUD'S DISEASE when there is a history of symptoms for at least two years with no progression of symptoms and no evidence of an underlying cause. Prolonged exposure (normally not less than 2-5 years) to vibration can result in a condition often referred to as VIBRATION WHITE FINGER (V.W.F.) or DEAD FINGER. This exposure can arise from the use of machines or power driven tools such as pneumatic drills, fettling, chain sawing, rivetting, concrete vibrating and using chipping hammers. The disease is progressive if the victim is further exposed to hand/arm vibration. The degree of damage can be affected by things like the length of exposure, tightness of grip, frequency of breaks, temperature and the weight of the tools.VIBRATION INDUCED WHITE FINGER is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE for some jobs. | HT | |||||
VARICOSE VEINS | STA | Varicose veins are most commonly found in the legs. They may be caused by congenital (from birth) defects of the valves or walls of the veins, or by congestion and increased pressure resulting from prolonged standing, poor posture, obesity or pregnancy. Symptoms include pain and muscle cramps with a feeling of fullness or heavyness in the legs. Swelling of the superficial veins is often evident before the condition causes discomfort. No worker should be made to stand entirely still for long periods, walking and movement in general are beneficial. Hairdressing is one example of work that may lead to the development of varicose veins. | HT | |||||
PILES | WKS | Haemorrhoids are often referred to as piles. Haemorrhoids are caused by the veins in the lower rectum or anus becoming congested/distended/swollen. INTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS: originate above the circular band of muscle fibres that constrict the passage of the anus. If they become large enough to protrude from the anus, they become constricted and painful. Small internal haemorrhoids may bleed with defacation. EXTERNAL HAEMORRHOIDS: appear outside the circular band of muscle fibres that constrict the passage of the anis. They are usually not painful, and bleeding does not occur unless a vein ruptures. There is not thought to be a link between work and haemorroids. | HT | |||||
BLOOD ABNORMALITY | CHE | HT | ||||||
BURNS, SCALDS | ACC | Burns and scalds are injuries in which an area of the skin has been exposed to either dry or moist heat of sufficiently high temperature to cause an injury to the tissue. The severity of a burn is dependent upon the the depth to which the injury penetrates (commonly expressed as "degree of burn"), and the extent of the body affected (commonly expressed as a percentage of the body area). Other factors include age and health condition of the victim, contamination of the wound by the burn agent. Most chemical burns are caused by corrosive agents which destroy tissue at the point of contact. The skin, eyes and respiratory/digestive system are the most commonly affected parts of the body. An outstanding feature of chemical burns is the fact that tissue destruction is progressive. Where working clothes are contaminated these should be rapidly removed, and the affected part of the body should be flushed copiously with running water to wash away the chemical. | SK | |||||
ELECTRIC SHOCK | ACC | Electric shock is a traumatic physical state caused by the passage of electric current through the body. The damage that electricity does in passing through the body depends upon the intensity of the electric current, the type of current, and the duration and frequency of current flow. Severe electric shock commonly causes unconsciousness, respiratory paralysis, muscle contractions, bone fractures and cardiac disorders. The problem of electricity burns is little different to burns and scalds caused by other agents, although such burns may be deeper than they first appear. Consequently healing is often slow and may be accompanied by much scarring. | NE | |||||
SHOCK | ACC,VIO | NE | ||||||
WHIPLASH INJURIES | ACC | A whiplash injury is an injury to the cervical vertebrae or their supporting ligaments and muscles. Characterised by pain and stiffness, it is usually the result of sudden acceleration or deceleration. A typical example would be a rear end car collision that causes violent back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. | BJ | |||||
BRUCELLOSIS | DUS,INF | AN,BU,FD,FP | Brucellosis is primarily a disease of animals (including cattle, sheep and goats), and humans usually acquire it by drinking contaminated milk or through a break in the skin. The symptoms are typically; fever, chills, sweating and a feeling of general weakness. More than 70 per cent of brucellosis cases are caused by direct contamination. This may come by contact with; sick animals, manure, dead animals (especially aborted fetuses). As an occupational disease, therefore, brucellosis is most commonly found in farmers, shepherds, veterinarians, butchers and abbatoir workers. Contamination also occurs in people who have spent only a few hours in a contaminated area, such as electricians, bricklayers or other workers brought in to work on a contaminated shed. BRUCELLOSIS is recognised by the D.S.S. as an INDUSTRIAL DISEASE | IN | ||||
HEPATITIS | INF | HU | An inflammatory complaint of the liver. The condition may be caused by bacterial or viral infection, parasitic infestation, alcohol, drugs, toxins or transfusion of incompatible blood. Severe hepatitis may lead to cirrhosis and chronic liver dysfunction. Symptoms include; jaundice, enlarged liver, anorexia, abnormal liver function, abdominal and gastric discomfort, clay coloured stools and dark urine. The risk of infection is high among medical and paramedical personnel. HEPATITIS A: a form of infectious VIRAL hepatitis caused by the hepatitis A virus, characterised by a slow onset of symptoms and signs. The virus may be spread by direct contact, or faecal-contaminated food or water. HEPATITIS B: a form of viral infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, characterised by a rapid onset of acute symptoms and signs. The virus is transmitted through contaminated serum in blood transfusion, or by the use of contaminated needles and instruments. VIRAL HEPATITIS due to work is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | IN | ||||
ORF | INF | AN | Orf is a viral skin disease acquired from sheep, characterised by painless small blisters containing fluid. These may progress to red, weeping nodules and finally, to crusting and healing. It is found among farm workers, shepherds, sheep-shearers, butchers and abbatoir workers. | IN | ||||
Q FEVER | DUS,INF | AN,BU,FD,FP | Q fever is an acute illness, usually respiratory, and often accompanied by a high temperature. The disease is spread by contact with infected domestic animals, either by drinking their contaminated milk, inhaling the insect rickettsiae from their hides, or by being bitten by a tick harbouring the organism. Most occupational infection arises from direct or indirect association with cattle, sheep or goats. Farmworkers may be infected by inhaling contaminated dust from a farmyard or barn. The incubation period is between 11 and 28 days, with an average of 19 days. Within a day or two of onset the person is quite ill with a high temperature, severe headache, and often a cough. If untreated, in an otherwise healthy person, the fever usually runs a course of 6-10 days and then subsides naturally. Q FEVER is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | IN | ||||
SCABIES | INF | HU | A common disease caused by exposure to the itch mite (Sarcoptes scabiei). It is characterised by intense itching of the skin and marks left from scratching to relieve the itch.The mite is transmitted by close contact with infected humans or domestic animals. It burrows into outer layers of the skin where the female lays eggs. Two to four months after the first infection, sensitisation to the mites and their products begins. This results in a rash, and secondary bacterial infection may occur. | SK | ||||
NAUSEA, SICKNESS | CHE,STR,DUS,ENV | DI | ||||||
LOSS OF APPETITE | CHE,STR,DUS,ENV | DI | ||||||
LIVER COMPLAINTS | CHE | DI | ||||||
KIDNEY COMPLAINTS | CHE | DI | ||||||
CANCERS, OCCUPATIONAL | ASB,CHE,DUS,RAD | Occupational cancer is a form of delayed poisoning due to exposure to chemical and physical agents (carcinogens) in the workplace. The period from exposure to detection of a cancer (latency period), may vary from a few years to several decades. Occupational cancer does not differ clinically from other cancers. Therefore the main diagnostic assessment is a detailed occupational history of the cancer patient. This may help establish whether exposure to a carcinogen has occurred. Some exposures have a multiplicative effect, for example smoking and asbestos. Each is individually capable of causing cancer but exposure to both greatly increases the probability. Some SKIN,BRONCHIAL and LUNG CANCERS are recognised by the D.S.S. as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. | IN | |||||
COUGH | CHE,DUS,ENV | VE | CH | |||||
FINGERS NUMB | VIB,RSI,VDU | HT | ||||||
BREATHLESSNESS, TIGHT CHEST | CHE,DUS | Any difficulty in breathing, feeling of tight chestedness,or breathlessness should be treated as a cause for concern. It may be a reaction of the breathing system to an irritant that is in the working environment. Many dusts, fumes, and chemicals are capable of causing this irritation and the consequences can vary from a short incapacity to a permanent disability, especially if exposure to the problem is continued. | CH | |||||
SNEEZING | CHE,DUS | NT | ||||||
GENERAL POOR HEALTH | STR,CHE | XO | ||||||
NAILS INFECTED | INF,CHE,DUS | IN | ||||||
SLEEP PROBLEMS, INSOMNIA | STR,HRS | Insomnia is a chronic inability to sleep or remain asleep even if feeling tired. Either because of difficulty in going to sleep, or a tendency to wake up early. This is a common problem experienced by workers whose job requires working different shift patterns. Lack of sleep is blamed not only for decreased mental alertness and performance, but also for the general feeling of "being under the weather". Persistent fatigue in spite of rest is a sign of unsuitability for shiftwork. The regular working of long or unsocial hours can create some problems for workers health and safety. Stress and fatigue are two common outcomes. Both of these can lead to serious health problems if they are not identified and dealt with. | NE | |||||
HERNIA | ACC,VIB,WKS,PHY | A hernia is a protrusion of an organ through an abnormal opening in the muscle wall of the cavity that surrounds it. "HERNIA OF WEAKNESS" or "DISEASE HERNIA": the abdominal walls have orifices which may become progressively enlarged or distended and allow the passage of a hernia. The onset may be slow and without symptoms, and may follow a slight effort such as coughing. "STRESS HERNIA" or "ACCIDENT HERNIA": the immediate result of a violent effort made while the body is badly positioned, sometimes referred to as a rupture. It can be a surgical emergency with dramatic symptoms. A hernia is often linked to heavy manual work, including lifting, carrying and moving heavy objects, especially when these jobs are incidental to the main occupation. Often a hernia is of a mixed origin, effort increases or reveals an orifice but is not the single cause. Lack of exercise, sedentary work, exposure to prolonged vibration, changes in occupation, all may contribute to a hernia. | XO | |||||
TENNIS ELBOW | RSI,PHY,VIB | Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the tissue at the lower end of the elbow joint. It is caused by the repetitive flexing of the wrist against some form of resistance. Plastering, painting, screeding, and concreting are examples of the type of work associated with this problem. Return to work after a break e.g. a holiday, or a long spell of repetitive work such as painting by someone not used to the work increases the risk. | BJ | |||||
PSORIASIS | DUS,CHE | FD,MC | Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inheritable skin disorder. It is characterised by red patches covered by thick, dry, silvery, adherent scales. It may occur anywhere on the body, but it is more common on extensor surfaces, bony prominences, scalp, ears, genitalia and the anal area. Psoriasis of the palm of the hand is reported among shoemakers, and different areas of psoriasis among bakers. | SK | ||||
MISCARRIAGE,REPRODUCTIVE PROBS | VDU,CHE | RE | ||||||
GALLSTONES | DI | |||||||
ZOONOSES | INF | AN | Zoonoses are diseases and infections that are naturally transmitted between vertebrate animals and people. There are over 100 infections in the general list of zoonoses. Often the infection causes observable symptoms only in people, the animal "carrier" being symptomless or mildly sick. Weill's Disease (Leptospirosis) is a virus carried in rats which sewer workers, refuse workers, farm workers etc. have a known risk of catching. A zoonosis which causes sheep to abort can also cause pregnant women to abort. Apart from a few well-documented examples such as this, in general information on the extent of occupational risk and importance of zoonoses is scanty. | IN | ||||
ARTHRITIS, RHEUMATISM | PHY,ENV,RSI,VIB | TE | ARTHRITIS: any inflammatory condition of the joints, characterized by swelling and pain. RHEUMATISM: any of a large number of inflammatory conditions of the joints, ligaments, muscles or bursae (a small sac that acts as a cushion between the tendon and the bone). Taking the group as a whole, those engaged in heavy outdoors work are six times as much affected as office staff. Construction workers and miners are examples of groups with an above average tendency towards this ailment. In certain occupations specific types of complaints are found. For example, miners and builders are more prone to elbow complaints, while footballers have an above average incidence of leg-related complaints. | BJ | ||||
CLOUDY VISION | CLO,VDU | EY | ||||||
DEHYDRATION | CHE,ENV | VE | XO | |||||
CIRCULATION PROBLEMS | RSI,VIB,STA,ENV,TOB | TE | HT | |||||
CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME | RSI,VIB,WKS,VDU | The carpal tunnel is a small channel of fibrous tissue on the inner side of the wrist. The median nerve and tendons of the muscle of the forearm pass from the arm into the hand through the carpal tunnel. Repeated bending of the wrist can cause the surrounding fluid and tissues to press on the median nerve, causing pain, numbness and "pins and needles" in the thumb, index and middle finger and one side of the ring finger, and weakness in the hand. Secondary carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the swelling of tenosynovitis puts pressure on the median nerve. Carpal tunnel syndrome is sometimes referred to as R.S.I. (Repetitive Strain Injury). If the early symptoms of "pins and needles", numbness or pain are heeded and the person is removed from the repetitive work then a full recovery is possible. Further exposure will probably lead to the symptoms becoming worse, the recovery period taking longer, and eventually the condition becoming permanent and crippling. Any job involving repeated bending of the wrist e.g. typist, assembly work, buffer or cleaner can lead to the development of carpal tunnel syndrome. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE in a few occupations. | BJ | |||||
TEAR DUCT MALFUNCTION | CHE,INF,CLO | EY | ||||||
EAR INFECTION, INFLAMMATION | INF,CHE,DUS | IN | ||||||
GLAUCOMA | CLO,VDU | EY | ||||||
HARDENING ARTERIES | RSI,TOB | HT | ||||||
DIABETES | XO | |||||||
ALLERGIES | CHE,DUS,ENV | VE | An excessive response of the immune system to a particular stimulus. Allergies are divided into two categories, those that provoke immediate reactions, and those that produce delayed reactions. The number of occupational substances that could provoke a reaction/response is extremely high. Some substances are known as sensitisers, exposure to these can lead to a situation whereby a person becomes "sensitised". Once this has occurred it only takes a very small exposure to cause a reaction. Immediate allergic reactions include: ASTHMA: a respiratory disorder, breathlessness, tight chest, wheezing. RHINITIS: runny nose. DERMATITIS: skin rash. ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK: a severe systemic reaction marked by respiratory distress. Examples of substances that could provoke an allergic response include: Antibiotics, wood dust, flour, isocyanates, acrylates, enzymes, platinum salts. OCCUPATIONAL ASTHMA, DERMATITIS AND RHINITIS are recognised by the D.S.S. as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. | XO | ||||
CHEST PROBLEMS | CHE,DUS,ENV | TE | CH | |||||
CADMIUM POISONING | CHE,DUS | EL,ME | WE,EL | Chronic cadmium poisoning has been reported after prolonged occupational exposure to cadmium oxide fumes, cadmium oxide dust and cadmium oxide stearates. Changes associated with exposure to cadmium may be local (in which case they affect the respiratory tract), or systemic (in which case they include kidney damage or anaemia). Occupational exposure has been linked with an increased incidence of prostatic cancer, and an increased risk of respiratory tract cancer. Symptoms of high concentration generally occur within 1 to 8 hours after exposure. They are similar to influenza, e.g. fever, light-headedness, muscular pain or general weakness. Occupational exposures at this level may occur where cadmium alloys are smelted, soldered or welded. Obstructive lung diseases in the form of emphysema is the main symptom at heavy exposure to cadmium in the air. Kydney disfunction and damage are the most prominent findings after long-term exposure to lower levels of cadmium in workplace air, or via cadmium-contaminated food. CADMIUM POISONING is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | XO | |||
WHEEZING | CHE,DUS,ENV | VE | CH | |||||
ACHING OR PAINFUL BONES/JOINTS | PHY,RSI,STA,WKS,VDU,ENV | TE | Aching or painful joints is a very general description and can refer to several different problems, such as: * Repetitive work that involves the repeated use of certain muscles, tendons and joints * Working in a confined space, or other uncomfortable positions * Working outdoors, or in a draught * Pressure applied to the joint, as in kneeling * Over exertion It is necessary to; a) identify the cause of the problem b) carry out a full assessment of the work operation c) establish a system of work that will reduce the problem as much as is possible. | BJ | ||||
ACNE | CHE | BU,FD,GA,ME,TA | An inflamed skin eruption (spot), often around the face, neck, shoulders and upper back. Usually occurs around the sebaceous glands that are located throughout the body, often in close proximity to body hair. Work-related acne, e.g. oil acne, is usually caused by exposure to something that blocks the gland. Exposure to oil mist when working as a machinist is one common way to contract oil acne. | SK | ||||
AGORAPHOBIA | ENV,STR | An anxiety disorder, characterised by a fear of being in an open, crowded or public place, such as a field, tunnel, bridge, congested street, or busy department store, where escape may be difficult or help not available in case of sudden need. Although no definite link with work is established, any work related stress may make an attack more likely. | NE | |||||
BLACK TONGUE & TEETH | CHE | NT | ||||||
CATARRH, COLDS, RUNNING NOSE | ENV | TE | NT | |||||
CHEST INFECTIONS | ENV | TE | IN | |||||
DERMATITIS, SKIN PROBLEMS | CHE,DUS | Skin infections like dermatitis and eczema can arise in many industrial situations, and are a common cause of absence from work. Millions of workers are exposed to thousands of substances every day that may be the cause of skin problems. CONTACT DERMATITIS: this condition is caused by repeated contact with agents that remove the natural skin oils, e.g. solvents such as "trike". This causes the dry, itching, irritation and cracking symptoms, and this leaves the skin vulnerable to attack from other substances. It is usually the hands that are affected. ALLERGIC DERMATITIS(sensitisation): this condition is caused by reaction to a specific trigger substance, and its effects tend to be more serious. Once sensitisation has occurred then a reaction will occur every time that substance is encountered. The sensitisation may occur on first contact with the trigger substance, or it may occur after many years. In some cases reaction may be so severe that the individual may be unable to continue with their work. NON-INFECTIVE DERMATITIS (of external origin) is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | SK | |||||
SKIN ULCERS | CHE | An ulcer is a "crater-like" lesion of the skin or mucous membrane, resulting from localised tissue death, and accompanying some inflammatory, infectious, corrosive or malignant processes. Work-related ulcers are not uncommon. Workers in the chrome-plating processes, for example, may develop chrome ulcers on the hands, or the mucous membrane of the nose may be perforated by a chrome ulcer. CHROME ULCERS are recognised by the D.S.S. (under dermatitis) as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | DI | |||||
DUPUYTRENS | RSI,VIB | A progressive, painless thickening and tightening of the tissue of the palm, causing the fourth and/or the fifth finger to bend into the palm and resist extension. Tendons and nerves are not involved. There is data to show that workers who suffer repeated micro-trauma to the hand are often affected. Examples are; repeated hammer work as in building workers, repeated pick and shovel work as in miners, and post office workers who use rubber marking stamps. | BJ | |||||
FOLLEY LUMPS | EY | |||||||
HARD METAL DISEASE | CHE | GA,ME | Hard metal is a synthetic alloy of tungsten carbide and cobalt. Occasionally chromium, nickel, tantalum, and titanium are added. Exposure to hard metals is linked to ASTHMA and LUNG DISEASE.Fibrosis of the lung develops over time into honeycombing and as a consequence,shortness of breath is apparent. The symptoms are reversible in the early stages. ASTHMA and HARD METAL DISEASE are recognised by the D.S.S. as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. | XO | ||||
HEARING PROBLEMS | NOI | Hearing loss can be caused by a variety of things, it can be hereditary, or getting old (presbycusis). It can be caused by a blow to the head, certain drugs, infections, mastoids, perforations, and exposure to noise. Prolonged exposure to noise at work can lead to deafness, the process is often slow, and the victim unaware of the accruing damage. This damage is permanent, and removal from the noise will not improve hearing ability. The first symptom is often a difficulty in distinguishing conversation when there is more than one voice, or noise, present. This type of damage is often accompanied by noises in the ear (tinnitus), see Medical.Doc screen on tinnitus. DEAFNESS is recognised by the D.S.S as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE but ONLY IN CERTAIN TYPES OF JOBS.THE LEVEL OF DEAFNESS NEEDED TO QUALIFY IS VERY HIGH. | EA | |||||
HEARTBURN | DI | |||||||
SPOTS | INF,CHE,DUS | IN | ||||||
LACK OF ENERGY | STR,CHE,ENV | VE | OT | |||||
EYE DAMAGE/INJURY | CLO,ACC | EY | ||||||
MENINGITIS | CHE,INF | HO,LB | Meningitis is any infection or inflammation of the membranes covering the brain or spinal cord. It is characterised by severe headaches, vomiting, and pain and stiffness in the neck. The most common cause is bacterial infection, but other causes include; chemical irritation, abnormal growth of new tissue, or by viruses.Laboratory workers or others exposed to bacteria are most at risk. | IN | ||||
MUSCULAR PAIN | PHY,WKS,RSI,STA,VIB,VDU | Muscular pain is often a warning that something is wrong with the ergonomic design of the work operation, or that the muscle is being subjected to overuse. Either way it should not be ignored. Muscle pain often gets better with no treatment other than rest, but repeated exposure can in the long term lead to damage that is permanent. Much can be done to alleviate muscle pain by attention to the general working conditions, for example; hours of work, adequate rest periods, paid holidays, good working environment. An ergonomic study of the workstation can also help by ensuring that the seats, tables, workbenches are of suitable dimensions and the work flow is correctly organised. | BJ | |||||
CRAMPS, MUSCULAR SPASMS | ENV,RSI,VIB,PHY | TE | Cramp is a spasmodic, involuntary and often painful contraction of one or more muscles, or used to describe a pain resembling that of cramp. They are also referred to as occupational palsies or professional spasms. They are commonly in the hand, but may affect the legs and other parts of the body in different occupations. A wide range of workers may be affected, e.g. tailors, assembly workers, musicians, or one of the earliest known, writers cramp. CRAMP OF THE HAND OR FOREARM DUE TO REPETITIVE MOVEMENTS are recognised by the D.S.S. as INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. HEAT CRAMPS are a risk to workers exposed to high temperatures.The workers sweat profusely, and drink excessive quantities of water to compensate for this. The result is a sudden and large loss of salt from the body, and sudden painful attacks of cramp. The provision of saline beverages at work will restore body salts and prevent cramp. | BJ | ||||
PINS AND NEEDLES | RSI,PHY,STA,VIB | XO | ||||||
PLEURAL PLAQUES | ASB | The pleura is a delicate membrane enclosing the lung. It is composed of a single layer of flattened cells resting on a delicate membrane of connective tissue. The pleura divides into the visceral pleura, which covers the lung, and the parietal pleura which covers the diaphragm. A pleural plaque is a flat, raised patch which shows up on an x-ray, but which on its own is usually symptom free.They may occur on their own or with asbestosis, and exposure to asbestos should be investigated when pleural plaques are discovered. See information on asbestosis. | CH | |||||
HEAT RASH | ENV | VE | FD,LD,MI,SE | FO,HT,ML | Heat rash is a skin complaint characterised by small, fine, solid raised skin lesions (papular), or by raised skin blisters (vesicular). It is caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures and high humidity.Symptoms of prickling, tingling and burning are common and the areas of the body covered by clothing are most affected. | SK | ||
REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY | RSI,WKS,PHY,VDU,VIB | The term REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY is the subject of much debate. Other terms such as OVERUSE INJURY, WORK RELATED UPPER LIMB SYNDROME or RAPID MOVEMENT INJURIES are equally contentious. The terms attempt to cover a whole range of injuries covering problems affecting the neck, back, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. The problem may not be repetition, it may be caused by working in a constrained posture. Work that involves rapid, repetitive finger and hand movement, or poor posture can cause very real problems. See TENOSYNOVITIS, TENDONITIS, TRIGGER FINGER, PERITENDINITIS,EPICONDYLITIS, BURSITIS, CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME, DUPUYTREN'S CONTRACTURE, GANGLION, WRITER'S CRAMP, BURSITIS, CELLULITIS,FROZEN SHOULDER, CERVICAL SPONDYLITIS, OSTEO-ARTHRITIS. | BJ | |||||
RUPTURE/HERNIA | PHY,ACC | PE | HA,MS | Rupture and hernia are often confused and used to describe the same condition. A rupture is the actual parting of the body organ, a hernia is where an organ protrudes through a rupture or split. * Heavy manual work and lifting are linked to many hernia/ruptures * For some people the weight being lifted when problems occur can be quite small * Awkward lifts, including lifting people, are especially dangerous * Pre-employment and periodical medical examinations will ensure early detection. * The legal concept of "occupational hernia/rupture" can be difficult to establish. | DI | |||
SCIATICA | PHY | BJ | ||||||
BACK PROBLEMS | PHY,WKS,RSI,STA,VIB | Back pain/ache can be constant or intermittent, the result of an accident or as a consequence of repeated overuse, a "niggle" that will not go away or a pain that affects the quality of life. The commonest cause of work related back pain is a twisting lift, followed by over-reach, a sideways bend, or standing for long periods. Often the cause of the back pain cannot be remembered, and three-quarters of back pains clear up in the first week without treatment, other than rest. There is no evidence that the cause is an inherent weakness, or that back strengthening exercises are of use. There is evidence that recurrences tend to be caused by the same pattern of movement. All manual handling operations should be the subject of a full assessment as required under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 Backache can be caused by using a chair that is incorrectly adjusted, or by any part of the work operation that requires an uncomfortable or unnatural movement of part of the body. | BJ | |||||
EYESTRAIN | VDU,CLO | LI | Complaints of eye strain usually arise from problems of an external source rather than the work object or the individual. Poor lighting, poor control, the presence of glare are common causes of complaints. The increased use of V.D.U.'s (Visual Display Units) has led to an increase in complaints of eye strain. These are more likely to stem from ergonomic factors than organic factors. They are more likely to be solved by careful design of equipment, such as screen brilliance and character size and style. The work environment such as light levels, working positions and work patterns are equally important in preventing eye strain. | EY | ||||
STREPTOCOCCAL INFECTION | INF | IN | ||||||
SUNBURN | RAD | SK | ||||||
TENOSYNOVITIS | RSI,WKS,PHY,VIB,VDU | Tenosynovitis is inflammation of a tendon sheath caused by repeated strain or trauma, calcium deposits, high levels of blood cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis or gout. In occupational tenosynovitis it is commonly in the hand and wrists. It can occur in the legs of workers who constantly use foot pedals,in the elbows and shoulders of packers,and the wrists of typists. As tenosynovitis develops, it seems that the tendon sheath fails to secrete enough fluid for smooth movement of the tendon. Eventually both the sheath and the tendon become inflamed and scarred. Permanent damage can result. In an attempt to carry on working, and to ease the discomfort, workers sometimes adopt different postures or movements and so develop a combination of injuries. Typical causes include repetitive movements, not necessarily strenuous. It can be brought on by a sudden increase in workload, by the introduction of new processes, or by returning to work after a break. TENOSYNOVITIS is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | BJ | |||||
TOXOPLASMOSIS | INF | Toxoplasmosis is a common infection from a parasite carried by cats and other hosts. The congenital (from birth) form is characterised by liver and brain involvement with convulsions, blindness and mental retardation. The acquired form is characterised by rash, fever, general weakness, heart muscle problems and inflammation of the lung. Any worker who handles soil that may have been infected by the faeces of an animal that is carrying the parasite Toxoplasma Gondii is at increased risk. This would include agricultural workers, nursery/garden centre workers and veterinarians. | IN | |||||
VIRAL INFECTIONS | INF | IN | ||||||
NERVES, NERVOUS PROBLEMS | STR,HRS | NE | ||||||
SWELLING OF JOINTS ETC. | RSI,PHY,VIB,ENV | TE | BJ | |||||
DE QUERVAIN'S DISEASE | RSI,WKS | TL | ME,AS,BU,MA,MC | De Quervain's disease is tenosynovitis of the tendons of the thumb as they pass over a bone in the wrist. Occupations which involve the gripping of tools or other objects using the thumb and finger such as joiners, upholsterers, assembly work using spanners, pliers or similar tools are at increased risk of developing this condition. TRAUMATIC INFLAMMATION OF THE TENDONS (including De Quervain's disease) is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | ||||
TRIGGER FINGER | RSI,VIB,VDU | "Trigger finger" occurs when the tendons in the finger become swollen or thickened and cannot glide freely. The finger becomes difficult to straighten after bending. It can be caused by long periods of repetitive movement (e.g. typing), or by the use of power tools. It can also be caused by gripping too tightly, for too long, and too often. Trigger finger is often associated with tenosynovitis. When the thumb tendons are involved the condition is called trigger thumb. TENOSYNOVITIS (including trigger finger) is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | ||||||
PERITENDINITIS | RSI,VIB,VDU | This is inflammation of the junction of the muscle, tendon and surrounding tissue, which produces swelling in the wrist and forearm.The most common cause is work which requires rapid, repetitive hand and wrist movement.Plastering,painting and floor screeding are typical of jobs which may cause this problem. | ||||||
EPICONDYLITIS | RSI,PHY,VIB,VDU | Epycondylitis is where the muscle joins the lower end of the long bone of the arm (the epicondyle). It may be caused by a variety of jobs such as; hammering, bricklaying or lifting with outstretched fingers under pressure. Golfers, tennis players and other sports players also develop this type of injury. This is how the terms "tennis elbow" and "golfers elbow" came into being. | ||||||
TENDINITIS | RSI,PHY,VIB,VDU | Tendinitis (sometimes spelled tendonitis) is an inflammatory condition of a tendon, usually resulting from strain. The swelling, or thickening, of the tendon can become so severe that the tendon "seizes", and victims find it difficult to move their fingers, hands or arms.The type of work that involves risk is one which requires repetitive movements such as assembly work on a production line.See TENOSYNOVITIS. | ||||||
WRITER'S CRAMP | RSI,VDU | OF,LI,TA,ED,AS | Cramp of the hand or forearm can result from prolonged periods of repetitive movement such as handwriting or typing. The nerves rather than the tendons are affected, sometimes causing uncontrolled movements of the fingers. WRITERS CRAMP is recognised by the D.S.S. as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | |||||
GANGLION | RSI,PHY,VIB,VDU | A ganglion is a cyst-like swelling at a joint or in a tendon sheath, usually on the back of the hand or wrist. It is usually a hard, small, round swelling that is normally painless. A typical cause is repetitive hand movement in jobs like typing, assembly work, packing and cleaning. | ||||||
BURSITIS | RSI,PHY,VIB,VDU | KN | A bursa is a small sac of fibrous tissue that is usually found round joints and where ligaments and tendons pass over bones. Bursitis is caused by prolonged, repeated pressure, or repeated jolts to the joint, leading to inflammation of the bursa. The inflammation produces pain and tenderness and may restrict movement of the joint. "Beat elbow", "beat hand" and "beat knee" are common terms for bursitis in different parts of the body. The terms "housemaids knee", "miners elbow", "hod-carriers shoulder" are also well known. Any occupation which exposes the bursa to trauma is likely to show an increased level of bursitis. BURSITIS OF THE KNEE and ELBOW are recognised by the D.S.S.as PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASES. | |||||
CELLULITIS | PHY | BU,ME,MI,RD,RL | Cellulitis is an infection of the palm of the hand, It can be the result of repeated bruising, and is typically caused by the use of hand tools such as hammers and shovels in dirty or dusty conditions. The most common symptoms include; local heat, redness, pain and swelling. SUBCUTANEOUS CELLULITIS (BEAT HAND) is recognised by the D.S.S.as a PRESCRIBED INDUSTRIAL DISEASE. | |||||
FROZEN SHOULDER | RSI,PHY,VIB,VDU | Frozen shoulder is a painful stiff shoulder. Confusion surrounds the description of painful shoulders because it is difficult to be sure about the cause and source of the pain. Diagnoses include; ROTATOR CUFF SYNDROME, ADHESIVE CAPSULITIS, SUBACROMIAL BURSITIS, SUPRASPINATUS, TENDINITIS, PERICAPSULITIS, OR PERIARTHRITIS. Because nerves in the shoulder travel down the arms into the hands, STRAIN INJURIES involving the shoulder will often mean pain elsewhere if the nerves are trapped. | ||||||
CERVICAL SPONDYLITIS | ACC,INF | Cervical SPONDYLITIS (not to be confused with cervical spondylosis) is an inflammation of the synovial joints of the neck. Synovia is a transparent viscous fluid (resembling the white of an egg) which acts as a lubricant for the joint. The condition may arise as a result of accident damage,infection or a rheumatoid disease. | ||||||
HEAT DISORDERS | ENV | TE | FD,LD,MI,SE,ME | FO,HT,ML | A classification of disorders caused by exposures to high levels of heat is as follows, a) SYSTEMIC DISORDERS- heat exhaustion, heat-stroke, water/salt deficiency, heat cramps. b) SKIN DISORDERS- prickly heat (miliaria rubra), cancer of the skin (rodent ulcer) c) PSYCHONEUROTIC DISORDERS- acute loss of emotional control Prolonged exposure to high temperatures at work can lead to the body sweating, and an increase of fluid intake is needed to replace lost fluids. This process is faster in jobs which require substantial effort such as working in a forge. | |||
EYESTRAIN | CLO,VDU | Regular periods of close work can lead to eyestrain. The symptoms may include blurred vision, red eyes, headaches, sore eyes, stress. If the job requires close work the employer should provide facilities for eye tests. |