ABSTRACT
Occupational health is concerned with physical and psychological hazards as well as chemical and biological hazards. The physical occupational hazards have been well known for many years, and recent emphasis has been on the development of lower-risk workplace environments. The biggest causes of work-related diseases are cancer, including mesothelioma and lung cancer due to asbestos exposure, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with the main causal agents being dust, gases, vapours and fumes. Many occupations have potential noise problems including construction, manufacturing, entertainment, the uniformed services and call centres. Noise may be transmitted directly through the air, by reflection from surrounding walls or buildings or through the structure of a floor or building. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations specify action levels at which the hearing of employees must be protected. The Regulations introduce exposure action level values and exposure limit values.
