ABSTRACT
Occupational health is as important as occupational safety, but generally receives less attention from managers. Work in the field of occupational health has been taking place for the last four centuries and possibly longer. The main reason for the relatively low profile for occupational health over the years has been the difficulty in linking the ill-health effect with the workplace cause. Dusts are solid particles slightly heavier than air but often suspended in it for a period of time. Man-made fibres are commonly used in insulation boards, blankets for the purpose of heat treatment, electrical insulation and in the reinforcement of plastic and cement. Common gases include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and oxygen. Gases are absorbed into the bloodstream where they may be beneficial (oxygen) or harmful (carbon monoxide). Mists are similar to vapours in that they exist at or near their boiling temperature but are closer to the liquid phase.
