OEHS 3550 - Workplace Health Exposures

Credits: (3)
Typically Taught Summer Semester: Full Sem
Description: Occupational Health starts by requiring an understanding of the types of chemical, physical, and biological stressors that may be encountered in the work environment. With this knowledge, professionals can anticipate and recognize these potential health hazards. Recognition relies on applying a variety of related concepts including chemical/physical properties; quantities used; exposure potential; routes of entry; and toxicology. Once potential health hazards are identified, knowledge is needed in the types of tools available to evaluate actual worker exposure. Then, how to use the technical resources available to assess relative risk of exposures. There are various sampling instruments and sampling strategies to obtain information on the potential exposure. Following the characterization of exposure, the use of existing standards and best practices allow for risk assessment and prioritization. The final part of the challenge is understanding the various types of controls available to reduce the exposure of workers to significant hazards and thus reduce the risk of injury and disease: administrative programs, engineering fixes, and personal protective equipment are all tools. Therefore, the systematic and programmed-based process of anticipation, recognition, evaluation, and control of workplace health hazards are the basis for this course.
Pre-requisite(s): OEHS 3520