Noise, dust, fumes, and chemicals are just a few and common substances with which workers are in contact routinely. Researchers from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries recently released a report on exposures showing that, between 2008 and 2016, at least a quarter of workplace hazardous substance samples had twice the recommended level or beyond. Workplace exposure limits are in place to help protect workers from the hazards of industrial substances.
Occupational exposure limits set by federal regulations are in place to help keep workers safe from developing physical conditions and ailments including hearing loss and cancer. Also, asthma rates can increase from being either caused or aggravated by workplace exposures.
In the Washington L&I report, 4,394 exposure samples were gathered and the severity level of each substance was calculated and compared with the established exposure limit. The results show respirable silica, noise, dust, chromium, and nitrous oxide were the top substances with levels exceeding what they should be. In noise exposure samples, the construction industry had the highest maximum level. Industries with the highest median severity were real estate and rental, and waste management and remediation services. Abrasive blaster jobs had the highest dust and noise exposure severity.
According to the report, "Statewide managers can use sampling data to investigate ? the type of exposures occurring in industries throughout the state and to develop policies and strategies to prevent exposures to address newly identified, highly toxic, and carcinogenic substances."
Paying attention to occupational exposure risks and hazards is part of having a solid safety program. Review workplace exposures to plan and prepare safety accordingly. The benefits of continually improving a safety program is that it can transform workplace culture to help reduce injuries and overall costs. Employers can harness improved workplace safety thorough continual communication and training.