International
Labour Organization
Your health and safety at work
YOUR BODY AT WORK
Exercise: Hazards and your health
| Question: | What is wrong with this picture? Can the chemicals the worker is working with affect his health? How can they get into his body? |
| Answer: | The worker is being exposed to hazards by working around chemicals with no protection. Also, the workplace is obviously very hot and workers can suffer from fatigue and possible adverse health effects from the heat. The worker can inhale the chemicals through the nose or mouth, they can be absorbed through his skin, and he can ingest them if he eats, drinks, or smokes with the chemicals in his hands. Chemicals can also damage the external surfaces (e.g. skin, eyes) by causing burns. Even when not absorbed, contact with them may lead to severe skin reactions. |