Fundamentals of Human Resource Management, 5/e

Workplace Health: Problems and Remedies

Learning Objective 5

• Discuss major health problems at work and how to remedy them.

Most workplace hazards aren’t obvious ones like unguarded equipment or slippery floors. Many are unseen hazards (like chemicals) that the company produces as part of its production processes. Others, like drug abuse, the employees may create for themselves. Typical workplace exposure hazards include chemicals and other hazardous materials such as asbestos, as well as alcohol abuse, stressful jobs, ergonomic hazards (such as uncomfortable equipment), infectious diseases, ­smoking, and biohazards (such as mold and anthrax). 114

OSHA standards list exposure limits for about 600 chemicals. Hazardous substances like these ...