Harmful environmental factors

When does the work environment pose a risk?

At first glance, your work environment may seem safe. However, there are all sorts of factors that can have a significant impact on your employees’ health. Which of these ‘physical agents’ are harmful depends on the sector and your specific production processes:

• Noise pollution (such as beeping noises, sustained high decibels or humming)

• Vibrations or shocks (from machinery or vehicles)

• Radiation (ionising and non-ionising)

• Indoor climate (such as poor air quality due to inadequate ventilation, uncomfortable temperatures or disturbing light)

If you don’t address these risks properly, they can affect both the physical and the mental health of your employees. For example, persistent noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, while long-term exposure to vibration can cause back problems or damage to muscles, tendons or bones.

Fortunately, many of these risks can be mitigated. We can provide you with the solutions.

Addressing harmful environmental factors at work

With the right steps, you can reduce or even eliminate risks arising from environmental factors. Our risk prevention advisors can get to work and provide the following:

1. a comprehensive inventory of all sources of noise, vibration, radiation, lighting, ventilation, heating and electromagnetism.
   
   

2. a detailed risk assessment: what environmental influences could be harmful to whom? What actions should you take?
   
   

3. measurements, if necessary. For example, we can perform a CO₂ or noise measurement to determine the impact on your employees’ health.
   
   

4. advice on preventive measures. For instance, the risk assessment and measurements may indicate that you need to invest in new ventilation, vibration-dampening handles or hearing protection.