Did you know? Occupational diseases affect millions of workers worldwide. Each year, approximately 2.78 million workers lose their lives due to work-related accidents and diseases worldwide. These deaths include:
- 2.4 million are attributable to occupational diseases
- 330,000 are due to work accidents.
Personal protective equipment (PPE), including workwear and safety footwear , is essential to protect workers from these diseases and work-related accidents. When properly selected and maintained, this equipment reduces the health risks to employees, whether they are exposed to hazardous substances, extreme working conditions or physically demanding tasks. In this article, we tell you more about all this!
Summary :
1 - The main occupational diseases
2 - The role of work clothing and safety shoes in prevention
3 - Respiratory protection equipment
4 - The importance of training and equipment maintenance
1 - The main occupational diseases
Some occupational diseases are particularly common, especially in high-risk sectors such as construction, industry or agriculture. These include:
- Respiratory diseases : Caused by the inhalation of dust, fumes, chemicals or hazardous fibres. Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic bronchitis or silicosis are common in some industries.
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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs): MSDs affect muscles, tendons and joints, often due to repetitive movements, awkward postures or handling heavy objects. MSDs are very common for people who work in logistics or handling.
- Skin diseases and allergies: Dermatitis, burns or skin irritations can occur due to direct contact with toxic or irritating substances, often encountered in the chemical or agricultural industry.
- Occupational cancers: Certain environments expose workers to carcinogenic chemicals, increasing the risk of developing cancer.
2 - The role of work clothing and safety shoes in prevention
Workwear and safety footwear are not just uniforms or accessories, they are at the heart of preventing occupational diseases.
While PPE is often associated with items like helmets or masks, workwear and footwear also play a crucial role in protecting workers’ entire bodies. At Nine Worths, we understand this and that’s exactly what we offer them!
Workwear: an essential barrier
Workwear is designed to protect workers from several hazards, including:
- Chemical splashes : Some industries expose employees to potentially corrosive or irritating substances. Chemical-resistant suits or gowns provide an effective protective barrier.
- Extreme temperatures : Workers in hot or cold environments (bakeries, foundries, or outdoor construction sites in winter) need insulated clothing to avoid the risk of hypothermia or hyperthermia.
- Abrasion and cuts : In construction or factory work, work clothing reinforced with resistant materials helps prevent injuries related to cuts or abrasions.
Workwear must not only be durable, but also comfortable and ergonomic so that workers can wear it for long hours without discomfort. This includes features such as multiple pockets, reinforced areas and breathable fabrics.
Safety shoes: a foundation of protection
Safety shoes are essential to prevent many workplace injuries, but they also play a vital role in preventing musculoskeletal disorders. In addition to protecting against immediate risks, such as falling objects or slipping, they help maintain good posture and reduce body pain associated with prolonged standing.
The main features of safety shoes include:
- Reinforced toe cap (usually steel or composite) to protect the toes from impact and crushing.
- Non-slip soles to prevent falls on slippery surfaces.
- Anti-puncture insoles to prevent injuries caused by sharp objects.
- Cushioning and foot support to minimize joint and lower back pain, reducing the risk of MSDs.
Safety shoes are particularly important in sectors where workers are on their feet all day or handling heavy objects, such as in construction, logistics or production workshops.
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3 - Respiratory protection equipment
While clothing and footwear are essential protection, respiratory protection equipment is also essential in certain environments. Filtering masks, for example, protect against the inhalation of hazardous substances such as wood dust, chemicals or fine particles present on construction sites.
Specific masks should be chosen based on the risks present. For example, an FFP2 or FFP3 mask is recommended for environments where fine particles are common. Inadequate respiratory protection can lead to serious diseases such as silicosis or lung cancer.
4 - The importance of training and equipment maintenance
Simply providing protective equipment is not enough. Proper training is needed to ensure workers know how to use their PPE correctly. For example, not fitting safety shoes properly or wearing loose clothing can compromise their effectiveness.
In addition, PPE must be maintained and replaced regularly . Worn safety shoes lose their grip and ability to absorb shock, while damaged protective clothing may no longer provide the necessary protection against cuts or chemicals.
Conclusion
Preventing occupational diseases is not limited to the use of PPE. It must be accompanied by a culture of safety , where each employee is trained in good practices and where equipment is regularly maintained and updated to ensure optimal protection.
