How to Prevent Work Related Injuries and Illnesses

Your work environment can expose you to situations, equipment, or substances that can cause harm. Depending on the type of work you do, you may be at risk for skin, eye, lung, or other health problems.

How can my work environment affect me?

Lung problems

If you are exposed to poor air quality, fumes, chemicals, molds, or dust at work, you may be at risk for:

• Breathing problems.
• Irritation of your nose, throat, and lungs (respiratory system).
• Lung infections.
• Long-term (chronic) illness, like lung cancer or pulmonary fibrosis.

If you already have a lung condition, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), these substances can make your symptoms worse.

Eye problems

Exposure to dusts, chemicals, flying objects, certain lights, and regular work with power tools can put you at risk for eye injuries, including:

• Cuts and bruises (“black eyes”).
• Loss of vision.
• Blindness.

Skin problems

Leaving your skin unprotected during outdoor or manual work can put you at risk for skin injuries, such as:

• Cuts, scrapes, and bruises.
• Burns.

Other common work-related injuries

Certain work may put you at risk for:

• Hearing loss.
• Falls.
• Back or neck injuries.

What actions can I take to prevent injuries?

The best way to avoid injury and illness depends on the work you do. The following are general actions that you can take:

• Use protective equipment that is approved for the work you do. Ask for safer or protective equipment if it has not been provided for you. Depending on your work, proper protective equipment may include:
  • A respirator or dust mask.
  • A helmet and pads for knees and elbows.
  • Safety goggles or full-face masks.
  • Headphones or ear plugs.
  • Reflective clothing.
• Wear long sleeves and use sunscreen when working outside.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol during work.
• Keep tools in good working condition. Replace worn-out tools.
• Have good lighting in your work space.
• Properly use and store any products that contain hazardous chemicals. These include fertilizer, pesticide, and paint.
• Look for anything in your work area that could cause a problem, such as debris or spilled chemicals. Report these situations to the proper staff.
• Follow guidelines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect yourself at work. Ask your employer about OSHA training.
• Follow your employer’s protocol for reporting work-related injuries. Get first aid right away for minor injuries. Go to the nearest emergency department for serious injuries.
• Consider changing jobs or asking to do a different task at work to avoid hazards in your work environment. You may need to find a different line of work that does not affect your health.

Where to find more information

Learn more about preventing work-related injuries and illnesses from:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/niosh  
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration: www.osha.gov  

Summary

• Depending on the type of work you do, you may be exposed to situations, equipment, or chemicals that can put you at risk for skin, eye, or lung problems.
• Use protective equipment that is approved for the work you do. Ask for safer or protective equipment if it has not been provided for you.
• Do not use drugs or alcohol during work.