Occupational Safety and Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

occupational Safety and Health - Essay ExampleMuch is cognize about the causes of legion(predicate) traditional occupational diseases, but according to Schute, what is needed ar better ways to apply what is known (273). The workplace is changing, with new methods of organization, non-traditional work schedules, and economic pressure from globalization, and it is up to the business community to be aware of changes and address them.With technology a major part of todays business, the latest research brings nanotechnology into play. Nanotechnology is the control and manipulation of proceeds at near-atomic scale to produce new materials, structures, and devices (NIOSH Strategy, par. 1). This new focus in business creates a descriptor of risks not previously part of the workplace. With the development of new applications, it is necessary to give high priority to social implications, human wellness, and environmental issues related to nanotechnology in addition to other workplace ri sks. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for studying work-related injury, illness, and death. NIOSHs past experience equips them for research into the affirmable risks of working with engineered nanoparticles. Exposure to noxious fumes such as diesel, welding, smelter and fire smoke particles are known to affect health, and research is being done to see if engineered nanoparticles have similar risks. Chemical and visible properties of engineered nanomaterials can vary greatly from bulk forms of the same materials. These new substances require research, analysis, and testing to determine their risks and how to get it on them (Bartis and Landree ix). The purges initiated by NIOSH are focused on safe materials handling, exposure handling, exposure assessment and mitigation, and further toxicity testing. Their strategy includes all facets of the corporate structure from input to outcome and from strategic goals to ma nagement objectives. Critical occupational safety and health issues possibly arising from nanotechnology are Exposure and doseToxicityEpidemiology and Surveillance (NIOSH Strategy)These potential dangers convey to the need for risk assessment, measurement methods, controls, safety, communication and education, and finally recommendations.The Institutes projected timeline for addressing critical issues covers the period from 2005 to 2009. It will be necessary to update the Material Safety Data Sheet system to incorporate relevant classifications, toxicity data, and safety and health recommendations for working with nanomaterials.Societal Implications of the Technological Advances of the 21st CenturyIn the global community, some(prenominal) organizations are studying the issues brought about by new technology, for instance the European Commissions New OSH Era project initiated on 1 April 2006 (New and Emerging). It is their goal to identify new and emerging risks in the area of occu pational health and safety through cooperation and coordination in the national and regional arena. The scheme is called ERA-NET and is made up of four phases development exchange, strategies for future cooperation,