Occupational Hygiene | Prevent Work-related Illnesses

7 Tips to Prevent Work-related Illnesses with Proper Occupational Hygiene Routines

Work-related illnesses can significantly impact employees and employers leading to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism and higher healthcare costs. Therefore, implementing proper occupational hygiene routines is vital to safeguarding the health and well-being of your workforce.

In this article, the occupational hygiene experts at IOH Solutions offer hints and tips on how to minimise the occurrence of work-related illnesses in your workplace and assist you in providing your team witha happier and healthier work environment.

Tips to Minimise Work-Related Illnesses with Effective Occupational Hygiene Routines

Here are seven examples of how you can improve occupational hygiene routines in the workplace:

1. Assess Workplace Hazards Regularly: Conduct regular assessments to identify potential hazards such as chemical exposures, ergonomic risks, noise levels and biological agents. Understanding these risks allows for targeted mitigation strategies to be implemented timeously.

2. Implement Engineering Controls: Where possible, implement engineering controls to minimise exposure to hazards. This might include installing adequate ventilation systems, noise barriers or ergonomic workstation adjustments to reduce physical strain.

3. Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that appropriate PPE is readily available and used correctly by all employees exposed to hazards. This might include respirators, gloves, eye and hearing protection and more based on the risks identified.

4. Practice and Promote Healthy Hygiene Practices: Encourage frequent handwashing, proper sanitation of work areas, respiratory hygiene and personal hygiene practices. These measures can prevent the spread of infectious diseases and reduce the risk of cross-contamination or exposure to harmful contaminants.

5. Offer Education on Internal Practices: Equip employees with the knowledge to safely navigate their workspaces, use protective equipment and follow safe work practices, especially if various divisions use colour-coded cleaning equipment to promote effective illness protection practices. This ensures that everyone remains informed about the latest internal safety protocols.

6. Monitor and Maintain Health Records: Keep comprehensive records of employee health assessments, exposure levels and any work-related illnesses reported. Regular monitoring helps in detecting trends and allowing for timely intervention.

7. Consult with Occupational Hygiene Experts: Partnering with professionals will provide specialised expertise in identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace illnesses. Their experience in conducting thorough assessments and implementing effective hygiene routines under their guidance ensures compliance with regulations and promotes a healthier work environment.

Consider Choosing IOH Solutions

IOH Solutions is recognised as a leader in the South African occupational hygiene industry. We are dedicated to preventing work-related illnesses through comprehensive and customised solutions. This is why you should consider partnering with us:

• Expertise and Experience: With over two decades of hands-on experience in the industry, we have a proven track record in mitigating workplace illnesses across various environments and industries.

• Customised Solutions: We tailor our services to meet the specific needs of each of our clients. We conduct thorough assessments and recommend targeted controls to minimise and manage risks effectively.

• Compliance Assurance: Our skilled, qualified team stays updated with regulatory requirements. We are proudly accredited by SANAS and fully registered with the Department of Labour as an Approved Inspection Authority (AIA). This ensures that your workplace will meet all the necessary health and safety standards.

• Cost-effective Strategies: We focus on providing affordable solutions for companies of all sizes across most industries, prioritising employee health and well-being while optimising operational efficiency.

Additionally, at IOH Solutions, our commitment to service excellence and client satisfaction is reflected in our relationships with our long-standing clients. So, if you require assistance with occupational hygiene and the prevention of work-related illnesses in your workspace, contact us today for an obligation-free consultation.