Issues of ill health in the surface engineering industry
The surface engineering industry is so diverse that it would be impossible to list all the health issues which could potentially arise from all activities. This can be through exposures to physical hazards (eg vibration), ergonomics hazardous substances. Historically, there were certain industries which gave cause for concern resulting in reports of ill health and disease. Some of these issues still exist within this industry group.
Evidence suggests that the main causes are:
- Occupational Asthma (and cancer) – inhalation of hexavalent chromium, nickel and cadmium mists
- Musculoskeletal (eg back) injuries – eg lifting/carrying heavy and/or awkward objects
- Dermatitis - eg use of irritant and allergic chemicals (nickel, powder coatings, chromium etc)
- Work-related asthma - eg use of two-pack (isocyanate) paints
- Vibration white finger – eg from polishing mops, hand-held grinders
- Occupational Asthma - inhalation of powder coating dust