Does your job put you at risk of developing the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD?
“Although many workplaces may expose workers to risk factors for a lung disease like COPD, the most common job types include those in agriculture, mining and manufacturing,” according to the American Lung Association.
The association provides these examples of workplace exposure:
- Asphalt, tar fumes or vapor in roads or roofing
- Diesel or exhaust fumes
- Mineral dusts such as silica, coal or asbestos
- Organic dusts such as cotton, wood or grains
- Welding or metal fumes such as cadmium
- Secondhand smoke
- Smoke from fires
Symptoms of COPD include shortness of breath; a cough accompanied by mucus; wheezing; fatigue; and recurring lung infections, including bronchitis.
“Employers should identify, reduce or remove exposures to hazards that put workers at risk of developing respiratory conditions like COPD,” ALA says. Additional tips:
- Wear respirators and other personal protective equipment as needed.
- If you smoke, consider quitting. ALA’s Freedom From Smoking program provides resources to help.
- If you don’t smoke but are exposed via co-workers, talk to your employer about establishing a tobacco-free workplace.
- Tell your employer if you’re experiencing trouble breathing or suspect an indoor air quality issue.
Want to learn more about COPD? You can take a free training course on ALA’s website.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication