Workplace Exposure

Cleaning up after hurricanes or other storms exposes cleanup workers to floodwaters, which can carry some serious health risks. Floodwaters can be contaminated with micro-organisms, sewage, industrial waste, chemicals or other substances that can cause illness or death, according to OSHA.

Because it is both colorless and odorless, carbon monoxide can be one of the most dangerous gases present in a work environment.

Because mine dust contains large quantities of silica, baggers have to be certain to limit their exposure to prevent potentially deadly conditions.

Flu season can strike a workplace hard. In 2009, the H1N1 influenza virus emerged, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention believes the virus is likely to spread again this season in conjunction with the seasonal flu.

Working on jobsites painted before 1978 can pose risks associated with lead-based paints. Workers need to be aware of safe practices in removing this paint to avoid the health risks that come with lead exposure both during and after work has taken place.

Hydrogen sulfide is a highly flammable hazardous gas that occurs naturally in crude petroleum and natural gas. It also is present in sewage, created through the breakdown of organic matter, and can cause negative health effects when inhaled.

Working in high-risk areas such as hospitals regularly exposes health care workers to the influenza virus, putting them at an elevated risk for contracting the illness.

According to OSHA, simple hygiene may be the best protection against pandemic flu in your workplace.