Some risks do not cause an immediate accident. They act little by little, through repeated exposure, and the illness may appear years later. They are called working-environment risks or physical, chemical and biological agents.
Noise
Decreto-Lei n.º 182/2006 (Decree-Law 182/2006) transposes the European directive on noise at work. It sets action values and an exposure limit value.
- From 80 dB(A) (lower action value), the employer must make hearing protectors available and inform and train workers.
- From 85 dB(A) (upper action value), there are technical measures to reduce noise, signs marking the zones and mandatory use of protectors.
- The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A), taking into account the protection given by the protectors.
Hearing loss from noise is slow, painless and irreversible. Warning signs are ringing in the ears at the end of the day and difficulty hearing a conversation after the shift. The best solution is to reduce noise at source, for example with quieter machines or barriers. Hearing protectors are the last resort, but they must be worn whenever they are mandatory.
Chemical substances
Cleaning products, solvents, glues, paints, gases and dust can irritate, burn, poison or cause serious illness.
- The label follows the CLP Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008): it includes pictograms in a diamond with a red border, the signal word and the hazard statements.
- The safety data sheet, with 16 sections, explains the hazards, handling, storage, first aid and the protection needed. It must be available on site.
- Never decant a product into an unlabelled container, such as a water bottle.
- Never mix products, such as bleach with acids, without instructions. They can release toxic gases.
- Ventilate the area, wear the protective equipment indicated, wash your hands and do not eat or smoke where they are handled.
There are carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic agents and work involving exposure to silica. The law treats them as high risk (article 79 of Lei n.º 102/2009) and imposes stricter rules. Some work is prohibited or restricted for pregnant workers, workers who have recently given birth and breastfeeding workers (articles 50 to 60) and for minors (articles 61 to 72), and workers should tell the employer about their situation so that they can be protected.
Biological agents
Bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites are found in hospitals, laboratories, treatment plants, agriculture, cleaning and waste collection. Prevention means hand hygiene, gloves and other protection, vaccination when the occupational doctor recommends it, care with sharps and not putting caps back on needles, and disinfecting surfaces.
Temperature, lighting and vibration
- Heat: on very hot days, drink water regularly, take breaks in the shade, wear light clothing and watch for signs such as dizziness, cramps and hot, dry skin. Extreme heat can cause heatstroke, a medical emergency.
- Cold: suitable clothing and breaks in a heated place.
- Lighting: insufficient lighting or glare causes eye strain and accidents.
- Vibration: vibrating tools can injure the hands and arms or the spine. Limit the time of use and rotate tasks.
Everyone's role
The employer measures, assesses and controls the agents. The worker follows the rules, uses the protection, attends the health examinations and reports symptoms, unlabelled products and ventilation failures.