Comparative evaluation of occupational health risk in workers engaged into potassium ores extraction

Abstract

Evaluation of occupational health risk for workers engaged into potassium ores extraction enterprise covered following data: quantitative, semi-quantitative and qualitative assessment. Qualitative risk assessment was based on hygienic criteria: deviation of occupational environment and working process parameters from hygienic norms, with occupational risk category establishment. The results obtained helped to classify the workers' occupational risk from moderate to high (intolerable). Semi-quantitative risk assessment included determination of one-digit index of occupational disease (bilateral neurosensory deafness) - this level equalled 0.25 for machine operators. The assessed value of one-digit index of occupational disease corresponds to high (intolerable) risk and matches the risk level revealed in qualitative assessment. Qualitative assessment covered workers' health risk associated with occupational diseases and diseases related to work. The obtained occupational risk values are higher than acceptable one for occupational groups. Occupational risk levels obtained in various assessments are compared via categorizing scale.