For the past few years I have worked in a clinic and I have see various occupational issues. While working here many of the chemical and biological issues were addressed by our managers; we are properly trained at the time of our employment and during the year, various trainings are held regarding appropriate use of instruments. The biggest control wast the use of PPE. When we handled any type of body specimens, we were always required to wear some type of protection. There are chemicals and equipment used in the lab that are necessary, and using the hierarchy of control, it will be hard to eliminate them or replace them with a safer alternative if any exist. Working long hours in a clinical setting also requires a lot of sitting down and standing up. Our administration has accommodated all of our ergonomic needs. The clinic provide high standing work stations as well as your typical desk; this prevents us from being in one position thorough out the day.
One barrier could be the lack of understating the language. For example, many agricultural workers in California are immigrants from Mexico and South America, and their primary language is usually Spanish. Many of the safety labels in pesticides that are used in the farms are in English. Unable to read them, workers are unaware of the health risks they are facing when exposed to such chemicals. I also believe that in the same population, the immigration status of the worker is a barrier to a healthy and safe workplace. Many workers who are illegally living in the U.S tend speak up about the health and safety issue they come across. Many are afraid that if they speak up they might loose their jobs or be deported. For this reason, many illegal immigrant workers overlook the unsafe working conditions they are in.
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