The Dangers of Silica in the Workplace: the Countertop Industry

A discussion on the hazards in the nail salon industry, with a focus on occupational asthma. Nail salon workers are exposed to chemical, ergonomic and mental health hazards. Two colleagues from the Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers discuss these hidden hazards and the increasing occurrence of occupational asthma.

Although we generally do not recognize it, Manual Material Handling takes place in many aspects of our daily lives:  carrying tools or supplies at work, or laundry and groceries at home; getting chores done, or even when having fun in sports or recreation. All these physical tasks place unique demands upon our bodies. In this podcast we discuss common ergonomic risk factors related to moving things around, and provide several simple prevention strategies to help minimize injury at home and at work.  Listen, learn and move safely!

In this podcast, Meghan Friesen and James Miuccio discuss the hazards of crystalline silica exposure in the countertop industry. From the manufacturing of natural and engineered stone, to the finishing and installation processes, they discuss the health risks workers face, such as silicosis and lung cancer. Learn about effective dust control methods, protective equipment, and best practices to reduce exposure and safeguard workers. Tune in to understand how the right controls can make a difference in keeping workers safe.

A discussion on the emerging issue of asthma in the cannabis industry.Workers are exposed to hazards during all the stages of cannabis cultivation. Two colleagues from the Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers have a conversation about workers in the cannabis production industry and how they can develop allergies and occupational asthma. 

Join two OHCOW Occupational Hygienists as they discuss silica exposures in the news. They explain the recent ban on artificial stone in Australia and how an Emergency Temporary Standard in California attempts to deal with a silicosis cluster. This is the second podcast in the series on silica. Stay tuned for more to come in this series on silica. 

Two OHCOW colleagues in conversation on the health effects of respirable crystalline silica and the new Ontario Silica Control Tool. An introductory Podcast, first in its series on silica. Stay tuned for more to come in this series on silica.

A scientific and systematic review of work history and exposures for Paramedics reveals that they are common to those of Firefighters. Two of the Occupational Hygienists from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers discuss the origin and source of these same exposures and occupational diseases, more specifically, occupational Cancer.  Tune in to listen to this interesting and revealing conversation to find out more.

Ergonomics is the scientific discipline of fitting the job or task to the physical dimensions, physical abilities, and mental capabilities of the worker – matching the job to the person. The goal of Ergonomic intervention is to identify, minimize, and eliminate hazards (or risk factors) that may contribute to the onset of musculoskeletal injuries.  In this podcast we discuss Ergonomics, Ergonomic risk factors, and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), as well as how identifying, assessing, and implementing ergonomic controls can help with injury prevention.

Join three occupational hygienist colleagues from the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers, as they discuss the adverse health effects of welding.  This is an introductory Podcast, first in its series on welding. Stay tuned for more to come in this series on Welding.

In celebration of the 2023 National Nurses Week “Our Nurses. Our Future.”, several of our OHCOW Occupational Health Nurses discuss the nursing role in our organization, and how our nurses can assist Ontario workers and their families.