Psychosocial hazards

Psychosocial hazards

Psychosocial hazards seem to take a toll on the mechanical engineering occupation, where stress and fatigue are the most prevalent. An automatic engineer job description involves dealing with sophisticated designing of systems that might be mentally draining, thus affecting the life of an engineer. This issue of psychosocial hazard seems to be the most prevalent issue affecting the entire workforce.

Chemical Hazards are also one of the issuers affecting my chosen career path where hazardous material can be exposed to the skin, inhalation. Many instances occur when a worker fails to recognize symbols of warning and thus to end up touching spilled chemicals without proper protective gear.

Ergonomic hazards are one of the issues affecting mechanical engineers job where the improper lifting of equipment may lead to awkward positions or repetitive motions which are triggered by poor communication and coordination when working on machines.

Physical hazards \are also a significant factor affecting my chosen career where fire breakouts have been experienced in many industries, thus posing a danger to the lives of a mechanical engineer. The use of pumps, hydraulics, compressor, and turbines may trigger fire, thus causing injuries to a worker. The method of protective eyewear, face masks, and many industries should adopt flame-resistant suits as a way of protecting workers.

Mechanical engineers are a career path that is likely to exist for many more years to come because of the need of technology incorporation in manufacturing industries. However, many hazardous factors may face this career in the future which include;

Circumstances leading to uncontrolled fires

There many instances that may happen with the increasing use of nuclear power, which can lead to unchecked fire eruption in industries, thus causing injuries to a mechanical engineer. The unexplained fires may be triggered by the use of various chemicals in the machines being developed, thus posing a danger to future workers in my chosen career path.

Contact with moving or rotating plant

The technology has led to an increase in the use of robotics in industries, and this may affect the life of a mechanical engineer, especially when they come in contact with the moving/rotating plants.

Chronic ergonomic hazards such as stress \and fatigue

The world is continuously competitive, and one may need to work long hours to remain competitive in the industry, which may result in stress and fatigue. The mechanical engineering path involves designing complex machines and sensory devices; thus can lead to chronic stress leading to a mental breakdown.

Fire and explosion initiated by plant

Many industries are coming up everywhere, and this may affect other sectors, especially where nuclear reactors are exposed to spillage from another company. This can lead to fire or explosion, leading to health complications or even death, which is likely to affect workers in my chosen career path.

3. What is additional occupational health research needed in your career path?

Thinking in systems

This involves interaction with all the parts in the workplace to provide a harmonious working environment where experts are involved in setting up a just culture in the workplace.

Injury and illness prevention programs

There should be a set of programs tailored to minimize and eliminate injuries and illnesses to ensure that safety is guaranteed for both the employer and employee in the work environment.

Education and training

The workers should be passed through a thoroughly educational and training process to ensure that they avert any exposure to harmful substances. Exercise is essential when it comes to interaction in the working environment, which ensures the proper use of personal protective equipment.

4. What might scientific and technological solutions be helpful to address the known and future hazards? How would you prioritize those solutions?

Internet of things

These are new devices that are likely to be introduced in the machines used in industries that might eliminate hazards. According to Bliss (2019) Internet of Things refers to “the network of physical objects (devices, vehicles, buildings, and other items) that are embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables these objects to collect and exchange data” (57). The statements show that technology will play an integral part when it comes to the issues of minimizing occupational hazards.

Artificial intelligence

Artificial intelligence will influence how a mechanical engineer performs his work because it will assist in solving complex procedures while designing machines, thus reducing the amount of time spent at work, thus reducing fatigue.

Augmented reality

The use of contextual information will go along way to solving the issue of hazards in the workplace. Bliss (2019) claims that “where real-world views are overlaid with contextual information, usually via a display, sometimes worn over the eyes” (57). This shows that OSHA regulations can be displayed readily, thus enhancing health in the workplace.

I would prioritize artificial intelligence because it helps in solving the complex procedures involved in mechanical engineering work of dealing with machines. This will address ergonomic and psychosocial hazards in my chosen career, thus reducing the number of illnesses and injuries. Secondly, I would choose the Internet of Things to incorporate new devices, which will simplify the work of a mechanical engineer. Although this might affect the employability of mechanical engineers, it will go a long way in reducing hazards in the workplace. Thirdly I would incorporate the augmented reality to help display the measures that should be taken to minimize health hazards in the workplace, which helps in elimination or minimization of dangers through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as face masks or respirator.