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Health and Safety Executive

Main causes of ill health in the surface engineering industry

There is also considerable underreporting of cases of occupational ill health.

Evidence suggests that the main causes are:

Musculoskeletal (e.g. back) injuries – e.g. lifting/carrying heavy and/or awkward objects
Dermatitis - e.g. use of irritant and allergic chemicals (nickel, powder coatings, chromium etc)
Work-related asthma - e.g. use of two-pack (isocyanate) paints
Vibration white finger – e.g. from polishing mops, hand-held grinders

Further information

Case studies of typical injuries and ill-health

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Updated: 19.09.11