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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