WorkSafeBC Home

Lung disease (not cancer)

Lung disease is any condition that prevents the lungs from functioning properly. It can develop if a worker is exposed to certain biological agents, chemicals, or other substances. Employers must take proper steps to prevent workers from exposure.

The hazards

Some of the common occupational causes of lung disease and their industries are:

Hazard Industry or workplace
Ammonia Agriculture
Ice rinks
Refrigeration systems
Asbestos Construction and demolition
Building management and inspection
Pulp and paper
Chlorine Pulp and paper
Swimming pools
Water treatment
Drilling fluids Metal fabricating
Oil and gas
Hydrogen sulfide Agriculture
Construction
Oil and gas
Pulp and paper
Metalworking fluids Metal fabricating
Mould Agriculture
Building maintenance
Construction and demolition
Silica Agriculture
Construction & demolition
Manufacturing
Oil and gas

How to reduce the risks

If a worker or workers could be exposed to airborne hazards in the workplace, the employer must develop and implement an exposure control plan (ECP). This plan must identify the workers at risk of exposure and the controls that are required to protect those workers. ECPs will be unique to each worksite and work environment. When choosing risk controls, start by asking yourself the questions in the following steps. These steps are listed here in order of effectiveness.

Substitution

  1. 1

    Substitution

    This involves eliminating the hazard by substituting a safer process or material, where possible. It is the most effective control. Some questions to consider:

    • Can a less hazardous material be used?
    • Can a different process be used that generates less of the hazardous substance?
  2. 2

    Engineering controls

    This type of control involves making physical modifications to control the hazard or reduce exposure. Some questions to consider:

    • Can local exhaust ventilation be used to reduce worker exposure?
    • Can the process be isolated so workers are not exposed to the hazard?
  3. 3

    Administrative controls

    This type of control involves changing work practices and policies. Awareness tools and training also count as administrative controls. Some questions to consider:

    • Have workers been trained on the health effects of exposure to the hazards?
    • Are written safe work procedures available?
    • Is there an effective personal hygiene program for workers?
  4. 4

    Personal protective equipment

    This is the least effective type of control, and should be used with at least one other control in place. Some questions to consider:

    • Have workers been provided with respirators as required by the exposure control plan? Have workers been fit-tested and trained in respirator use?
    • Have workers been provided with protective clothing as required by the exposure control plan?