NEBOSH IGC Element 5 Cheat Sheet: Physical and psychological health

5.1 Noise

Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and, indirectly, stress, poor communication and accidents.
- ('text', 'Noise can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and, indirectly, stress, poor communication and accidents.')
Useful terms: sound pressure (the pressure variation of the sound wave), intensity (the energy flow), frequency (pitch, measured in hertz), the decibel scale (logarithmic, so a small rise in dB is a large rise in energy), dB(A) (weighted to match the human ear, used for most workplace measurement) and dB(C) (used for peak or very loud sounds).
- ('text', 'Useful terms: sound pressure (the pressure variation of the sound wave), intensity (the energy flow), frequency (pitch, measured in hertz), the decibel scale (logarithmic, so a small rise in dB is a large rise in energy), dB(A) (weighted to match the human ear, used for most workplace measurement) and dB(C) (used for peak or very loud sounds).')
A common rough prompt for noise problems is whether people have to raise their voices to hold a normal conversation when about two metres apart.
- ('text', 'A common rough prompt for noise problems is whether people have to raise their voices to hold a normal conversation when about two metres apart.')
Whether exposure must be assessed, and the exposure limits, come from recognised standards that apply where you work; measurements are compared with those limits.
- ('text', 'Whether exposure must be assessed, and the exposure limits, come from recognised standards that apply where you work; measurements are compared with those limits.')
Basic controls follow the hierarchy: eliminate or reduce noise at source; then isolation (enclosures), absorption, insulation, damping and silencing.
- ('text', 'Basic controls follow the hierarchy: eliminate or reduce noise at source; then isolation (enclosures), absorption, insulation, damping and silencing.')
Types are earplugs and earmuffs; they must be chosen for the noise level (attenuation), fitted properly, worn all the time, kept clean and replaced when worn.
- ('text', 'Types are earplugs and earmuffs; they must be chosen for the noise level (attenuation), fitted properly, worn all the time, kept clean and replaced when worn.')

Terms: dB(A), Attenuation

Tip: Hearing protection is never the first answer to a noise problem.

5.2 Vibration

Hand-arm vibration (from tools such as drills, grinders and breakers) can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, which includes damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints in the hands (for example white finger).
- ('text', 'Hand-arm vibration (from tools such as drills, grinders and breakers) can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, which includes damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints in the hands (for example white finger).')
Exposure should be assessed when vibrating tools are used regularly or for long periods.
- ('text', 'Exposure should be assessed when vibrating tools are used regularly or for long periods.')
Controls include: using different working methods (mechanisation where possible); low-vibration tools; choosing suitable equipment for the job; maintenance programmes so that tools stay in good condition; limiting exposure time with rotas and planning to avoid long periods of use; and suitable PPE such as gloves that keep hands warm.
- ('text', 'Controls include: using different working methods (mechanisation where possible); low-vibration tools; choosing suitable equipment for the job; maintenance programmes so that tools stay in good condition; limiting exposure time with rotas and planning to avoid long periods of use; and suitable PPE such as gloves that keep hands warm.')

Tip: Time limits and rotas are a control, not a replacement for better tools.

5.3 Radiation

Non-ionising radiation has less energy and does not break up atoms.
- ('text', 'Non-ionising radiation has less energy and does not break up atoms.')
Ionising radiation has enough energy to break up atoms and damage cells.
- ('text', 'Ionising radiation has enough energy to break up atoms and damage cells.')
Basic controls: eliminate or reduce use; time (limit time exposed), distance (stay as far away as possible) and shielding (put a barrier between the person and the source); keep radioactive sources locked and labelled; restrict access to controlled areas.
- ('text', 'Basic controls: eliminate or reduce use; time (limit time exposed), distance (stay as far away as possible) and shielding (put a barrier between the person and the source); keep radioactive sources locked and labelled; restrict access to controlled areas.')
A competent person (such as a radiation protection adviser or supervisor) advises and oversees the strategy.
- ('text', 'A competent person (such as a radiation protection adviser or supervisor) advises and oversees the strategy.')

Terms: Ionising radiation

Tip: Remember time, distance and shielding.

5.4 Mental ill-health

Mental ill-health is common and costs organisations through absence and reduced performance.
- ('text', 'Mental ill-health is common and costs organisations through absence and reduced performance.')
The HSE Management Standards describe six areas that cause work-related stress when they are poorly managed:
- Demands (workload and work patterns).
- Control (how much say people have).
- Support (from managers and colleagues).
- Relationships (including bullying).
- Role (do people understand their role?).
- Change (how it is managed and communicated).
Controls address these six areas, for example by matching workloads to abilities and giving workers a say in how they work.
- ('text', 'Controls address these six areas, for example by matching workloads to abilities and giving workers a say in how they work.')
The home-work interface also matters: commuting, childcare, relocation and caring for vulnerable relatives can add pressure.
- ('text', 'The home-work interface also matters: commuting, childcare, relocation and caring for vulnerable relatives can add pressure.')

Terms: Management Standards

Tip: Learn the six standards in order. They give you a ready checklist.

5.5 Violence at work

Violence at work includes physical violence, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and bullying.
- ('text', 'Violence at work includes physical violence, psychological abuse, verbal abuse and bullying.')
Higher risk jobs include police, fire and medical staff, social workers, customer service workers, lone workers, people dealing with others under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those who handle money or valuables.
- ('text', 'Higher risk jobs include police, fire and medical staff, social workers, customer service workers, lone workers, people dealing with others under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and those who handle money or valuables.')
Controls include: a clear policy and zero tolerance message; risk assessment of tasks and places; physical design (counters, barriers, lighting, alarms, CCTV); safe systems of work (not working alone, meeting arrangements, cashless methods); training in conflict management; reporting and support after incidents.
- ('text', 'Controls include: a clear policy and zero tolerance message; risk assessment of tasks and places; physical design (counters, barriers, lighting, alarms, CCTV); safe systems of work (not working alone, meeting arrangements, cashless methods); training in conflict management; reporting and support after incidents.')

Tip: Violence includes verbal abuse and bullying, not just physical attacks.

5.6 Substance abuse at work

Alcohol, legal and illegal drugs and solvents can affect judgement, coordination and reaction time.
- ('text', 'Alcohol, legal and illegal drugs and solvents can affect judgement, coordination and reaction time.')
Controls include:
- A clear policy that covers what is prohibited and what help is available
- Information and training for managers and workers
- Checks and testing where they are justified, for example for safety critical roles and following incidents
- Support and confidential help for people with a problem, with disciplinary action as a last resort