Mount Sinai Selikoff Centers for Occupational Health

Educational Resources

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Education is an important part of keeping workers healthy and safe. Our occupational health and safety specialists lead seminars and trainings on a variety of topics with a focus on preventing workplace injuries and illnesses. These programs can be tailored to address the specific needs of workers and supervisors in various industries such as construction, health care, manufacturing, transportation, and professional and technical services. Click here to download our Education and Training flyer to learn more.

For resources on a variety of occupational health topics, please explore below:

Cleaning/Janitorial

Respiratory and dermal symptoms and illnesses can occur from use of cleaning products that contain substances such as disinfectants and solvents. The toxicants in these products can cause long-term health problems.

  • QACs: Information for Cleaners: QACs are a type of chemical found in cleaning products that may cause skin and respiratory irritations.
  • QACs: Information for Health Professionals: QACs are disinfectants used alone or added to cleaning products, such as: dishwashing liquids, hand soaps, window cleaners, “all-purpose” cleaners, etc. Their frequent use may cause skin and respiratory irritation.

Construction

Injuries and illness most prevalent in the construction industry include musculoskeletal disorders resulting from slips, trips, and falls, as well as long-term health complications resulting from exposure to asbestos, silica, wood dust, welding fumes, etc.

  • Asbestos Health Facts: Asbestos is a group of mineral fibers that when inhaled can cause scar tissue to form on the lungs, resulting in long-term health complications.
  • Lead Exposure (Español): Lead is a toxic metal found in construction and manufacturing products. Lead exposure can cause adverse health effects in the short- and long-term.
  • Medium Density Fiberboard: Medium   Density Fiberboard (MDF) is a type of composite wood containing a resin product with formaldehyde. Prolonged formaldehyde exposure can negatively impact health.
  • PCB Exposure: Polychlorinated biphenyls are man-made chemicals found in common building materials, including paint, old fluorescent light ballasts, and caulking.
  • Manganese Exposure: Manufacturing and welding can lead to manganese fumes emissions. If inhaled, it may cause long-term respiratory and neurological illness.
  • Personal Protective Equipment for Female Construction Workers: Recommendations for PPE fitting for women.

Ergonomics

Ergonomic intervention in the workplace can reduce the risks of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other injuries.

  • Anytime Anywhere Tips: A guide to help workers get started practicing healthier work habits using stretching and strengthening exercises that can be done throughout the day.
  • Computer Workstation Set-Up: Tips to reduce your risk for injuries such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back strain that result from a poor workstation set-up.
  • Ergonomics at Work: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading type of injury in the workplace.
  • Repetitive Strain Injury: Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are conditions often caused by repetitive motions straining parts of the body.

Food and Restaurant Service

Restaurants involve jobs that are fast-paced, repetitive, and physically demanding. Restaurant workers experience a high prevalence of burns and cuts, musculoskeletal injuries associated with slips, trips, and falls, and even chemical exposures.

Laboratories

Laboratory environments present a diverse set of hazards, including chemical/toxin exposures, as well as musculoskeletal injuries.

  • Lab Safety: heightened awareness of safety regulations, protocols in case of injury, and proper ergonomics within the lab contributes to the prevention of injuries and exposures.

Nail Salons

Exposure to chemicals in nail salons may cause long-term health complications for salon workers.

Transportation

Workers in transportation are at a high risk for micro-level air pollutants. Frequent exposure to these pollutants may contribute to cardiovascular disease and other conditions.

  • Diesel Exhaust Exposure: Diesel exhaust (DE) is a mixture of gases and tiny particles that is emitted by the engines of diesel-powered vehicles. The gases and particles in DE contain many toxins that are harmful to one’s health.

Occupational Health and Safety Agencies and Organizations

Our occupational health and safety agencies and organizations are:

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