International SOS is an approved provider of Occupational Health Services by the Norwegian Labor Inspectorate. We cover the fields of Occupational Medicine, Industrial Hygiene, Ergonomy, Psycho-Social & Organizational support through our numerous and professional experts within each area.
According to the Working Environment Act and related regulations, the employer must carry out systematic working environment analyzes as part of the work to ensure a fully satisfactory working environment. Exposure to working environment factors such as noise, ergonomic challenges and chemicals contributes to very many work-related health problems. A general health risk assessment can help to obtain an overview of which physical factors represents the highest health risk for current job categories and contribute with input to action plans to reduce the risk.
The method is based on Kokstadmetoden® and is built up and is carried out on the basis of job categories. The information and data are obtained from interview of employees, as well as from observations of workplaces and work processes for each individual job category. Based on the information obtained the job category’s total health risk is assessed. The report will contain any recommendations on risk mitigation, as well as the need for training, specific work environment mappings and health monitoring.
E-RISK gives an overview of ergonomic factors in the working environment that are believed to be able to cause musculoskeletal disorders and thus be able to assist in the prevention of sickness absence related to such complaints.
E-RISK is based on valid and recognized tools and criteria and provides the company with a reliable overview of the risks associated with work tasks and total exposure for the individual job category / department. The methodology is based on current guidance and recommendations from the supervisory authorities.
Based on the results in E-RISK, International SOS can advise on risk-reducing measures, as well as contribute to the preparation of action plans and thus contribute to systematic follow-up of the working environment in the company.
A Chemical health risk assessment (CHRA) is a risk assessment of employee chemical exposure in the working environment.
A CHRA can help to get an overview of which chemical exposures that represent the highest health risk for relevant job categories. It will also provide input on how to reduce the risk.
The method is based on the Kokstad method® which has the employee’s exposure as the main focus.
Interviews of employees are carried out, inspection in work areas and work processes and review of client systems and documentation on chemical management. Based on this information the chemical health risk of each job category is assessed. Our report will include recommended measures for risk reduction, training, specific work environment surveys and health monitoring.
Exposure to oil mist and oil vapor may among other things contribute to the development of inflammatory reactions in the lungs with subsequent scarring, fibrosis and thus reduced lung capacity.
When exposed to oil mist and oil vapor, the long-term health effects will depend on the content of the petroleum products that create the mist and vapor. Pressure and temperature are important factors that influence the amount. Measurement of oil mist and oil vapor helps to get an overview of the employees’ exposure level.
The recommended sampling time is 2 hours and one aim for 6 sampling periods per job category or per measurement point. Personal measurements are carried out primarily, but stationary measurements may also be performed in parallel for assessment of the general working atmosphere in relevant areas.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any exposure to oil mist and oil vapor, as well as the need for training and health monitoring.
Exposure to frying fumes can contribute to the development of shortness of breath (dyspnea), inflammation of the nose (rhinitis), reduced lung function and increased risk of development of COPD and lung cancer.
Frying fumes is a complex mixture of chemical compounds and consists of oil droplets / fatty aerosols, water vapor and thermal decomposition products from frying fat and the food being fried. Measurement of oil mist as an indicator of frying fumes exposure helps to get an overview of the employees exposure level.
Each sampling period should preferably cover the full shift for personal sampling of personnel working in the galley. One aims to perform six sampling periods.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any exposure from frying fumes, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Exposure to dust and fiber can have adverse health effects such as impairment lung function, allergies and cancer. The effects of dust and fiber exposure can be both acute and chronic.
When exposed to organic and inorganic dust and fiber, the health effect depends on the chemical properties of the dust/fiber, particle size, degree of exposure and individual sensitivity. Measurement of dust and fiber helps to get an overview of the employees exposure level to pollution in the work atmosphere.
Personal measurements are carried out primarily, but stationary measurements may also be performed in parallel for assessment of the working atmosphere in relevant areas. One aims for 6 sampling periods per job category. Each sampling period should preferably cover the full shift. For stationary sampling at least three measurements are recommended for each sample point. The respirable and the inhalable fraction of the dust may be analyzed when relevant, and an elemental analysis of e.g. crystalline silica content.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any exposure to dust and fiber, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Welding fumes and abrasive dust can contribute to the development of serious diseases such as such as lung cancer, asthma, bronchitis and emphysema.
When welding and preparing a workpiece by grinding or degreasing, hazardous gases and dust are formed. The substances that are released may be inhaled in the form of dust, welding fumes and gases. The composition and amount depends on many factors, such as what metal welding is performed on, any additives, welding method, type of electrode and temperature. Measurements helps to get an overview of the employees exposure level to pollution in the work atmosphere.
Each sampling period should preferably cover the full shift for personal sampling. One aims to perform six sampling periods. Stationary sampling may also be performed, particularly to describe potential exposure for workers attending areas near the welder. An elemental analysis of relevant compounds of the welding fumes should be performed. For gas shielded arc welding processes (TIG/MIG/MAG) also welding gases should be measured (NO2, CO and Ozone).
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any chemical exposure from the hot work, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Measurement of volatile organic compounds including benzene
Volatile organic compounds; VOCs (organic solvents) can cause acute poisoning and long-term damage. They may contribute to damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys and liver. Some VOCs may damage fertility (like n-Hexane) and can cause cancer (e.g. benzene and ethylbenzene) and genetic defects (e.g. benzene).
Benzene exposure as well as other VOCs occur offshore in production and drilling. VOC exposure may be high during painting/ mixing of paint.
Each sampling period should preferably cover the full shift for personal sampling. One aims to perform six sampling periods. Stationary sampling may also be performed, particularly to describe potential exposure for workers attending areas near the source of exposure.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any chemical exposure from the hot work, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Measurement of noise and vibration
Noise can give short-term and permanent hearing loss also in addition to tinnitus. Noise may also cause stress and stress-related ailments such as cardiovascular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, sleep disorders and reduced ability to concentrate. Noise in combination with the ototoxic chemicals (e.g. styrene, ethylbenzene and toluene) can worsen the noise-induced damage.
Hand-arm vibrations entails the risk of damage to the blood vessels, skeleton, joints, nerves or muscles. Acute effects can be impaired blood flow, decreased feeling with possibly decreased fine motor skills and increased muscle activation (tingling in the fingers). Prolonged exposure can lead to chronic effects, permanent damage to the blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints. Currently, there is no evidence of any lasting health effects from whole-body vibration other than lower back pain.
Noise exposure measurements should cover at least three full shifts for the risk exposed groups. Equivalent and peak noise levels are compared to regulations. Main noise sources are recorded. Area noise measurements and whole-body vibration measurements are performed in selected areas and compared to relevant regulations and industry standard. Offshore measurements may be compared to area limits in Norsok S-002. At least three measurements should be performed for each area.
Noise and vibration measurements of handheld tools are performed to enable the recommendation of a maximum user time and the appropriate type of hearing protection for each of the assessed tools. At least three noise measurements should be performed for each tool and at least three vibration measurements for each tool on both trigger hand and support hand.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce noise and vibration exposure, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Measurement of illumination and emergency lighting
Lighting is important for overall well-being of the individual. Adverse lighting conditions can give symptoms of sore and strained eyes, fatigue and headaches, as well as reduced productivity. Visual impairment can worsen with age. Furthermore, lighting also affects conditions such as visual performance, activity level and safety. It is important that lighting is adapted to the relevant tasks.
For general illumination several measurements are performed based on a representative selection of measurement points in the relevant areas. The mean illuminance value and the uniformity is then calculated.
Emergency lighting is provided for use when normal lighting fails and is powered from an independent source. Measurements may be performed regarding emergency lighting, emergency escape lighting, critical task area lighting and anti-panic lighting.
The measurements are compared to relevant requirements. General illumination measurements are compared to area limits in Norsok S-002 for offshore areas and to the lux table onshore.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to improve the lighting conditions.
Measurement of diesel exhaust
When diesel is burned in an engine, exhaust is emitted, which is a complicated mixture of several hundred organic and inorganic compounds in the form of both particles and gas. The composition and amount of emissions depends on several factors, such as the composition of the fuel, operating conditions, etc.
Possible long-term health effects of prolonged exposure and high levels are impaired lung capacity, bronchial hyperreactivity, asthma, cardiovascular disease, lung and possibly bladder cancer – assumed to be significantly related to particles.
As indicators of exposure we measure elemental carbon (EC) for the particle phase and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) for the gas phase. This latter measurement is performed with direct reading instrument.
One aims to perform six sampling periods. Stationary sampling may also be performed, particularly to describe potential exposure for workers attending areas near the source of exposure.
The report will contain recommendations on measures to reduce any chemical exposure from the hot work, as well as the need for training and periodical exposure monitoring.
Other measurements and assessments
We can assess other occupational hygiene factors like ionizing radiation, radiofrequency radiation, static magnetic fields, and extremely low- frequency magnetic fields. For ionizing radiation and extremely low- frequency magnetic fields we may also perform measurements.
We may also perform assessments and measurements of other chemical exposures, thermal climate and indoor air quality and assessments of biological hazards.
Different types of ergonomic assessments regarding workplace ergonomics surveys, WEAC-mapping, assessment of specific operations, access, ergonomics at the office etc.
All assessments are compared to relevant regulations, standards and recommendations, and measures are suggested.
Advisory
We provide advisory regarding physical, chemical and biological working environment factors.
Within occupational hygiene and ergonomics this includes:
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