Working conditions
Physical factors
In this context, physical factors refer to noise, vibration, artificial optical radiation and electromagnetic fields in workplaces. Thermal conditions, lighting and electricity can also be included in the definition. These kinds of factors can put employees’ health in danger or at risk and contribute to accidents.
General information on topic
It is the employer’s duty to assess the risk of exposure to physical factors in the workplace. The risk assessment process is facilitated by the fact that most physical factors are easy to detect and the sources of optical radiation and electromagnetic fields, for example, are well known. Physical factors can also be measured or estimated and the results used to assess the magnitude of the risk posed to employees’ health or to plan ways to lower the risk.
Legislation
Occupational Safety and Health Act (738/2002)
- Section 8 – Employer’s general duty to exercise care
- Section 10 – Analysis and assessment of the risks at work
- Section 11 – Work that causes particular risks
- Section 12 – Design of the working environment
- Section 13 – Work design
- Section 34 – Lighting of workplaces
- Section 39 – Physical agents and electrical safety
- Section 4a – Exposure action values for factors that present a special risk of illness in medical examinations