Manufacturing industry:
most common risks for operators and production

A multi-faceted sector

A multi-faceted sector

The manufacturing sector includes work activities engaged in processing numerous raw materials, many of which are of animal or plant origin. It is therefore a sector in which, as the INAIL website points out, the 'biological agents' potentially harmful to workers' health, to be considered in the risk assessment phase, also include the materials being processed (wood, paper, cotton, wool, silk, hides, etc.).

Other sources of biological hazards, in addition to raw materials, are recirculated water and environmental dust, which may be contaminated with microbes and moulds or contain faeces and fragments of arthropods with allergenic effects. The main routes of exposure are inhalation (contaminated aerosols, organic dusts and natural fibres) and contact (possible mycoses and allergies in the skin and mucous membranes).

Damage caused by biological agents

Damage caused by biological agents

Biological agents present in the work environment, whether part of the raw materials or bacterial and fungal contaminants, can have toxic, irritating or allergenic effects. Some species of the microfungus Aspergillus, for example, produce mycotoxins which, even in small concentrations, are capable of causing gastrointestinal lesions or having toxic effects on the central nervous system. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus, has also been positively correlated with liver cancer.

In industries that process products of animal origin (e.g. tanning industries), the risk of exposure to biological agents, especially in the early stages of processing, is increased by the presence of raw materials that are favourable substrates for the development of high microbial concentrations. The health effects can be varied, skin fungus, allergic manifestations in the respiratory tract and skin, and even systemic infections (anthrax, tularemia, tetanus).

Biological agents present in the work environment, whether part of the raw materials or bacterial and fungal contaminants, can have toxic, irritating or allergenic effects. Some species of the microfungus Aspergillus, for example, produce mycotoxins which, even in small concentrations, are capable of causing gastrointestinal lesions or having toxic effects on the central nervous system. Aflatoxin, a mycotoxin produced by Aspergillus flavus, has also been positively correlated with liver cancer.

In industries that process products of animal origin (e.g. tanning industries), the risk of exposure to biological agents, especially in the early stages of processing, is increased by the presence of raw materials that are favourable substrates for the development of high microbial concentrations. The health effects can be varied, skin fungus, allergic manifestations in the respiratory tract and skin, and even systemic infections (anthrax, tularemia, tetanus).

The role of cleaning for efficient production

The role of cleaning for efficient production

The manufacturing industry is one of the main sectors in Italy and one of the most developed. The work that is carried out very often requires great order and rigour.

In order to have efficient and performing production processes, and above all to allow workers to work in a safe environment, it is necessary to carry out a correct cleaning of surfaces and environments. From small laboratories to large companies, it is essential to keep every space clean and hygienic, to ensure the best possible conditions.

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