According to Dr. Michael Silverstein, what are the types of risks workers find on the job today?

Answer 1

(1) Dangers that were widely recognized when the OSH Act was adopted in 1970 such as falls from roofs or amputations from unguarded machinery. (2) Hazards present in 1970 but not fully appreciated by those who wrote the OSH Act, such as musculoskeletal disorders, workplace violence, and biohazards. (3) New hazards that have entered the workplace that were unknown in 1970 such as diacetyl and other food flavorings that cause bronchiolitis obliterans (‘popcorn lung") or modern metalworking fluids that cause hypersensitivity pneumonitis. (d) Changes in the political, economic, and legal landscape of work since 1970 that have brought new safety and health challenges. These include globalization of businesses, downsizing of manufacturing, increased outsourcing, reduced pension security, erosion of labor law, an aging workforce, declining unionization, and increased immigrant workers.