Assessing the occupational hazards in a perfume trading company

Abstract

Perfume is considered nowadays as a necessity without which our final look does not seem complete. However, as in any occupation, the perfume industry possesses several occupational hazards that workers can be potentially exposed to. In this practicum, the warehouse of Rawan Trading Company was fully examined to assess the different types of hazards which its employees are being exposed to. Assessments were based on peer observations based on an agreed timeline, together with interviews done with administrative staff members and warehouse workers. A detailed risk analysis was performed to three kinds of chemical hazards, two kinds of biological hazards, four kinds of physical hazards, and two kinds of ergonomic hazards. For each hazard, the risk was calculated, then several control measures were recommended, after which a reduced residual risk was expected. This project offers a holistic vision to public health and demonstrates how the public health sector can improve the practices of different industries and occupational sectors in Lebanon. The government should be made responsible to guide similar institutions in protecting workers and set regulations mainly for chemical exposures. By spreading health awareness in Rawan Company, the management is expected to become more engaged with the subject of worker population safety and potentially inspire similar local and regional companies.