Course:SPPH 381 Mascara Risk Assessment/Discussion and Conclusion

Discussion/Conclusion

The lifecycle production of mascara provides multiple health risks to the workers who are involved in its production. The production of this product can be extremely harmful to the workers since they are exposed to hazards like dust inhalation, thermal stress, noise and hearing loss, and whole-body vibration. For this reason, the mascara industry needs to re-assess the lifecycle of this product to evaluate different alternatives in its production that can decrease the risk hazards that the workers are exposed to.

Since dust inhalation is one of the most common hazards identified in the risk assessment of mascara production, which occurs during the extraction of minerals like coal and the manufacturing of ingredients such as carbon black, iron oxides, and mineral oils, the mascara industry needs to seek less hazardous ingredient alternatives. This step is necessary to minimize the risk of harm to workers involved in the production process. If it is impossible to find substitutes for the mascara resources and extraction, companies involved in mascara production must provide engineering controls, such as local ventilation, to minimize the risk of harm to workers. Additionally, companies should implement strict administrative controls, such as providing training and information on the risk of dust inhalation, installing eye wash stations and showers in the working area, and promoting policies that prioritize worker safety. As a last resort, mascara production employers must provide Personal Protective Equipment, such as protective clothing, NIOSH-approved N95 particulate filters, and dust-proof goggles, to protect their employees.

In addition, the distribution, recycling, and disposal of mascara can also pose risks to employees, such as thermal stress, whole-body vibration, and noise stress. To minimize these hazards, the mascara industry must prioritize engineering controls. For distribution hazards, employers should provide workers with safe vehicles that emit less vibration and ensure suitable seats and tires are used. As for plastic recycling industries, they should primarily focus on increasing air velocity in the workplace and separating the areas with heat and noise from other areas. In addition to engineering controls, transportation companies should implement administrative controls, such as providing hazard awareness training and minimizing travel distances and shifts for workers. Regarding the plastic recycling industry, they must provide training and awareness of the potential hazards in addition to minimizing the number of employees exposed to them. Finally, it is recommended that an external company oversee the implementation of these administrative controls to ensure compliance.

Finally, it is essential to conduct further research on the hazards generated by mascara production for its employees. Additionally, there should be ongoing evaluation and control of the identified hazards to ensure the safety of workers. This includes regular risk assessments, safety inspections, and worker participation in identifying and reporting hazards. By implementing these measures, the mascara industry can continually improve its safety standards and minimize the risks posed to its employees.