Final answer:
In a COSHH assessment of health risks, one must consider surveillance and monitoring results to evaluate the public health impact of risk factors. Compliance with OSHA regulations and understanding of traditional and modern environmental hazards are crucial for ensuring workplace safety. Accurate measurements of disease burden within the appropriate context are necessary for risk assessment.
Step-by-step explanation:
When conducting a COSHH assessment for assessing health risks, several factors should be considered. These include surveillance and monitoring results, which provide empirical data on the exposure levels of hazardous substances. It's crucial to compare disease rates among groups with variances in exposure to detect any possible associations between a risk factor and health outcomes. Additionally, the risk difference calculation can determine the public health impact of a risk factor and suggest prevention strategies if the risk factor were eliminated. Appropriate criteria and methods for measuring disease burden must also be established based on community and period.
Environmental risks lie in two broad categories: traditional hazards often found in developing regions, and modern hazards more prevalent in industrialized areas. Employers have responsibilities under OSHA to provide a safe workplace by implementing necessary measures, such as safer chemicals or improved ventilation systems, and training workers regarding chemical hazards. Using the proper criteria and methods can ensure health risks are adequately evaluated and managed.