Occupational disease
Occupational hepatitis B
Apr
Viral hepatitis has become one of the most common infectious diseases worldwide as well as in our country. To date, six main types of viruses causing hepatitis have been identified and named A, B, C, D, E, and G. Among these, hepatitis B virus receives the most attention due to its mode of transmission.
Occupational hepatitis B is one of the most dangerous liver diseases, especially in professional activities. Occupations related to healthcare, dentistry, chemicals, etc., are at high risk of hepatitis B virus infection. Prevention and control of this disease in the workplace are crucial to protect workers’ health and reduce the risk of spreading it to the community.
1. What is occupational hepatitis B?
Occupational hepatitis B is a liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV) during the course of work.
Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus, which can damage the liver, destroy liver cells, and is the leading cause of liver cancer in Vietnam.
2. Occupations at risk of hepatitis B
Common occupations and sources of exposure:
- Healthcare workers: laboratory staff, dentists, emergency responders, etc.
- Prison guards and correctional officers.
- Police and military personnel.
- Other professions exposed to hepatitis B virus.
3. Mechanism and causes of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B virus is transmitted from person to person through wounds or skin lesions via pathways such as:
- Direct contact with the blood of an infected person.
- Contact with body fluids of an infected person, such as pus, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, etc.
Hepatitis B virus is highly contagious through blood. Infected individuals rarely show acute clinical symptoms such as fever, liver pain, jaundice, etc., and most cases develop silently into chronic infection. Consequences of hepatitis B include chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, primary liver cancer, leading to severe health deterioration or death.
Transmission occurs similarly to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) but hepatitis B virus is 50 to 100 times more infectious. It can survive outside the body for at least 7 days.
Discover the Occupational Hepatitis B Risk Assessment Tool, which provides in-depth evaluation of hepatitis B in the workplace—a liver infection that can lead to serious health issues. This tool offers detailed risk assessments and recommended preventive measures, helping workers and managers better understand and manage workplace risks. With advanced algorithms and multi-dimensional databases, it is a reliable source for healthcare professionals and occupational safety managers. The main goal is to protect workers from occupational hepatitis B while maintaining a safe and sustainable work environment.
4. Symptoms of hepatitis B
Hepatitis B can be an acute or chronic liver disease caused by the hepatitis B virus. It may be asymptomatic or produce mild symptoms in some, while others may experience severe symptoms, including:
- Fever, fatigue, muscle and joint pain.
- Headache.
- Abdominal pain, indigestion, nausea, vomiting.
- Hives.
- Skin color changes and jaundice.
- Sudden weight gain or loss.
- Dark urine.
5. Complications of hepatitis B
If untreated, hepatitis B can lead to:
- Chronic hepatitis.
- Cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis.
- Liver cancer.
- Fulminant hepatitis, which can be fatal.
Vaccination and early treatment are critical to prevent severe complications.
6. Personal protective equipment for preventing occupational hepatitis B
Healthcare and medical rescue workers exposed to blood or body fluids must wear protective equipment, including:
- Protective clothing.
- Gloves to prevent contact with blood and other fluids; made from waterproof and chemical-resistant materials.
- Protective goggles.
- Masks or respirators.
- Protective footwear.
- Safety helmets.
Proper use of PPE, hygiene practices, and vaccination are essential for prevention.
7. Compensation for workers with hepatitis B
In Vietnam, under the Social Insurance Law, workers with hepatitis B may receive compensation via health and social insurance, depending on case specifics. Proof of occupational connection is required. Regulations vary by industry and organization, so professional legal advice may be needed.
8. Treatment of hepatitis B
Treatment depends on health status, disease severity, and duration. Methods include:
- Antiviral medication to stop viral replication; other drugs may relieve symptoms.
- Healthy diet and lifestyle; avoid alcohol, tobacco, and other liver-damaging substances.
- Hospitalization for severe cases.
Vaccination is recommended for prevention.
9. Preventing occupational hepatitis B
Prevention measures include:
- Vaccination.
- Proper use of PPE.
- Good hygiene: handwashing, not sharing personal items or unsterilized needles.
- Regular health checks.
- Education and awareness programs for workers.
10. Responsibilities of businesses in prevention
Businesses in high-risk environments must:
- Ensure a safe work environment with adequate PPE and training.
- Maintain hygiene and properly manage medical waste.
- Train staff in preventive measures.
- Provide vaccination.
- Conduct regular health checks.
- Perform occupational environment monitoring and report results for workplace improvement.
11. National occupational environment monitoring center
Nam Viet Monitoring Center provides professional occupational environment monitoring across Vietnam, using modern equipment and experienced technicians.
REGISTER FOR OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT MONITORING SERVICE
The center also assists with planning, handling, and monitoring workplace environmental issues, prioritizing customer satisfaction and professional solutions.
- We value our brand reputation and service quality.
- We provide customers with optimal and appropriate services.
- With experienced MScs and engineers, we aim to protect the environment and benefit businesses.
12. Pricing for occupational environment monitoring
Nam Viet provides a detailed price list for professional and cost-effective workplace monitoring.
- Includes all costs: travel, measurement, analysis, and reporting.
- Competitive and transparent pricing with professional consultation.
- Flexible packages to meet customer needs while ensuring high satisfaction.
