Shellfish OHS

Shellfish Processing Industry in Eastern Canada

Shellfish species Processed in Eastern Canada

A Second Wind: Key Terms

Asthma - A condition that results in breathing problems. These problems occur when the breathing tubes tighten up and become swollen.

Occupational Asthma and Allergy (OAA) - Asthma or allergies experienced by some workers that are caused by their work. Occupational asthmas and allergies are associated with many different kinds of jobs. For example, bakers, auto body spray painters and animal handlers are also at risk of OAA.

Crab Lung (also known as Crab Asthma) - A form of work-related asthma that affects some crab processing workers. Asthma is considered to be work-related when it is caused by exposures at work.

Inhaler or ‘puffer’- An inhaler is a hand-operated pump. It’s used to give a precise dose of medication through the lungs. There are two types of puffers: rescue and controller. The rescue inhaler (often blue in color) relieves symptoms of asthma such as cough, wheezing or shortness of breath but is short acting and does not control asthma. The controller or steroid puffer (inhaler) comes in various colors (orange, brown, burgundy, purple, red), and is used to control symptoms (not to relieve them) and reduce the need for the reliever inhaler. It should be taken regularly. It contains corticosteroids (not the steroids that enhance muscle strength). These steroids are an anti-inflammatory medication that decreases airway swelling in the lungs.

Respiratory Therapist - A health professional who works with doctors and other health care professionals in treating and caring for patients with breathing problems.

Workers' Compensation - Workers’ Compensation is an employer-funded no fault insurance system. The jurisdiction of Workers’ Compensation Commissions can vary from province to province. Depending on the province, they can be responsible for promoting safe and healthy workplaces, providing return-to-work programs and fair compensation to injured workers and their dependents.

Workers' Compensation Boards in Eastern Canadian Provinces:

Newfoundland and Labrador
Nova Scotia
Prince Edward Island
Quebec
New Brunswick

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References

1. Answer.com (2007). Retrieved March 2007 from http://www.answers.com/respiratory+therapist&r=67
2. NL Lung Association (2006). Retrieved February 2007 from http://www.lung.ca/diseases-maladies/asthma-asthme/medications-medicaments/index_e.php
3. Shellfish Occupational Health and Safety Website (1999-2005). Retrieved March 2007 from http://www.shellfishohs.ca/glossary.html
4. Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (WHSCC). Retrieved March 2007 from http://www.whscc.nf.ca/workers.htm.

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