Module 4: Occupational Asthma - Lecture (Continued)

7. MANAGEMENT:

7.1 Remove the patient from exposure:

• Recommend alternative placement after consulting worker.

7.2 Treat the asthma:

• Similar to the standard protocols.
• Bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory treatment.

7.3 Submit a claim for worker's compensation:

• Follow the COIDA guidelines for submission (See Table 6).

7.4 Notify the case:

• Submit first medical report to the regional Inspector of Labour.

7.5 Prevention of chronicity and complications:

• Engineering controls: substitution of the toxic agent, ventilation extraction.
• Administrative controls: alternative job placement.
• Respirators: may experience problems with fit testing, compliance.
• Prophylactic medication: disodium cromoglycate; beclomethasone dipropionate.
• Education and training: health effects of the hazardous agents and precautions under the OHSA (See prototype EU information sheet).