OSH Answers Fact Sheets

What is osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthrosis or degenerative joint disease, is a disorder that affects the joints. At the joint, the surfaces of the bones are lined with tissue called cartilage. Cartilage provides a smooth surface for movements. Sometimes, the cartilage between bones breaks down. The normally smooth cartilage becomes pitted and frayed, and cartilage segments may be lost. Bony outgrowths also form, which interfere with the movement of nearby tendons and...

What is lifting? Lifting is a type of manual material handling that involves moving a load to a different position. It can include holding the load in a static position during transportation and placing the load at the destination. A lifting operation typically involves raising, moving, and lowering a load. Lifting can be done entirely manually or with the use of equipment. This fact sheet does not cover lifting exclusively with equipment, such as an overhead crane operation . What kind of...

What is One Health?  One Health is an approach that recognizes the connection between the health of people, animals (both domestic and wild), plants, and the environment. The approach brings together experts from different sectors, disciplines, and communities from local, regional, national, and global levels. The goal of One Health is to improve the health of people, animals, and the environment. The approach is important to prevent, predict, detect, and respond to global issues, such as...

When would flame-resistant and heat-protective clothing be required? Flame-resistant clothing temporarily protects the worker from serious burns. In the case of a fire, workers should always follow fire safety and evacuation procedures.  When fire hazards are present, flame-resistant or more protective clothing may be worn. This clothing is made of specific fabrics and coatings that can withstand high temperatures and flames. Common materials are treated cotton, Kevlar®, Modacrylic®, and...