Olfactory Function and Occupational Health

The olfactory system has a major importance in the field of Workplace security. Basically we can divide two areas of impact:
 

• First, the preassignment assessment of the olfactory function
 
Certain mansions require an intact olfactory function. If a workers, for example,  is to be assigned to work in an area where gas lines are present, his ability to smell the odourous substance additioned to the methane line is fundamental for safety. Sending a worker to such a position, could have very damaging conseguences. Similar situations can be found wherever odorous substances may act as a signal of danger.

Preassignment assessment of a normal olfactory function is mandatory in these cases. A screening assessment of the olfactory function should be done, to proceed to in dept analysis only the persons with a damage or change in function.

Many screening tests are available commercially and can be administered under the general supervision of  an expert technitian, with low cost. This can avoid danger and future compensation claims.
 
 

• Second, the evaluation of olfactory and gustatory damage in workers compensation claims