Wendel Abel, Contributor
MANY BUILDINGS, facilities and spaces designated as public places pose potential dangers and health hazards.
These facilities include churches, schools, shopping malls, hospitals, nursing homes, infirmaries,
children's homes, hairdressing salons, barber shops, restaurants, nightclubs, theatres, cinemas,
the workplace, parks, sporting facilities, gyms and stadiums.
The potential dangers and health hazards are many and
varied. They include unsafe access, badly-constructed stairways and stairs without rails, lack of fire escapes and buildings that are unsafe and could
collapse at any moment.
SMOKING IN PUBLIC
Smoking in public buildings is also of major concern, especially in the light of research that
has shown that exposure to
secondary smoking increases an individual's risk of developing lung cancer and other smoking-related illnesses
Fire hazard is of also major concern. Many public buildings are not properly equipped with fire alarms and, in many instances, there are no proper and clear exits in the event of fires, fire extinguishers are lacking and where
they exist, they are
malfunctioning.
The construction of many buildings make access and exit unsafe and dangerous because stairways are not properly constructed; rails are falling apart and stairs are not properly maintained. This increases the risk of falls and injuries, especially to children, the elderly and persons with disability.
The dangers to which members of the public are exposed also include asbestos exposure in old buildings which are torn down. In some cases, the proper precautions are not taken to minimise the inhalation of asbestos, which is linked to lung disease.
Places in which food is
prepared or handled should
scrupulously adhere to standards set by the health department. Toilet facilities should be available, there should be access to water for washing and persons who handle food should have food
handler's permit and receive training in basic hygiene and food hygiene. This
is lacking in many
public places, such as markets and some restaurants.
Barber salons and hairdressing salons may pose health risks if basic practices cleaning and sterilisation of the facility and equipment are not adhered to.
STANDARDS VIOLATED
Unfortunately, there are
standards and regulations to ensure safety, minimise danger to the public and safeguard the
public health, which are violated and there is wanton violation of safety standards.
This month, The Gleaner intends to focus on public places and to highlight the potential
dangers they pose. By so doing, we hope to provide information to the public and to lift the level of awareness. We hope to ensure that public buildings and places are safe and healthful and to ensure that
the relevant agencies responsible for enforcement execute their
functions. We also hope that by so doing, we encourage operators to reduce the potential dangers and health hazards to the public.
We, therefore, ask everyone to be on the lookout. Join us by telling us of your experience in 'Public places, dangerous spaces'. Remember, 'It's your health, take control'.
Write to Your Health, c/o The Gleaner, 7 North Street, Kingston; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a
consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica.
