Telecommunications is communication using electronic equipment such as telephones, computer modems, satellites, and fiber optic cables.
     
Telecommunication systems include telecommunications cables from the subscriber to local switches (local lines), switching facilities that provide a communication connection with the subscriber, with lines or channels that transfer calls between the switches and, of course, the subscriber.
     
In the period from the beginning to the middle of the 20th century, such innovations as telephone exchange, electromechanical switching systems, cables, repeaters, carrier systems, microwave equipment appeared, and then telecommunications systems began to spread in the industrialized regions of the world.
     
From the 1950s until 1984, new technologies continued to develop in this industry. For example, satellite and advanced cable systems, digital and fiber optic technologies and video telephony. The communications industry has been completely computerized. All these modifications contributed to the spread of telecommunications systems throughout the world.
     
In 1984, the American Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (AT&T) monopoly was broken by a court decision in the United States. This event coincided with many major changes in the technology of the telecommunications industry itself.
     
Until the 1980s, in almost all countries, telecommunications services were considered to be public services and operated within a legal framework that ensured a monopoly position. Along with the growth of economic activity, the advent of new technologies led to the privatization of the telecommunications industry. This trend culminated when AT&T lost its monopoly position and government regulation of US telecommunications systems ceased. In some other countries, similar privatization processes are underway.
     
Since 1984, technological advances have proliferated telecommunications systems capable of providing universal service to people around the world. It occurs when telecommunications technologies are combined with other information technologies in related fields such as electronics and data processing.
     
The introduction of new technologies has affected employment in this industry in different ways. Undoubtedly, the level of employment has decreased, the tasks of workers in the telecommunications industry have changed radically, as well as the requirements for their qualifications and experience. However, some believe that there will be an increase in employment in the future, and this will happen as a result of new business activity stimulated by deregulation, which will lead to the creation of new high-skilled jobs.
     
In terms of occupation, jobs in the telecommunications industry can be divided into two categories: skilled workers and office workers. The first category includes cable splicers, installers, maintenance technicians for complex equipment at outdoor installations, in central offices and in studios. These positions require high qualifications, especially when working on new technological equipment. For example, they should all have a good understanding of the electrical, electronic and/or mechanical fields involved in the installation, operation and repair of telecommunications devices. Their preparation requires preliminary classes and on-the-job training.
     
The category of office workers includes operators of inquiry services, authorized to work with subscribers, employees of accounting departments and sales departments. They typically operate communications equipment such as VDUs for personal switches or fax machines used for local and/or long distance connections, as well as work in and out of offices and are responsible for commercial contact with customers.

Hazards and measures to combat them
Occupational risks within the telecommunications industry can be categorized according to the type of tasks performed and services provided.

Construction and installation works
In general, there are the same dangers here as in construction and installation work in other industries. However, there are a few specific jobs that are specific to the telecommunications industry. They include working at height - on masts or pylons; installation of cable systems; excavation for cable laying. In the telecom industry, conventional safety equipment such as pole climbing crampons, seat belts, lifting platforms, and digging braces are quite applicable. These works are often carried out during urgent repairs after a storm, landslides or floods.

Electricity
Conducting telecommunications work using electricity and electrical equipment requires compliance with safety regulations.

And. The usual preventive measures against electric shock, electric shock, short circuits, fires or explosions are fully applicable in the telecommunications industry. In addition, a serious source of danger arises when telecommunications electrical cables are in close proximity to each other.

Cable laying and operation
A significant safety and health problem is the laying and operation of cables. Work with underground cables, pipelines and connecting chambers involves carrying heavy cable reels and pulling cables into pipelines using mechanized winches and other cable equipment, as well as unwinding or connecting cables, insulating them or applying a waterproof layer to them. While braiding or insulating cables, workers are exposed to health hazards such as lead, solvents and isocyanates. Preventive measures include the use of less toxic chemicals, good ventilation and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (PPE). Maintenance and repair work is often carried out in confined spaces such as manholes and cellars. During such work, it is necessary to use special ventilation equipment, seat belts, lifting equipment. It is also necessary that one of the workers remains on the surface and can, if necessary, come to the rescue and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
     
Another danger is associated with the use of fiber-optic telecommunication cables. Currently, fiber optic cables are being replaced with lead- or polyurethane-coated cables because they are capable of carrying more information and are smaller in size. From an occupational safety and health point of view, potential risks may be associated with burns to the eyes or skin from the laser beam when the cable is disconnected or broken. When such threats are real, technical controls and protective equipment should be used.
     
In addition, cable installation and operation indoors are associated with potential human exposure to asbestos-containing materials. These impacts can occur when asbestos-containing products are broken or torn, such as pipes, complex materials for welding or wrapping them, floor or ceiling tiles, reinforcing components in paints and sealing materials. In the late 1970s, the use of asbestos-containing products and materials began to be banned in many countries, or their use was discouraged. A worldwide ban on the use of asbestos-containing materials will undoubtedly reduce their exposure, and then the resulting health problems, in future generations of workers, but now older buildings still contain huge amounts of asbestos.

Telegraph services
Telegraphers use in their work VDU (VDU) and special telegraph equipment. The most common hazard associated with this type of work is cumulative musculoskeletal injury to the hands, especially the hands and wrists. It is possible to prevent or minimize these problems only by paying due attention to ergonomic factors - workplaces, working environment, work organization.

Telecommunication services
Automatic switching and connecting circuits are the mechanical working components of modern telecommunication systems. The connection is usually carried out by means of micro- and radio-frequency waves, which are supplemented by cables and wires. Potential risks are associated with exposure to microwave and radio frequencies. According to available scientific data, there is no indication that most types of telecommunications equipment that emit radiation are directly related to health problems in humans. However, when working in close proximity to electrical power lines, workers may be exposed to high levels of radio frequency radiation. Evidence has been collected to suggest that there is a link between these radiations and the occurrence of cancer. Further scientific research is under way to determine the severity of this hazard, as well as to develop appropriate methods and remedies. In addition, there are suspicions that health problems may be associated with radiation from cellular telephone equipment. Research is currently under way to reach any definitive conclusions regarding all such potential risks to human health.
     
The vast majority of telecommunications services are performed using VDUs. VDU work contributes to the development of cumulative musculoskeletal traumatic disorders (especially of the hands and wrists). Many telecommunications trade unions such as Communications Workers of America (USA), Seko (Sweden) and C

The Communications Workers' Union (United Kingdom) report a catastrophic increase in the incidence of VDU work-related cumulative musculoskeletal traumatic disorders among the workers they represent. These problems can be eliminated or minimized by properly equipping VDU workstations and paying close attention to the organization of workstations, the work environment, and accounting for variables in the organization of work.
     
Additional health hazards are stress, noise and electrical shock.