TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Telecommunications are communications using electronic equipment such as telephones, computer modems, satellites and fiber optic cables.
     
Telecommunications systems include telecommunications cables from the subscriber to local switches (local lines), switching facilities that provide a communication connection to the subscriber, with lines or channels that carry calls between switches and, of course, the subscriber.
     
The early to mid-20th century saw the introduction of such innovations as telephone exchange, electromechanical switching systems, cables, repeaters, carrier systems, microwave equipment, and then telecommunications systems began to proliferate in industrialized areas of the world.
     
From the 1950s until 1984, new technologies continued to be developed 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 telecommunication systems throughout the world.
     
In 1984, a court decision in the United States broke up the monopoly of the American Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (AT&T). This event coincided with many major changes in technology within the telecommunications industry itself.
     
Until the 1980s, almost all countries believed that telecommunications services were public services and operated within a legal framework that ensured a monopoly position. Along with increased 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. Similar privatization processes are currently taking place in some other countries.
     
After 1984, technological advancements saw the proliferation of telecommunication systems capable of providing universal services to people around the world. This 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 various ways. Undoubtedly, employment levels have decreased, and the tasks of telecommunications workers, as well as the requirements for their qualifications and experience, have radically changed. However, some believe that future employment growth will occur as a result of new business activity, stimulated by reduced government regulation, which will lead to the creation of new high-skill jobs.
     
From an occupational perspective, jobs in the telecommunications industry can be divided into two categories: skilled workers and office workers. The first category includes cable connection specialists, installers, and technicians servicing complex equipment in external 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 encountered during the installation, operation and repair of telecommunications devices. Their preparation requires preliminary training and on-the-job training.
     
The category of office workers includes help desk operators, subscriber service representatives, accounting and sales department employees. They typically operate communications equipment such as VDUs of personal switches or fax machines used for local and/or long-distance connections, and also perform work in or outside offices and are responsible for commercial customer contacts.

Hazardous factors and measures to combat them
Occupational hazards within the telecommunications industry can be categorized based on the type of tasks performed and services provided.

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

Electricity
Carrying out telecommunications work using electricity and electrical equipment requires compliance with safety regulations and Conventional preventive measures against electric shock, electrical shock, short circuits, fires or explosions are fully applicable in the telecommunications industry. Additionally, a serious source of danger occurs when telecommunications electrical cables are in close proximity to each other.

Cable laying and operation
Cable installation and operation pose a significant safety and health challenge. Working with underground cables, pipelines and connection chambers involves carrying heavy cable reels and pulling cables into pipelines using mechanized winches and other cable equipment, as well as unbraiding or splicing cables, insulating them or applying a waterproof layer to them. When performing cable braiding or insulation work, workers are exposed to health hazards such as lead, solvents and isocyanates. Preventive measures include using less toxic chemicals, good ventilation, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Maintenance and repair work is often carried out in confined spaces - manholes and basements. For such work, it is necessary to use special ventilation equipment, seat belts, and lifting equipment. It is also necessary that one of the workers remain on the surface and can, if necessary, come to the rescue and perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques.
     
Another danger is associated with the use of fiber optic telecommunications cables. Nowadays, fiber optic cables are being installed instead of lead or polyurethane coated cables because they can carry more information and are smaller in size. From a safety and health perspective, potential risks include burns to the eyes or skin from the laser beam when the cable is disconnected or ruptured. When such threats are real, technical controls and protective equipment should be used.
     
In addition, cable installation and operation indoors are associated with potential exposure of people to asbestos-containing materials. These impacts can occur when asbestos-containing products such as pipes, complex materials for welding or winding, floor or ceiling tiles, reinforcing components in paints and sealing materials are destroyed or ruptured. In the late 1970s, many countries began to ban or discourage the use of asbestos-containing products and materials. A worldwide ban on asbestos-containing materials will undoubtedly reduce exposure and associated health problems in future generations of workers, but older buildings still contain large amounts of asbestos.

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

Telecommunications Services
Automatic switching and connecting circuits are the mechanical operating components of modern telecommunications systems. The connection is usually made through micro- and radio-frequency waves, which are supplemented by cables and wires. Potential risks are associated with exposure to microwave and radio frequencies. Based on available scientific evidence, there is no indication that most types of telecommunications equipment that emit radiation are directly associated with 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 accumulated to suggest that there is a link between these radiations and the occurrence of cancer. Further scientific research is currently being carried out to determine the severity of this hazard and to develop appropriate methods and means of protection. In addition, there are suspicions that health problems may be associated with radiation from cellular telephone equipment. Scientific research is currently underway to reach definitive conclusions regarding all such potential risks to human health.

The vast majority of telecommunications services are performed using VDU. VDU work contributes to the development of musculoskeletal cumulative trauma disorders (especially of the hands and wrists). Many telecommunications trade unions, such as the Communications Workers of America (USA), Seko (Sweden) and the Telecommunications Workers' Union (United Kingdom) report a catastrophic increase in the incidence of musculoskeletal cumulative traumatic disorders associated with VDU work among the workers they represent. Correct equipment of workplaces with VDU and close attention to the organization of workstations, the working environment, as well as taking into account variables in the organization of work will help eliminate these problems or reduce them to a minimum.
     
Additional health hazards include stress, noise and electrical shock.