Working in the cold causes a significant burden on the cardiovascular system. It is especially dangerous for people with cardiovascular disease (coronary heart disease, hypertension) and for the elderly. In Poland, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, these diseases have been responsible for about 50% of all deaths, which puts our country in one of the first places in Europe.

Scientific publications mostly discuss the impact of low ambient temperatures on the risk of cardiovascular disease in the general population. The incidence of myocardial infarction and exacerbated coronary heart disease are more frequent in colder seasons. Exposure to the cold increases systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Repeated exposure to a cold environment in the workplace can also be a risk factor for developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease.

The considerable accident rate in the construction industry as well as the grave results of these accidents are anything if a reason to enlighten employers as well as employees about their duties with regard to safety and health at work. This article presents basic data on the legal framework concerning the employer’s duties in that area as well as the responsibility for disobeying requirements in such regulations. It also discusses the scope of the responsibility for accidents at work of the participants in the process of construction. 

Work-related sick absence in enterprises can be managed on three levels. On the basic level the management process is limited to work accident prevention; it is also closely related to the relevant legal regulations. The broader approach towards that type of absence embraces all kinds of ailments connected to the work process. Research conducted in Europe, i.e., the European survey of enterprises on new and emerging risks (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, 2009) and the Pan European Employer Health Benefits Issues survey (Mercer, 2010) were used to assess work-related sick absence management in Poland in the context of European companies.

Contact withbody secretions and excretions of children as well as with bioaerosol emitted by them is the main occupational hazard for preschool teachers. During their professional activities, teachers can be exposed to direct contact with harmful biological agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi) that are responsible for numerous adverse health outcomes and diseases. Therefore, reliable risk assessment and the use of appropriate preventive measures are key aspects of occupational hazard prevention among workers in this group.