Research/reports – chemicals- Eye on next-generation chemical risks
The report – Expert forecast on emerging chemical risks – identifies the main groups of substances that pose a growing risk to workers, and underlines the risks of poor management of chemicals across a range of sectors.Established by 49 experts across Europe, the study identifies the burgeoning nanotechnology industry as an area where more protection is needed to safeguard workers. While the Agency accepts there is a need for more research into the extent of damage from nanoparticles on human health, sufficient information already exists on how to develop interim working practices to reduce workplace exposure.At a broader level, the Agency states that 15 per cent of the European workforce come into contact with chemicals for more than a quarter of their day. EU-OSHA director, Jukka Takala, commented: “It is estimated that, each year, there are 74,000 work-related deaths linked to hazardous substances encountered in the workplace. This means that 10 times more people die from dangerous substances than from workplace accidents.“Many companies do not give enough consideration to the elimination or substitution of hazardous substances. Management of chemical risks is particularly poor in SMEs and sub-contractor firms.”In many professions, skin exposure to chemicals has led to a rise in the number of workers affected by allergic reactions. It is estimated that chemicals are responsible for 80-90 per cent of skin diseases. Even so, there are no agreed scientific methods for assessing the effect of these substances on the skin, or for setting safe dermal exposure levels, says the Agency.The report highlights substances likely to cause cancers – for example, diesel exhausts – and also warns that awareness surrounding reprotoxicants – substances that can damage reproductive health – is still very low and that it is stigmatised as a women’s health issue.Highlighting occupations where workers face high risk of coming into contact with hazardous substances, the report cites waste management, construction, and service activities, such as cleaning or home nursing.To view the report, visit the publications section of the EU-OSHA website at http://osha.europa.eu/en/publications
Research/reports – chemicals- Eye on next-generation chemical risks
Nanoparticles top a list of substances from which workers need more protection, according to a new report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA).
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