Exposure to carcinogens is estimated to be the leading cause of work-related deaths in the EU, responsible for nearly 80,000 deaths a year. Large numbers of workers are exposed to carcinogens, including those generated by work processes. However,...
What are carcinogens? A carcinogen is a substance that can cause, aggravate or promote cancer in humans or animals. They can be inhaled or may enter through the skin or mucous membranes. Hundreds of carcinogenic substances exist to which workers may be exposed. Many workplace exposures are generated by work processes, and carcinogens can also be found in raw materials, products or by-products. Common examples include combustion products such as diesel exhaust emissions, welding fumes, soot and...Skatīt vairāk
In this article, the chairman introduces and presents EU-OSHA’s infographic tool on how to manage dangerous substances to Greek air cooling and refrigeration engineers and technicians.
The article analyses how workers can use this infographic to help ensure their safety during maintenance work. It also highlights the correct procedure for all workers who deal with potentially harmful liquid, gas or solid form substances in their daily work. Finally, it underlines the importance of a health and safety culture, risk assessment for every work role, preventive measures, guidance tools for proper risk assessment and legislation.Skatīt vairāk
Global union confederation ITUC announced the theme for International Workers’ Memorial Day on 28 April 2019 as ‘taking control – removing dangerous substances from the workplace’.
The union-led campaign emphasises a ‘Zero Cancer’ approach, urging worker safety representatives to seek to eliminate or minimise exposure to carcinogens in the workplace. Too many workers around the world die, are made ill, or otherwise harmed by dangerous substances at work. In some cases, the substances can come back from the workplace to the home to harm other people, such as the partner who washes the work clothes. The worker bears the greatest burden from this harm, but the cost impacts...Skatīt vairāk
Poor management of dangerous substances puts workers at risk and results in significant costs to companies. Here we look at real-life examples of how companies used preventive measures to improve their working conditions, keep workers safe and...
Invest in OSH to save money Even small investments in occupational safety and health (OSH) can make a big difference to a company looking to reduce the risks posed by dangerous substances. Businesses committed to creating a prevention culture and providing the appropriate resources will enjoy the rewards in the long run. According to a survey of 337 companies across 19 countries conducted by DGUV in Germany, the main effects of investing in OSH are: reduced hazards increased employee hazard...Skatīt vairāk
The European Lung Foundation (ELF) has developed a quiz for people concerned that their workplace might be damaging their lungs. It also provides a run-down of the risks that might affect a variety of workplaces, recommendations for how to protect...
Developed by official campaign partner ELF , the quiz asks participants about their symptoms, workplace environment, substances they have been exposed to, and whether or not they have had to leave their role due to breathing problems. Once the quiz is completed, participants receive a summary of recommendations and a factsheet on the hazards that workers may encounter at work. The factsheet explains how your health can be affected; by work-related asthma, silicosis or even lung cancer in...Skatīt vairāk
Workers in Norway are exposed to hazardous substances every day. Workplace exposure to dangerous substances is linked to acute and long-term health issues. When enterprises work systematically to identify and manage these risks, the result is...
Five different cities in May The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority invites enterprises to the "Get started with risk assessment of dangerous substances" seminar. Throughout May, the seminar will take place in five cities; from Kristiansand in the south, to Tromsø in the north. Focus on small businesses The seminars will help participants to identify and assess risks and show them how to use a tool designed specifically for assessing the use of dangerous substances/chemicals in the workplace...Skatīt vairāk
A publication in 10 languages provides advice on existing practical tools and guidance on dangerous substances in workplaces . It looks at the importance of such resources in limiting workers’ exposure to harmful substances. The infosheet describes and links to many existing tools from a database that can be used for effective safety and health management. Visit the Healthy Workplaces Manage Dangerous Substances website and download the infosheet in your language.Skatīt vairāk
Many industries use and store dangerous chemicals, and the chemical waste produced. Storing these substances safely is essential to protect workers’ health, the environment, and the public from the effects of potential chemical spills and gas...
Which risks arise from unsafe chemical storage? Improper storage resulting in chemical emissions can be due to many factors. Mechanical damage to containers; container ageing; expansion of the filling; or the sampling and transfer of chemicals, to name a few. To avoid unwanted chemical reaction, strict rules govern the clustering of chemicals in storage rooms. There are many risks to human health. Some chemicals can cause intoxication, for example when liquid bleach comes into contact with an...Skatīt vairāk
EU-OSHA in cooperation with the International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film ( DOK Leipzig 2019 ) looks for best films on work-related topics and working conditions that address the human being in a changing world of work. The award in the “Healthy Workplaces” category has been continuously presented since 2009, thus 2019 marks 10 years since its first introduction. In addition to the prize of €5,000, the winning film is subtitled and screened and discussed across many...Skatīt vairāk
EIFFAGE infrastructures together with 2 academic research laboratories (IFSTTAR and CEREMA Méditerranée) have developed a new methodology to characterise the organic part of reclaimed asphalt pavement that completely eliminates the use of...
Each year, tens of thousands of laboratory analyses are carried out on samples of reclaimed asphalt pavement coming from French roads for recycling. These analyses are carried out to check the possibilities of re-use of this material. However, they require the use of a carcinogenic solvent, PCE, by thousands of laboratory assistants. PCE or (tetrachloroethylene) can induce neurologic effects during acute of chronic exposures. It irritates the skin and mucosa (a mucous membrane that lines...Skatīt vairāk
