Curbing workplace chemical exposure risks

"About a million Finns are employed in workplaces where various sorts of chemicals are in use or where their work generates dust, fumes and other chemical agents. There are ways to prevent exposure, but the numbers of occupational diseases and adverse effects due to such agents indicate that the problem is not getting enough attention," says Kirsi Kyrkkö MSAH Senior Officer at the Department for Occupational Safety and Health.

It is difficult to put precise numbers on the harmful effects of exposure to chemicals, but it is known that some 200 000 employees are affected by exposure to dust, while about 75 000 suffer from exposure to solvents, gasses, and skin irritants. Tackling the problem means that all possible means must be deployed in workplaces to prevent people being exposed to chemical substances.

Risk assessment and managementKirsi Kyrkkö emphasises that employers are responsible for evaluating and managing risks associated with exposure to chemicals, as well as to provide guidance to employees on following safe working procedures. "This is not pointless bureaucracy. The aim is to protect employees and environmental health. Employers also benefit when workers do not fall ill due to exposure."

The first step in curbing risks is to identify chemical hazards and dangerous settings at all stages and situations in the production process. The next is to assess what should be done to manage risks. Once workplace procedures and processes are in good order, exposure becomes minimised.

"Safe work environments are built up in unison at the workplace. It is important to request the help of occupational health care and other industrial hygiene experts. One of the jobs of occupational health care is to make development proposals when drawing up workplace surveys. Occupational health professionals also always respond to employees' individual situations and sensitivity assessments," says Kyrkkö.

Workstation evaluationSafety data sheets provide much information in the health impacts of chemicals, but they are not definitive. It is as important to investigate exposure to chemical substances at different stages of the job. Kyrkkö notes that one can often get an idea of the workplace situation simply by taking a look around.

"A safe workplace is usually clean and tidy. For example, hazardous substances stick to dust, and if a work station is covered in a thick layer of dust, it indicates a risk of exposure."

The key elements in preventing hazards include having properly planned working procedures, use of the right equipment and tools, and sufficient instruction and guidance. Chemicals can sometimes be replaced by non-hazardous alternatives, and equipment that causes exposure to substances can be isolated in closed spaces, or the risks they pose can be minimised with ventilation and hygiene. If it is not possible to create safe levels of exposure, employees must be provided with protective equipment or clothing.

Chemicals are needed in industry, which means that a zero level of workplace exposure to them is not usually feasible. But there are set levels of exposure that must not be exceeded. Kyrkkö points out that hazards must be identified at each workstation in the workplace. If needed, risk assessment can include measurements of concentrations of substances in the air and employee blood and urine tests.

Old and new risksExposure to chemicals and dust has decreased in Finnish workplaces over the last 10-20 years. While some risks recede, others may emerge because of the constant introduction of new chemical substances. Kyrkkö says that the situation has nevertheless improved thanks to the EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

"Only safe products can be put on the market, and REACH contains detailed rules on what different sectors must do to ensure safety. The Finnish Chemicals Act has been reformed to meet these requirements."

Kyrkkö believes that legislation protecting human and environmental health is in good shape and that cooperation between sectors on preventing exposure to chemical substances is working. "There are so few people working in this field that every one knows each other, understands what's going on and within their own roles are able to take things in the same direction. In large countries, this is not possible in the same way, so Finland's small size is certainly an advantage."

Monitoring boosts safetyThe tasks of the occupational safety and health divisions of the Regional State Administrative Agencies include ensuring that workplace risk evaluations and surveys are made and that occupational health care agreements are relevant. They also check such things as whether employers meet the training and instruction requirements for safety at work. If a doctor finds that an employee has an occupational disease, he or she has to report it to an occupational safety and health division for further action.

The aim is to conduct some 30 000 occupational safety and health inspections each year. Monitoring work is especially directed at sites in the greatest need of remedial interventions.

"Occupational safety and occupational health are basic rights. It is the job of occupational safety and health inspectors to monitor their implementation."


Teksti: Paula Mannonen & Mark Waller