Stress on risk of dangerous substances

The high risk posed by dangerous substances is the theme of this year's Occupational Health and Safety Week.

These hazards affect about a quarter of the EU's 150 million workers.

Cancers, asthma and neuro-psychiatric problems are just some of the illnesses that can be caused by the 100,000 chemicals marketed in the EU.

The Occupational Health and Safety week will be held between October 6-12, Joanna Drake, the newly-appointed chairman of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, said.

Dr Drake was speaking at the launch of the OHS week as part of the first pan-European campaign to reduce the risks of chemicals, biological agents and other dangerous substances at work.

Although Dr Drake's speech was peppered with data about these dangers, lifted from EU sources, the health and safety authority in Malta does not so far have any data on the subject.

At first glance, many people would imagine that few if any workers come in contact with hazardous materials. Workers in factories, farms, hairdressing salons and printing presses are but a few who do, Dr Drake said.

Quoting more EU statistics, Dr Drake noted that one-fifth of EU employees - 32 million people - are exposed to carcinogenic agents and 22 per cent inhale fumes and vapours for at least a quarter of their working time.

Moreover, two-thirds of the 30,000 most commonly used chemicals in the EU have not been subjected to full and systematic toxicological tests.

For substances with known toxicological risks, as few as 12 per cent of firms comply with risk prevention regulations.

Sectors most at risk range from construction and agriculture to printing, cleaning, health care and automotive mechanics. These risks are heightened by inadequate regulatory compliance and information.

The OHSA yesterday also launched the second OHS awards, for 2003.

This year the awards will focus on three main categories: SME initiatives; management system initiatives; and dangerous substances.

The closing date is September 19. Application forms are available from OHSA or from the website.

The authority will, for the first time this year, present an award to an individual who would have given an outstanding contribution to OHS during the year.

The Occupational Health and Safety Authority was established under Act XXVII of 2000, which came into force in January 2002. The main aims and objectives of the authority include raising awareness of health and safety as an issue in the workplace, providing information and promoting training on health and safety matters as well as consulting widely and effectively on health and safety regulations and guidance.

http://mt.osha.eu.int