Consequences of exposure to hazardous substances

An estimated 4,100 people die in the Netherlands each year from occupational diseases, of whom around 3,000 people die from exposure to substances at work. Every year, a doctor diagnoses over 14,000 new cases of occupational diseases caused by substances, so it is a common problem. That is why SZW started a “Safe working with hazardous substances” program in 2018. Henri Geron will tell more about the program during his presentation, which focuses primarily on chronic health effects and risk awareness.

Hazardous substances occur in many ways. For example, in the chemical industry where hazardous substances are produced. But also in other sectors, because employees use products that contain hazardous substances or the work process causes hazardous substances. Exposure to hazardous substances can have serious consequences for health. Because little is known about the risks of nanoparticles, they are also treated as hazardous substances. From the campaign part, SZW wants to increase risk awareness, from the incentive part support sectors and from innovation make other ways visible. Due to the current discussion about Cr6+, SZW is including this topic more explicitly in the program this year.

Are you interested in attending this presentation? Register here for a visit to LabSafety 2019.