07/10/2003
Campaign Aims To Combat Dangerous Substances
The first pan-European campaign to reduce the risks of chemicals, biological agents and other dangerous substances at work, has taken place in October 2003.
According to research, around 21% of EU employees are exposed to known to suspected carcinogens, such as benzene (in fuel) and crystalline silica (construction materials), while 22% of workers inhale fumes and vapours for at least a quarter of their working time, including organic solvents, wood dust and welding fumes.
In addition, it is thought that 16% of employees handle or come into contact with dyes, pesticides, Chromium VI (via wet cement) and other dangerous substances for similar periods, either directly or through contaminated surfaces and production processes.
These risks are heightened by inadequate regulatory compliances and information. One study, for instance, found that only 12% of firms were aware of their regulatory duties. Moreover, a separate study revealed that 20% of Safety Data Sheets supplied by manufacturers of hazardous substances contained errors.
The health risks are significant – it is thought that 4% of all cancers are work-related, while a third of all cases of adult-onset asthma are caused by workplace exposures. Occupational skin diseases alone – which often force employees to change jobs – are calculated to cost the EU €600 million a year.
The human and financial costs, however, are likely to be much larger. Existing data is based on studies of substances with known toxicities. However, two-thirds of the 30,000 most commonly used chemicals in the EU – around 20,000 substances – have not been subjected to systematic toxicological tests and assessments.
Pat Cox, president of the European Parliament, stated: "The use of dangerous substances in the workplace is commonplace for millions of EU workers. It is important that campaigns such as these convey the message to both workers and citizens than dangerous substances been to be handled with care both in the workplace and at home.
"This campaign is not only important in raising awareness but provides us with advice and good practice on how to eliminate or minimise these risks."
According to research, around 21% of EU employees are exposed to known to suspected carcinogens, such as benzene (in fuel) and crystalline silica (construction materials), while 22% of workers inhale fumes and vapours for at least a quarter of their working time, including organic solvents, wood dust and welding fumes.
In addition, it is thought that 16% of employees handle or come into contact with dyes, pesticides, Chromium VI (via wet cement) and other dangerous substances for similar periods, either directly or through contaminated surfaces and production processes.
These risks are heightened by inadequate regulatory compliances and information. One study, for instance, found that only 12% of firms were aware of their regulatory duties. Moreover, a separate study revealed that 20% of Safety Data Sheets supplied by manufacturers of hazardous substances contained errors.
The health risks are significant – it is thought that 4% of all cancers are work-related, while a third of all cases of adult-onset asthma are caused by workplace exposures. Occupational skin diseases alone – which often force employees to change jobs – are calculated to cost the EU €600 million a year.
The human and financial costs, however, are likely to be much larger. Existing data is based on studies of substances with known toxicities. However, two-thirds of the 30,000 most commonly used chemicals in the EU – around 20,000 substances – have not been subjected to systematic toxicological tests and assessments.
Pat Cox, president of the European Parliament, stated: "The use of dangerous substances in the workplace is commonplace for millions of EU workers. It is important that campaigns such as these convey the message to both workers and citizens than dangerous substances been to be handled with care both in the workplace and at home.
"This campaign is not only important in raising awareness but provides us with advice and good practice on how to eliminate or minimise these risks."
Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 January 2002
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
Occupational asthma costs UK economy ‘billions’
A new report from the TUC has revealed that employers are losing billions of pounds in lost staff, lower productivity and high compensation payouts because they are failing to remove asthma-causing substances from the workplace.
02 May 2012
McGlone Raises Banking Issue With Influential Oireachtas Committee
SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said banks must work better with small businesses in assisting lending if our economy is to be reinvigorated. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after a meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, whereby he pressed TDs to also raise the issue with Southern banks.
McGlone Raises Banking Issue With Influential Oireachtas Committee
SDLP Economy spokesperson Patsy McGlone has said banks must work better with small businesses in assisting lending if our economy is to be reinvigorated. The Mid Ulster MLA was speaking after a meeting with the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, whereby he pressed TDs to also raise the issue with Southern banks.
08 January 2003
Construction tender prices outstrip inflation
The price of new construction work rose in excess of five times the rate of general inflation in the year to third quarter 2002, according to the latest tender price index compiled by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Tender prices rose by 8.5% between Q3 2001 and Q3 2002, with general inflation only rising by 1.6% over the same period.
Construction tender prices outstrip inflation
The price of new construction work rose in excess of five times the rate of general inflation in the year to third quarter 2002, according to the latest tender price index compiled by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). Tender prices rose by 8.5% between Q3 2001 and Q3 2002, with general inflation only rising by 1.6% over the same period.
04 February 2002
Report shows over 4 million UK employees work long hours
Despite a European working time directive, nearly four million people in the UK are working more than 48 hours a week, according to a new report. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) report - published on Monday February 4 - slams the UK's long hours working culture as a "national disgrace".
Report shows over 4 million UK employees work long hours
Despite a European working time directive, nearly four million people in the UK are working more than 48 hours a week, according to a new report. The Trades Union Congress (TUC) report - published on Monday February 4 - slams the UK's long hours working culture as a "national disgrace".
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.