Occupational Cancer – A Workplace Guide (February 2012)

Cancer is not a single disease with a single type of treatment. There are more than 200 different kinds of cancer affecting different parts of the body. Although some cancers seem to develop for no apparent reason, most are a result of exposure to a carcinogen, lifestyle issues, genetic defects, age or a combination of these. This booklet primarily deals with cancers caused through exposures that are a result of work.

What is cancer? – Cancer numbers – Why is cancer different? – The law – Trade union strategy for removing the burden of occupational cancer – Finding out where carcinogens are – Why are carcinogens used? – Control measures such as enclosure, extraction and PPE – New substances – Workplace monitoring – Enforcement activity – Supporting workers.