Businesses need help in taking measures to prevent exposure to carcinogens. Help in defining the right solution and also assistance in finding the funds to make it possible to invest in those measures.
New products and new technologies support this, but companies need guidance to make decisions (Ch. 2.1) and implement adequate risk reduction measures (Ch. 2.2). Execution also depends on financial support to either directly install technical solutions or to bridge investment cycles (Ch. 2.3).
Challenge 2.1: Substitution strategies
Substitution of hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives is at the top of the hierarchy of measures to prevent chemical risks at work, including the prevention of occupational cancers. Substitution is also a driver for innovation and a transition to chemicals that are safer for human health and the environment. It also links with the European Commission’s priorities for 2019-24 and the European Green Deal with the Chemicals strategy.
The Roadmap on Carcinogens will aim to collect and disseminate more information on successful substitutions, to link with experts on substitution, and help understand how frontrunner companies have substituted substances of concern from their supply chain and developed opportunities for innovation. It will reach out to the administrators of the main databases on substitution to explore the best ways of getting substitution solutions to the workplaces.
Challenge 2.2: Guidance to risk management
Develop guidance templates for risk management (substitution (S), technical measures (T) (e.g. local exhaust ventilation), organisational measures (O) (e.g. training material), and personal protection (P) (e.g. respiratory protective equipment). Industrial organisations and national institutions have already developed many examples that are being explored and will support in the development of the guidance templates.
Challenge 2.3: Funds for businesses
Changing work nature and processes (either change of substance or change of equipment) is associated with investment costs. Moreover, it is often hampered by the market (client) demands and delayed due to testing new products for functionality. It is known that different organisations, like Member States, Industries or Sector organisations, national Social Security/Insurance initiatives and others, already have funds or specific fiscal measures in place that stimulate businesses to invest in occupational safety and health. The goal of this challenge is to lead businesses to those funds, which can act as an accelerator and help companies invest in adopting measures to prevent workers getting exposed to carcinogens.
