A recent survey of UNISON safety reps saw almost one-third of them identify chemicals and solvents, dusts, dermatitis and skin rashes and infections as each being within their top five hazards of concern at work.
While incidents leading to injury tend to get the publicity, the majority of work-related harm is caused by work-related disease rather than injury.
This explains why “removing exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace” is the official theme this year for International Workers Memorial Day on 28 April.
And UNISON safety reps will find the newly updated guide Hazardous Substances at Work useful in making sure that their employers properly deal with hazardous substances at work.
The guide explains the law on the control of substances hazardous to health, including where it does and does not apply, and how employers must assess the risks, avoid hazards, and prevent and control the risks of exposure.
Each section includes a safety rep checklist, which along with case studies and other tools will enable branch safety officers and safety reps to ensure their employer does enough to tackle hazardous substances at work.
Hazardous substances at work [PDF]
International Workers Memorial Day 2015
UNISON guidance on asbestos, dermatitis, legionnaires, MRSA and more