Alert: prevention of occupational risks against carcinogens

In the strategic framework of the European Union on safety and health at work 2021-2027, the development of specific actions to combat cancer in the workplace is noted, as this is the main cause of occupational mortality.

Along these lines, from the IRSST, we provide specialized technical advice to companies in which it is necessary to promote the identification of the risk of exposure to carcinogenic chemical agents, prioritizing activities in which there is the presence of respirable crystalline silica dust (marble and natural stone, dental prosthesis laboratories), hardwood dust (wood carpentry), mineral oils used in engines (vehicle workshops, scrapyards), diesel emissions (vehicle workshops, ITV, transport), formaldehyde (pathological anatomy laboratories ), benzene (thermal solar power plants) and hexavalent chromium (metal finishing - chrome plating).

IRSST technicians visit the companies selected in the campaign, assessing exposure to the identified carcinogenic chemical agents and advising the employer on the adoption of preventive measures necessary to reduce the exposure of exposed workers. These companies are guided in compliance with the obligations established in the specific applicable regulations, promoting immediate and direct preventive intervention.