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      Harmful substances

      Harmful substances such as chemicals and biological agents can seriously affect the health of exposed employees, resulting in illness. A carefully designed risk prevention policy is definitely in your interest as an employer.

      On this page:
      • The impact of harmful substances in the workplace
      • Controlling harmful substances

      Not every risk is visible or immediately apparent: particulate matter or bacteria, for example. But that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist: in fact it could be just as harmful as any other uncontrolled risk. We can help protect your employees from these invisible risks.

      Harmful substances such as chemicals and biological agents can seriously affect the health of exposed employees, resulting in illness.

      The impact of harmful substances in the workplace

      Harmful substances such as chemicals and biological agents are found in all sectors, from agriculture and construction to cleaning and healthcare. Substances such as solvents, allergens or micro-organisms can pose a risk to your employees’ health:

      • or mixtures
      • Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances

      • Endocrine disruptors

      • Bacteria and viruses

        Mould

      The consequences of exposure to these substances are real and serious: it can lead to chronic health problems such as silicosis, muscular and neurological disorders and respiratory infections. VormSome substances also pose a threat to safety or the environment.

      What’s more, negligence can lead to fines or have legal consequences. Employees who are exposed to harmful substances without protection can claim compensation. A sound risk prevention policy therefore prevents both human suffering and legal consequences.

      Read more below the offer

      Relevant training courses

      On this page:
      • The impact of harmful substances in the workplace
      • Controlling harmful substances

      Controlling harmful substances

      You can mitigate the effects of harmful substances in your organisation with a robust risk prevention policy and the necessary measures. Our risk prevention advisors are the superheroes in the fight against these invisible enemies. They will support you with:

      • an inventory of all harmful substances in your organisation and the potential risks.

      • a risk assessment that gives a clear overview of which substances could actually be harmful and which could not. A list of further actions is included.

      • targeted measurements. Because you need to measure what’s going on.

      • preventive measures based on the results of the risk assessment and measurements. Examples: personal protective equipment, modifications to your premises such as ventilation and extraction or adapted work clothing.

      • regular follow-up when safety requirements change for chemicals, pesticides, medical devices etc.

      Mensura helps keep a lid on harmful substances

      Need some practical, individually tailored advice? With our efficient and thorough approach and impressive team of experts, we can provide just this. From risk assessment and measurements to practical advice and the preparation of safety instruction cards: our experts are here for you.

      Tips from our experts

      Fine dust exposure: how to protect your workers
      Safe practices when dealing with asbestos in the workplace
      Prevent biological agents or bio-aerosols in the workplace