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.

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:

• Chemical substances or mixtures

• Carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances

• Endocrine disruptors

• Asbestos

• Bacteria and viruses

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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.

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.