OSH in the green economy – a victim or an integrated aim?

Seminar: Green jobs - safe jobs? Jobs and the environment in the waste and recycling sectors

27 March 2014, Hotel Silken Berlaymont, Brussels

Ann-Beth Antonsson, Adjunct professor, IVL and KTH Royal Institute of Technology

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

The green economy

–Resource efficiency– Recycling, waste as a resource

–Detoxification– Introduction of new and

sometimes unknown materials–New raw materials

– “Natural” materials– Biofuels– Waste for incineration

–New processes & products– Windmills

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

The green economy …

will change the working environment

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

Recycling Recycling of materials, e.g. paper, glass, biodegradable

waste, metal waste, plastics, tires

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

Recycling

The first site for recycling of materials in Denmark was closed down due to working environment problems

Ventilation was poor and not designed for handling of waste that emitted dust and microorganisms when handled

OTDS, organic toxic dust syndrome, due to exposure to mould, endotoxins etc. that thrives on organic material

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

Conclusion

The green economy will change the working environment …

… sometimes for better sometimes for worse

A lesson learned: It is important to evaluate what the effects are, to identify potential problems and prevent deterioration of the working environment

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

Conclusion

The green economy may start with new ideas in small businesses

New small businesses are often not very well aware of the working environment, more prone to under-estimate or overlook emerging risks

A lesson learned: Special efforts are needed for these businesses

[OSH in the green economy][Ann-Beth Antonsson], [2014-03-27]

Conclusion

Important decisions are taken in the design phase of products and processes

Environment is often considered, Design For Environment, DFE

Health and safety often considered as a factor that can be dealt with much later

A lesson learned: Need to include working environment aspects in the design phase, need for effective/cost effective methods