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

1. 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 InstituteofTechnology

2. 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

3. The green economy … • will change the working environment

4. Recycling • Recycling of materials, e.g. paper, glass, biodegradable waste, metal waste, plastics, tires

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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