In total, the Swedish Work Environment Authority will conduct inspections at 520 workplaces in the western region, which include Jönköpings, Hallands and Västra Götaland counties.
- Chemical risks at work are more common than one might think, so it is important to raise awareness that they must be managed safely, says Elin Löfström-Engdahl, project manager at the Swedish Work Environment Authority.
Friction and life-threatening diseasesChemical occupational health risks are, according to the Swedish Work Environment Authority, in almost all workplaces and can cause everything from corrosion to allergies and life-threatening diseases such as cancer. Last year, 800 occupational diseases were reported for chemical and biological reasons in Sweden and 200 occupational accidents that led to sick leave due to dangerous substances.
The inspection efforts that are now being started include cleaning, flooring and tiling, manufacturing, soil and forest, car workshops, waste management, hotels and restaurants, health care and schools.
Eight out of ten companies were required to take actionThis is the second time that chemical risks are being inspected as part of the EU's joint efforts. A year ago, the Swedish Work Environment Authority also inspected 1,800 workplaces in the country in a variety of industries. As a result, more than eight out of ten workplaces were required to address deficiencies in their handling of chemical substances.
- Everyone in the workplace should know how to work safely. Nobody should have to get sick, injured or die from their job, says Elin Löfström-Engdahl.