Worker Safety
According to the International Labour Organization,
approximately 2 million people were killed in work-
related diseases and occupation accidents in 2002.
Additionally, it is estimated that 500–2,000 smaller
injuries take place for each fatality.
Worker safety regulatory actions are expected to
focus on the following issues:
• Machinery and work equipment safety,
• Confined spaces,
• Welding and cutting/hot work,
• Lifting equipment and material handling equipment,
• Fall protection/working at heights,
• Pressure vessels,
• Electrical safety, and
• Personal protective equipment.
The ENHESA report can be accessed via the
Internet at www.ehstrends.com.
CONTACT: ENHESA—Environmental Policy Centre, 15
rue du Mail, B-1050 Brussels, Belgium. Tel: +32 2 775
9797; fax: +32 2 775 97 99; e-mail: enhesa@enhesa.com;
Web site: www.enhesa.com.
3
AUGUST 2003
Chemical management
The Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals
(GHS) was adopted in December 2002, and is expected to be fully operational
by 2008. GHS represents a fundamental change in the way new and existing
chemicals will be admitted onto the market.
Greenhouse gas regulations
Greenhouse gas emissions trading schemes and other regulations to promote
energy efficiency will come into effect to combat global climate change.
Worker safety
More stringent workplace safety standards will be issued to eliminate injuries
and fatalities, along with more demanding accident and illness reporting standards.
Product takeback
More measures will be passed to hold manufacturers responsible for the life
cycle environmental impacts of the products they place on the market, as well
as requiring manufacturers to reduce the volume and toxicity of wastes generated.
Industrial emergency
Requirements for industrial emergency planning and response will continue to
planning/response
expand, particularly to smaller facilities and to lower threshold quantities of
hazardous materials.
Urban air quality
Initiatives aimed at improving urban air quality