Are chemical health risks underestimated in the industry?
Mintra’s survey asked the participants the following question:  Are chemical health risks underestimated in the industry?

• 78% answered:  YES
• 11% answered:  NO
• 11 % answered:  DON’T KNOW

Number of Fatalities in the Norwegian Labour Market
Mintra’s survey also asked the following question:  According to The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority’s final report from their Chemical Campaign 2003-2006, how many yearly fatalities in the Norwegian labour market are the result of chemical handling?

• 45% answered:  800 (correct)
• 22% answered:  100
• 33% answered:  450

The survey shows that 55% of the audience was not aware that more than 800 people die every year as a result of handling chemicals on the job.

Degree of Exposure
Mintra’s survey went on to pose the following question:  Which factors affect the degree of exposure?

• 89% answered: Amount and concentration of the chemical, frequency and duration of exposure (correct)
• 11% answered:  Amount and concentration of the chemical and sensitivity to the chemical
• 0 % answered: Concentration of the chemical

The Object of Risk Assessments

Mintra’s survey also asked the following question:  What is the object of a risk assessment?

• 89% answered:  To find out whether the degree of risk is acceptable, or if risk reducing measures are necessary (correct)
• 11% answered:  To determine the risk associated with chemicals
• 0% answered:  To satisfy governmental requirements

Information about Measures

Then, Mintra asked the audience the following question:  Where can you find information about emergency measures in the event of an acute discharge of a hazardous chemical?

• 100% answered:  HSE Data Sheet (correct)
• 0% answered:  Hazard Label
• 0% answered:  Information Sheet

Common Causes of Exposure

Mintra’s survey also asked:  What is the most common way people are exposed to chemicals on the job?

• 78% answered:  Through the respiratory system (correct)
• 22% answered:  Through the skin
• 0 % answered:  By swallowing

When Accidents Happen:  Corrosive Chemicals

The survey went on to ask:  One of your colleagues got a corrosive chemical on himself.  His skin has started to blister and he feels nauseous.  What should you do?

• 89% answered:  You rinse the exposed area with water (correct)
• 11% answered:  You call 113 (emergency medical assistance), and keep your colleague company while you wait for medical personnel to come to your assistance
• 0% answered:  You put the person in the semi-prone position and call medical personnel

The survey shows that 11% of those attending the presentation would not have made the right choice if a colleague got a corrosive chemical on himself.

When Accidents Happen:  Sprayed in the Eye

The participants were then asked the following question:  What should you do if someone is sprayed in the eye with a corrosive chemical?

• 67% answered:  Remove any contact lenses, open the eyelids and rinse for at least 15 minutes (correct)
• 11% answered:  Remove any contact lenses, open the eyelids and rinse for at least 5 minutes 
• 22% answered:  Open the eyelids and rinse for at least 15 minutes

The survey shows that at least 33% of those attending the presentation didn’t know the correct procedure when someone is sprayed in the eye with a chemical.

Training

Finally, Mintra’s survey asked:  What percentage of employees has had adequate training, according to The Norwegian Labour Inspection Authority’s final report from their Chemical Campaign 2003-2006?

• 56% answered 1/3 (correct)
• 44% answered 2/3
• 0% answered 3/3

The survey shows that 44% of those attending the presentation were not aware that as many as 1/3 of the Norwegian labour market have not received governmentally required training in chemical handling.

Article by: Chul Christian Aamodt, Mintra AS