Occupational Safety and Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Occupational Safety and Health - Essay Example Much is known about the causes of many traditional occupational diseases, but according to Schute, "what is needed are better ways to apply what is known" (273). The workplace is changing, with new methods of organization, non-traditional work schedules, and economic pressure from globalization, and it is up to the business community to be aware of changes and address them. With technology a major part of today's business, the latest research brings nanotechnology into play. Nanotechnology is "the control and manipulation of matter at near-atomic scale to produce new materials, structures, and devices" (NIOSH: Strategy, par. 1). This new focus in business creates a variety of risks not previously part of the workplace. With the development of new applications, it is necessary to give high priority to societal implications, human health, and environmental issues related to nanotechnology in addition to other workplace risks. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency responsible for studying work-related injury, illness, and death. NIOSH's past experience equips them for research into the possible risks of working with engineered nanoparticles. Exposure to noxious fumes such as diesel, welding, smelter and fire smoke particles are known to affect health, and research is being done to see if engineered nanopar ticles have similar risks. Chemical and physical properties of engineered nanomaterials can vary greatly from bulk forms of the same materials. These new substances require research, analysis, and testing to determine their risks and how to manage them (Bartis and Landree ix). The projects initiated by NIOSH are focused on safe materials handling, exposure handling, exposure assessment and mitigation, and further toxicity testing. Their strategy includes all facets of the corporate structure from input to outcome and from strategic goals to management objectives. Critical occupational safety and health issues possibly arising from nanotechnology are: Exposure and dose Toxicity Epidemiology and Surveillance (NIOSH: Strategy) These potential dangers lead to the need for risk assessment, measurement methods, controls, safety, communication and education, and finally recommendations. The Institute's projected timeline for addressing critical issues covers the period from 2005 to 2009. It will be necessary to update the Material Safety Data Sheet system to incorporate relevant classifications, toxicity data, and safety and health recommendations for working with nanomaterials. Societal Implications of the Technological Advances of the 21st Century In the global community, several organizations are studying the issues brought about by new technology, for instance the European Commission's New OSH Era project initiated on 1 April 2006 (New and Emerging). It is their goal to identify new and emerging risks in the area of occupational health and safety through cooperation and coordination in the national and regional arena. The scheme is called ERA-NET and is made up of four phases: information exchange, strategies for future cooperation,