TNO Stofvrij werken

Organisational measures

Organizational measures are the third step in the STOP strategy to prevent exposure to hazardous substances. Only when substitution and technical measures are not (reasonably) possible, organisational measures are considered.

Organizational measures help to prevent exposure and expose fewer employees to hazardous substances. Practical work arrangements, such as washing hands before eating and cleaning up the workplace, fall under organizational measures.

Organisational measures hazardous substances

Through job rotation, in which activities are alternated between employees, the duration of the exposure per employee can be shortened. Working in separate spaces is also covered by organisational measures. This ensures that no more employees are potentially exposed than strictly necessary

There are numerous practical examples of organizational measures that substantially contribute to reducing exposure: Is the door closed and the valve properly closed? Are harmful substances or processes carried out at the designated workplace? Is the workplace tidy and is it cleaned regularly? Does everyone wash their hands and face before eating, drinking or smoking?

Alarm systems and sensors

Alarm systems and sensors can be used in different ways. Examples of this are early warning in unhealthy working conditions, possibly combined with, for example, the automatic start of extraction or the turning off of machines. But also sustainable behavioural change of employees through new insights into when, where and why exposures take place and how these are related to behaviour.

Sensors help bakers

Exposure to flour dust is a serious risk to the health of bakers. As part of the ‘working-life exposome’ programme, TNO is conducting research into exposure levels in bakeries and the insights provided by sensors. Sensors have the great advantage that they can be measured more often than with traditional measurement methods.

Read here ‘Sensors help prevent health risks at bakers’

Instructions

Good instructions are also part of organizational measures and are of great importance in all parts of STOP strategy. Think of:

  • Periodic meetings to discuss safety measures and keep them up to date (toolbox meetings)
  • Readily available workplace instruction cards
  • Careful labeling, including warnings and danger symbols
  • Use of ‘nudging’, such as indicating routes in the workplace with colours

Toolbox dust free working

A toolbox meeting is aimed at discussing a certain topic and encouraging employees to think for themselves. For this purpose, existing toolboxes can be used, such as those below from the construction and bakery sector (only in Dutch available).

Deze toolbox informeert werknemers over kwartsstof en het juist gebruiken van de beheersmaatregelen. Alleen dan kunnen zij op een veilige en gezonde manier met kwartsstofhoudende materialen kunnen werken.

Download de volgende informatie:

De Powerpoint bestanden kunnen een foutmelding geven als deze direct geopend worden. Kies in dat geval voor ‘Opslaan als…’ in plaats van direct openen.

 

Deze toolbox van Blijmetstofvrij! voor de bakkerijsector is specifiek gericht op stofbeheersing in de bakkerij. Meer informatie over Blij met stofvrij! is te vinden op www.blijmetstofvrij.nl.

Download de toolbox (pdf)

Roadmap on Carcinogens

Do you want to know more about carcinogens? Then take a look at the extensive factsheets about carcinogens. They are all also available in Dutch.

Take a look at the good practices