New and Emerging Risks Associated With "Green" Workplaces

Workplace Health Saf. 2017 Oct;65(10):493-500. doi: 10.1177/2165079916674967. Epub 2017 Apr 21.

Abstract

Work environments are continuously changing with the introduction of new technologies, substances and work processes, changes in the structure of the workforce and labor market, and new forms of employment and work organization. New work situations bring both risks and challenges for workers and employers, which, in turn, may require political, administrative, technical, and regulatory approaches to ensure worker safety and health. This article is based on a European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) report, Green Jobs and Occupational Safety and Health, that detailed new and emerging risks to occupational safety and health associated with new technologies in green jobs. Highlights from this report include key technologies in the bioindustry and new emerging risks associated with green jobs.

Keywords: bioeconomy; bioindustry; green technologies; hazards; new risks.

MeSH terms

  • Biotechnology
  • Green Chemistry Technology
  • Humans
  • Nanotechnology
  • Occupational Health / trends*
  • Occupations
  • Workplace