Annually, carcinogens contribute to an estimated 100,000 occupational cancer deaths in the EU according to the 2021-27 EU Strategic Framework on Health and Safety at Work. To address this problem in the workplace, it is fundamental to have current and reliable data on the exposure of workers to risks that can lead to the disease. WES was developed to estimate the probable exposure of workers to 24 known cancer risk factors, which include industrial chemicals, process-generated substances and mixtures, and physical risk factors. 

The most frequent probable occupational exposures identified were solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation, diesel engine exhaust emissions, benzene, respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and formaldehyde. The survey also considered individuals having multiple exposures during their last working week prior to the survey, meaning exposure to at least two cancer risk factors, which do not necessarily occur at the same time or through the same work process. The data shows that more than 60% of the workers in mining and quarrying activities and in construction activities had multiple exposures.

EU-OSHA Executive Director, William Cockburn, stated: ‘The new Workers’ Exposure Survey thoroughly investigates relevant data that will help us understand the current scenario of cancer risk exposure in the workplaces. It is the first time we have a study considering combined exposure and reaching workers who would not normally be covered, such as self-employed or employed in micro and small organisations, across all kinds of occupations. It is certainly going to contribute to improving preventive measures and to updating evidence-based policy’.

The questionnaires were applied to individuals aged 15 or more, working in all sectors of economic activity in Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Hungary and Finland. The survey was able to gather 24,402 valid interviews for analysis. The information from the study can support possible future amendment proposals to the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive, and advance occupational safety and health (OSH) actions of Europe’s Beating Cancer Plan. Moreover, it can improve the prevention of work-related diseases, especially cancer, which is one of the key objectives of the 2021-27 EU OSH Strategic Framework.

The results of the survey will be launched in various phases. The first findings are being presented for the first time during the conference ‘Preventing Work-Related Cancer’, taking place on 20-21 November in Madrid, Spain. The event is part of the Roadmap on Carcinogens, an initiative that will also benefit from the data provided by WES, since it raises awareness of the risks from exposure to carcinogens in the workplace and exchanges good practices between companies and organisations.

Links:

• Explore the first findings of the Workers’ Exposure Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe
• Read the survey’s methodology summary
• Discover the dedicated web section 
• Learn more about the Roadmap on Carcinogens