Protect the health of employees with the GDA hazardous substance check
Exposure to carcinogenic hazardous substances in the workplace often goes unnoticed at first, although it must be given special consideration in the risk assessment. Serious damage to health is then only discovered far too late. This makes it all the more important to take special precautions for certain activities. The hazardous substance check of the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA) is helpful here.
Employers must determine whether carcinogenic hazardous substances are used, manufactured or released in the company. “This is the first prerequisite for assessing the risks to employees and taking effective protective measures,” says Stefan Gabriel, Head of Division at the Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (IFA) of the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV). The GDA Hazardous Substance Check, which was created in connection with the Joint German Occupational Safety and Health Strategy (GDA), was developed by the federal government, the federal states and the accident insurance institutions under the leadership of the accident insurance institutions. Stefan Gabriel, who was involved in the process, explains how the online check helps employers to maintain the health of their employees. “The first step is to create a list of hazardous substances. Then you are well on the way to creating a risk assessment step by step.” His recommendation: “Safety experts, company doctors and company physicians are important partners for this. Talk to them.”
The GDA Hazardous Substance Check is available online – this makes it easy to proceed systematically and answer key questions such as: Do you manufacture carcinogenic hazardous substances yourself in your company? Do they arise in the process? Gabriel: “Many people don’t immediately think of carcinogenic substances such as diesel engine exhaust fumes, welding fumes or quartz dust that need to be taken into account.”
The GDA Hazardous Substance Check provides small and medium-sized companies in particular with a self-assessment tool and nine modules to help them start or update their risk assessment. “You will find easy-to-understand and specific information on the special obligations and measures in connection with hazardous substances as well as an overview of industry-specific practical aids,” explains the hazardous substances specialist. “This enables those responsible in companies to fulfill their responsibilities and systematically comply with legal health and safety requirements.” In addition, employees and their representatives are also provided with knowledge in order to raise their awareness, but also to involve them and actively use their experience.
More information can be found on the GDA Hazardous Substances Check website.
A brochure on the GDA hazardous substance check can be downloaded or ordered here .