Workplace exposure

Exposure to hazardous agents at work continues to be an important problem for employers, policy makers and others responsible for ensuring our workplaces are safe and healthy. There are over 8,000 people each year in the UK who die from cancer caused by their work and many tens of thousands of others who whose health is damaged because of their work. Whether it is dust, chemicals, noise, vibration, increased environmental temperature or some other hazard it is essential that workers are protected by sensible effective control measures.

From research to solutions: IOM scientists are here to help

IOM researchers work on projects to identify where there are risks from workplace exposures and how to best control these, and our consultants work closely with employers to provide practical solutions to workplace exposure problems. Our staff are involved in the development of an exposure estimation tool for use in the European REACH Regulations and have been helping various industry trade bodies to collect and collate exposure data for use in REACH. We are able to measure exposure on the skin and in the air, helping to understand exactly how workers may be affected by these materials. Our scientists and consultants are expert in understanding how chemical exposures can be controlled using everything from local ventilation to personal protective equipment. Exposure to noise and vibration from moving equipment, heat from furnaces and problems in lifting heavy weights are all potentially associated with ill-health, but with our assistance it is possible to find a safe solution.

• IOM Research

  • Epidemiology
  • Ergonomics
  • Good Work - Good Health
  • Human exposure
  • Mechanism of disease
  • Mental wellbeing
  • Nanotechnology

• IOM Consulting

  • Expert witness
  • Health impact assessment
  • Chemical risk management
  • REACH
  • Ergonomics

• IOM Services

  • Ergonomics
  • Occupational hygiene
  • Occupational noise
  • PPE and RPE testing
  • Hand arm vibration syndrome