Protecting workers: A toolkit for transitioning to safer chemicals in the workplace

Tens of thousands of chemicals are used by workers every day in the United States. While many of these chemicals are hazardous, only a small number are regulated in the workplace. Even where occupational exposure limits exist, approaches typically used to comply with chemical regulations often fail to implement the traditional hierarchy of controls. Ultimately, this leaves workers frequently under-protected from chemical hazards. Going beyond compliance to eliminate or substitute chemicals of concern not only ensures workers are protected from these hazards, but also provides an opportunity for businesses to engage workers, save money, improve efficiency, and minimize liabilities. Proactive, preventative strategies for eliminating chemical hazards at the source and transitioning to safer chemicals, such as informed substitution and alternatives assessment, can help achieve these objectives. Implementing these strategies is a complex undertaking, but existing methods, tools, databases, and guidance can make it easier. This presentation will discuss various approaches for transitioning to safer chemicals, highlighting best practices and describing the use of existing tools and databases in occupational settings.