The ETUI has chosen to focus on nanomaterials specifically amongst the range of nanotechnologies that exist or are developing because these are already in workplaces and therefore workers are already exposed to these new materials. This exposure generally occurs without workers being aware and sometimes without employers being aware.
Through the project, the ETUI created and led a Community of Practice, made up of trade unionists, the scientific community, and communications experts. The Community of Practice offered its expertise in the development of capacity-building tools for workers and their representatives. These tools were tested with worker health and safety representatives and with trade unionists (health and safety specialists, trainers and educators), to refine the tools and propose further ones.
A series of presentations and training materials have been prepared to provide comprehensive information on key aspects of worker protection in relation to nanomaterials. The aim of the presentations is to provide fundamental information on nanomaterials so that anyone responsible for or interested in worker health and safety (in a company, trade union or a service related to occupational health and safety) can know what key questions to ask or information to seek to ensure higher worker protection from nanomaterials.
Infographics: practical and visual tools
- An infographic showing the lifecycle of a number of nanomaterials and related worker exposure hotspots. Where in the lifecycle could workers be exposed to nanomaterials?
- A visual step-by-step guide to information needed to undertake a risk evaluation (PDF) on nanomaterials in the workplace. Working with nano? What do you need to know and who to talk to.
- The same step-by-step guide on risk evaluation as applet.