Databases on Measures to Prevent Occupational Exposure to Toxic Substances

Abstract

In various countries databanks have been set up to collect and stimulate transfer of information on practical experience to prevent occupational exposure to health-threatening factors. This article presents the results of a study of existing databanks. The selection, storage, and retrieval of relevant records was studied along with the effectiveness of existing databanks in transferring information between companies and industries.

The databanks provide descriptive and condensed information, two to four pages long, including graphic presentations of the solution, and are primarily focused on an audience with marginal training in occupational safety and health. The main function of existing databanks is to stimulate creativity among user-groups rather than providing clear-cut solutions to be implemented immediately. It is yet unproven whether current public databanks fill a need, and the effectiveness of the databank in transferring information is not yet clear. Databanks within large companies seem to meet a demand when incorporated in a broader health and safety company policy. The generalizability of preventive measures is not guaranteed in the present databanks, due to the lack of a classification of solutions and processes that would allow the user to find relevant solutions across industry boundaries. None have any built-in guidance to help users navigate from their defined problem to the most useful solutions. These issues are the starting point for a discussion on “solution databases.” Swuste, P.; Hale, A.: Databases on Measures to Prevent Occupational Exposure to Toxic Substances. Appl. Occup. Environ. Hyg. 9(1):57–61; 1994.