Worker involvement in risk assessment

Abstract

When performing an epidemiologic study, the central trade unions should be informed. On the local (company and plant) level, the safety committee, trade unions, and shop stewards are contacted to discuss the aim and design of the study, as well as the participation of workers’ and employers’ representatives in collecting relevant data. When publishing the results of the epidemiologic study, as well as the results of an experimental study, open communication with the population at risk is preferable. When evaluating the risk and assessing a code of practice or an occupational standard for a carcinogen, the participation of trade union representatives is important. Scientists do not have a monopoly on decisions about future risks and actions against risks, nor can they decide better than the risk population what degree of risk should be accepted.