Conference Dangerous Substances
Conference Dangerous Substances: handle with care! 27 October 2003
Location Van Nelle ontwerpfabriek Rotterdam
Conference Background
European Week 2003: Dangerous substances: handle with care!
The European Week is the annual campaign of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work. The European Week Dangerous Substances: handle with care! was held at the same time in all member states of the European Union from 27 to 31 October 2003.
In Europe 32 million employees are exposed to substances that can cause cancer, 100,000 different substances are traded on the European market and 96% of the companies in the European chemical industry are small and medium-sized companies with a limited knowledge of substances.
This is an important subject in the Netherlands too. 30% of companies work regularly handles dangerous substances. Entrepreneurs however, particularly in the SME sector, are not properly aware of the risks. The effects of exposure to these substances on health are clearly visible in the form of industrial illnesses, such as asbestos-related illnesses, OPS and disorders of the airways and skin. In addition to this personal suffering, society as a whole also suffers the disadvantages of this in a more economic sense. The costs of absenteeism and replacement, damage in the production process and sometimes long-term incapacity for work are a considerable cost item.
The programme 'Improvement in working conditions with substances' (Dutch VASt) of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment is aimed at industries and chains in which substances form a significant work risk. Companies are offered the possibility of implementing an action plan with the aim of improving the working conditions when handling substances. More information on Improvement in working conditions with substances.
Conference 'Dangerous Substances: handle with care'
The campaign reached a high point during the conference Dangerous Substances on 27 October 2003. The conference drew attention to "working with dangerous substances" in a broad context. The central theme during the conference was: practical experiences in substance projects already carried out and the concrete possibilities offered by the programme Improvement in working conditions with substances. Participants in the Good Practice Competition demonstrated their approach while working with dangerous substances. All this in the form of interactive programme parts, lectures and presentations. Conference report 27 October 2003.
Conference programme (PDF)
09.30 hours
Reception in the Health & Safety café (Arbocafé)
10.00 hours
Welcome and opening in the Health & Safety café
Host Peter van Ingen, journalist and presenter of Buitenhof, reception in the Health & Safety café government representatives, employees and employers for the opening debate:
- Roel Feringa, on behalf of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment
- Paul Ulenbelt, on behalf of the Trade Union Confederation
- Chris Dutilh, on behalf of VNO-NCW
10.30 hours
Start Continuous Programme:
Good Practice Parade
The entrants in the "good practice competition" present themselves. Here you will be inspired by the many, often surprising, concrete solutions or approaches from twenty highly diverse industries and companies. You can also vote for the Public Prize good practices.
Substances Information Centre
Drop in with your questions to the Substances Information Centre [Stoffen Infotheek]. Health and Safety and substance experts are here to help you and give you personal advice. In addition to the information desk of Social Affairs and Employment and the European Agency, various organisations and knowledge centres will provide you with information.
Health & Safety café
Host of the Health & Safety café is Peter van Ingen. He receives various guests from real life for a good discussion on how to handle dangerous substances (better). The Health & Safety café is a lively meeting place for colleagues and fellow experts throughout the whole day.
11.00 hours
Start Sessions, morning part
The sessions provide background and discussion in small closed groups. Areas covered: explanation of the programme Improvement in working conditions with substances, background to consequences of industrial illnesses for employer and employee, study results from various knowledge institutes and good examples drawn from practice.
12.30 hours
Lunch
13.30 hours
Kick-off programme Improvement in working conditions with substances in the Health & Safety café
Peter van Ingen talks to state secretary Mark Rutte.
14.00 hours
Continuation Continuous Programme
14.30 hours
Continuation Sessions, afternoon part
15.45 hours
Prize ceremony: Good Practices accompanied by the ARBOriginals
16.30 hours
Close and Dangerous Substances drinks
