Test your knowledge of carcinogens in the workplace

Brussels — How well can you identify carcinogenic risks in the workplace? A virtual training game from a Belgian agency is putting your knowledge to the test.

“In the game, you take on the role of prevention advisor,” the Federal Public Service Employment, Labour and Social Dialogue says. “You will need to identify potential unsafe situations involving carcinogenic substances in specific work environments (a construction site, a hospital and a factory) and advise your employer.”

Available in English, Dutch and French, the game is intended to educate participants on the STOP principle:
Substitution: The use of a dangerous substance is avoided by replacing it with one that’s less hazardous to the safety and health of workers.
Technical measures: Taking steps to prevent or reduce the release of carcinogenic or other dangerous substances that may pose a risk to the safety and health of workers. This includes implementing closed systems, extraction systems near the source of the risk or ventilation systems.
Organizational measures: Implementing administrative controls. For example, providing fixed workstations for handling dangerous substances, limiting the number of workers or working time in which a worker may be exposed, ensuring regular maintenance of the workplace and, above all, providing appropriate information and training.
Personal protective equipment: Used when exposure can’t be controlled by any other method.

“Employers, as well as employees, must apply the STOP principle,” FPS Employment says. “This is how to STOP exposure to carcinogenic substances and thus work-related cancer cases.”