Exposure Databases and Exposure Surveillance: Promise and Practice

Abstract

Based on recent developments in occupational health and a review of industry practices, it is argued that integrated exposure database and surveillance systems hold considerable promise for improving workplace health and safety. A foundation from which to build practical and effective exposure surveillance systems is proposed based on the integration of recent developments in electronic exposure databases, the codification of exposure assessment practice, and the theory and practice of public health surveillance. The merging of parallel, but until now largely separate, efforts in these areas into exposure surveillance systems combines unique strengths from each subdiscipline. The promise of exposure database and surveillance systems, however, is yet to be realized. Exposure surveillance practices in general industry are reviewed based on the published literature as well as an Internet survey of three prominent industrial hygiene e-mail lists. Although the benefits of exposure surveillance are many, relatively few organizations use electronic exposure databases, and even fewer have active exposure surveillance systems. Implementation of exposure databases and surveillance systems can likely be improved by the development of systems that are more responsive to workplace or organizational-level needs. An overview of exposure database software packages provides guidance to readers considering the implementation of commercially available systems. Strategies for improving the implementation of exposure database and surveillance systems are outlined. A companion report in this issue on the development and pilot testing of a workplace-level exposure surveillance system concretely illustrates the application of the conceptual framework proposed.

Psychosocial working conditions in a representative sample of working Australians 2001–2008: an analysis of changes in inequalities over time

“…It is not feasible to rely on health outcome surveillance in this context as the mental disorders and cardiovascular diseases associated with poor psychosocial working conditions are common and are determined by a combination of work-related and non-work-related factors. Exposure surveillance provides better and more timely information to guide preventive intervention, particularly for work-related disease,20 yet remains under-utilised by governments including occupational health regulators 21 22. Although data on psychosocial working conditions is being included in a growing number of government and other surveillance systems internationally,23 there are relatively few published time trend studies24 25 and limited consideration of health disparities perspectives in the analyses reported 26…”

Chemical Exposure and Risk Assessment at Workplaces--Modeling Approach

“…Still another aspect is if national exposure databases in different countries are collected and used for exposure surveillance and used in that way to improve workers' health. (5) One approach to improve the current situation is to introduce simple models in workplaces to help identify and characterize possible risks, such as the EASE (Estimation and Assessment of Substance Exposure) model, developed and maintained by Health and Safety Executive, UK. (6) It was originally developed to evaluate new and existing chemicals as required by European Union legislation.…”

Cleanup Worker Exposures to Hazardous Chemicals at a Former Nuclear Weapons Plant: Piloting of an Exposure Surveillance System

“…(7) The task and job title summaries presented emphasized description of who was doing what sort of cleanup work. (8) Generalizability (9;11) For example, a related report showed that one task among the 11 associated with beryllium is associated with the highest exposure levels: the cleanup task of "sorting, packaging, and repackaging of waste materials" in which beryllium dusts can be resuspended.…”