Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 3:HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENTFOR WORKER HS&E REPRESENTATIVESTacklinghazards –preventionand controlmeasuresExample of tackling the hazards of pesticidesThe very first step, before use of or exposure to a pesticide, is for theemployer to carry out a risk assessment at the workplace. The workplacerisk assessment should: identify the potential hazards before, during, and after pesticideapplication both for pesticide users and those working/living nearby evaluate the risks, and work out appropriate measures for the employer to implement toprevent or minimise the risks identified. (See Risk assessments andRisk management sub section below).In order to prevent and minimise risks, the employer should follow thehierarchy of prevention and control measures in the order that they arelisted below.STEP 1: Elimination of the riskThe aim is to eliminate any possible risk by assessing if it is reallynecessary to use a pesticide? Check if: the weed, insect, or disease, has been correctly identified, and is thedegree of economic damage caused such that it warrants pesticide use? any other method of dealing with the pest problem is available? Forexample, integrated production and pest management, use of anon-chemical biopesticide, or an organic approach? the pesticide is legally approved and registered for the intended use?If elimination of the risk is not possible, consider substitution: with a less hazardous pesticide? with a less hazardous formulation by using granules instead of a liquidwhich can splash?If prevention of the risks (through elimination or substitution) is notpossible, and the employer’s risk assessment has determined that the pestdamage (actual or potential) warrants pesticide use, then the following setof risk control measures should be followed, in the order listed.STEP 2: Risk ControlRisk control at source involves the use of what are known as Technical andEngineering Controls (see example below).98 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers