Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 5:PESTICIDES AND HEALTH,SAFETY & THE ENVIRONMENT Improving pesticide health and safetyAbout thissectionNo such thingas the “safeuse ofpesticides”This section will help us to: identify prevention and control measures for pesticide use/exposure think about alternatives to pesticides develop trade union action plansAlthough employers, pesticide industry sellers and advisors, and evengovernment advisors may tell you the opposite, in practice, there willalways be a degree of risk attached to pesticide use. Always remember tolook for alternatives to pesticide use to prevent risks. (See below regardingIPPM and organic farming).However, the reality is that many agricultural workers are still forced touse, or are exposed to, pesticides as an everyday part of their job.Pesticides present their greatest danger when being used. So in thissection, we look at the hazards that can occur before, during, and afterpesticide use, and what practical precautions should be taken.Activity – Prevention and controlAIMSTo help us to: investigate key problems with pesticides use prevention and control guidance take up problems with managementTASKIn your small group, select a priority problem concerning the use of pesticides atone of your workplaces. Look at the guidance materials below on prevention,control and alternatives.Use the worksheet on the next page to prepare:what the hazard ishow the risks should be prevented or controlled how to take up the problem, and the arguments to use with managementElect a spokesperson to report back with your group’s ideas247 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers