Health, Safety and Environment - International Labour Organization

Manual 5:PESTICIDES AND HEALTH,SAFETY & THE ENVIRONMENTActivity – Workers and PPEAIMSTo help us to: identify the responsibilities of employers and workers identify the role of the worker HS&E representative in handling discipline andHS&E tackle problems of unsuitable PPETASK1. Read the short case study belowWorkers have recently been supplied with personal protective equipment(PPE) for use when they are working with chemicals. Management did notconsult the workers on the choice of PPE. Many of the workers (who are mostlywomen) refuse to wear the equipment because it was designed for men, and sodoes not fit properly and is uncomfortable. A senior manager has now informedthe worker HS&E representative that the workers will be disciplined if they donot wear the PPE.2. In your small group, decide what you think the worker HS&E representativeand the workers should do next.Elect a spokesperson to report back using a chartApplyingthe riskassessmentOnce the employer has carried out the risk assessment and discussed thefindings with the workforce, the appropriate prevention and controlmeasures should be put in place.PackagingandcontainersThe employer should ensure that pesticides are supplied in packaging andcontainers which comply with national standards and regulations, and withlabels in the appropriate local language(s). Packages may vary greatly insize, from a small plastic container, packet or box to a large metal orplastic drum. Repackaging of pesticides should NOT be attempted underany circumstances!Transfer/DecantingOnly in very exceptional circumstances should pesticides be transferredfrom one container to another and then only be trained staff withappropriate supervision. The new container must then be appropriatelylabelled.255 Health, Safety and EnvironmentA Series of Trade Union EducationManuals for Agricultural Workers