If I work with chemicals, how can I reduce my risks?
Some people are exposed to chemicals through their job.
If you are exposed to chemicals in your workplace, there are some ways to reduce your risk:
- Follow all the safety guidelines and procedures recommended in your workplace.
- All employers must, by law, provide workers with Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the chemicals they work with. These have information about the possible health risks and how to work safely with the chemical.
- Talk with your employer, your occupational health and safety officer or human resource representative to find out more about the chemicals in your workplace. You can also ask for a transfer to another work environment.
Examples of jobs that people may have exposure to chemicals include:
- healthcare
- printing
- cleaning services
- cosmetology
- agriculture
- manufacturing
- dry cleaning
- painting services
Occupational Health and Safety resources can be found here.