Health & Safety News Brief Occupational Health & Safety Information Service
(OHSIS) November 2004

Horizon Scanning - Future health and safety issues

To ensure that HSE are aware of medium to long-term changes that could impact on their ability to act as an effective, efficient promoter and regulator of Health and Safety in Britain they undertake a process called horizon scanning. Their aim is to systematically anticipate, identify and prepare for new or changing risks in the workplace, and to consider the implications that these issues will have on the UK Health and Safety environment.

Where national security requirements permit, HSE makes the horizon scanning process open and inclusive of all stakeholders, and makes the output openly available. Horizon scanning covers a wide range of developments including:

• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research

  OHSIS Nov. 2004 - Table of Contents

  Horizon Scanning - Future health and safety issues Work-related Stress A ‘common sense’ approach to stress management Safe recovery of petrol from end-of-life vehicles Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 ODPM Factsheets Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004 Key Factsheet 1 Revision of Working Time Directive Regulation and Recognition Towards Good Performance in Health and Safety1 Safe transport in waste management and recycling facilities New Publications in OHSIS Document Alert

• technology
• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• the workplace (industry)
• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• socio-economic trends that affect the labour market
• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• the UK political agenda
• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• the European Union
• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• international developments (globalisation).

Nanotechnology is one such potential new risk area and the first International Symposium on Occupational Health Implications of Nanomaterials was recently held in the UK. Several themes emerged from the HSE and NIOSH sponsored event:

• Studies to date on the environmental health implications of nanomaterials are insufficient for firm conclusions, although they are a good springboard for designing new research
• Collaborative research is needed across different scientific disciplines
• Nanomaterials makers and users can take precautionary steps now, using traditional risk assessment/management
• Tools to measure, assess and control exposures need to be internationally standardized
• Scientists and policy makers should maintain open communication with the public

The second International Symposium is planned for October 4-6 2005 at the University of Minnesota, USA.