Many Paths, One Goal – Protecting Worker Health: An AIHA-FCRI Workshop Series on Occupational Risk Assessment

Workshop 5: Linking Risk Characterization and Risk Management - Optimizing Tools for a Safer Workplace

NEW DATE! December 7, 2023, from 11-1 pm ET

Risk characterization is a cornerstone for designing exposure management strategies, such as exposure control plans that identify risk mitigation measures. A general approach for evaluating chemical risks in the workplace involves comparison of exposure estimates to health-related limits, often described as occupational exposure limits. The specifics of a particular chemical risk assessment can vary considerably based on the intended use of the assessment, organizational objectives, and regulatory requirements. Likewise, risk characterization and risk management will be best tailored to the specific situation. Exposure control plans include thoughtful application of the hierarchy of controls to minimize all potential health risks, i.e., avoiding pitfalls in which the action removes one risk while adding another. An overall risk management strategy also ensures transfer of risk and exposure control knowledge among all stakeholders in the product value chain. This session will explore the impacts of exposure limit setting on risk management decisions and describe tools for optimizing risk management strategies.

Session objectives include:

• Describing methods for exposure limit setting and interpretation of such limits in the context of data uncertainty.
• Identifying current methods and research to support best practices in applying the hierarchy of controls.
• Discussing approaches for optimizing exposure control strategies and communicating through a product value chain.

*A PDF of the presentation slides from Workshop 4 is available below.

Many Paths, One Goal – Protecting Worker Health: An AIHA-FCRI Workshop Series on Occupational Risk Assessment

AIHA is pleased to partner with the Foundation for Chemistry Research and Initiatives (FCRI) to advance the science of occupational risk assessment by hosting a series of workshops titled Many Paths, One Goal – Protecting Worker Health. The FCRI partners with academia, research institutions, governmental and non-governmental organizations, and private corporations to support scientific research on various chemistries; the development of training programs for the safe use and application of products; and programs demonstrating chemistry’s contribution and benefits to society. AIHA has an active history supporting the development of occupational risk assessment methods.

The goal is to enhance the understanding and appreciation of others’ approaches so that each one can leverage insights and data generated by others to most effectively meet their needs.

Key topics to be covered include identifying data and assessing quality, exposure models, dermal exposure assessment, and risk characterization and management. More information to come on future workshops.

Who Should Attend?

• OEHS and industrial hygiene (IH) professionals who would like to share insights and learn new perspectives on the scope of occupational risk assessment.
• Risk assessors and product stewardship professionals who are responsible for managing chemical safety.
• Chemical managers who want to better understand the diversity of IH data and maximize its application.

Objectives

• Provide an opportunity for experts to share information and perspectives on important methodological issues in occupational risk assessment.
• Build mutual understanding among professionals and stakeholders and enhance communication.
• Identify approaches to assess data gaps and the need to fill them in the context of performing occupational risk assessment.
• Discuss strategies to refine methods and gather necessary information.

Format and Outcomes

• Several short informational presentations to set the stage for the discussion.
• Facilitated discussion with invited expert panel.
• Audience members submit questions prior to and during the workshops.
• A concise report highlighting key concepts, opportunities for advancing practice, and identification of resources.