Ss70-04 Focus on Occupational Exposure to Cancer Risk Factors in the Health and Social Work Sector in Europe

Introduction The health and social care sector is one of the largest in Europe. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) is currently conducting a multiannual research overview on the sector, aiming at increasing knowledge on the specific risks faced by workers in the sector and on best prevention strategies. Materials and Methods The Workers’ Exposure Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe (WES) provides exposure assessment to a selection of 24 cancer risk factors in all sectors of activity, including the health and social care sector. Detailed information on the probability and level of exposure, multiple exposures, specific circumstances of exposure and prevention measures at work were collected in six European Union member states, alongside relevant demographic data. Results From a total of 24,402 interviews, 3,000 respondents worked in human health and social work activities, the majority in human health. Almost two thirds were female workers, 70% health professionals or associate health professionals, and more than half were employed in small and medium-sized companies. Workers in the sector appeared to be more exposed to ionising radiation in the medical environment (for example X-rays, radiotherapy), and to a lesser extent to ethylene oxide (as a gas for sterilisation) and artificial ultraviolet (UV) radiation (by using UV light for sterilisation or by delivering a UV treatment). Conclusions Results of the WES will contribute to cancer prevention in the sector.