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Occupational Health deals with all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards." (WHO).
Occupational health (OH) is a multidisciplinary field of healthcare dedicated to employee health in the workplace. The professional practice dedicated to maintaining OH and safety in the workplace is called Industrial Hygiene (IH).
Various actions are taken at ICL to maintain its employees’ health.
Personal protective equipment are provided, and a medical consultant is available when needed. Regional teams conducted mutual learning about best practices during COVID-19. These were established and shared across sites.
Read MoreHazardous factors that can affect employee environments are evaluated at ICL worksites. An annual Industrial Air Monitoring plan is executed at all ICL plants, as required by local authorities. Chemicals defined as hazardous under the relevant regulations, such as raw materials, and materials that are part of the production process or products, are routinely monitored under this plan.
In case of irregularities, corrective actions are taken. Action items may include implementing improved working and cleanup procedures, reducing emissions through improved machinery, technology, and infrastructure, and by revising and adjusting personal protective equipment (PPE).
ICL inspects noise levels, and employees are trained to minimize their exposure to noise. Noise reduction activities are performed where possible, and appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided. Additional factors such as radiation, vibration and heat load are also measured.
ICL performs industrial hygiene surveys to determine what occupational health activities need to be implemented at its production sites. Health risk assessment surveys are conducted to consider risk factors at plants, including chemical hazards, physical hazards, and work routines. The surveys are performed in cooperation with the relevant production and safety units.
Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) is an instrument to assess intrinsic hazards of substances as required for the worldwide registration process. It evaluates all available relevant information needed to assess risks arising from the manufacture and/or use of the substances.
The CSA is based on physical, chemical, toxicological, and environmental information generated by the HERA scientific group.
Quantitative values such as Occupational Exposure Limits (OELs) or Derived No-Effect Levels (DNELs) are based on toxicological data and are also generated as a part of the product registration process. These values have been established to prevent employees and the general public from overexposure to hazardous chemicals.
Increasing employee awareness of hazardous factors is a crucial element in the prevention and control of work-related illnesses. As a result, health and safety training programs for workers are provided at ICL production facilities.
Employees are trained to manage and mitigate specific health hazards to which they may be exposed. Managers are trained to be knowledgeable about local regulations and how to protect their employees accordingly. Units with special characteristics are trained accordingly.
Employees that are exposed to health hazards undergo regular checkups at medical centers. Employees are provided with personal protective equipment (PPE), and are trained in their proper use. In addition, ICL offers employees periodic general medical checkups. An occupational physician is consulted as needed. Health promotion programs are also offered at various ICL worksites.
Ergonomic considerations are evaluated in the planning stage of every new workstation. Ergonomic consultation is available as needed.
ICL continuously promotes the health and wellbeing of its workforce. Various types of training are offered to workers, including lectures and educational software on various topics (including smoking prevention, Corona vaccines, women’s health, ergonomics for employees working from home, proper nutrition, and more). Their purpose is to raise health awareness.
As part of their agreements with ICL, contractors are obligated to provide their workers with measures to protect their occupational health. This includes medical checkups, proper PPEs and training. All contractors are also required to comply with local health regulations. ICL also works with its contractors in Israel regarding safety issues.
