Latest research news

New publications on results of BGIA projects and of projects in co-operation with the institute can be downloaded or ordered free of charge. Detailed information on further research projects of BGIA is available.

Combined exposure to Noise and Ototoxic Substances 

Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most prominent occupational diseases in Europe. Increasing attention is being paid to the risks of combined exposure to high-level noise and ototoxic substances. This review aims to provide an up-to-date picture of the knowledge in this field, including current diagnostic tools and an overview of the chemicals that may contribute to hearing loss, and to highlight gaps in our current knowledge for proposed future action and research.

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Manual for hygiene and maintenance of heating, ventilation and air-conditioning installations on seagoing vessels

Studies show that greater attention must be paid to the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) installations intended for the assurance of a pleasant indoor atmosphere on board. Should care and maintenance be neglected, a risk exists of microbiological contamination of the indoor atmosphere. Subjective disorders, allergies and infections may ensue. The See-BG (the institution for statutory accident insurance and prevention in the maritime industries) and BGIA – Institute for Occupational Safety and Health therefore compiled a Manual for hygiene and maintenance of such installations. The brochure in English and German can be ordered via e-mail at klaus.meixner@see-bg.de or sebastian.mierzwa@see-bg.de.

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European Risk Observatory Report: Expert forecast on emerging chemical risks related to occupational safety and health

The Community Strategy 2002-06 called on the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work to ‘set up a risk observatory’ to ‘anticipate new and emerging risks’. The expert forecast was formulated within this context, from the results of three consecutive questionnaire-based surveys using the Delphi method (in which the results of the previous survey round are fed back to the experts for further evaluation until a consensus is achieved). A fivepoint Likert scale was used to rate the risks. Forty-nine experts from 21 European countries participated in the survey. The following ten most important emerging chemical risks were identified in the survey: Nanoparticles and ultrafine particles, poor control of chemical risks in SMEs, outsourcing, epoxy resins, dangerous substances in waste treatment, dermal exposure, diesel exhaust, isocyanates, man-made mineral fibres, and dangerous substances in the construction sector. In addition to these results, the report consists of literatures survey on six of the ten most important emerging chemical risks.

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European Risk Observatory Report: Workplace exposure to vibration in Europe: an expert review

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) published a new report on occupational vibration exposure: One in three European workers is exposed to vibrations at work and for some sectors, such as construction at 63%, this figure is much higher. Although vibration is a long-standing and well-known risk, its importance has increased since the application of the vibration directive (2002/44/EC), which came into force on 6th July 2005. Enterprises, regulators and legislators face new challenges; measurement is complicated and risk assessment and reduction are not simple. This report brings together specialists from eight leading European institutes to produce an overview of the challenges facing the occupational safety and health community as regards management of occupational vibration risks. The situation in six Member States - Belgium, Germany, Spain, Finland, France and Poland - is examined, and research information is presented covering all Member States. The report is one outcome of the Agency's Risk Observatory which BGIA contributes to.

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