S.T.O.P. Carcinogens at Work: A European Initiative in partnership with ECHA

The S.T.O.P. Carcinogens at Work campaign is a European initiative to address the growing problem of workplace-related cancer, which is responsible for over 100,000 deaths in the EU each year. In partnership with among others the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), this initiative provides companies and workers with practical tools to identify and reduce exposure to carcinogens in their working environments.

Workplace Cancer

In Europe, cancer is the leading cause of work-related death, accounting for more than half of all occupational deaths. Common workplace carcinogens include asbestos, benzene, formaldehyde and certain heavy metals. Exposure to these substances occurs in a wide range of industries, from manufacturing to construction and even healthcare. The campaign emphasises that many of these cancers are preventable if the proper precautions are taken.

Focus on Prevention

The S.T.O.P. initiative emphasises the importance of prevention. The website offers comprehensive guidelines, downloadable tools and awareness campaigns aimed at employers, health and safety professionals and workers. These resources help organisations identify hazardous materials, assess risks and implement control measures such as proper ventilation, use of protective equipment and substitution of harmful substances with safer alternatives.

Tools and Resources

The website provides free access to a range of tools to help reduce exposure to carcinogens. These include:

• Risk assessment checklists.

• Educational materials to raise awareness among workers.

• Best practice guidelines for the safe handling of hazardous substances.

In addition, the site offers case studies of successful reduction efforts in different sectors. Companies can use these examples as a model for their own safety strategies.

Legal and Regulatory Framework

The S.T.O.P. initiative is aligned with existing European legislation, particularly the EU’s Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive, which sets binding limits on the use of certain carcinogens. The website encourages employers to stay updated on regulatory changes and to ensure compliance by carrying out regular workplace assessments and employee training.

The campaign underlines that reducing occupational cancer risks is a shared responsibility between employers, workers and policy-makers. Working together is essential to create safer working environments and reduce the health burden caused by exposure to carcinogens.

For more information, visit: https://stopcarcinogensatwork.eu/