This document guides trainers in the Work Improvement in Small Enterprises (WISE) programme to conduct workplace health and safety courses and providing technical assistance to local entrepreneurs and workers. It describes, in modules, how to design and carry out effective training courses on key technical topics such as storing and handling materials, work-station design, productive machine safety, controlling hazardous substances, lighting, work-related welfare facilities, and premises and work organisation.

The environmental health criteria (EHC) monographs are based on a comprehensive search of the available original publications, scientific literature and reviews with the aim of examining the physical and chemical properties of substances and analytical methods; determining sources of environmental and industrial exposure and environmental transport, chemobiokinetics and metabolism, including absorption, distribution, transformation and elimination; short- and long-term effects on animals (carcinogenicity, mutagenicity and teratogenicity); and, finally, evaluating the risk

The Health and Safety Guides (HSGs) provide physical-chemical and toxicological information about individual chemicals in non-technical language. They are aimed at decision-makers on risks from exposure to chemicals and they provide practical advice on medical and administrative issues. The target audience of the HSGs includes occupational health services and individuals working in ministries, governmental agencies, industry and trade unions who are seeking to promote the safe use of chemicals and the avoidance of environmental health hazards.

The document discusses new and emerging occupational risks, such as nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials, biological risks and biotechnology, chemical risks (the use of allergenic, sensitising, carcinogenic and mutagenic substances, as well as of substances toxic to the reproductive system), changing patterns of employment, etc. In its second part, the document discusses how to assess and establish preventive measures for emerging risks and how to promote a national preventive safety and health culture.

The document discusses the occupational diseases and statistical worldwide data thereof (in particular pneumoconioses, emerging risks and new challenges, and musculoskeletal and mental disorders). It includes an assessment of the need for better data, outlines the necessary steps for preventing occupational diseases, discusses the role of employers and workers and finally describes the International Labour Organization action on this topic.

The E-Learning module explains in app. 20 minutes the basics about skin protection at work, including function and structure of the skin, tasks and agents that may damage the skin, options to protect the skin, including skin protection planning. It introduces to the responsibilities for assessing skin-related workplace risks and providing protective equipment. A test is provided for self evaluation.

This guidance provides basic information about dangerous substances and the related OSH obligations. It explains what hazards chemicals could have, how information can be obtained on the properties of chemicals and how to derive prevention measures at workplaces. It also describes the obligation for training and safety instructions as well as medical obligations. It is not only available as pdf document but also as a downloadable film.