Monitoring new and emerging risks

Introduction

This article, based on recent literature, will identify, define and discuss new and emerging OSH-risks together with the driving forces behind these risks. Emerging risks will be described as being related to [1] physical load and musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs], [2] psychosocial risks, and [3] dangerous substances [e.g. chemical and biological substances]. In the following paragraphs some of the consequences of these risks for specific worker groups will be identified. In the final paragraph the gaps in knowledge and risk management will be briefly discussed.

Defining ‘emerging OSH risk’

An ‘emerging OSH risk’ is often defined as any…