Inspection campaign regarding asphalt pavers
Overview
Related carcinogens:
Diesel engine exhaust (DEE), Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Respirable Crystalline SilicaType of intervention(s):
Inspection campaignNumber of inspections undertaken:
116 inspections, 53 separate workplaces.
Duration of campaign:
Campaign conducted between April and December 2023. Follow-up inspections were conducted where deficiencies were identified.Scope of intervention
Key duties
The employers' statutory duty to investigate, risk-assess, and document chemical risks, and including the obligation to maintain an accurate chemical inventory of hazardous substances.
Focus of the Campaign
The objectives were to improve employers' systematic work environment management and prevent work environment risks for asphalt pavers.
Focus areas included chemical hazards, notably asphalt fumes, risks associated with high temperatures, traffic, machinery service and maintenance, ergonomics, night shift stress, noise, and vibration.
Key findings of intervention
Positive findings
The inspections yielded a strong positive impact. Awareness regarding chemical risks significantly improved across the industry by the end of the project, and deficiencies were rapidly corrected nationwide as information spread through corporate networks.
Negative findings
- 74% of inspected workplaces had safety deficiencies.
- Process-generated chemical hazards (e.g., asphalt fumes) were frequently omitted from risk assessments and from chemical inventories.
- Required information on occupational exposure limit values was also often lacking.
General findings
The most prevalent regulatory citations fell under the Systematic Work Environment Act. Chemical Risk Regulations represented the second highest category of legal non-compliance.
Key outcomes following intervention
- Companies generally struggle significantly more to identify and risk-assess process generated chemical hazards (like asphalt fumes) compared to pre-purchased commercial chemical products.
- Targeted enforcement against a few large players rapidly elevates chemical safety standards across the entire industry sector.
- During the campaign, we noted that procuring authorities such as the Swedish Transport Administration and municipalities can have a major impact on employees' working conditions.
Level and type of enforcement issued
- Written advice
Key EU legislation
- CAD
- CMRD
Additional information
Prior to field deployment, authorities held information sessions with industry unions and trade associations to ensure transparency.
