On the occasion of the 2012 World Day for Health and Safety at Work, held on 28 April, the International Labour Organization (ILO) is warning against the risks associated with the development of so-called ‘green’ jobs.

"There is a shift in the world to a greener and more sustainable economy. However, even if certain jobs are considered to be 'green', the technologies used may protect the environment, yet not be safe at all", as the ILO puts it in a statement issued following the publication of a report.

Entitled Promoting safety and health in a green economy, this document identifies a series of risks to the health of workers in ‘green jobs’, in particular in the renewable energy sector.

For example, the manufacturers of photovoltaic panels use at least 15 dangerous materials. The wind power industry can lay workers open to chemical risks from exposure to such substances as epoxy resins, styrenes and solvents, during both production and installation and maintenance.

The recycling industry poses a large number of risks to workers in the sector, who are often poorly paid and ill trained. The ILO report refers to a study which demonstrated a high frequency of lesions among workers in recycling plants in Sweden. The ILO likewise cites cases of mercury poisoning among workers at a low-energy bulb recycling plant in the UK.

The ILO’s recommendation is that a true green job must integrate safety and health into design, procurement, operations, maintenance, sourcing and recycling policies, certification systems and OSH quality standards.

(European Trade Union Institute, 28/04/2012)