Section 4:
Chemical safety in the workplace
Chemical safety practices are inconsistent — and leave workers vulnerable to risk
When it came to exposure to hazardous chemicals, our survey found that 44% of workers in the USA and Canada handle chemicals in the workplace – specifically those that require a safety data sheet.
What is a safety data sheet?
A safety data sheet (SDS) is a document in a set format that is used to inform all employees and safety personnel about how hazardous chemical substances and mixtures of substances can be safely handled, used, stored, and disposed of.
Our survey found that while workers usually receive training on how to handle chemicals and know how to find safety data sheets, with higher levels observed in the USA compared to Canada.
83% of workers in the USA and Canada had access to chemical risk assessments, with this access being slightly more common in Canada.
However, it’s important to note that 35% of US and Canadian workers say they don’t have a digital chemical management system (or don’t know if they do), while 33% say they don’t have access to QR codes for accessing safety data sheets.
Perhaps most worryingly, 39% say their employer isn’t actively substituting hazardous chemicals.
Comparisons with the UK and Ireland
The results from our UK and Ireland survey largely mirror North America, with 42% being exposed to hazardous chemicals. There were similar large gaps in digital access to safety documentation and substitution.
Summary of Section 4
- 44% of workers in the USA and Canada are exposed to hazardous chemicals.
- 39% say their employer isn’t actively substituting hazardous chemicals.
- Overall, fewer workers in Canada (42%) report exposure to hazardous chemicals compared to those in the U.S. (45%).