Occupational cancer risk 

Cancer is one of the most serious occupational diseases and the Regional Prevention Plan aims to raise awareness among employers and employees on this issue, providing information on the main carcinogens and planning effective ad hoc prevention measures. 

Asbestos

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified over 400 agents as carcinogenic to humans, divided into three categories: physical, biological and chemical. Inhalation, ingestion or contact with these elements can cause cancer. 
Among the many substances one of the most hazardous is asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was widely used in the past in construction due to its properties. This material has the characteristic of flaking and breaking down into fine fibres that can be inhaled, causing serious diseases. For this reason, Law 257 of 1992 banned the mining, import and processing of asbestos in Italy, except in connection with its removal and disposal. 

The law requires that, by 28 February each year, companies involved in asbestos remediation and and those that use asbestos in their production processes, in whatever capacity, must submit a report on the activities carried out in the previous calendar year. Fines of between €2,582 and €5,164 can be applied for failure to comply.

The report, containing all the information required by law, must be prepared in accordance with the template provided in the annex and sent by registered email (PEC) to sezionepsb@pec.rupar.puglia.it and to the Workplace Prevention and Safety Service (Spesal) of the local health authority in the province where the company operates.

If the workplace contains asbestos in its roofing, linoleum-vinyl-asbestos flooring or insulation, the employer is obliged to periodically inspect the condition of this material, even if notification of its presence is not required, in accordance with the Ministerial Decree of 6 September 1994.

 

See the attached legislation and forms on asbestos and further information on occupational carcinogenic risks.