Health and Safety ReportVolume 22, Issue 10

The world produces more than 400 million tonnes of plastic annually, some of which gets broken down into tiny pieces about five millimetres in length – about the size of a sesame seed, or smaller.

These are known as microplastics and they’ve become so widespread, they may be present in the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe.

Research is still limited into the effects of microplastics on humans, and some studies have only been done on animals. But it’s believed microplastics can penetrate the body’s organs, entering cell membranes, the blood-brain barrier, and the placenta. Exposure to microplastics may also be linked to inflammation, changes in metabolism, hormones, and immunity, and damage to the nervous system. Microplastic exposure may also increase the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Although there are no laws or exposure limits on the amount of microplastics in the workplace, employers can develop a health and safety strategy that identifies plastic hazards with measures to protect workers from potential harm.

What are plastics and microplastics?

Plastics are polymers that can be moulded and pressed to make a variety of products.

There are two major types of plastics. Thermosets are stronger and more durable, and often used in the automotive, construction, and electronic industry. Thermoplastics are softer and used in food and beverage packaging, textiles, and consumer goods, like toys and office supplies.

While some microplastics are created when larger plastic items degrade, like fragments from a worn tire, others are manufactured and added into products, like microbeads in cosmetics and feedstock pellets.

The problem with microplastics

Like plastic items of any size, microplastics do not break down into harmless molecules. Instead, they remain on the planet as pollutants, leaching toxic chemicals.

Workers in waste management and recycling operations, for example, may be exposed to microplastics through the degradation of plastic products.

From the extraction of fossil fuels to produce plastic to the manufacturing of plastic goods, workers in the plastic industry are also vulnerable to microplastic exposure, as well as the hazards of plastics and their associated chemicals. 

Workers can be exposed to hazardous chemicals when heating polymers for creating plastic goods. The machining, laser cutting, high-speed drilling, and 3D printing of plastic can also expose workers to microplastic dust.

Chemical additives that are added to plastics may also pose serious health risks, including fertility issues. Diseases related to these materials and processes are often not diagnosed until years after exposure.

Preventing plastic exposure

Preventing exposure to plastic, microplastics and related chemicals starts with an assessment of the workplace to identify possible hazards, such as sources and potential routes of exposure. Exposure can occur through inhalation, ingestion or skin contact.

This process should be completed by a team that can include supervisors, health and safety specialists, and health and safety committee members or representatives. Workers directly involved with the tasks being evaluated should also be consulted. 

Together, they should consider what types of plastics or related chemicals may be present, their specific risk to human health, and the level of risk associated with each hazard.

The assessment should evaluate the risk of exposure throughout the lifecycle of plastic in the workplace, including production, recycling, or disposal.

Once the assessment is complete, every effort should be made to either eliminate the hazard or minimize its risk. When a hazard can’t be eliminated, the most effective approach is to apply several health and safety controls at the same time, since a single measure on its own is not as likely to be successful.

Consider removing a chemical additive from the worksite or using a different material to plastic altogether. Alternatively, substituting a chemical with a less toxic replacement can help to reduce the risk.

Isolating workers from hazards or changing the way work is performed can also help protect workers. Can you automate a task that may expose workers to microplastic dust, or introduce enclosures equipped with exhaust ventilation to control emissions?

Frequent health and safety training for new and seasoned workers provides them with the knowledge they need to do their jobs safely. It also gives them a better understanding of the nature of the hazards and risks in their workplace.

Lastly, provide workers with appropriate personal protective equipment to do their job based on the risk assessment. This may include a fit-tested respirator, impervious gloves, eye protection, and chemical resistant coveralls.

While research on the impact of microplastics on human health continues to emerge, the lasting effects of plastic production are here to stay. That’s why it’s good practice to take action now to protect workers from potential harm from plastics.

Resources

• Hazardous exposures to plastics in the world of work, International Labour Organization
• Dietary and inhalation exposure to nano- and microplastic particles and potential implications for human health publication, World Health Organization
• Plastic pollution information sheets, Government of Canada
• Hazard and Risk fact sheets, CCOHS

Respiratory infectious disease season is upon us. Cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces at the workplace can help to reduce the spread of infection.

Many cleaning products, however, contain ingredients that can trigger asthma, skin dermatitis, allergies, or even burns. So, before you start to spray, scrub, or sanitize, follow these tips to ensure safe cleaning practices at your workplace:

• Know the hazards of the product before you use it. Cleaners, sanitizers, and disinfectants have different purposes. It’s important to clean dirty surfaces before disinfecting them. Generally, sanitizers and disinfectants are more hazardous than cleaners. Always use the right product for the task, and one that is the least hazardous.
• Read product labels and safety data sheets for safe handling instructions. You can also contact manufacturers or visit their websites to learn more about the product’s ingredients.  
• Always follow product instructions or training when using and storing cleaning products.
• Check containers for leaks or damage and store products in their original containers according to the manufacturer's instructions. 
• Never mix different cleaning products together. Many disinfectants contain bleach or ammonia. If bleach and ammonia are mixed, hazardous gases may be released. Other products, like drain cleaners, contain acids and bases. If mixed, they can cause an explosive reaction which may release hazardous gases.
• Know how to safely dilute a concentrated product when needed. First, determine the product does not react with water. When diluting a concentrated product with water, always add the concentrate to the water. Follow the manufacturer's instructions. 
• When using cleaning products, work in a well-ventilated space. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves and goggles. Take fresh air breaks as needed.
• Identify and list high-touch surfaces and objects in your workplace that are most likely to be contaminated, such as light switches, door handles, and railings. Frequently clean and disinfect these items.
• Use cleaning scrubbers or mops that do not require your hands to contact cleaning solutions. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after working with a cleaner, and before eating or drinking.
• Be aware that “green” or “environmentally friendly” cleaners may still pose a health risk. Some people may experience adverse health effects from ingredients even though they are “natural.”
• Keep cleaning products away from children and animals.
• Know what to do if there is a spill or emergency. Call a poison centre or your health-care provider if you are concerned someone has been harmed. Have the product container or label available so you can tell the health-care provider what products were used.
• Be sure to address other health and safety concerns related to cleaning at the workplace, including slips, trips, and falls, ergonomic factors like bending, twisting and lifting, mould, and bloodborne pathogens from needlestick injuries. 

CCOHS Resources

• Cleaning Products – Working Safely, fact sheet
• Using Cleaning and Disinfecting Together Against Respiratory Infectious Diseases, infographic
• Cleaning and Disinfecting for Respiratory Infectious Diseases (RIDs), fact sheet

Our podcast episodes help you stay current and informed about workplace health, safety, and well-being in Canada. 

Take a Stand on Ergonomic Hazards

Preventing any ergonomic injury starts with identifying the hazards and risk factors. Find out what to look out for when it comes to standing on the job. 

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Sitting at Work

Work that involves sitting is not without risk of injury. Limited mobility contributes to injuries in the parts of the body that move us: the muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. Learn how to recognize and prevent injuries while sitting at work.

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Did you know that new workers are most vulnerable to getting sick or injured during their first month on the job? A comprehensive safety orientation can help set these workers up for success right from the start. 

Share this infographic with your new workers to help them keep safety top of mind. This free resource provides workers with tips, reminders, and questions to ask, as well as a handy checklist to help them stay safe on the job and outlines their rights as workers in Canada. 

Join us May 27-28, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta at CCOHS Forum: The Changing World of Work. This two-day national event will feature perspectives on current and emerging issues, an innovation showcase to learn about new tools and resources, and opportunities to discuss and exchange ideas. 

Register by February 14, 2025, to take advantage of the early bird rate (a $100 savings). Plus stay at the event venue, Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire, and benefit from preferred delegate rates if you book by April 28, 2025 (a limited number of rooms are available). 

For more information and to stay up to date, visit www.ccohs.ca/forum. 

Our membership program is back and offers you the opportunity to access health and safety benefits and features for only $100. Becoming a member gets you a personalized certificate, exclusive members-only updates, a digital badge, and a reduced rate to Forum 2025: The Changing World of Work. 

Learn more about the CCOHS Membership Program and enrol online.