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Occupational Health deals with all aspects of health and safety in the workplace and has a strong focus on primary prevention of hazards." (WHO).
Occupational health (OH) is a multidisciplinary field of healthcare concerned with enabling an individual to undertake their occupation, in the way that causes the least harm to their health. The professional practice concerned with maintaining OH and safety in workplaces is called Industrial Hygiene (IH).
Various actions are taken at ICL in order to maintain its employeess’ health.
Hazardous factors at the individual employee’s’s environment are evaluated. An annual plan for Industrial Air Monitoring is executed at all ICL plants, as required by the local authorities. Chemicals defined as hazardous under regulations, such as raw materials, materials that are part of the production process or products, are routinely monitored under this plan.
In case of irregularities, corrective actions are taken. Action items may include implementing improved working and cleanup procedures, reducing emissions through improved machinery, revising and adjusting personal protective equipment (PPE).
ICL inspects noise levels and employees are trained to minimize exposure. Noise reduction actions are performed where possible. Relevant PPE is provided as well.
Raising employee awareness of hazardous factors is a crucial element in preventing and controlling health-related illnesses. Therefore, health and safety training programs for workers are given at ICL production facilities.
Employees are trained to manage and mitigate the specific health hazards they might be exposed to. Managers are trained to be knowledgeable of local regulations and on how to protect their employees accordingly.
Units with special characteristics are trained accordingly.
Employees that are exposed to health hazards are checked regularly at medical centers. PPE is provided to our employees as well as training on how to use it properly.
In addition, the company offers periodic general medical check-ups for employees. An occupational physician is consulted whenever needed. Health promoting programs are performed at different ICL sites, including awareness programs for healthy nutrition and physical activity.
Industrial hygiene survey is the tool for the implementation of occupational health in production sites.
Health Risk Assessment surveys are conducted considering all risk factors in the plant, including chemical hazards, physical hazards and work routines.The surveys are performed in cooperation with the relevant production and safety units.
Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) is an instrument to assess intrinsic hazards of substances as required for the registration process worldwide. It includes the evaluation of all available relevant information needed to assess risks arising from the manufacture and/or use of the substance.
The CSA is based on physical, chemical, toxicological and environmental information generated by the HERA scientific group.
Quantitative values such as Occupational exposure limits (OELs) or Derived No Effect Levels (DNELs) are based on the toxicological data generated by the HERA scientific group. These values are set in order to keep the employees and the general public from over exposure to hazardous chemicals.
Ergonomics aspects are considered in every planning process of a new workstation. In Israel, employees are trained as a part of a health promotion service. Ergonomic consultation is given wherever required.
As part of their contract with ICL, contractors are obligated to provide their workers with all measures for protecting their occupational health. This includes medical checkup, proper PPEs and training. All contractors are required to comply with the local health regulations. ICL is also working with its contractors in Israel regarding safety issues (more details here).
