| GlaxoSmithKline has one of the best pipelines in the industry. This pipeline brings challenges in the form of more potent compounds with lower occupational exposure levels (OELs) and increased manufacturing complexity. GlaxoSmithKline is addressing these challenges by focusing on new production and containment technology and has a 2010 aspiration to achieve a 'shirt sleeve' workplace. This is a workplace where containment of chemicals during manufacture replaces the need for personal protective equipment. We have several examples of achieving this goal already.
In 2003, many of our occupational illnesses and injuries resulted from chemical exposures. Approximately 36% of occupational illnesses resulted from chemical exposures, the majority of which were due to chemical-related non-allergic dermatitis, which includes irritant dermatitis and steroid withdrawal rash. Interestingly, 8% of occupational illnesses (latex glove allergy and irritant dermatitis) were directly related to the personal protective equipment utilised to protect employees from chemical exposures. Two additional categories of illness related to chemical exposure merit special notice: allergic dermatitis and allergic respiratory disease, which together account for 9% of all occupational illness. These illnesses remain a special area of focus as they result in life long health effects. The primary causes of allergic dermatitis and respiratory disease continued to be chemicals, laboratory animals, and latex. Sustained improvements in chemical agent control will help operations meet the objective of a 15% annual reduction in the lost time injury and illness rate.
Managing chemical exposures was a key focus for GlaxoSmithKline
for 2003 and will continue to be in 2004. To support this focus,
we set objectives, established a Chemical Agents Steering Committee
(CASC) and made tools available. One objective was to assess worker
exposures to high hazard compounds at primary and secondary manufacturing
facilities. The results of the assessment surveys have been presented
to senior management and actions are being developed to make improvements
where needed. To raise the skill level for managing risks associated
with chemical handling, we held two five-day Chemical Agents workshops,
one in Singapore and one in Spain. Fifty-nine delegates representing
38 sites and several business functions such as Quality, R&D,
Employee Health Management and Engineering attended the workshop.
In addition a one-day training programme was conducted as part of
the 2003 regional meeting of the network of GlaxoSmithKline EHS
professionals. Other tools deployed in 2004 were the Chemical Agents
Technical Information document, a Chemical Agents web page and standardised
methodology for developing occupational hygiene sampling and analytical
methods. We have a system for capturing best practice using engineering
design kits and sharing this on our intranet.
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