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3 Occupational Health and Biofuels Production
Pages 37-46

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From page 37...
... . The limited data that are currently available suggest that workers in the renewable energy industry may experience reduced rates of occupational 37
From page 38...
... Much is already known about the hazards associated with the production of various agriculture inputs as well as with the distribution and end use of biofuels products, Reynolds noted, and this knowledge can be applied proactively to manage risk in this industry. However, the risks of familiar hazards in new production situations and of novel hazards, such as genetically modified organisms or the use of nanotechnology, have not been addressed well in this industry.
From page 39...
... Hagstrom and colleagues (2008) found that workers at pellet production plants were exposed to excessive concentrations of wood dust and resin acids, indicating potential for a significant respiratory health risk.
From page 40...
... ENSURING HEALTH AND SAFETY IN BIOFUELS PRODUCTION Although there is relatively little research on health risks in biofuels production specifically, there are already a number of government activities and programs in the United States and abroad aimed at improving occupational health and safety in this industry. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health NIOSH has an initiative addressing exposures, primarily chemical and physical exposures, as part of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)
From page 41...
... The primary focus has been on high-profile and fatal incidents typical of chemical processing and grain handling and storage. Typical regulatory violations include failure to use proper electrical equipment, deficiencies in hazard analysis and operating procedures, catastrophic chemical releases, training of workers, and respiratory protection programs.
From page 42...
... The World Health Organization and the European Union's European Agency for Safety and Health at Work have both tackled policy and equity associated with green jobs. And the Stockholm Environment Institute in Sweden has evaluated potential sustainable developments of a wide array of bioenergy projects, specifically asking whether the project contributes to improving the health and safety of workers.
From page 43...
...  There are a number of significant initiatives outside the United States that can share lessons learned and offer opportunities for collaboration.  Basic research is needed on emerging biomass hazards, including bioaerosols, nanotechnology, genetically modified micro-organisms, and other agents used in the rapidly evolving biomass technologies.
From page 44...
... And, again, a successful management strategy needs to systematically address worker health and safety as a component of production, quality, environment, and security." DISCUSSION The first question in the discussion came from an audience member who asked how occupational health standards in the biomass production industry compare with those of other industries. Reynolds answered that his perception is that the petrochemical processing industry is very advanced in terms of its risk hazard assessment and risk management, while the biofuels processing industry in not nearly so far along.
From page 45...
... 2011. Does the use of biofuels affect respiratory health among male Danish energy plant workers?
From page 46...
... 2009. Expansion of renewable energy industries and implications for occupational health.


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