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A Cumulative Risk Perspective for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professionals

Author

Listed:
  • Richard Todd Niemeier

    (Division of Science Integration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH 45226, USA)

  • Pamela R.D. Williams

    (E Risk Sciences, LLP, Lafayette, CO 80026, USA)

  • Alan Rossner

    (Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY 13699, USA)

  • Jane E. Clougherty

    (Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA)

  • Glenn E. Rice

    (Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Office of Research and Development, USA EPA, Cincinnati, OH 45268, USA)

Abstract

Cumulative risk assessment (CRA) addresses the combined risk associated with chemical and non-chemical exposures. Although CRA approaches are utilized in environmental and ecological contexts, they are rarely applied in workplaces. In this perspectives article, we strive to raise awareness among occupational health and safety (OHS) professionals and foster the greater adoption of a CRA perspective in practice. Specifically, we provide an overview of CRA literature as well as preliminary guidance on when to consider a CRA approach in occupational settings and how to establish reasonable boundaries. Examples of possible workplace co-exposures and voluntary risk management actions are discussed. We also highlight important implications for workplace CRA research and practice. In particular, future needs include simple tools for identifying combinations of chemical and non-chemical exposures, uniform risk management guidelines, and risk communication materials. Further development of practical CRA methods and tools are essential to meet the needs of complex and changing work environments.

Suggested Citation

  • Richard Todd Niemeier & Pamela R.D. Williams & Alan Rossner & Jane E. Clougherty & Glenn E. Rice, 2020. "A Cumulative Risk Perspective for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Professionals," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-19, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:17:y:2020:i:17:p:6342-:d:406826
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Schulte, P.A. & Pandalai, S. & Wulsin, V. & Chun, H.K., 2012. "Interaction of occupational and personal risk factors in workforce health and safety," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(3), pages 434-448.
    2. Sexton, K. & Linder, S.H., 2011. "Cumulative risk assessment for combined health effects from chemical and nonchemical stressors," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 101(SUPPL. 1), pages 81-88.
    3. Sara L. Tamers & L. Casey Chosewood & Adele Childress & Heidi Hudson & Jeannie Nigam & Chia-Chia Chang, 2019. "Total Worker Health ® 2014–2018: The Novel Approach to Worker Safety, Health, and Well-Being Evolves," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-19, January.
    4. Mary A. Fox & L. Elizabeth Brewer & Lawrence Martin, 2017. "An Overview of Literature Topics Related to Current Concepts, Methods, Tools, and Applications for Cumulative Risk Assessment (2007–2016)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-28, April.
    5. Teresa Chahine & Bradley D. Schultz & Valerie G. Zartarian & Jianping Xue & S. V. Subramanian & Jonathan I. Levy, 2011. "Modeling Joint Exposures and Health Outcomes for Cumulative Risk Assessment: The Case of Radon and Smoking," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 8(9), pages 1-24, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zuzhen Ji & Dirk Pons & John Pearse, 2021. "A Methodology for Harmonizing Safety and Health Scales in Occupational Risk Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-15, May.
    2. Mary A. Fox & Richard Todd Niemeier & Naomi Hudson & Miriam R. Siegel & Gary Scott Dotson, 2021. "Cumulative Risks from Stressor Exposures and Personal Risk Factors in the Workplace: Examples from a Scoping Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-12, May.

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