INTRODUCTION

The Dutch chemical industry is not as large as that in Germany, the UK or Italy, however in relation to the working population of the Netherlands it not insignificant. Nor of course is exposure to hazardous chemicals limited to employees in the chemicals industries, as we have pointed out in previous chapters on the other countries in the study. Indeed, the Netherlands was chosen as one of the countries for more detailed study because its policy on regulating the management of chemical risks at the workplace is widely held to be highly developed and innovative. It is a policy that has developed as a result of a long-standing and active interest in improving the work environment in relation to the use of chemical substances that has been shared by trade unions, industry and the state.

Despite (or perhaps because of) such engagement, according to the European Foundation's Third Survey of Working Conditions, Dutch respondents generally thought themselves slightly less well informed about the risks resulting from the use of materials, instruments and products at work than the average for the EU 15. ^[390] At the same time they regarded themselves less exposed to breathing in vapours, fumes dusts or dangerous substances than the average for the EU 15 as a whole and less likely to handle dangerous products or substances. ^[391]

Special features evident in the approach to both setting and using OELs include:

• involvement of trade unions and employers' organisations and representatives of the state

• a relatively...