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Inherent Safety is generally recognised as an important concept in the design of chemical plants. It is, however, often regarded as the sole province of engineers. Inspired by the successful development in the last decade from cleaner technology towards Cleaner Production, we explored in this research the feasibility of what we call Inherently Safer Production. Four pilot cases were carried out, two in the Netherlands and two in Greece; three in existing plants, one at the design stage. A methodology to generate inherently safer technological options was developed and tested. In all four cases, a number of options for inherently safer production were identified, while more traditional safety options were also identified. The great majority of options was shown to have pay back times of less than 2 years. Overall, 25% of the options were implemented during the project. In existing plants, the option generation process can be organised as a collective learning and inspiring effort. This can be of considerable value on its own, apart from the implementation of the (technological) options identified. We conclude that Inherently Safer Production is a feasible concept, that it has great potential for simultaneous improvement of safety and economic performance, and that it deserves to be further developed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inherent Safety is generally recognised as an important concept in the design of chemical plants. It is, however, often regarded as the sole province of engineers. Inspired by the successful development in the last decade from cleaner technology towards Cleaner Production, we explored in this research the feasibility of what we call Inherently Safer Production. Four pilot cases were carried out, two in the Netherlands and two in Greece; three in existing plants, one at the design stage. A methodology to generate inherently safer technological options was developed and tested. In all four cases, a number of options for inherently safer production were identified, while more traditional safety options were also identified. The great majority of options was shown to have pay back times of less than 2 years. Overall, 25% of the options were implemented during the project. In existing plants, the option generation process can be organised as a collective learning and inspiring effort. This can be of considerable value on its own, apart from the implementation of the (technological) options identified. We conclude that Inherently Safer Production is a feasible concept, that it has great potential for simultaneous improvement of safety and economic performance, and that it deserves to be further developed. © 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Shoulder pain is widespread and imposes a considerable burden on the affected person and society. Women seem to have more shoulder problems than men, and the frequency of shoulder pain increases with age. Smoking and previous trauma are associated with shoulder pain. A recent systematic review of the literature by van der Windt et al looked at occupational risks for shoulder pain; risks were divided into physical factors (such as carrying or lifting heavy loads, working in awkward postures, engaging in repetitive movements, and being exposed to vibrations) and psychosocial factors related to work. Nearly all studies that assessed work related psychosocial risk factors reported at least one positive association with shoulder pain, but the results were not consistent across studies. People with shoulder pain should remain active and return to normal activity or temporarily modified work as soon as possible. Attention should also be paid to preventing shoulder pain at work. Work tasks should be varied and employees should be offered opportunities for developing their jobs and influencing their work patterns.

Shoulder pain is widespread and imposes a considerable burden on the affected person and society. Women seem to have more shoulder problems than men, and the frequency of shoulder pain increases with age. Smoking and previous trauma are associated with shoulder pain. A recent systematic review of the literature by van der Windt et al looked at occupational risks for shoulder pain; risks were divided into physical factors (such as carrying or lifting heavy loads, working in awkward postures, engaging in repetitive movements, and being exposed to vibrations) and psychosocial factors related to work. Nearly all studies that assessed work related psychosocial risk factors reported at least one positive association with shoulder pain, but the results were not consistent across studies. People with shoulder pain should remain active and return to normal activity or temporarily modified work as soon as possible. Attention should also be paid to preventing shoulder pain at work. Work tasks should be varied and employees should be offered opportunities for developing their jobs and influencing their work patterns.