Assessment and monitoring of the health and safety in a chemical industry (2003 to 2010)

Introduction
The aim of this study is to show the improvement about the environmental & personal controls through seven years in a industry sector, who works with as substantial chemical risk (solution of sodium dichromate). This substance is considered a carcinogen product.

Methods
The area studied is related to the production of chromium +3 from chromium +6. The risk was identified, clinical and biological studies conducted on all workers exposed to dichromate and environmental samples were taken. Chromium analysis was performed in air during production as well as studies of chromium in urine, spirometry, thorax x-ray and medical evaluation. Chromium studies in biological samples and in air were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. For lung function spirometer was used. The Thoracic x-ray were conducted under ILO standard.

Results
In accordance with the results proved a real improvement in working and environmental conditions that ranges from building improvements to those of procedures such as the training of the operators in the course of these seven years.

Discussion
Is confirmed that the redesign of the workplace has minimized the emission of chromium into the environment and thus decreasing the risk of exposure to workers. The Management that this chemical industry has undertaken to effectively minimize the risks of exposure to sodium dichromate and lead a program of health surveillance of workers, is a clear indicator that it is possible to confront the challenge of development without undermining working and environment conditions and no compromising the health of workers.