Concluding Remarks of the Second Day and Closing

1. Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2016
Concluding Remarks
Day 2
Jukka Malm
European Chemicals Agency

2. Plant Safety – Is it taking a
back seat to economic
pressures
Panel 4

3. Keep safety in the front seat
• Set agressive targets – but incidents do occur
• Minimise accident likelihood, extent and effects
• Cycle of: Prevent – prepare – respond – learn
• Systematic risk assessment and prevention pays
off – economic, environmental and social benefits
• Safety culture throughout the organisation
• Role of leadership and management systems
• No tick box – continuous improvement
• Public participation, risk communication
3

4. 4
Discussion topics
• How to better integrate chemicals plant safety
with other policies?
• Chemicals safety - More systematic use of newly
generated hazard and safety information on substances?
• Link to Circular Economy?
• Combating international terrorism
• Consider cultural differences in engagement with
local communities
• Identify elements that can disturb the continual
improvement

5. How to tackle chemicals of
high concern in products –
The construction sector as
a case study
Panel 5

6. Key themes
• Hazardous substances as part of a multi-
dimensional, complex issue – holistic approach
• Safe, healthy and sustainable buildings
• Materials vs chemicals
• Circular economy – non-toxic material cycles
• Complex supply chains – long life cycles
• Chemical safety – combined exposures
• Coherence across product policies
6

7. 7
Windows of opportunity
• Coherent and consistent product policies
• Technical standards, ecolabelling, ecodesign, green
public procurement
• More systematic use of newly generated hazard
and safety information on substances
• Sharing of approaches, workload and
experiences, avoid duplication
• Piloting and partnership with forerunners

8. Towards sustainability and green
growth via holistic and integrated
approaches
8

9. 9

10. Thank you!
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jukka.malm@echa.europa.eu