Policy shifts to autonomous chemical management, and asbestos litigation in the construction industry

• Published in: Journal of Occupational Health Law Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 174 - 177
• Main Author: Hashimoto, Haruo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese
• Published: The Japan Association of Occupation Health Law 2023; 一般社団法人 日本産業保健法学会
• Subjects: Change of mindset; Chemical substances; Experts; Risk assessment; Self-directed management; リスクアセスメント; 化学物質; 専門家; 意識改革; 自律的管理
• ISSN: 2758-2566; 2758-2574
• DOI: 10.57523/jaohl.2.1_174

The government has publicized its intent to convert chemical substancemanagement, which was conventionally based on compliance with laws andregulations, to self-directed management. Employers will be responsible forconducting risk assessment and risk management, and for protecting workers attheir own discretion. In order to prevent disasters such as that caused by the use ofasbestos in construction, employers, as well as the occupational health professionalswho support them, should change their mindset from the past, have a strongconviction to ensure safety and health, adhere to a law-abiding awareness andethics, and nurture experts for chemical management.