Workplace Safety » Features » Exposure register

Exposure

The exposure register provides an overview of employees who have been exposed to hazardous substances or processes, for example related to carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic chemicals, asbestos, rock work, biological material or radiation.

Exposure to chemicals can be risky and have immediate health consequences. Even more important are the long-term hazards – illnesses and injuries can occur years after exposure. Therefore, some regulations require certain companies to keep an exposure register. The register is not only a documentation requirement, but also an important tool in preventive work, surveys and risk assessments. It gives employers and employees a comprehensive overview of exposures in the workplace.

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In the feature you can:

  • Easily register exposures
  • Ensure that all employees have access to their own data in accordance with GDPR
  • Effectively record exposure of repetitive work operations
  • Create and save detailed reports for documentation

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

An exposure register is a record that documents employees’ potential and actual exposure to hazardous sources or processes. This includes accidents, spills and other incidents that may have resulted in exposure. The register makes it possible to document past exposures and is particularly important in cases of suspected occupational disease or in connection with compensation claims.

Maintaining an exposure register is an important measure to protect employees’ health and safety. In many jurisdictions, regulations require organisations to keep such records when employees are working with particularly hazardous substances, such as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals, as well as other high-risk exposures.

As work-related illness may develop many years after exposure, it is essential that this information is recorded and maintained on an ongoing basis. Requirements and scope may vary depending on applicable national legislation.

Exposure related to hazardous sources or processes, including:

  • Chemicals (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic)
  • Asbestos
  • Mining and quarrying
  • Biological material
  • Radiation

Only certain substances and types of exposure are subject to mandatory registration. The specific requirements will depend on applicable national regulations (for example, Norwegian legislation such as the Regulations on the Performance of Work, Chapter 31), and may vary between jurisdictions.

Several occupational groups may be exposed to hazardous substances and processes, including:

  • Employees in industry (chemical industry, metal production, welding and woodworking)
  • Employees in construction and civil engineering (demolition, remediation, and work involving asbestos and concrete dust)
  • Employees in healthcare and laboratories (radiation, chemicals and infectious agents)
  • Employees in cleaning, waste collection and waste management (biological material and hazardous waste)
  • Employees in mines and tunnels (dust, gases and residues from explosives)
  • Employees in energy and research (radioactive material and ionising radiation)

The content of an exposure register is typically defined by applicable occupational health and safety regulations. These requirements may vary depending on the country and jurisdiction, as well as the type of exposure involved. In general, an exposure register will include:

  • Employee details, such as name, national identity number (where applicable) and job title
  • Description of the work carried out
  • Workplace or location
  • Information about the exposure, including exposure level, frequency and duration

Chemical exposure can be prevented by identifying risks, carrying out risk assessments and implementing preventive measures. These may include substitution of hazardous chemicals, technical measures such as ventilation, organisational measures, use of appropriate personal protective equipment and adequate employee training.

In many jurisdictions, organisations are required to maintain an exposure register for employees who are, or may be, exposed to certain hazardous chemicals or processes. The register should document who has been exposed, what they were exposed to, and over what period, in accordance with applicable national regulations. Requirements may vary between countries and industries.

Information from the exposure register must be made available during inspections by authorities. In some cases, there may also be a requirement to submit information upon request, or in connection with follow-up of occupational injuries or occupational diseases.

The employer is responsible for establishing and maintaining the exposure register. Occupational health services may assist in this work, but the responsibility cannot be delegated.

Information in the exposure register must be retained for a very long period, often between 40 and 60 years, depending on the type of exposure. The information must be available for as long as the employee is alive and may be critical documentation in cases of occupational disease and potential compensation claims.

Yes, both current and former employees have the right to access their own entries in the exposure register.

Yes, linking the exposure register with the chemical inventory and risk assessments provides a more comprehensive overview and supports better follow-up and prevention.

Yes, a digital exposure register makes it easy to record, store and update exposure data in a structured and clear manner.

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