Short communication: does risk perception affect behaviour and exposure? A pilot study amongst asbestos workers

摘要

It is hypothesised that there is a causal association between workers' perceptions of the risks from handling hazardous materials, their behaviour while working and their consequent exposure. This has been investigated in a small group of workers carrying out remedial work on amosite insulating boards and similar products. Risk perception was first assessed using a questionnaire and then the workers' behaviour was recorded alongside task-based measurements of fibre exposure. There was a clear association of higher cumulative exposures when workers used power tools compared to manual methods(about seven times higher).