Managing chemicals safely and securely has always been an issue and has become even more important in the last few years. The chemical industry has had a major focus on safety for decades, in the developed world it is very safe to work in the industry compared to other industry segments. The ICCA report card shows the reduction in injuries over the last decade. (see video below) There are, however, gaps in safety practices not only in the developing areas of the world, but also in the academic and government laboratories in more highly-developed economies.
There is a focus on safety and security management of chemicals world-wide. The chemical industry, through the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA) Responsible Care Process is working with the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) to improve safety practices. The ICCA companies are approaching this by focusing on introducing the Responsible Care process in developing economies and are currently concentrating on African countries.
A long-term key goal of IUPAC has been to build chemistry-based capacity in developing countries. This involves actively pursuing a better understanding of chemistry and training people throughout academic institutions, industries, governments, and the public. IUPAC supports the ICCA via IUPAC’s Committee on Chemistry and Industry’s Safety Training Program and because IUPAC and ICCA have congruent goals to build safety and security capabilities.