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To introduce the topic, two important sources for protection against discrimination and protection against risks at workplace are mentioned as examples:

According to United Nations “Universal Declaration of Human Rights” (UN, 1948) “[…] All are equal before the law and are entitled without any discrimination to equal protection of the law. All are entitled to equal protection against any discrimination in violation of this Declaration and against any incitement to such discrimination” (Article 7). Furthermore, […] “Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment” (Article 23, No. 1).

According to European Council Directive on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (EC, 1989) “[…] The employer shall have a duty to ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to the work” (Article 5, No. 1) and “[…] the employer shall, taking into account the nature of the activities of the enterprise and/ or establishment: (a) evaluate the risks to the safety and health of workers, inter alia in the choice of work equipment, the chemical substances or preparations used, and the fitting-out of work places. […]” (Article 6, No. 3).

In summary, it can be concluded that, on the one hand, everyone has the right to do any work they want without discrimination. On the other hand, the employer must ensure safety and health of workers in every aspect related to the work and must evaluate the risks to the safety and health of workers.

Numerous studies have shown significant differences between individuals according to demographic factors such as age and gender. Looking e.g. at the body composition of men and women, the female body is generally smaller, has a lower percentage of muscle and a smaller lung volume. Thus, chemical exposures, for example, affect women differently than men. Physical exposures like lifting heavy load also affect women differently than men, as the distance to maximum physical performance is smaller. Of course, there are also variations within the group of men and within the group of women, but the differences between the groups are highly significant. Physical performance also decreases in older age.

When analysing international risk assessment procedures/methods for physical exposures, it is noticeable that the aspect of demographic factors is handled very differently. What is the best way to ensure equal protection for all without discrimination? It is undisputed that every worker has equal rights to physical integrity in the workplace. Should physiological differences due to demographic factors be considered or ignored in the risk assessment at workplaces? This presentation aims to raise awareness of this topic and present and discuss different perspectives.

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