Workers’ exposure survey on cancer risk factors in Europe

The Workers’ Exposure Survey on cancer risk factors in Europe (WES) provides information on workers’ probable exposure to 24 known cancer risk factors during their last working week. WES was conducted in Germany, Ireland, Spain, France, Hungary and Finland in 2023.

A random, population-based sample of workers aged 15 years or more participated in each country, including both employed and self-employed, and covering all the occupations and sectors of economic activity, as well as those employed in public administration. Overall, 24,402 workers were interviewed.

WES aims to better identify the cancer risk factors responsible for most of the exposures, providing an accurate and comprehensive overview that can contribute to preventive measures, awareness-raising and policy-making, ultimately helping in the fight against occupational cancer.