TRA Task Force – Worker branch

Why?

The Worker TRA Task Force has been active since 2019, delivering projects that advance the scientific basis of the Worker Targeted Risk Assessment (TRA) tool. Its overarching objective is to enhance the tool's performance and maintain confidence in its use for occupational exposure assessment.

A review in recent years of published validation studies comparing Worker TRA model predictions with measured inhalation and dermal exposure data from workplace settings informed a targeted update of the tool. This work led to the release of TRA Worker v3.2 in 2023, incorporating targeted evidence-based refinements which added further conservatism to the tool. The updated version introduced lower base estimates for certain inhalation and dermal exposure scenarios and reduced assumptions regarding the effectiveness of local exhaust ventilation for others.
The scientific basis for this work and details of the updates are presented in ECETOC Technical Reports No. 140 and No. 141, and in Savic et al. (2023).

Despite these advances, important data and knowledge gaps remain. The Task Force continues to review emerging evidence and identify opportunities for further refinement of the Worker TRA tool.​