The novel properties of materials at the nanoscale can introduce emerging risks, not only related to their chemical composition, but also to their shape, size and active surface. Work environments represent a critical setting in the whole life cycle of nanomaterials in which the safety and health risks should be assessed and managed.

In this view, the Prevention-through-Design approach can help to integrate health and safety requirements with production needs, focusing all the efforts to anticipate workers protection, starting from the design stage of innovative production processes and materials. At the same time, the opportunities offered by nanotechnologies can be exploited for the improvement of health and safety levels in the workplace, through the development of new devices that may support risk management procedures.