What is one challenge associated with using existing exposure data for risk assessment?

The challenge of using existing exposure data for risk assessment lies in the possibility that the data may be outdated or not reflective of current work conditions. As work environments and practices evolve, the exposures to various hazards can change significantly. If the data was collected several years ago, it may not account for new equipment, processes, or safety measures that have been implemented since then. This can lead to assessments that do not accurately represent the current risks to workers, potentially resulting in inadequate safety protocols and increased vulnerability to hazards.

Additionally, the variability in work conditions across different sites and industries means that data collected from one setting may not be applicable to another. This lack of representativeness can further complicate the risk assessment process, as decisions based on outdated or non-representative data may fail to address actual exposure risks effectively. Thus, it's crucial to use current and relevant data for assessing risks accurately.