The manufacturing and use of new and advanced materials introduces emerging sources of emission of nanoscale particles in the work environment. The concerns are closely linked to the potential health effects of ultrafine particles for exposed workers, although the scientific evidence should be still improved to support this relationship. New safe and sustainable by-design approaches have been developed by application of the precautionary principle, to support enterprises in reducing the gap between the rapid growing of products marketplace and the risk management actions needed for the regulatory requirements. In parallel, opportunities provided by the application of the innovative properties of nanotechnologies may contribute to improving occupational health and safety levels, also in applications to the traditional risks. In this view materials with new and enhanced properties could be integrated into sensors and new technological devices to support the early detection of harmful substances in the work environment (i.e. chemical, carcinogenic and biological agents). The scope of the session is to explore new methodological approaches and innovative risk assessment and monitoring tools to guarantee a healthy and safe workplace in the near future.