Euro MPs Call For Tighter Protection Against Health Risks At Work


PSE Socialist Group in EuropeEuro MPs today, 18 December 2007, adopted measures to protect workers from a new generation of health threats at work.

The all-party European Parliament employment committee wants a Europe-wide drive against new, cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace as well as measures to combat musculo-skeletal disorders such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries.

Socialist spokesman on the committee, Stephen Hughes, said: "The European Commission has proposed to cut accidents at work by 25 per cent throughout the EU. We need similar ambitious targets for cuts in occupational diseases and cancers."

British Labour MEP Glenis Willmott, who drafted the report adopted today, said: "We need new EU legislation to deal with new and emerging risks and where the existing laws have proved to be inadequate.

"In particular, we need binding new limit values for cancer-causing substances, such as crystalline silica, which can cause pulmonary diseases."

The report calls for special attention to disabled workers and vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, young, ageing and temporary agency workers.

Glenis Willmott MEPSaid Mrs Willmott: "Studies show that for these workers the rate of occupational accidents and diseases is much higher than the EU average. Most of them are at the lower end of the income scale and at higher risk because they lack training and awareness of either their rights or the risks involved in their work.

"The European Commission also needs a carrot-and-stick approach to implementing and enforcing existing laws — combining rigorous inspections with financial incentives for employers."

Source: PSE news release


 
 
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