In memory of the 262 miners of 12 nationalities who died on 8 August 1956 at the Bois du Cazier mine in Marcinelle (Belgium), on Wednesday 6 May MEPs approved by a large majority (45 votes in favour, none against, 6 abstentions) a draft resolution by Chiara Gemma (ECR, Italian) calling for 8 August to become European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers.
The aim of this day would be to raise awareness among the public, companies and public authorities of the importance of prevention and safety at work, while putting in place concrete initiatives in schools and workplaces, according to a press release from the relevant parliamentary committee.
The rapporteur had tabled an alternative amendment calling for this day to be celebrated on 28 April, in conjunction with the ILO’s World Day for Safety and Health at Work.
MEPs also want the European Commission to assess and address the occupational health and safety risks associated with AI. According to them, workers hired through digital work platforms and those whose tasks, pace and performance are directed or evaluated by AI-based tools may be exposed to increased risks due to an intensified pace of work, abusive surveillance and a lack of transparency in algorithmic decision-making.
The committee also calls on the Commission to anticipate the risks to health and safety at work associated with climatic factors, such as extreme weather events and atmospheric pollution.
See the compromise amendments to the draft resolution: https://aeur.eu/f/lu3 (Original version in French by Mathieu Bion)