29/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The Council of the EU formally adopted a decision on setting up an advisory committee on safety, hygiene and health protection at work which will bring together the current advisory committee (ACSHHPW) and the permanent committee for health and safety in mines and other extractive industries. The decision is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2004. The objective of this new advisory committee is to help the Commission prepare and implement activities in the areas of health and safety in the work place and to facilitate cooperation between national administrations and trade unions and employers' organisations. The Employment Council reached a political agreement on this proposal during is session on 2-3 June in Luxembourg (see EUROPE 4 June p 10).