Brussels, 20/12/2007 (Agence Europe) - In Brussels on 17 December, the European Parliament employment and social affairs committee adopted, by a large majority, the draft report by Glenis Willmott (PES, UK), backing a Europe-wide drive against exposure to new cancer-causing substances at work and measures to combat musculo-skeletal disorders, such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries.
The report calls for special attention for disabled workers and vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, young, ageing, and temporary workers. Studies show that, for these workers, the rate of occupational accidents and diseases is much higher than the EU average, says the rapporteur, who goes on: “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”. To tackle these risks, Willmott says that new European legislation was needed. In particular, she notes in a press release: “We need binding limit values for cancer-causing substances, such as crystalline silica, which can cause pulmonary diseases”. She concludes by saying: “The European Commission also needs a carrot-and-stick approach to implementing and enforcing existing laws - combining rigorous inspections with financial incentives for employers”.
Stephen Hughes (PES, UK) noted that the European Commission had proposed to cut accidents at work by 25% throughout the EU. “We need similar ambitious targets for cuts in occupational diseases and cancers,” he said. (G.B.)