Is Europe on the right track when it comes to workplace risks?

The "EU Strategic Framework for Health and Safety at Work 2021–2027" (see News 7/2021) aims to update the European Commission's recommendation on occupational diseases and introduce the "Vision Zero" concept for work-related accidents and occupational diseases, among others. Vision Zero focuses on a world without work-related accidents and occupational diseases, in which the prevention of fatal and serious accidents at work and occupational diseases has the highest priority.

Three years after the introduction of the Strategic Framework, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) took a tragic event in the construction industry and the exposure of firefighters as an opportunity to discuss the comprehensive prevention culture in the European Union.

More measures for "Vision Zero"?

A work-related accident occurred on a construction site in Florence in mid-February. The investigation appears to be difficult, as the deceased and seriously injured construction workers were employed through a network of subcontractors. The frequency of accidents in subcontracting is a phenomenon that is not limited to Italy. This practice leads above all to problems in complying with health and safety regulations, including regulations on safety equipment. Against this backdrop, MEPs spoke out in favour of looking more closely at issues relating to safety in the workplace.

In the debate in the European Parliament on 28 February 2024, Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson emphasised that the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) must play a greater role in providing practical tools and information. The discussion also touched on legal reforms. In particular, MEPs called for a critical review of the extent to which the directive on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work (Directive 89/391/EEC) has been implemented in practice and what impact it actually has.

Equal protection for firefighters

Another health and safety issue that concerns MEPs from Italy is focussed on firefighters. During their work, they are exposed to the risk of contamination by asbestos or forever chemicals. Especially if they work in buildings and facilities in which these substances have been used. Foaming agents used for firefighting are another potential source of danger.

Despite the vital work that firefighters do, they do not have access to social security benefits and other protective measures in the event of incapacity for work in all Member States. This should be changed as soon as possible, say the Italian MEPs in a question to the European Commission. EU Social Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, who commented on this in writing, emphasised that although there is a recommendation on occupational diseases, issues relating to the recognition of occupational diseases and compensation are the responsibility of the Member States.

Future importance of occupational health and safety

The voices from the European Parliament show that there is still a lot to do before 2027. It therefore remains to be seen whether the European Commission's priorities for the period between 2024 and 2029 will include further improvements to health and safety in the workplace, as called for by some Members of the European Parliament.