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COM (84) 628 
 
 
 
Vol. 1984/0 237 
  
 
Disclaimer  
Conformém ent au règlement (CEE, Euratom) n° 354/83 du Conseil du 1er février 1983 
concernant l'ouverture au public des archives historiques de la Communauté économique 
européenne et de la Communauté européenne de l'énergie atomique (JO L 43 du 15.2.1983, 
p. 1), tel que modifié par le règlement (CE, Euratom) n° 1700/2003 du 22 septembre 2003 
(JO L 243 du 27.9.2003, p. 1), ce dossier est ouvert au public. Le cas échéant, les documents 
classifiés présents dans ce dossier ont été déclassifiés conformément à l'article 5 dudit 
règlem ent. 
In accordance with Council Regulation (EEC, Euratom) No 354/83 of 1 February 1983 
concerning the openi ng to the public of the historical archives of the European Econom ic 
Community and the European Atomic Energy Communit y (OJ L 43, 15.2.1983, p. 1), as 
amended by Regulation (EC, Euratom) No 1700/2003 of 22 September 2003 (OJ L 243, 
27.9.2003, p. 1), this f ile is open to the public. Where necessary, classified documents in this 
file have been declassified in conformity with Article 5 of the aforementioned regulation.  
In Übereinstimmung mit der Verordnung (EWG, Euratom) Nr. 354/83 des Rates vom  1. 
Februar 198 3 über die Freigabe der historischen Archive der Europäischen  
Wirtschaftsgemeinschaft und der Europäischen Atomgem einschaft (ABI. L 43 vom  15.2.1983,  
S. 1), geändert durch die Verordnung (EG, Euratom) Nr. 1700/2003 vom 22. Septem ber 2003  
(ABI. L 243 vom 27 .9.2003, S. 1), ist diese Datei der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich. Soweit  
erforderlich, wurden die Verschlusssachen in dieser Datei in Übereinstimmung mit Artikel 5  
der genannten Verordnung freigegeben.  
COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
COM(84) 628 final  
Brussels, 15 November 1984
EIGHTH PROGRESS REPORT OF THE
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON SAFETY, HYGIENE AND HEALTH PROTECTION AT WORK
(PERIOD: 1983)
COM (84) 628 final

E X P IA N A T O E Y  S T A T E M E N T
The Council Decision 74/325/EEG of 27 June 1974 (O.J. No. L 185  
of 9 July 1974) on the setting up of an Advisory Ccnmittee on Safety,  
Hygiene and Health Protection at Work, provides in article 3 that:
"1) The Camiittee shall produce an annual report on its  
activities.
2) The Carmission shall forward that report to the European  
Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social Ccnmittee  
and the Consultative Ccnmittee of the European Coal and  
Steel Ccnmunity."
This Advisory Ccnmittee approved the enclosed Eighth Progress  
Report (Doc. No. V/liLJX/7276/84) in the meeting of 29 and 30 May 1984.

CONTENTS Pa9g
0. INTRODUCTION 2
1. MEMBERSHIP OF THE CDfMLTTEE, WORKING PARTIES AND '  2
RESTRICTED GROUP
2. STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
3. MEETINGS2
3
4. ACTIVITTFy; op m e COMMITTEE AND WORKING PARTIES 5
4.0 GENERAL REVIEW 5
4.1 DESCRIPTION OF ACTIVITIES 7
5. CONCLUSIONS 10
Annex I : List of members of the_Ccnmittee, working parties and
restricted group (at 31.12.1983)
Annex II : Second action programme of the European Gcnrnunities on
safety and health at vrork
(Council Resolution of 27.2.1984, OJ C 67, 8.3.1984)  
Annex III : DG V/E plan of vrork for 1984 (doc. 7039/84)
Annex IV : Other subjects related to Caimittee activities
C o r r ig e n d u m
I n  t h e  7 t h  p r o g r e s s  r e p o r t ,  P a g e  9» P o i n t  6 ,  2 n d  l i n e ,  ’ DG I I I ’ s h o u ld  
h e  r e p l a c e d  b y  TG  X I ’ .

0. INTRODUCTION
Article 4 of the Council Decision of 27 June 1974 on the setting up  
of an Advisory Ccmmittee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at  
Work provides that the Ccmmittee "shall produce an annual report of  
its activities" and that "the Ccmmission shall forward this report to  
the European Parliament, the Council, the Economic and Social  
Ccmmittee and the Consultative Committee of the European Coal and  
Steel Ocmmunity".
The Eighth Progress Report for the year 1983 was approved by the  
Ccmmittee on 30 May 1984.
1. MEMBERSHIP OF THE COMMITTEE, WORKING PARTIES AND RESTRICTED GROUP
Hie lists of members of the Ccmmittee, the three working parties and  
the restricted Group at the end of 1983 are given in Annex I.
Since 1983 was the second year of the current term few changes have  
taken place. At the plenary meeting in November the resignation of  
Mr. SIION, Chairman of working party I and Mr. VASILDPOULOS, Vice-  
Chairman of working party I were announced. Tributes to their service  
were expressed by members and the Chairman expressed appreciation for  
their work on behalf of the Ccmnission.
Hie mandate of the Ccmmittee extends to 31 March 1985.
2. STRUCTURE AND OPERATION
2.0 The structure and mode of operation of the Ccmmittee, the three  
permanent working parties and the Restricted Group remained  
unchanged in 1983.
2.1 There were no changes in secretarial staff.-  2 -

- J
3. MEETINGS
There was a total of 14 meetings in 1983, a number ocmparable to  
previous years; however, the meetings were spread over fewer days  
than in any year since the creation of the Caimittee. Details of  
the trend in recent years are given in the table.

NUMBER OF MEETINGS AND NUMBER OF DAYS DEVOTED TO MEETINGS  
1978 / 1983
N u m b e r o f  m e e tin g s N um b e r o f  d a y s
198 3 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978
C o m m itte e ^ 1 1 1 1 32 2 2 1 2 6 6
W o r k in g  
P a r t y  I
i.? <b)
28(b ) <0 4 9 5 11 11 11 8 15 10
W o r k in g  
P a r t y  I I323 2 3 3 6 3 6 4 4
W o r k in g  
P a r t y  I I I
R e s t r i c t e d
G ro u p1
32 3 4 2 1 1 2 6 6 2 1
2 42 4 4 3 2 4 2 4 4
TOTAL14 14 16 14 20 15 20 23 25 24 31 25
(a) P re c e d e d  b y  a  p r e p a r a t o r y  m e e t in g  o f  t h e  w o r k e r s ' a n d  t h e  e m p lo y e r s ' g r o u p s  ( s i n c e  1979) find o f  t h e  
r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  o f  t h e  n a t i o n a l  g o v e r n m e n ts  ( s i n c e  I 9 8I )
(b) Including two preparatory meetings devoted to drafting work
3 t> r) h / b 3  BN

4. ACTIVITIES OF THE (XMgTEEE
4.0 General review
4.0. 0 Apart form organizational matters, all activities arise
directly or indirectly form the First Action Programme of  
the European Calamities on Safety and Health at Work*).
4.0. 1 Activities in 1983 were concentrated on the following:
a) preparation of the opinion on the "Harmonization of  
exposure limit values, biological and workplace  
environment monitoring and health surveillance" (cf.  
further under activities (5) and (7) on the next page;
b) the opinion on the first plan of work for DG V/E  
following form the Second Action Programme;
c) discussions on reforming the Gcnmittee.
The fact that the Second Action Programme**) submitted by  
the Ccrrmission to the Council was not finally approved  
during the year did not materially effect the Committee's  
activities. The intention of the Council to request an  
annual plan of work related to the new programme was seen  
as an important development and one that should serve as a  
stimulus in future years.
4.0. 2 No new proposals were submitted to the Committee for an
opinion. The Committee noted that the Second Individual  
Directive within the meaning of Article 8 of Directive  
80/1107/EEC, concerning protection to Asbestos was  
adopted by Council in September and that the proposal for  
a Third Individual Directive concerning protection against  
Noise was under discussion in the Economic and Social  
Committee, the European Parliament and the Council.
*) O.J. Nr. C 165 of 11 July 1978
**) O.J. Nr. C 308 of 25 November 1982

ACTIVITIES IN 1983
Opinions ocmpleted
(1) 1984 plan of work for DG V/E following the proposal for a Second  
Action Programme ;
(2) resarch programme on safety and health in the construction industry;
(3) small information brochure for workers on lead;
(4) statistics on fatal and serious accidents at work;
(5) harmonisation of exposure limits values, biological and workplace  
environment monitoring and health surveillance. Part I.
Opinions being prepared
(6) research programmes an safety in general;
(7) harmonisation of exposure limit values, bioligical and workplace  
environnent monitoring and health surveillance. Part 2;
(8) small information brochure for workers on asbestos*) ;
Internal organization
( 9) meeting with Caimissioner Richard;
(10) alternate members in the working parties;
(11) submission of documents by members;
(12) review of working parties.
*)The draft opinion on the Labelling of Carcinogenic substances had  
been held in abeyance.

- 7 -
4.1 Description of the activities
(1) Proposal for a Second Action Programme and first plan of
work for DG V/E ,
The Canmittee regretted that the opinion of the European  
Parliament on the proposal for a Second Programme of Action on  
Safety and Health at Work was not adopted during the year.
The Ocmnittee welcomed and gave a positive opinion on the draft  
first annual plan of work for DG V/E for 1984 requested by the  
Gouncil in the context of the Second Action Programme.
A number of proposals were made for items to be added in 1984 or  
1985. The Canmittee considered that the plan should provide the  
basis on which a working schedule could be prepared for the  
Ocranittee and its working parties.
(2) Research programme on safety and health in the construction  
industry (Doc. Nr. 3831/3/83 - Annex to Doc. Nr. 2648/83)
The Canmittee welcomed the approval in principal accorded to  
this proposal by DG XII.
(3) Small information brochure for workers on lead
The Committee approved the small information brochure on lead  
for workers, prepared by Working Party III. It agreed that after  
further design work this should be made available in all  
languages of the Community. Hie intention was that it should  
serve as a model for publication in Member States. This brochure  
on lead should be regarded as the first of a series dealing with  
chemical, physical and biological agents at work and particularly  
those agents addressed in Council Directives.
(4) Statistics on fatal and serious working accidents
The Canmittee supported the endeavours of the SOEC to adopt  
a more pragmatic, step-by-step approach in collecting statistics  
on major accidents at work for all Ganmunity industries.

-  8 -
Attention would be focussed initially on fatal accidents and then  
on other serious accidents to determine the number of accidents  
in both categories and the main causes.
(5) Harmonisation of exposure limits
Hie Cormittee received Part I of the opinion prepared by  
Working Party I on the harmonisation of exposure limit values,  
biological and workplace environment monitoring and health  
surveillance and requested that the Commission should take this  
into consideration when preparing the ocranunication to the  
Council in 1984.
(6) Research prograntne on safety
Working Party II developed ideas for a basic framework and  
criteria for selecting topics and subjects in connection with  
a general research programme on safety in the workplace.
(7) Harmonisation of exposure limit values
C o m p l e t i o n  of Part 2  of this document was foreseen in early  
1984.
(8) qn«i 1 information brochure for workers on asbestos
A draft of this brochure which will be the second in the series  
referred to earlier was foreseen for 1984.
(9) Meeting with Ccmnissigner Richard
The Committee noted that the restricted group had met with  
Commissioner Richard in October to discuss Commission policy  
in the field, and the role and functioning of the Committee.

- 9 -
The restricted group had sought to emphasise its concern  
about the lack of resources devoted to all aspects of the  
work on health and safety in the workplace.
In surmary the discussion revealed
- that the Ccnmission maintained safety and health at the  
workplace as a priority within social policy
- that the Carmittee had an important role in assisting the  
Carmission to develop actions in the field
- that the Carmission would welcane any reforms of the Carmittee  
which might lead to better working
- resource constraints were unchanged.
(10) Substitute members in the working parties
The Carmittee agreed to the proposal of the restricted group  
to retain the existing system of substitute members for the  
working parties.
(11) Submission of documents by members
The Carmittee agreed to implement the guidelines prepared by  
the restricted group on the submission of documents to working  
parties and plenary meetings. These comprise certain criteria  
with which documents (received from members or experts) must  
comply to be considered for translation, distribution or inclusior  
with the Carmittee1  s or a working party's report.
(12) Review of working parties
In response to critisism of the Carmittee and working parties  
and proposals for change in the method of working, the Carmittee  
and restricted group discussed at length their role and  
functioning. As noted earlier this matter was discussed with  
M. Richard at his meeting with the restricted group.

-  10 -
These discussions confirmed the important role of the  
Ccmnittee and the value of its past work. Two conclusions  
were reached namely, that the Committee must continue to  
be tripartite, and that in the light of the inbalance of  
responsibilities and work between the working parties, as  
evidenced by the pattern of meetings in 1983, this structure  
should be revised. Various options for this revision were  
discussed and the Chairman undertook to present proposals to  
the next plenary meeting based upon the views expressed by the  
different interest groups and individual members. Any agreed  
changes could then be implemented before the mandate of the  
Committee runs out in early 1985.
5. CONCLUSIONS AND OUTLOOK
1983 could prove in retrospect to have been an important year.  
Although the proposal for a Second Programme of Action was not  
finally adopted, the request of Council for the preparation of an  
annual plan of work has cilready been met. Both the consultation in  
preparation and involvement in execution of specific items should  
enhance the role of the Cormittee.
The Coimittee regretted the delays and lack of follow-up to  
initiatives taken in earlier years, and also the fact that it had  
again not proved possible for a Member of the Carmissicn to take  
the Chair at meetings.
The Cormittee is now aware of the need to change patterns of working.  
As 1984 will mark the tenth anniversary of the Council Decision, the  
reassesment that has taken place during the year is both opportune  
and encouraging.
Progress with directives and with more general matters of information  
exchange have continued. Future emphasis on developing actions  
relating to safety is necessary to produce a better balance in the  
work of the Cormittee and Catmission services.

Bilag i -Anlage 1  
Appendix i - Annexe I  
Allegato i - Bijlagel
Π α ρ ά ρ τ η μ α  I
M ED LEM M ER
MITGLIEDER
M EM BERS
M EM BRES
M EM BRI
LEDEN
Μ Ε Λ Η
- ,  A  -  Repraesentanter for regeringen  Regierungsvertreter  Representatives of the G overn m ent  Représentants du  gouvernem ent  Rappresentanti del governo  Vertegenwoordigers van de Regering
μ έ λ ο ς  π ο υ  ε κ π ρ ο σ ω π ε ί  κ υ β έ ρ ν η σ η
5 -  Repraesentanter for arbejdstagernes faglige organisationerVertreter der Arbeitnehmerorganisationen  Representatives of trade unionsReprésentants des organisations syndicales de travailleurs  Rappresentanti delle organizzazioni sindacali dei· lavoratori  Vertegenwoordigers van de organisaties van w erknem ers  
μ έ λ ο ς  π ο ύ  ε κ π ρ ο σ ω π ε ί  έ ρ γ α ζ ό μ ε ν ο « £
C -  Repraesen tanter for arbejdsgivernes faglige organisationer  Vertreter der Arbeitgeberorganisationen  Representatives of employers1  organizations  Représentants des organisations syndicales d'employeurs  Rappresentanti delle organizzazioni sindacali dei datori di lavoro  Vertegenwoordigers van de organisaties van werkgevers  
μ έ λ ο ς  π ο υ  ε κ π ρ ο σ ω π ε ί  ε ρ γ ο δ ό τ ε ς

R å d g i v e n d e  u d v a l g  -  B e r a t e n d e v  A u s s o h u s s  - A d v i s o r y  C o r m i t t e e  - C o m i t é  o o n s u l t a t i f  
C o m i t a t o  a o n s u l t i v o  -  R a a d g e V e n d  C o m i t é  - Χυμβουλευτική Επιτροπή
Titulaires  
Faste medlemmer  
Mitglieder  
Full members  
Membri titolari  
Gewone leden
Πλήρη ΜέληSuppléants  
Suppleant erne  
StelIvertreter  
Alternate members  
Membri supplenti  
P laatsvervangende  
leden
Αναπληρωματ ι κά  
ΜέληTitulaires  
Faste medlemmer  
Mitglieder  
Full members  
Membri titolari  
Gewone leden
Πλήρη ΜέληSuppléants  
Supp leanteme  
Stellvertreter  
Alternate members  
Membri supplenti  
Plaatsvervangende  
leden
Αναπλη ρωματικά  
Μέλη
Be Igie/BeIgique  
Danmark
B.R. Deutschland  
France
le l las 
" reland 
Italia 
Luxembourg  
ruxembourg  
Seder land  
United KingdomA.
M. BENS 
Hr. BURG
Herr NOTLICHS  
M. JEZEQUEL x 
k. VASILOPOULOS  
MS. O'CALLAGHAN  
Sig. FREDELLA
M. SCHUSTER  
Dhr.  DE ROOS 
Mr. MARTINMine MARQUEGNIES  
Hr. SAXILD
Herr OPFERMANN  
MIle BUNE  
ka. KAF ETZOPOULOU  
Mr. MORRISON  
Dott.SSa ROCCA-  
ERCOLI
M. MOUSEL
Dhr. RIKMENSPOEL
Mrs .  CATTOM. DENONNE  
Hr. ANDERSEN
Herr WAGNER  
M. LAROQUE x  
ka. GEORGOPOULOU  
Mr. CONROY  
Sig. FIORE
M. RUME 
Dhr. SICCAMA  
Mr. SORRIEM. CAJOT  
Hr. OVERGAARD-  
HANSEN 
Herr WOLFF  
M. BABUSIAUX  
k. ZORBAS  
Mr. MURPHY  
Sig. GUERRIERI
M. DEMUTH  
Dhr. VOS  
Mr. CRITCHLOW
BeIgie/BeIgique  
Darmark
B.R. Deutschland
France
Hellas
Ireland
Italia
Luxembourg
Meder land
United KingdomB.
M. THYRE  
Hr. ELIKOFER  
Herr KONSTANTY  
M. BAUDE  
k. TASOULIS  
Mr. BRANIGAN  
Sig. LELI  
M. JUNCK  
Dhr. BUNT  
Mr. LLOYDM. THISSEN  
Hr. NIELSEN  
Herr KIENAPPEL  
M.  MALNOE  
k. YERANIOS  
Mr. O'HALLORAN  
Sig.ra TOMASSINI  
M. DUNKEL  
Dhr. BURINGH  
Mr. BUCKTONM. SILON  
Fr. CHRISTENSEN  
Herr PARTIKEL  
M. GUEVEL  
ka. VASILAKOU  
Mr. O'SULLIVAN  
Sig. STANZANI  
M. RIES
Dhr. VAN DE KAMP  
Mr. JACQUESM. COLLE  
Fr. SVANHOLT  
Herr VETTER  
M. DIAZ 
Ka. KARÄMANOU  
Mr. KEATING  
Sig. LUCIANI  
M. NUREMBERG  
Dhr. SCHMITZ  
M. HAMILTON
Be Igie/BeIgique  
Danmark
B.R. Deutschland  
France
Hellas 
Ireland  
Italia 
Luxembourg  
Mederland  
United KingdomC.
M. CORDY  
Hr. FALK  
Herr VON HASSELL  
M. CAVE
k TSAMOUSSOPOULOS  
Mr. CLARKE  
Sig. GARLANDA  
M. RAUCHS  
Dhr. DEN BOER  
Ms. MACK IEM. BORMANS  
Hr. LINIUS  
Herr MULLER  
M. FREDERIC-  
MOREAU
ka. VAFIADOU  
Mr. CASSIDY  
Sig. GIUSTI  
M. BERWEILER  
Mevr.  DE QUANT  
Mr. AMISM. LEONARD  
HT.JEPSEN x  
Herr SCHLICHT  
M. TASSIN
k. FALALIS  
Mr. RICE  
Sig. BUSSETTI  
M. OLINGER  
Mej. DE MEESTER  
Mr. EBERLIEM. HARDY  
Fr.KROGH ANDERSI  
Herr HARTMANN  
M. FRUCHET
k. KALDIS  
Mrs. CARROLL  
Sig. SCARFINI  
M. BEFFORT  
Dhr. KORTEN  
Ms. SWIADKOWSKA
x procédure en cours

Arbejdsgruppe I - Arbeitsgruppe I - Working Party I - Groupe de travail  
Gruppo di lavoro I - Werkgroep I - Ομάδα εργασίας I
Tekniske og forschriftsmaessige aspekter i forbindelse med forebyggelse og beskyttelse  
Technische Aspekte und Vorschriften der Unfallverhütung und des Gesundheitsschutzes  
Technical protective measures and regulations relating to health and safety at work  
Aspects techniques et réglementaires de la prévention et de la protection  
Aspetti tecnici e normativ! della prevenzione e della protezione
Technische en reglementaire aspecten van de ongevallenpreventie en gezondheidsbeschermi.1
Τεχνικά προστατευτικά μέτρα και κανονιομοί αναφορικά με την υγεία και την ασφάλεια  
στον τόπο εργασίας.
A. B. C.
Belgiq/Belgique M. BENS M. SILON (x) M. CORDY
Danmark Hr. SAXILD Hr. ELIKOFER Hr. FALK
Bundesrepublik Herr HORNEFFER Herr PARTIKEL Herr HARTMANN
Deutschland
France Mile BERTHEZENE M. LEVY M. FREDERIC-MOREAU
Hellas k. VASILOPOULOS ----- k. TSAMOUSOPOULOS
Ireland Mr. NEVILLE Mr. O'SULLIVAN Mr. CLARKE
Italia Sig. FIORE Sig.ra TOMASSINI Sig. GARLANDA
Luxembourg M. SCHUSTER M. RIES M. OLINGER
Nederland Dhr. RIKMENSPOEL Dhr. BURINGH Dhr. DEN BOER
United Kingdom Mr. MASSON Mr. JACQUES Mr. EBERLIE (xx)
(x) Président  
(xx) Vice-president

Arbejdsgruppe II - Arbeitsgruppe II - Working Party II - Groupe de travail II  
Gruppo di lavoro II - Werkgroep II - Ομάδα εργαοίας II
Statistik og Forskning  
Statistik und Forschung  
Statistics and Research  
Statistiques et Recherches  
Statistiche e Ricerche  
Statistiek en Onderzoek  
Στατιΰτική και ερευνά
Belgie/Belgique
Danmark
Bundesrepublik  
Deutschland
France
Hellas
Ireland
Italia
Luxembourg
Nederland
United KingdomA.
M. DE GREVE  
HT.  ANDERSEN  
Herr KOCH
M. MOYEN
ka. GEORGOPOULOU
Mr.  MURPHY
Sig. FREDELLA
M. DEMUTH
Dhr.  LIGTERINGEN
Mr. SORRIE (xx)B.
M. THISSEN  
Fr. SVANHOLT  
Herr KIENAPPEL
M. LASSUS
Mr. O'HALLORAN  
Sig. STANZANI(xx)  
M. NUREMBERG  
Dhr. SCHMITZ  
Mr. OWENC.
M. CORDY  
Hr. GRUNNET  
Herr BASTONG
M. FREDERIC-MOREAU
k. KALDIS
Mrs.  CARROLL
Sig. GIUSTI
M. RAUCHS
Dhr. DEN BOER (x)
Mr. NASH
(x) président  
(xx) vice-président

Arbejdsgruppe lil - Arbeitsgruppe III - Working Party III - Groupe de travail III  
Gruppe di iavoro III - Werkgroep III - ομάδα εργασίας III
Arbejdsmarkedets parters rolla,, problemer i forbindelse med uddannelse of information  
Holle der Sozialpartner,  Ausbildungs- und Informationsprobleme ,
Role of both sides of industry, problems of training and information  
Rôle des partenaires sociaux, problèmes de formation et d'information  
Ruolo delle parti sociali, problemi di formazione e d'information  
Rol van de sociale partners, opleiding en voorlichting
Ρόλος των κοινωνικών εταίρων, προβλήματα εκπαιδευσεως και ενημερώοεως.
Belgie/Belgique
Danmark
Bundesrepublik
Deutschland
France
Hellas
Ireland
Italia
Luxembourg
Nederland
United KingdomA.
M. NUYTS  
Hr. LITSKE  
Herr ANZINGER
M. JACOB  
ka. GEORGOPOULOU  
Mr. CONROY  
Sig. FIORE (x)
M. SCHUSTER  
Dhr.  VOS  
Mr. MASSONB.
M. KENNES  
Hr. ELIKOFER  
Herr KONSTANTY
M. GUEVEL
Mr. BRANIGAN  
Sig.  LELI  
M. JUNCK  
Dhr. BUNT  
Mr. HAMILTON (xx)C.
M. CORDY  
Hr. FALK  
Herr WILKE
M. TASSIN (xx)  
k. BAZAS  
Mr. RICE  
Sig. BUSSETTI  
M. MARGUE  
Mej. DE MEESTER  
Mr. NASH
(x) Président  
(xx) Vice-president

Restricted Group - Organe restreint - Organo ristretto - Klein Comité
nEPIOPIENENOY OP£ANOY
M. SILON
Mr. EBERLIE  
Dhr.  DEN BOER  
Mr. SORRIE  
Sig. STANZANI  
Sig.  FIORE  
Mr. HAMILTON  
M. TASSIN

No C 67/2 Official Journal of the European Communities 8.3.84
COUNCIL RESOLUTION  
o f 27 February 1984
on a second programme of action of the European Communities on safety and health
at work t
(84/C 67/02)
TH E COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN 
COMMUNITIES,
Having regard to the Treaties establishing the 
European Communities,
Having regard to the draft resolution submitted by 
the Commission (‘),
Having regard to the opinion of the European 
Parliament (2 ),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee (’),
Whereas the Council resolution of 21 January 1974 
concerning a social action programme (4 ) provides for 
the establishment of an action programme on safety 
and health at work;
Whereas, under Article 2 of the Treaty establishing 
the European Economic Community, the Community 
shall have in particular as its task, by establishing a 
common market and progressively approximating the 
economic policies of Member States, that of 
promoting throughout the Community a harmonious 
developing of economic activities, a continuous and 
balanced expansion and an accelerated raising of the 
standard of living;
Whereas, at the Conference held in Paris in October 
1972, the Heads of State or of Government affirmed 
that the first aim of economic expansion, which is not 
an end in itself, should be to enable disparities in 
living conditions to be reduced and that it should 
result in an improvement in the quality of life as well 
as in standards of living;
Whereas, moreover, under Article 117 of the said 
Treaty the Member States agreed upon the need to 
promote improved working conditions and an 
improved standard of living for workers, so as to 
make possible their harmonization while the 
improvement was being maintained;
(') OJ No C 308, 25. 11. 1982, p. 11. 
O  OJ No C 57, 29. 2. 1984.
(*) OJ No C 176, 4. 8. 1983, p. 16.
(4 ) OJ No C 13, 12. 2. 1974, p. 1.Whereas prevention of accidents at work and Occu­
pational diseases and also occupational hygiene fall 
within the fields and objectives referred to in Article 
118 of the said Treaty; whereas in this context collab­
oration should be strengthened between the Member 
States and the Commission and between the Member 
States themselves;
Whereas suitable health protection for the public and 
effective prevention of accidents at work and occu­
pational diseases would be in conformity with these 
general objectives;
Whereas, in spite of sustained efforts, the continuing 
high level of accidents at work and of occupational 
diseases remains a serious problem;
Whereas efforts made in the field of accident 
prevention and health protection at the work place 
have beneficial effects which are reflected in the 
economic sphere and in industrial relations;
Whereas a considerable effort is needed at 
Community level to search for and implement suitable 
means for maintaining or creating a working 
environment tailored to the needs of man and his. 
legitimate aspirations;
Whereas both the effectiveness of the measures and 
the cost of implementing them should be taken into 
account in the choice of action to be undertaken at 
Community level and of the measures to be taken to 
implement it;
Whereas the improvement of working conditions and 
the working environment must be envisaged in overall 
terms and must concern all sectors of the economy;
Whereas it is also essential to encourage the in­
creasing participation of management and labour, at 
all levels and particularly at the level of the under­
taking, in decisions and initiatives in the field of 
safety, hygiene and health protection at work;
Whereas the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene 
and Health Protection at Work, set up by Decision 
74/325/EEC (*), must be closely associated with this 
work;
O  OJ No L 185, 9. 7. 1974, p. 15.

8. 3. 84 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 67/3
Whereas the European Foundation for the 
Improvement of Living and Working Conditions and 
the European Centre for the Development of 
Vocational Training may have a role to play in the 
implementation of certain aspects of the programme;
Whereas, in implementing the actions, account must 
be taken of work undertaken in other fields, 
especially in the context of the Council resolution of 
17 December 1973 on industrial policy (‘) and of the 
Declaration of 22 November 1973 (2 ) and resolutions 
of 17 May 1977 (3 ) and of 7 February 1983 (4 ) of the 
Council of the European Communities and of the 
representatives of the Governments of the Member 
States, meeting within the Council, concerning a 
European Community action programme on the 
environment, in order to ensure the closest possible 
coordination of actions and proposals;
Wherea^, in order to carry out the actions suc­
cessfully, it is important to ensure that concepts, 
terminology and methods of identification, 
measurement and assessment relating to safety and 
health risks are harmonized; whereas such a task is of 
major importance in the context of these actions;
/Votes  that this second action programme takes into 
account the first action programme annexed to the 
Council resolution of 29 June 1978 on an action 
programme of the European Communities on safety 
and health at work (s) ;
Expresses  the political will to take, in keeping with the 
urgency of the matter and bearing in mind what is 
feasible at national and Community level, the 
measures required so that between now and the end 
of 1988 the following priority actions in particular 
can be undertaken:
I. PROTECTION AGAINST DANGEROUS 
SUBSTANCES
1. Continue with the establishment of Community
provisions based on Council Directive
80/1107/EEC of 27 November 1980 on the 
protection of workers from the risks related to 
exposure to chemical, physical and biological 
agents at work (6 ).
2. Establish common methodologies for the 
assessement of the health risks of physical, 
chemical and biological agents present at the 
work place.
(') OJ No C 1  17, 31. 12. 1973, p. 1. 
O  OJ No C 112, 20. 12. 1973, p. 1. 
O  OJ No C 139, 13. 6. 1977, p. 1. 
(4 ) OJ No C 46, 17. 2. 1983, p. 1.
(') OJ No C 165, 11. 7. 1978, p. 1. 
o  OJ No L 327, 3. 12. 1980, p. 8.3. Develop a standard approach for the 
establishment of exposure limits for toxic sub­
stances by applying the methodologies referred to 
in - point 2. Make recommendations for the 
harmonization of exposure limits for a certain 
number of substances, taking into account 
existing exposure limits.
4. Establish for toxic substances standard methods 
for measuring and evaluating work place air 
concentrations and biological indicators of the 
workers involved, together with quality control 
programmes for their use.
5. Develop preventive and protective measures for 
substances recognized as being carcinogenic and 
other dangerous substances and processes which 
may have serious harmful effects on health.
6. Establish Community rules for limiting exposure 
to noise and continue work on developing a basis 
for Community measures on vibrations and non­
ionizing radiation.
II. ERGONOM IC MEASURES, PROTECTION 
AGAINST ACCIDENTS AND DANGEROUS 
SITUATIONS
7. Work out safety proposals, particularly for 
certain high-risk activities, including proposals on 
specific measures for the prevention of accidents 
involvihg falls, manual lifting, handling and 
dangerous machinery.
8. Examine the major-accident hazards of certain 
industrial activities covered by Directive 82/501/ 
EEC O.
9. Work out ergonomic measures and accident 
prevention principles with the aim of determining 
the limits of the constraints imposed on various 
groups of the working population by the design 
of equipment, the tasks required and the working 
environment so that they are not prejudicial to 
their health and safety.
10. Work out proposals on lighting at the work 
place.
11. Organize exchanges of experience with a view to 
establishing more clearly the principles and 
methods of organization and training of the 
departments responsible for inspection in the 
fields of safety, health and hygiene at work.
C) OJ No L 230, 5. 8. 1982, p. 1.

No C 67/4 Official Journal of the European Communities 8.3.84
III. ORGANIZATION
12. Make recommendations on the organizational 
and advisory role of the departments responsible 
for dealing with health and safety problems in 
small and medium-sized undertakings, by 
defining, in particular, the role of specialists in 
occupational medicine, hygiene and safety.
13. Draw up the principles and criteria for 
monitoring workers whose health and safety are 
likely to be seriously at risk, such as certain main­
tenance and repair workers, certain migrant 
workers and certain workers in subcontracting 
undertakings.
14. Draw up the principles for participation by 
workers and their representatives in the 
improvement of health and safety measures at the 
work place.
IV. TRAINING AND INFORMATION
15. Ensure that employers and workers who are 
liable to be exposed to chemicals and other sub­
stances at their work place have adequate infor­
mation on those substances.
Prepare information notices and manuals on the 
handling of certain dangerous substances, par­
ticularly those covered by Community Directives. 
If need be, and taking account of existing 
Community regulations on the matter, draw up 
proposals on the establishment of systems and 
codes for the identification of dangerous sub­
stances at the work place.
16. (a) Draw up programmes aimed at better training
as regards occupational hazards and measures 
for the safety of those at work (safety 
training) and
(b) Training schemes intended for specific- 
groups:
— young workers,
— groups who have special need of up-to- 
date information, i.e. workers doing a job 
to which they are not accustomed or whohave difficulty in acquiring information 
through the usual channels, or to whom it 
is difficult to communicate information,
— workers in key positions, i.e. people who 
lay down working conditions, com­
municate information, etc.
V. STATISTICS
17. Establish comparable data on mortality and 
occupational diseases and collect data from 
existing sources on the frequency, gravity and 
causes of accidents at work and occupational 
diseases, including, as far as possible, data on 
vulnerable groups of workers and absenteeism 
due to illness.
18. Compile an inventory of existing cancer registers 
at local, regional and national level in order to 
assess the comparability of the data contained in 
them and to ensure better coordination at 
Community level.
VI. RESEARCH
19. Identify and coordinate topics for applied 
research in the field of safety and health at work 
which can be the subject of future Community 
action.
VII. COOPERATION
20. Within the framework of existing procedures, 
continue to cooperate with international organ­
izations such as the World Health Organization 
and the International Labour Office and with 
national organizations and institutes outside the 
Community.
21. Continue to cooperate on other action by the 
Community and by Member States, where it 
proves worthwhile;
Requests  the Commission to prepare annually, after
consulting the Member States, a forward outline of
the work it intends to carry out on the
implementation of this resolution.

COMMISSION  
OF THE
EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
D irecto rate-G eneral
Em ploym ent, Social A ffairs and EducationD o c . n o . V / L U X /7 0 3 9 /8 4
HEALTH AND SAFETY DIRECTORATE  
IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR 1984  
OF THE
ACTION PROGRAMME OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
ON
SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK
Ja n u a r y  1 9 8 4
B âtim ent Jean M o nn et. P lateai. du K irchberg, L-2920 L U X E M B O U R G  
B oîte postale 1907 □  T é lép hon e 43011 □  Télex C O M E U R  LU 34 23/3 446L u x em b o u rgAnnex III

This forward outline of the work during 1984 for the implementation of the
Resolution of Council has been prepared with the assistance of the Advisory
Committee for Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work and following,;
consultation with Member States.
Section I. Protection against dangerous substances. Actions 1-6
a) Complete preparation of a proposal for a directive on the protection  
of workers against risks to their health by the proscription of  
specified agents and/or work processes.
b) Complete preparation of a proposal for a directive on the protection  
of workers from the· risks related to exposure to benzene at work.
c)) Complete preparation of a communication to Council on exposure limits.
d) Continue reparation and publication of reports on health surveillance
of workers exposed to specific agents eg. manganese, beryllium,  
toluene and styrene.
e) Continue evaluation of available data on cadmium, nickel and  
acrylonitrile.
f) Continue work on quality control of blood lead estimations and ZPP  
standardisations.
g) Continue work on the health effects of non-ionising radiation with  
particular attention to lasers.
h) Continue work on the assessment of passive air sampling techniques.
i) Commence a review of chemical agents which may cause harmful effects
by skin penetration.
Section II. Ergonomic measures, protection against accidents and
dangerous situations. Actions 7-11
a) Continue the exchange of information and experience between government  
safety inspectors.
b) Continue the development of safety training programmes and practice  
with particular reference to agriculture, fishing and the oil and  
gas extractive industries.
c) Commence preparation of a discussion paper on safety in the design  
and use of tools and equipment.
d) Commence preparation of model information notices for the guidance  
of employers and workers on agents listed in Annex III of Council  
Directive 82/501/EEC (Seveso Directive).

-  2 -tr
Section III. Organization. Actions 12-14
a) Complete a review of the 1962 and 1966 Commission Recommendations on  
occupational diseases.
b) Commence a review of current practices of participation by workers
and their representatives in matters of safety and health, in the workplace.
Section IV. Training and information. Actions 15-16
a) Complete preparation of model information notices for workers on lead  
and asbestos.
b) Commence a review of current practices of provision of information to  
employers and workers exposed to dangerous substances at work.
Section V. Statistics. Actions 17-18
a) Continue collaboration with the Statistical'Office in the collection and  
use of statistics on mortality and occupational diseases, and development  
of the 6th Statistical Programme of the European Communities 1985-87.
b) Commence a review of current practices of cancer registration with  
special reference to availability and confidentiality of information.
Section VI. Research. Action 19
a) Commence work on the preparation of research programmes on ergonomics  
and safety at work.
Section VII. Co-operation. Actions 20-21
a) Participate in the 70th Session of the ILO Conference and ILO Technical  
Meetings.
b) Collaborate with WHO and IPCS in the preparation of technical reports  
and meetings.
c) Continue the formal exchange of information with US and Swedish agencies.

Annex IV
OTHER ASPECTS RELATED TO  
COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
Infoimation meetings
In 1983 the ocrmission organized four information meetings (referred to,  
according to the language used, as seminars or group courses) which were  
attended by many members of the Committee.
A  meeting for labour inspectors frcm the Member States considered  
legislation on works safety cormittees which had recently been introduced  
in Ireland, the Netherlands and particularly in France. These new laws  
have narrowed the differences in the scope of the legislation (threshold  
of application and type of undertaking) but the major obstacle to Cannunity  
action continues to be the fact that in several countries the establishment  
of such cormittees is not compulsory.
At a second meeting for labour inspectors in London, the UK labour  
inspectorate demonstrated organizational and measurement techniques in  
use at national and regional level aimed at improving efficiency and  
effectiveness in the present climate of budgetary and staffing restrictions.
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) considered the advisability  
of asking the Comrission to draft a framework directive on occupational  
safety. This idea stermed from the encouraging results from the framework  
directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure  
to chemical, physical and bioligical agents at work (Directive 80/1107/EEC  
of 27.11.1980).
Arising out of the opinion given by the Advisory Carmittee on Safety,
Hygiene and Health at Work in September 1981 and with a view to Oanmunity  
action, the European employers' organization (ENICE-CLE) studied the  
question of information on safety and health to be provided for workers.