Debate: Protection of workers from asbestos
Date: MONDAY, 2 OCTOBER 2023
Speaker: Dragoş Pîslaru
Country: Spain
Language: EN

Asbestos is not a problem of the past. It continues to be the leading cause of occupational cancer today. It is still present in many buildings and infrastructure constructed before the Union’s ban in 2005. It is about time to take action to protect the workers who are carrying out the renovation wave.  The compromise we reached entails a significant reduction in the maximum exposure. As a first step, workers will benefit from a protection 10 times higher than the current situation. And we managed to go further with the so-called dual approach. With this approach, modern microscopes become the standard and the protection will again be strengthened through the detection of the very carcinogenic thin fibres or through a further decrease of the limit value.  Parliament indeed would have preferred a shorter time frame than the six-year implementation of this dual approach. But it is important to emphasise that this longer transition is only a maximum. Member States are not precluded to taking swifter action and they have every reason to do so to enhance the protection swiftly and to maximise the returns on investment.  Parliament was resolute in emphasising that when dealing with such a substance like asbestos, which has no safe threshold, focusing solely on a limit value is insufficient. Therefore, I am really pleased to announce the other significant request that has been incorporated into the comprehensive package that we are about to vote on. Let me first highlight three main aspects.  First, the high-quality training and certification of asbestos removal companies. Even with the most stringent legislation in place, without a highly skilled workforce and competent companies, our efforts would be in vain. The quality standards included in the directive are essential for the safe removal of asbestos from the numerous buildings that require renovation to meet our climate goals.  Second, a clear emphasis on the safe removal of asbestos rather than techniques retaining asbestos in place. The provision is fundamental to achieving an asbestos-free future and preventing future generations from bearing the burden of asbestos removal.  Third, the requirement to conduct an examination by a qualified operator before the work begins. This is a critical step in assessing risk. Otherwise, if the presence of asbestos is not known, the necessary measures will not be put in place.  This broader legislation was announced more than a year ago. Mr Commissioner, we would really like to thank you for the initiative and to urge you to present the legislation for the further screening of buildings that we await.  In conclusion, this outcome is the result of the dedication of our rapporteur, Véronique Trillet‑Lenoir. On this file, just like during her whole career, she was guided by a single objective: the promotion of public health. Her outstanding work and commitment will always be remembered.  I would also like to extend my thanks to all the shadow rapporteurs and their dedicated teams as well to our secretariat. Your tireless efforts have played an integral role in shaping this success.  Additionally, I would like to express all my appreciation to the Council and the Commission for their constructive engagement throughout the negotiation process. We can all be proud of the outcome. Let us remain steadfast in the pursuit of a safer, healthier future for our citizens.