Debate: A new EU strategic framework on health and safety at work post
Date: WEDNESDAY, 9 MARCH 2022
Speaker: Nicolas Schmit
Language: EN

First of all, I agree with you that prevention is key and that nobody should suffer from work-related diseases or accidents. This is why this strategic framework on health and safety at work 2021-2027 adopted last year puts forward the vision-zero approach under which various actions are being put in place, including awareness-raising and capacity-building. First, your report refers to Principle 10 of the Pillar of Social Rights that clearly states that workers have the right to a high level of protection of health and safety at work. This should apply to all workers, but I must say this should also apply to those who are self-employed. They deserve the same protection. Together, we have delivered the first commitment of the European cancer plan by adopting the fourth amendment of carcinogens, and with the gene’s directive, to protect workers from cancer.  I must say that I particularly appreciated also, the provision that improves the protection of those who work in the health sector; the majority, by the way, are women. They are exposed to dangerous substances. They have to handle the treatment of patients and many patients suffering from cancer. So here we have set an important standard, which now has to be implemented in the health sector. But we don’t stop here. Preparatory work on future batches of hazardous substances is ongoing. For instance, before the end of this year, the Commission aims to adopt the next proposal, revising the exposure limit values for lead, major reprotoxicants and di- isocyanates as well as to put forward its plans for revising a further 25 substances.  The Parliament has been particularly sensitive to the need to reduce workers exposure to asbestos. The rapporteur mentioned it; we had the debate not so long ago on the dangers of asbestos. I fully share this determination. As I have already informed your Parliament, the Commission will present a communication setting out measures under existing and new instruments in view of addressing the risks from asbestos. Your report mentions the terrible figures. Asbestos claims around 88 000 lives annually in the European Union and is responsible for 45% of all lung cancers. This is not a fatality. We have the possibility to reduce rapidly, and massively, these casualties. Therefore, we will also present a legislative proposal to lower the existing occupational exposure limit under the Asbestos at Work Directive. I agree with you that further action is also needed to protect workers from psychosocial risks. We strongly believe that the measures in this field must include tailor-made tools adjusted to specific national, local, socio-economic and cultural context. We are working on further actions in this area. For example, EU-OSHA 2023-3025 healthy workplaces campaign: safe and healthy work in the digital age, will, among others, address psychosocial and ergonomic risks. I know that your Parliament is very sensitive also to the issue of mental health, and this is a real issue. We have seen it during the pandemic, but mental health has affected a lot of young people, but more and more, it affects also many workers, more and more workers to burnouts, to stress, and I have read in your report that 51% of workers say that stress is common in their workplace. So we have really to develop practices, approaches to limit this impact on mental health through the working conditions. We are also ensuring a proper follow-up of the Parliament’s resolution on telework and the right to disconnect, in line with the Commission’s commitment to respond to resolutions from the European Parliament based on Article 225. The role of social partners is key in the realm, therefore, the Commission stands ready to support social partners in finding commonly agreed solutions to address these challenges and encourages social partners to follow up on their 2020 framework agreement on digitalisation. At the same time, the Commission is putting forward a number of actions to gather evidence and data on telework and the right to disconnect.  By the way, next week, together with the Parliament, we are organising a conference on the right to disconnect. This includes also a study analysing the trends and regulatory and policy landscape of telework and the right to disconnect in Europe, in the context of digitalisation and the future of work.  As we move forward, we are drawing lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic and looking at ways to increase preparedness for future crises. The commission continues working on an in-depth assessment on the effects of the pandemic and the efficiency of our frameworks to develop emergency procedures and guidance in any potential future health crisis. Particular attention will also be paid to health workers who put their lives on the line for us. Effective application and enforcement for the existing EU-OSHA legislation is paramount to properly protect workers in the EU and, at the same time, it contributes to the promotion of a level playing field in the Union. While the enforcement is mainly a national competence, the Senior Labour Inspectors’ Committee promotes effective and proper application of the EU legislation across Member States. I have to say that labour inspection is key and has to benefit from sufficient resources. I agree that the ILO recommendation of one labour inspector per 10 000 workers should be respected everywhere. We also need strong social dialogue to guarantee that enforcement. Our strategic framework has a global ambition. The EU promotes decent work across all sectors and policies in third countries and in global supply chains. On 23 February, the Commission adopted a communication on decent work worldwide. In the first half of 2023, the Commission, together with the Swedish Presidency, will organise a high level Occupational Safety and Health Summit, gathering the EU institutions, Member States, social partners, the EU-OSHA, and other relevant stakeholders. Your report represents an important contribution to the preparations of this summit. I know that Parliament gives its continued support and commitment to deliver on a healthy, safe and well-adapted work environment in Europe, and this Commission shares this commitment and will continue to work with you on its implementation.