1 Improving Quality and Productivity at Work: Community Strategy on Health and Safety at Work EBC Conference Improving health and safety in construction SMEs Brussels, 23 February 2009 Antonio Cammarota European Commission, DG EMPL/F4 - Luxembourg "Health, Safety and Hygiene at Work"

2 A new strategic framework for a more integrated OSH policy at European level Commission Communication COM(2007) 62 final of  Ongoing, sustainable and uniform reduction in accidents at work and occupational illnesses continues to be the main objective  An ambitious goal: 25% reduction of the total incidence rate of accidents at work

3 Why do we need a new EU Strategic Framework on OSH? A safe and healthy workplace: –is a right for all citizens of the Union –is a key factor to the Lisbon EU's Growth and Jobs Agenda –helps to address the demographic change

4 OSH in the EU A mixed picture According to the evaluation of the former OSH Community Strategy - SEC(2007) 214:  The rate of fatal accidents at work in the EU-15 has fallen by 17% (extrapolation: period ) (source: Eurostat)  The rate of workplace accidents leading to absences of more than 3 days has fallen by 20% (extrapolation: period ) (source: Eurostat) Nevertheless:  In 2004, 4 million accidents resulting in more than 3 days off work and fatal accidents at work (EU-15)  Occupational illnesses and accidents keep being a heavy burden on European economy and society

5 OSH in the EU A mixed picture According to the latest results of the Fourth European Survey of Working Conditions (European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, 2006):  28% of workers in the EU say they suffer from health problems caused or likely to be caused and/or exacerbated by their job  35% perceive their job as putting their health at risk

6 OSH in the EU A mixed picture Occupational hazards are still high:  For certain categories of workers (young, older, migrant workers, workers with insecure jobs)  In certain types of companies (in particular SMEs)  In certain sectors (construction, agriculture, fishing, transport, health care, social services) Specific illnesses are on the rise (psychosocial, MSDs, etc.)

7 OSH in the EU A mixed picture Main challenges for the future:  Demographic change (ageing of the work population)  New employment trends (increase in self-employment and SMEs; outsourcing/subcontracting; fragmentation of working life)  Migrant workers  New risk factors

8 The New EU Strategic Framework Improving quality and productivity at work: Community strategy on health and safety at work COM(2007) 62 final Main areas of action:  Improving, simplifying and better implementing existing legislation  Fostering development of coherent national strategies  Stimulating research (better identifying and assessing potential new risks)  Mainstreaming OSH into other substantive policy areas

9 Strengthening implementation of Community legislation Enforcement Complementary tools Practical guidance Consultation mechanisms

10 Improving and simplifying the EU regulatory framework Towards a common methodology to evaluate OSH legislation?  Initiatives within the ACSH (new structure of national implementation reports; pilot project on evaluation)  EC Evaluation of the implementation of European Directives (92/57/EEC, 92/58/EEC, 92/91/EEC, 92/104/EEC, 92/29/EEC and 93/103/EC) Taking sistematically into account the need for possible simplification (e.g. WRMSDs)  Legislation made easier to apply (reduced number of reference texts)  Less burdensome (simplification of administrative and technical obligations)  More effective (facilitate practical implementation and enforceability)

11 Fostering the development of national strategies Promote the adoption of a strategic approach to OSH policies at all levels Stronger interface between the European and the national levels of governance  OSH Community strategy acting as a catalyst for Member States to develop more integrated OSH policies  The role of the ACSH as the ideal tripartite forum for coordination and exchange of information on national strategies  Developing monitoring tools

12 Towards a Common EU Preventative Culture The fostering and promotion of a common preventative safety and health culture is the fundamental basis for improving OSH performance in the long term OSH legislation has contributed to bring about changes in behavioural patterns, but a strategy aimed at promoting a general preventative culture must address all part of society and go beyond the workplace and the working population

13 Towards a Common EU Preventative Culture Finding new synergies between OSH policy and other substantive policy areas (education, public health, research) Better identifying and assessing potential new risks trough more research, exchange of knowledge and practical application of results

14 Ladies and Gentlemen Thank you for your kind attention