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In late May, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for the establishment of a “European Day in Remembrance of the Victims of Accidents at Work and for the Protection and Dignity of Workers” to be observed on August 8. This date commemorates the Bois du Cazier disaster (Belgium), where, on the 8th August 1956, 262 miners from 10 European countries lost their lives.
The goal is to raise awareness of prevention and workplace safety across all sectors. The resolution was approved by a vote of 395 to 12, with 41 abstentions. MEPs believe that this day could encourage prevention initiatives in schools, businesses, and public institutions.
Against the backdrop of 3,298 fatal accidents and 2.8 million non-fatal accidents recorded in the European Union in 2023, this resolution also calls on the European Commission to assess occupational risks related to artificial intelligence and algorithmic management systems. (On this topic: EUROGIP, Focus on the new European directive on work via digital platforms, 2024 (French))
Furthermore, MEPs are calling for an analysis of the risks associated with extreme heat, heat stress, and weather phenomena in order to better identify extreme risks and provide greater protection for workers facing them. (On this topic: EUROGIP, Working in Extreme Heat and Heat Waves: What International Legislation and Preventive Measures Exist? 2023)
To ensure safe work environments, the Parliament emphasizes the essential role of labor inspections: it calls on Member States to strengthen their inspection services by providing them with more resources, staff, and independence.
“We must transform our tribute to victims of workplace accidents into a concrete commitment to their prevention. Our resolution supports the ‘Vision Zero’ goal: zero deaths at work,” states rapporteur Chiara Gemma (ECR, Italy).
This request from the European Parliament could now be taken up by the European Commission to lead to the official recognition of August 8 as European Day for Victims of Workplace Accidents.
