Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe >
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion has published a ‘handbook’ to support workers with chronic illnesses or disabilities and prevent the risk of disability.
The handbook contains practical information and suggestions both for employers to help them improve safety in the workplace and make it more inclusive, and for workers – victims of cancer, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, long COVID and work-related psychosocial risks – about their rights, or for the people and organisations who draft legislation.
In 2022, 36.1% of the EU population aged 16 or over reported a chronic illness or morbidity, i.e. a long-term illness or health problem (33.8% of men and 38.3% of women), the term ‘long-term’ being defined as having lasted or expected to last at least six months. Chronic illness is closely linked to (the risk of) disability.
The handbook is part of the Disability Rights Strategy 2021-2030 adopted by the European Commission in 2021.
