Community news|29/07/14

The employer representatives reaffirm their positions regarding OSH

Home > The news of EUROGIP and occupational risks in Europe > The employer representatives reaffirm their positions regarding OSH

At a conference on working conditions, held in Brussels by the European Commission in April 2014, Business Europe, an organization representing European employers, reiterated its positions on the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and psychosocial risks (PSR). The Managing Director of Business Europe, Thérèse de Liedekerke, cited the results of the latest Eurofound survey to show that efforts had been made. According to this survey, 84% of European workers consider that their working conditions are good, including their working hours and safety and health at work.

Mrs de Liedekerke reasserted the view of her organization regarding possible new OSH legislation. In her opinion, there already exists a vast body of European OSH legislation (24 directives in all) and the full application of this legislation should take priority over new legislation. She also considers that “employers take their responsibilities seriously and progress has been made in reducing the number of occupational injuries. Between 2008 and 2011, the number of injuries declined by 14% and the number of fatal injuries by 16% in the EU-27” (Eurostat).

Regarding psychosocial risk (PSR) prevention, Mrs de Liedekerke mentioned that the social partners developed significant tools in the European agreements on occupational stress and the prevention of violence and harassment to help companies and employees cope with this.

At this conference, other aspects were discussed, such as the anticipation and management of restructuring operations and reconciling working life and private life.

Discover other news

Abroad

29/09/23

SWEDEN: Serious accidents and long-term sick leave in the food industry

Workers in the food industry run a higher risk of serious accidents at work than other occupational groups. The average risk over the period 2017-2021 was 9.7 serious accidents at work per 1,000 employees. It was 15.5 for butchers and 8.9 for machine operators, who suffered the most serious accidents at work. Bakers and confectioners, although less affected, were still affected, with a rate of 5.3.

Community news

29/09/23

Working at home and OHS with a new OiRA tool

Teleworking has developed strongly since the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming the way companies operate and employees work. However, the issue of occupational health and safety (OHS) remains fundamental. A new interactive online risk assessment tool (OiRA) offers a practical solution for employers and teleworkers, helping them to create safer and healthier home workspaces.

Abroad

22/09/23

BELGIUM: what to expect from occupational illnesses in 2022

In 2022, around 38,500 people received compensation for permanent disability due to an occupational disease. And nearly 13,000 workers (private sector and provincial or local administrations, APL) filed a claim for compensation; 211 deaths were recognised, 73% of which were due to asbestos, 17% to silicosis and 10% to other diseases. These are the findings of the Fedris “Statistical Report on Occupational Diseases” 2022.