European Union new strategy: 25% cut in accidents at work by 2012
February 2007

It follows a 17% reduction in fatal accidents from 2002-2004 and a 20% fall in accidents leading to absence from work of three days or more. But progress remains uneven across different countries, sectors, companies and categories of workers. Changes in working life are leading to new occupational risks, while certain workplace illnesses are on the rise.

"Occupational illness and accidents at work are a heavy burden on both workers and employers in Europe. Every year there are 4 million accidents at work which represent enormous economic costs for the European economy.

A considerable share of these costs falls upon social security systems and public finances," said Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. "Improving the health and safety of workers is key to the EU's Growth and Jobs agenda. By bolstering productivity and quality at work, we will boost European growth and competitiveness."

Despite major advances over the past five years, there is still considerable room for improvement.

The costs of accidents at work and work-related ill health do not fall equally on all players. Loss of income due to absence from work costs European workers around EUR 1 billion a year. Employers face costs linked to sick pay, replacement of absent workers and loss of productivity – many of which are not covered by insurance.

Small and medium-sized enterprises are particularly exposed, accounting for 82% of all occupational injuries and 90% of all fatal accidents. Sectors such as construction, agriculture, transport and health all present higher than average risks of accidents at work, while young workers, migrants, older workers and those with insecure working conditions are disproportionately affected.

Specific illnesses are on the rise, including musculoskeletal diseases – such as back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries – and illnesses caused by psychological strain.

A safe and healthy working environment is an essential element of the quality of work. Create more jobs and of better quality, this is the objective that the EU set at the European Council in Lisbon (March 2000) and in Nice (December 2000).

Health and safety at work represents today one of the most important most advanced fields of the social policy of the Union. The EU action in health and safety at work has its legal basis in Article 137 of the EU Treaty. The improvement of health and safety of the workers already started from 1952 under the European Coal and Steel Community. Since then a solid corpus of legislation has been adopted covering the maximum number of risks with the minimum number of regulations.

But Community action is not limited to legislation. The Commission has widen the scope of its activities, in cooperation with the European Agency for health and safety at work and the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions, in favour of information, guidance and promotion of a healthy working environment by paying particular attention to small and medium-size enterprises.

The Commission communication "Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006" outlines the options for further action to make workplaces across Europe safer and healthier.

The Lisbon Strategy, also known as the Lisbon Agenda or Lisbon Process, is an action and development plan for the European Union. It was set out by the European Council in Lisbon on March 2000.

Preparation was carried out in relation with the broader reaching Council of Europe, the international organization of the "wider Europe", which also has charge of education in Europe.

The Commission has now launched its new Social Agenda for modernising Europe's social model under the revamped Lisbon Strategy for growth and jobs. The new agenda focuses on providing jobs and equal opportunities for all and ensuring that the benefits of the EU's growth and jobs drive reach everyone in society.

By modernising labour markets and social protection systems, it will help people seize the opportunities created by international competition, technological advances and changing population patterns while protecting the most vulnerable in society.
 

Bibliography:

1. European Agency for health and safety at work
2. European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions
3. Adapting to change in work and society: a new Community strategy on health and safety at work 2002-2006