Teaser
- European week 2005
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The European Week 2005 is focusing on noise-induced risks at the workplace. Noise is one of the major causes of occupational disease. Noise-related hearing loss is the most common occupational disease in Europe and usually stems from persistent exposure to loud noise. Roughly one third of all work-related illnesses are due to noise – that’s more than the figure for skin and respiratory diseases. This year’s European Week is thus a good opportunity to get as many people as possible interested in the topic of noise at work.
- European Good Practice Awards 2005
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Now's the time to submit your examples of good practice for the sixth European Awards scheme. With this year's European Week concentrating on the topic of noise, entrants should provide examples of good practice employed to prevent or mitigate noise-induced risks. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work will annouce the winners at the closing event in Bilbao in December 2005.
- 'Noise at work - it can cost you more than your hearing'
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Interview with Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, on noise at work and how it can affect us:'Noise can be a problem in virtually any working environment: from factories to farms, concert halls to construction sites.'
- Commissioner Spidla hails launch of "Stop that Noise" Campaign
- Vladimír Špidla, European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, today hailed the launch of the Europe-wide "Stop that Noise" campaign aimed at raising awareness of the risks of excessive noise at work. New EU rules will set a new, lower limit of 87 decibels for workers' daily exposure to noise from next year. More than 13 million workers, not only in heavy industry but also in sectors such as services, education and entertainment, are thought to have suffered impaired hearing at work.
- Extra-Newsletter zum Tag gegen Lärm 2005
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Prävention-online hat auch in diesem Jahr wieder einen Extra-Newsletter zum "Tag gegen Lärm - International Noise Awareness Day" herausgegeben. Eine umfangreiche Liste mit über 30 nützlichen Links informiert rund um das Thema Lärm. Interessierte können den Newsletter per E-Mail anfordern oder hier nachlesen.
- 'Noise at work - it can cost you more than your hearing'
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Interview with Hans-Horst Konkolewsky, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, on noise at work and how it can affect us:'Noise can be a problem in virtually any working environment: from factories to farms, concert halls to construction sites.'
- World No Tobacco Day 2005 - 31 May 2005
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Ein rauchfreier Arbeitsplatz ist eine Maßnahme zur Förderung von Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz, die sich sowohl unmittelbar als auch langfristig für Arbeitnehmer und Öffentlichkeit gleichermaßen günstig auswirkt. Die Website der Agentur zu Gefahrstoffen
enthält Links zu Aktionen und Informationen über bewährte Praktiken zum Thema rauchfreies Arbeiten aus den Mitgliedstaaten, aus Europa und der ganzen Welt.
Mit dem diesjährigen Motto "Schluss mit süchtig! - Wir helfen Rauchern. Die Gesundheitsberufe." rufen die Deutsche Krebshilfe und das Aktionsbündnis Nichtrauchen die Raucher auf, sich vertrauensvoll an die Angehörigen der Gesundheitsberufe zu wenden.
- Agency launches 2004 Annual Report
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The Agency has launched its 2004 annual report, summarising the first year of getting the work safety message across an enlarged Europe. According to the report the number of visitors to the Agency's website doubled to nearly 3 million. Highlights of the year included the European week campaign on construction, which introduced the signature of a landmark political declaration, committing its signatories to improve the industry's safety and health standards.
- Korean Week of Safety and Health (1 – 7 July 2005)
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The Korean OSH community celebrates Korean Week of Safety and Health (1 – 7 July 2005). The week's inaugurating event is the 38th Congress and Exposition on Occupational Safety and Health 2005 (Seoul, 29 June – 1 July 2005), the country's key annual gathering of safety and health professionals, representatives of government and industry. In his video welcome address to the Congress, the Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work emphasised the significance of international cooperation for safer and healthier workplaces in today's global economy.
- Publication of a vacancy for Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (Grade A*14) COM/2005/10001
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work is seeking to appoint its Director
Applicants must be a citizen of one of the Member States of the European Union.
The Director will be appointed by the Administrative Board of the Agency from a list of candidates selected and proposed by the European Commission. Salaries and conditions of employment are those laid down in the Staff Regulations for A*14 grade officials of the European Communities). The Agency and the Commission apply an equal opportunities policy.
Job description, application forms and instructions for sending applications can be downloaded from Internet at the following addresses:
http://osha.europa.eu/jobs/en/06_07_2005/index.htm or http://osha.europa.eu/jobs/fr/06_07_2005/index.htm or http://osha.europa.eu/jobs/de/06_07_2005/index.htm
The delay for the receipt of applications is 10.8.2005 (the postmark will serve as proof of the date of sending) - EU strengthens its transatlantic cooperation on work safety
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), USA, joins the Agency’s online network. As well as linking directly to EU information, the site is a rich source of OSH information in the United States, and a step forward in setting up a global gateway to work safety information.
- "Schluss mit Lärm" ("Stop that Noise!") – Website for young people and young workers now on-line
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The www.schluss-mit-laerm.de website is now up and running. Packed with information on all aspects of noise and noise protection, it is primarily geared to young people and young workers. In addition to general facts about, for example, how our hearing system works and ways to prevent hearing damage, it includes a state-by-state list of events in Germany on the topic of noise and noise protection. The site is part of the joint prevention campaign being run by Germany’s federal government, the federal states and the statutory accident insurance institutions for the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2005.
- International Youth Day: Health and safety aspects of working life
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Younger workers are vulnerable, as they often are inexperienced, and ignorant of risks to themselves and others. It is important to integrate safety and health into education so that young people are aware of the risks they might face and are capable of dealing with them. It is also important for employers to pay extra attention to the safety of young workers, including students taking summer jobs. The European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2006 will focus on young workers promoting a preventive health and safety culture among young people, young workers and their employers as well as within schools, professional training institutions and employment centres.
- Workplaces should 'stop that noise!'
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Looking for an update on current noise-control issues and other initiatives related to noise at work?
Have a look at the Agency's latest magazine 'Noise at Work'. There are articles covering noise in schools, offices, and concert halls and issues such as effective acoustic design, special needs of workers with disabilities, personal hearing protection, a good practice manual and a step by step approach to noise at work.
- European week 2005 Web feature of the Austrian work inspection about noise
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The work inspection completely particularly took care of the topic noise. They provided a Web feature about noise on the job from Austrian view. Expert of the work inspection, the general institute for accident insurance in addition, other institutions light up in a set of articles the various aspects of the noise pollution and give practical examples of preventive measures.
- Demography as an Opportunity - INQA Know-How-Congress 2005
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A year ago INQA started the campaign "30, 40, 50plus - healthy work until old age" . All participants at the start of the campaign promised to continue to work on questions of demographic change. INQA wants to present the results of this work on 29th of November at the "Know-How-Congress" "Demography as an Opportunity" in Bonn.
- Business aspects of OSH
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Improvement of health and safety at work is important not only in human terms, to reduce workers’ pain and suffering, but also as a way of ensuring that enterprises are successful and sustainable, and that economies thrive in the long term. Learn more about the research, policies, experiences and workplace solutions that exist in Europe.
- European Noise at Work Summit with EU Commissioner Vladimír Špidla
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Closing Event of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work - 12 December 2005, Bilbao, Spain. This major European conference brings together health and safety experts, practitioners, and policymakers from across Europe to discuss the challenges and future strategies for a better control of noise at work. Is noise at work an issue you have to address? Is your organisation prepared for the new EU directive on noise that comes into effect across Europe in February 2006?
- Mainstreaming gender into occupational safety and health
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Experts and decision-makers from the Member States, the European Commission and the European social partners met to share and discuss the findings of the Agency's last report: 'Gender issues in safety and health at work, a review' . These findings are reflected in a new working paper that also discusses how to take forward gender issues in OSH.
- International Youth Day: Health and safety aspects of working life
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Young people run a 50% higher risk of work accidents than more experienced workers. In anticipation of the campaign that will run next year, the European Agency has just launched an online pool of information on issues related to young people and their safety and health. Topics covered include accident prevention and integrating occupational safety and health into education.
- Get ready for future OSH challenges and emerging risks!
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Demographic changes as well as changes in work organisation and production methods are leading to new types and new combinations of occupational risks and demand new solutions. Multifactoral issues are a growing concern – learn more from the Agency's latest report Expert forecast on emerging physical risks related to occupational safety and health.
- Evaluation of European OSH Directives
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The Federal Ministry of Labour an Social Affairs would like to contribute to the ongoing national and European debates about "Deregulation", "Simplification" and "Smarter and Better Regulations". Conjointly with our European partners find new ways for better European OSH regulations. This should be realised in a systematic, transparent and unprejudiced way.
The German proposal to elaborate possible improvements of the European OSH regulations by means of an ex-post evaluation has launched a broad discussion process in which all stakeholders involved in the design, enforcement and application of OSH regulations have to be involved. - Mainstreaming gender into occupational safety and health
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The current trends in society and work organisation create new risks and put new demands on occupational safety and health research. An overview of what we are in for in terms of workplace safety has just been published by the European Agency for Safety and Heath at Work in a working paper for the European Commission entitled Priorities for occupational safety and health research in the EU-25.
- Mainstreaming gender into occupational safety and health
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Korea confirms their partnership with the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work’s online information network with the launch of their new site. The launch of their joint OSH website facilitates the exchange of occupational safety and health information while extending the global network of the agency.
- Send in your entry for Good Practice Awards 2006!
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work invites nominations for the seventh European Good Practice Awards in occupational health and safety. The 2006 award scheme will recognise companies or organisations, including schools, colleges and training providers, that have made outstanding and innovative contributions to ensure that young people make a safe start in their working lives, and that risk awareness and prevention is promoted in enterprises, schools and colleges.
Visit the web site of the agency
- Grab your camera… Calling all young film and video makers!
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work invites entries for the first 'Safe Start …European Young Film Maker of the Year' video competition. The competition is part of the European Week 2006 which, under the slogan 'Safe Start!', is dedicated to young people to ensure a safe and healthy start to their working lives.
- Explore our new section on agriculture
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Despite decreasing numbers of people employed in agriculture across Europe, farming continues to have some of the highest accident rates for any industry. The new section pools information on safety and health in agriculture from EU Member States and provides examples of how safety and health risks on farms can be successfully tackled.
Visit the web site of the agency
- Bird flu and occupational safety and health advice hot line
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There is growing public concern about bird flu in Germany. Even though experts say it only affects animals.
The employers‘ insurers hotline (01805 188088 - 12 cent/minute) offers advice and information for employers and employees about how to protect themselves and their business against possible dangers from bird flu. - International women's day: Gender issues in safety and health at work
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Women make up 42% of the employed population in the EU. Men and women are not the same and the jobs they do, their working conditions and how they are treated by society are not the same. It is therefore important to recognise these differences and take a "gender sensitive" approach to health and safety at work.
- Discovering colleagues orientation as productivity factor
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"Colleagues-oriented corporate culture - vision or success story?"
That is the title of the spring conference of this year of the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA), which take place on 29 and 30 May 2006 in the DASA in Dortmund. The program of the meeting is present now.Program and form for announcing of the BAuA spring conference 2006 Programm
- Support our campaign to protect young workers
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Young people are at least 50% more likely to be hurt at work than more experienced workers. Get involved in our Safe Start campaign and help young people stay safe from their first day in the workplace.
- Send in your entry for Good Practice Awards 2006!
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Entry to the RISQ Zone is for young people only. Discover the Safe Start campaign with information about rights and responsibilities, questions to ask the boss plus online quizzes, animations, video links and ideas on how to make a safe and healthy start at work. There are sections on hazards and risks, ten tips on how to work safely and links to resources around Europe and beyond.
- Agency launches 2005 Annual Report
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As the Agency enters its 10th year it has expanded its network of partners and focal points, and enhanced its award winning website while reaping the first fruits of its new risk observatory. The annual European Week campaign focused on the risks of noise at work and how to combat them. The Agency also prepared the ground for the launch of the new Healthy Workplace Initiative, which aims to raise awareness of OSH essentials, in the 10 most recent EU member states as well as in Romania and Bulgaria.
- Refering occupational pupils and trainees early to dangers on the job
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Junge Beschäftigte sind am Arbeitsplatz besonders gefährdet: Europäischen Statistiken zufolge liegt die Quote der Arbeitsunfälle bei Arbeitnehmern zwischen 18 und 24 Jahren um 50 Prozent höher als in allen anderen Altersgruppen. Darauf weisen die Spitzenverbände der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung zu Beginn des neuen Ausbildungsjahres hin. 2004 verzeichneten die gewerblichen Berufsgenossenschaften und die Unfallkassen 197.492 Arbeitsunfälle in der Altersgruppe unter 25 Jahre - zu ihr gehören vorrangig Auszubildende und Berufsanfänger. Das entspricht einem Fünftel aller in Deutschland gemeldeten Unfälle bei der Arbeit. Präventionsexperten empfehlen daher, Auszubildende von Anfang an über Sicherheit und Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz aufzuklären.
- "start safe"
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The old sporting adage that a bad start can cost you victory doesn't seem to be common knowledge in the world of work yet. True, getting off to a safe start (on the field or at work) does depend on having good intentions but the main prerequisite is a sound knowledge of occupational safety and health issues.
That's where the www.starte-sicher.de website comes in. The site gives visitors the lowdown on ten areas of occupational safety. Young workers can use it to find out about the most important rules and regulations and make sure that their career doesn't get off to a false start. The website provides detailed information on topics such as preventive fire safety, stress, personal protection equipment and electricity. Celebrities talk about their own training and the "checkpoints" test how well-informed the user is about his or her own safety. - The Agency welcomes Jukka Takala as the new director
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Jukka Takala joins the Agency from the International Labour Organization where he was director of the International Programme on Safety and Health at Work and the Environment (SafeWork). Promoting higher levels of workplace safety and health across the European Union and encouraging managers and employees to work together to make workplaces safer, healthier and more productive, are among the key objectives when Dr Takala starts work in the Agency and he is looking forward to working with Agency staff and indeed the Occupational safety and health network.
- Computer case of learning for pupils
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Philip had asthma when he was a child but that was ages ago. Now he wants to be a mechatronics engineer but all of a sudden the doctor reckons the asthma might be important. Why for heaven's sake?
This interactive case study aims to provide school pupils with information about the medical examination required for young workers. It is intended to help those who have asthma or allergies choose a suitable occupation. - International Day for Older Persons – 1 October
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The working population of Europe is ageing, and action should be taken to prevent ill health and injury to older workers. Harm can be avoided by effectively assessing the risks, adjusting the work organisation, and improving the ergonomics of the workplace.
- World Mental Health Day – 10 October
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Work-related stress can affect workers’ mental and physical health, and organisations’ productivity. Bullying is highly associated with work-related stress and represents a growing problem in the European workforce. The costs are considerable for both the worker and the organisation. Moreover, bullying should be regarded as unethical, oppressive behaviour and therefore unacceptable in the work environment.
- European Forum on Hearing Conservation for Professionals in Music and Entertainment
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The German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) is hosting a conference on Hearing conservation for professionals in music and entertainment on 16th and 17th January in Dortmund.
The peculiarity of sound in this sector is that it is intended and indispensable but harmful at the same time. Sound is not an unwanted secondary effect but to some extent it is expected by the audience or e.g. in the case of musicians it is actually the main product of their work. Nevertheless this special product can directly put a risk on their most important instrument – their ears.
In consideration of the Directive 2003/10/EC this meeting wants to support the discussion on ideas, problems and solution concepts for this sector.. - Fewer accidents and occupational diseases plus workplaces which reflect mature workers' needs – "Safety and Health at Work 2005" report now on-line
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Every year, the government presents a statistical report on the level of safety and health at work and the incidence of accidents and occupational diseases in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The report which the Federal Cabinet approved on 13 December 2006 covers the period from 2002 to 2005. It illustrates that the positive trend of recent years towards a higher level of occupational safety and health and more workplace health promotion is continuing apace. The report explains which protection measures and precautions effectively improve working conditions and with what degree of success.
For the first time, this report also focuses on the specific challenges of demographic change.
Read the press release by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs
- INQA Congress 2007
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Germany's ageing problem and what can be done about it will be the topic of the second INQA Congress, which the INQA New Quality of Work Initiative and the "Demographie-Netzwerk" (ddn) will be holding in Berlin on 14 March. In particular, the panel discussion on "Demographic change: What needs to be done now", along with the keynote speech by Franz Müntefering (Germany's Federal Minister of Labour and Social Affairs), will set out to identify new ways forward for industry and society. Chaired by German political chat show host, Sabine Christiansen, the panel discussion will begin with some short films to
- The Agency website even more accessible
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In order to address some of the inequalities experienced by visitors with disabilities to our website, the Agency has made some progress in making the information available to the widest audience possible. In this first phase access keys allow our visitors to use their keyboards to surf the website. This setup closely matches most international recommendations.
- European Safe Start Summit in Bilbao
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The Summit will close a one-year campaign dedicated to the safety and health of young people throughout Europe and will take place on 22nd March in Bilbao. It provides an opportunity to hear from professionals, practitioners and participants about what has been achieved during the campaign and the lessons learned to ensure that we protect the workforce of tomorrow by taking action today. It will be an unequalled opportunity to review the activities and events that took place throughout Europe during the campaign and an opportunity to present the winners of the Good Practice and Video Competitions with their awards.
- 2007: European Year of Equal Opportunities for All
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The European Union is promoting Equal Opportunities for All throughout 2007. The aims including making people more aware of their rights, promoting equal opportunities for all and launching a major debate on the benefits of diversity both for European societies and individuals.
Learn more about:
and visit the website of the European Commission:
- 25% cut in accidents at work by 2012
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The European Commission adopts a new five-year strategy for safety and health at work which aims to dramatically reduce work-related accidents. "Every year there are 4 million accidents at work which represent enormous economic costs for the European economy," said Vladimír Špidla, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities. For both human and economic reasons, this problem deserves to be given a prominent place on the Community's policy agenda. The new strategy aims in particular at:
- improving and simplifying existing legislation and enhancing its implementation through non-binding instruments such as exchange of good practices, awareness-raising campaigns;
- Defining and implementing national strategies adjusted to the specific context of each Member State;
- Mainstreaming of health and safety at work in other national and European policy areas (education, public health, research) ;
- Better identifying and assessing potential new risks.
- Italian students win Safe Start video competition
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A short film produced by Andrea Vecchi, Diego Tamburini and Massimo Piadelli, students at the Istituto Técnico Industriale Statale "Nullo Baldini" in Ravenna, Italy was awarded the title of "Safe Start … European Young Film Maker of the Year" at the Safe Start Summit held in Bilbao, Spain on 22 March 2007. Runners-up awards were presented to three other films. Young people in Europe were challenged to create a short film which conveyed a message about safety and health at work.
- Watch the 4 award-winning videos
- Read the Press Release
- Learn more about the Safe Start campaign
- Christa Schweng, elected new Governing Board Chairperson
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At its 21 March meeting, the Agency’s Governing Board has elected Ms Christa Schweng as its new chairperson. Ms Schweng is the Austrian employers’ representative on the Agency’s Board. She takes over from Dr Bertil Remaeus, the Swedish government representative. The Governing Board also adopted a draft work programme and budget proposal for 2008 which, if approved by the European Parliament, would see the Agency launching a major two-year campaign on risk assessment and targeting the high risk transport sector. Board also discussed what the Agency’s role should be in the implementation of the new Community OSH Strategy and the functioning of the Agency’s national network.
More on:
- Musculoskeletal disorders affect up to 90% of people
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At some point in their life up to 90% of people suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, bones and nerves. These disorders are often work-related. Health problems range from discomfort, minor aches and pains, to more serious medical conditions requiring time off work and even medical treatment. In more chronic cases, treatment and recovery are often unsatisfactory - the result could be permanent disability and loss of employment. The European Campaign 2007 organised by the Agency is dedicated to this major issue.
- Send in your entry for Good Practice Awards 2007!
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work invites nominations for the eighth European Good Practice Awards in occupational health and safety. The 2007 award scheme will recognise companies or organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions to promote an integrated management approach to tackle musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) embracing prevention of MSDs, and the retention, rehabilitation and reintegration of workers who already suffer from MSDs.
- World Day for Safety and Health at Work - 28 April
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The Agency joins in supporting the World Day for Safety and Health at Work. In order to make decent work a reality it has launched the Healthy Workplace Initiative campaign (HWI) which will be held in 14 countries throughout 2007. The Agency has also launched the 2007 European campaign on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) which will run in over 30 European countries in 2007.
- Conference "More success through efficient regulation"
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The joint action undertaken by the social partners, governments of the Member States and the European Commission to improve and harmonise working conditions has given important impulses for European integration and enlargement. The starting point in this regard was the joint development and implementation of European Directives on Safety and Health at Work which, however, are increasingly subject to controversial discussion in the context of improving European regulation.
The German Council Presidency is going to follow up on these discussions by means of the conference on "More Success through Efficient Regulation" that will be held on 13 and 14 June 2007. The purpose of the conference is to provide a platform for all participants to present and discuss their expectations concerning future European regulation of safety and health at work. Furthermore, there will be discussion of proposals on how to implement these expectations in a systematic, balanced, transparent and timely manner.
- Launch of the European Campaign 'Lighten the Load'
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The 'Lighten the Load' Campaign was launched on 4th June 2007 during a press conference in Brussels. Commissioner Vladimir SPIDLA, Rudolf ANZINGER, Secretary of State in the German Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs and Jukka TAKALA, Director of the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work presented the campaign and stressed its main objectives.
- New Agency's annual report released
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The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work has published its annual report for 2006, marking another year of progress – the tenth since the Agency was first set up. But with an enlarged EU, and with occupational injury and ill health continuing to cast a shadow over people’s lives, the Agency’s role in providing health and safety information has never been more important.
- Napo shows the way to tackle MSDs
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Learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with Napo's new film. Napo shows you how to 'manage the load', not only the load being carried but all the 'strains' put on the body by material being moved, the environmental factors, hazards in the workplace, and the pace at which the task is being carried out.
- International Day for Older Persons – 1 October
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The working population of Europe is ageing, and action should be taken to prevent ill health and injury to older workers. Harm can be avoided by effectively assessing the risks, adjusting the work organisation, and improving the ergonomics of the workplace.
- Tell us what you did in the 'Lighten the Load' campaign and win a trip to Bilbao
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The European Week of the 'Lighten the Load' campaign is from 22 - 26 October 2007, with a range of awareness-raising activities being organised in over 30 countries. Tell us what you did during the 'Lighten the load' campaign, download your own personalised Certificate of Participation, and automatically enter a prize draw to win a free trip to the Basque Region of Spain for two people.
- Napo shows the way to tackle MSDs
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Learn how to avoid musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) with Napo's new film. Napo shows you how to 'manage the load', not only the load being carried but all the 'strains' put on the body by material being moved, the environmental factors, hazards in the workplace, and the pace at which the task is being carried out.
- New biological threats in European working environment
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Several thousand fatalities in the EU are due to work-related infectious diseases and many biological risks remain poorly assessed at workplace level. Read the new report on emerging biological risks that are most likely to affect EU workers.
- Lighten the load campaign summit – Programme and registration
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The Closing Event of the Lighten the load campaign will be held on Tuesday, 26th February 2008 at the Euskalduna Conference Centre in Bilbao.
This conference is the first opportunity to hear about the outcomes of the European campaign on musculoskeletal disorders in 2007 and is a must for occupational health and safety professionals and all those interested and concerned with work-related MSDs. - Business benefits of good occupational safety and health
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Whether your enterprise is a small or a large company, implementing an efficient OSH management can enhance your productivity. Managing risk is a key element of OSH. If you prevent and control risks effectively many of the business benefits will follow.
How a good OSH policy can strengthen your economic performance?
- "Safety and Health at Work 2006" report now on-line
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Every year, the government presents a statistical report on the level of safety and health at work and the incidence of accidents and occupational diseases in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The report which the Federal Cabinet approved covers the period from 2003 to 2006. It illustrates that the positive trend of recent years towards a higher level of occupational safety and health and more workplace health promotion is continuing apace.
- More and more people face psychosocial risks at work
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Precarious contracts and work intensification, high emotional demands, workplace violence and a poor work-life balance can lead to work-related stress and seriously affect workers’ health and safety. Read the new report on emerging psychosocial risks that put EU workers in danger.
- European awards scheme recognises contributions to preventing work-related MSDs
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Nine Good Practice Award winners from six EU countries were honoured at the closing event of the ‘Lighten the load’ campaign. The awards recognise outstanding and innovative contributions to preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. EU-OSHA also presented its latest publication ‘Work-related MSDs: Prevention Report’ which sets out the latest scientific evidence on the issue.
Learn more:
Press release on the Good Practice Awards
Download photos from the closing event and award ceremony
Watch and download TV footage material of the event on Europe-by-Satellite
- Safety and Health for Hotels and the Catering Industry
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The hotel, restaurant and catering (HORECA) sector employs nearly 8 million workers in Europe and is growing fast. Working in this sector can be potentially hazardous but it is possible to manage the risks and prevent accidents and ill health.
- OSH organisations and strategies
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Do you know who are the key actors involved in contributing to the achievement of modern, effective and efficient occupational safety and health for Europe? Are you looking for the latest International, European and national strategies in the area of occupational safety and health?
- 28th April 2010: World Day for Safety and Health at Work
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April 28 is the annual World Day for Safety and Health at work. Since 2003, the ILO has observed World Day, stressing the prevention of accidents and ill-health at work through social dialogue and tripartism. The theme this year is emerging risks and patterns of prevention in a changing world of work, looking at current global challenges and the new context of occupational safety and health practice. EU-OSHA, which is at the forefront of providing current and accurate information on these issues, actively supports ILO in promoting this important day.
- German opening event of the Healthy Workplace campaign on Risk Assessment on 10 June 2008 in Berlin
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Um den Arbeitsschutz in kleinen und mittleren Unternehmen (KMU) zu verbessern, steht die Europäische Kampagne 2008/2009 unter dem Motto: Gesunde Arbeitsplätze. Ein Gewinn für alle. Eine Europäische Kampagne zur Gefährdungsbeurteilung.
Mit dem Partnership-Meeting als Auftakt der europaweiten Kampagne in Deutschland wird das Ziel verfolgt, weitere Beteiligte für die Umsetzung eines systematischen Arbeitsschutzes zu gewinnen. Insbesondere sollen die regionalen Trägerpotenziale der Sozialpartner, der Handwerkskammern und der Industrie- und Handelskammern noch stärker für die Verbreitung erfolgreicher Ansätze und bewährter Praktiken in KMU genutzt werden.
- World No Tobacco Day - 31 May 2008
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The WHO's call to action comes on the eve of World No Tobacco Day, 31 May. This year’s campaign focuses on the multi-billion dollar efforts of tobacco companies to attract young people to its addictive products through sophisticated marketing.
A smoke-free workplace is a positive, health and safety measure, which brings both immediate and long-term positive benefits to workers and the general public alike.
Our topic website "Non-smoker protection at the workplace" provides links to actions and good practice information on no smoking at work from erman providers.
Press release of the German cancer aid (Deutsche Krebshilfe)
- Pilot Study "Ex-Post-Evaluation of the VDU Directive 90/270/EEC" was a success
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Evaluation of existing OSH Directives ist feasible, useful and should be further developed and applied to other Directives. This is the essence of the report on a pilot study, that was realized in the EU Member States Denmark, Finland, The Netherlands, Czech Republik and Germany. The study focused on represenative interviews with employers and workers at company level.
- German Partnership meeting 'Healthy Workplaces: Good for you. Good for business.'
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Die deutsche Auftaktveranstaltung der europaweiten Kampagne der Europäischen Agentur für Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz am Arbeitsplatz fand am 10. Juni 2008 im Rahmen eines Partnership Meetings in Berlin statt. Die Veranstaltung wurde von den Trägern der Gemeinsamen Deutschen Arbeitsschutzstrategie - den Arbeitsschutzverwaltungen der Länder in Kooperation mit dem Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales sowie den Unfallversicherungsträgern - ausgerichtet. Sie war mit rund 100 Teilnehmerinnen und Teilnehmern aus dem gesamten Bundesgebiet außerordentlich gut besucht.
- EU-OSHA Annual report 2007: bringing safety and health closer to European workers
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As a key player in the implementation of the new Community Strategy for Health and Safety at Work (2007-2012), EU-OSHA’s annual report provides a concise overview of its activities in 2007. Highlights of the year include the extension of its European and global networks, the ‘Lighten the load campaign’ and the Healthy Workplace Initiative, as well as research into new and emerging workplace risks.
- Abschlussveranstaltung zum Modellvorhaben des Förderschwerpunktes 2005 "Kleine Betriebe zeitgemäß betriebsärztlich und sicherheitstechnisch unterstützen"
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Am 18. September 2008 werden in der Heilig-Kreuz-Kirche in Berlin-Kreuzberg drei Modelle für eine optimale betriebsärztliche und sicherheitstechnische Betreuung für Kleinunternehmen vorgestellt und diskutiert, die im Rahmen des Förderschwerpunktes 2005 des Modelprogramms zur Bekämpfung arbeitsbedingter Erkrankungen des Bundesministeriums für Arbeit und Soziales entwickelt und in der Praxis erprobt wurden. Anliegen der Abschlussveranstaltung ist eine breite Umsetzung der entwickelten vorbildlichen Praxislösungen. Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Fachleute und Praktiker im Bereich Sicherheit und Gesundheitsschutz bei der Arbeit.
- Accident Prevention
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Slips, trips and falls are the largest cause of accidents in all sectors from heavy manufacturing to office work. Other hazards include falling objects, thermal and chemical burns, fires and explosions, dangerous substances and stress. To prevent accidents occurring in the workplace, employers should establish a safety management system that incorporates risk assessment and monitoring procedures.
- Jahrestagung der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin 2008
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Unter dem Titel "Gute Arbeit - Modelle des erfolgreichen Transfers von Sicherheit und Gesundheit in die Betriebe" findet die Jahrestagung der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA) am 13. Oktober 2008 in der DASA in Dortmund statt. Dabei greift die Veranstaltung konkrete Modelle und Verfahren auf, um das Wissen über Sicherheit und Gesundheit bei der Arbeit nachhaltig in den Betrieben zu verankern.
Die Tagung richtet sich an Akteure und Verantwortliche aus dem Bereich Sicherheit und Gesundheit am Arbeitsplatz wie beispielsweise Fachkräfte für Arbeitssicherheit, Arbeitsmediziner, Vertreter der Aufsichtsbehörden und der gesetzlichen Unfallversicherung sowie an Personalverantwortliche und Vertreter der Sozialpartner.
- European organisations and multinationals join forces to promote safe and healthy workplaces
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Nine organisations have signed up to be part of the first wave of official partners of the Healthy Workplaces campaign. EU employers’ and workers’ federations, multinational companies, researchers and NGOs get substantially involved and promote risk assessment as the first step for good workplace safety and health management.
- European Week aims at cutting workplace accidents and diseases
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Events and activities to help reduce work-related accidents and illnesses will be staged across all EU Members States from 20-24 October 2008. The week's campaign activities will highlight the importance of assessing health and safety risks. A new report on 'Risk Assessment' showcases practical ways in which workplace risks can be managed and reduced.
- Deutsche Hauptveranstalungen zur Europäischen Kampagne 2008
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Vom 20. bis 24. Oktober 2008 fanden in allen EU- Mitgliedstaaten Veranstaltungen und Aktivitäten zur Verringerung arbeitsbedingter Unfälle und Krankheiten statt. In Deutschland gab es dazu drei Hauptveranstaltungen, organisiert von der Bundesanstalt für Arbeitsschutz und Arbeitsmedizin (BAuA), der Senatorin für Arbeit, Frauen, Gesundheit, Jugend und Soziales in Zusammenarbeit mit Landesarbeitskreis für Arbeitssicherheit Bremen.
- Gefährdungsbeurteilung bei psychischen Belastungen: Deutsche und europäische Ansätze und Erfahrungen - Workshop der BAuA am 22.10.2008 in Berlin
- Gefährdungsbeurteilung bei Arbeiten mit biologischen Arbeitsstoffen - Seminar der BAuA am 23. und 24.10.2008 in Berlin
- "Gefährdungsbeurteilung – ein Gewinn für alle" - Veranstaltung der Senatorin für Arbeit, Frauen, Gesundheit, Jugend und Soziales sowie des Landesarbeitskreises für Arbeitssicherheit
am 30.10.2008 in Bremen
- Browse all publications by type, subject or keyword
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All EU-OSHA publications can be downloaded free of charge from our Publications Entry Point. With our new search tool you can browse publications by type, subject and keyword.
- Support grows for European risk assessment campaign
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Air Liquide Welding, Baxter, CESI, EFNMS, Eli Lilly, EPSC, General Electric and IMA-Europe signed up as official campaign partners, bringing the total number to 17. See what they are doing to promote risk assessment as the essential step for a sound safety and health management.
- "Safety and Health at Work 2007" report now on-line
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Every year, the government presents a statistical report on the level of safety and health at work and the incidence of accidents and occupational diseases in the Federal Republic of Germany.
The report which the Federal Cabinet approved covers the period from 2005 to 2007. It illustrates that the positive trend of recent years towards a higher level of occupational safety and health and more workplace health promotion is continuing apace.
- New European Risk Observatory report: occupational skin diseases and dermal exposure
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Skin diseases are among the most important emerging risks - related not only to the extensive use of chemicals, but also to exposure to biological and physical risk factors. The report gives an overview of dermal exposures and skin diseases, contains the principal policies and practices in the EU-25 and concludes with challenges, prospects and recommendations.
- Report: Workplace exposure to vibration
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One in three European workers is exposed to vibration at work and this risk is becoming more and more important. This report gives an overview of the challenges facing the occupational safety and health community as regards the management of occupational vibration risks.
- Healthy Workplaces campaign: 30 multinational organisations and companies take action
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CEFIC, EBC, ECTA, EFBWW, ENSHPO, ETF, ETSA, EWEA-AEE, FIEC, FOHNEU, Hamilton Sundstrand, ISHCCO and KRKA have signed up to promote the current risk assessment campaign by organising events, training sessions or the production of safety and health videos.
- European Good Practice Award winners 2008 to be announced at Safety and Health congress in Prague
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On 27 April 2009 the European Good Practice Award winners will be announced during the congress “Safety and Health at Work in Europe in the 21st Century”, organised by the Czech Presidency of the European Union in Prague. The main focus of the meeting is on the impact of occupational safety and health on economy and businesses, the role of workers and the effectiveness of economic incentives to improve OSH.
- 33 official campaign partners receive certificate from EU-Commissioner Špidla
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At a reception on 17 March in Brussels, EU-Commissioner Vladimír Špidla and EU-OSHA Director Jukka Takala honoured the 33 official campaign partners for their engagement in the risk assessment campaign.
The same day, over 70 representatives from organisations and companies, interested in becoming campaign partners, saw the 2008 campaign results and activities planned for 2009. They also learnt how to become an official campaign partner and heard about the experiences and benefits of those already engaged.
- European workers face new and increasing health risks from hazardous substances
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An ever-increasing number of hazardous substances used in industry and in a wide range of workplaces are threatening the health of workers across Europe. A new Risk Observatory report identifies the main groups of substances which could pose new and increasing risks.
- EU experts and Minister of Labour tackle workplace health and safety risks in Cyprus’ hotels and restaurants
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Representatives from the European Commission, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, the Cypriot Minister of Labour, social partners and local experts gathered at a conference called “Working safely in the hotels, restaurants and catering sector (HORECA)” to help SMEs manage their specific occupational risks. A report from EU-OSHA shows that workers in this sector have to deal with unfavourable working conditions and showcases many good practice examples.
Report: ‘Protecting workers in hotels, restaurants and catering’
Factsheet: ‘Protecting workers in hotels, restaurants and catering’
- Good Practice Award winners 2009 announced
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Eight organisations and companies were honoured with an award at the ninth annual European Good Practice competition organised within the Healthy Workplaces campaign on risk assessment. The winners and commended entries all promoted good safety and health practices in workplace risk assessment, illustrated in the Good Practice Booklet.
- EU-OSHA launches pan-European photo competition
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What’s your image of safety and health at work? Our competition challenges everyone to share their own perspective on safe and healthy workplaces. Four winners stand a chance to win prizes totaling 7,000 Euros. An international jury of professional photographers and OSH experts decides on the three best photos and there is an online voting for the public’s favourite. Deadline for submission is 15th August 2009.
- New European Risk Observatory Literature Review on nanoparticles
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The ‘Literature Review - Workplace exposure to nanoparticles’ reviews the most recent publications on nanoparticles and focuses on the possible adverse health effects of workplace exposure. The report presents the regulatory background and activities taken to manage this emerging risk.
- 20 Years of Prevention Based on Risk Assessment
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On 12 June 1989 the EU adopted an OSH framework directive to ensure a higher degree of protection of workers at work, covering all European workplaces based on the principle of prevention based on a prior risk assessment. The framework is based on implementation of preventive measures, and information, consultation, and training of workers and their representatives.
- European risk assessment campaign engages 6 new partners
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CSEE-ETUCE, EMF, ETSC, EuroCommerce, European Network FOCUS and FEES signed up as official partners of the Healthy Workplaces campaign 2008-2009, bringing the total number to 39. Promotion and many other interesting projects continue to provide the necessary support to our campaign message: risk assessment as the essential step for a sound safety and health management.
CSEE-ETUCE - European Trade Union Committee for Education
EMF – European Metal Workers Federation
ETSC – European Transport Safety Council
EuroCommerce - The retail, wholesale and international trade representation to the EU
European Network FOCUS - Europäisches Netzwerk
FEES - Vereinigung der europäischen ergonomischen Gesellschaften
- EU-OSHA Film Award for the best documentary on work-related topics
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The Healthy Workplaces Film Award is presented at the 52nd International Leipzig Festival for Documentary and Animated Film. The award is endowed with € 8,000 and honours the best film on work-related topics.
- Neuer Bericht über Nanopartikel der Beobachtungsstelle für Risiken
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Die "Literaturdurchsicht über Nanopartikelexposition am Arbeitsplatz" gibt eine Übersicht über die jüngsten Veröffentlichungen zu Nanopartikeln und befasst sich mit den möglichen schädlichen Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheit einer Exposition am Arbeitsplatz. Im Bericht werden die in diesem Zusammenhang geltenden Vorschriften sowie die Maßnahmen vorgestellt, die im Umgang mit dieser neu auftretenden Gefährdung ergriffen werden.
- What do Europeans think about their working conditions?
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A Pan-European opinion poll recently run by EU-OSHA provides current and reliable data on people’s perception of their working environment.
According to the findings, there is widespread concern among European citizens that the current economic crisis could adversely affect health and safety at work. A majority of them also consider it an important factor when choosing a new job.
The results can be accessed in English (EU27) or by Member State in national languages.
- Work-related stress - one of the biggest OSH challenges in Europe
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Stress is the second most frequently reported work-related health problem, affecting 22% of workers from the EU 27. Studies suggest that stress is a factor in between 50% and 60% of all lost working days. This represents a huge cost in terms of both human distress and impaired economic performance.
Read the new report on work-related stress based on international and national statistics.
- Preventing risks to young workers: policy, programmes and workplace practices
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Young workers (15–24 years) are a very vulnerable group when it comes to occupational safety and health (OSH). However, the majority of OSH risks are preventable — whether they involve young or older workers — by applying the principles of risk assessment and putting in place the necessary preventive measures. To support information exchange on best practice, the agency has produced a report about how the occupational safety and health of young workers can be managed at policy and practice level. The report includes a variety of case studies and also identifies some success factors for prevention.
Read Factsheet 83 - Good practice in preventing risks to young workers. A Summary
- New report: Assessment, elimination and substantial reduction of occupational risks
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This report features cases from a variety of workplaces that demonstrate how a risk assessment process has led to a risk being identified and successfully eliminated or substantially reduced. The main aim of the report is to illustrate how risk elimination or risk reduction at source can be achieved at workplace level.
- EU-OSHA targets health risks in cleaning industry for European Week 2009
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The health and safety of the 3.6 million Europeans who work in the cleaning sector is the focus of this year’s European Week for Health and Safety at Work (19 to 23 October). The Week also showcases two major new reports on cleaners, giving best-practice advice on how to cut the high rate of illness and accidents in the sector. Sectoral videos on risk management in cleaning, HORECA and construction are now available on the web.
