Commission launches new initiative to improve health and safety of workers

The European Commission released on 10 January 2017 a Communication setting out an Action Plan to promote Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the European Union. This plan includes:

+ setting exposure limits for further cancer-causing chemicals;

+ helping businesses comply with health and safety rules;

+ removing or updating outdated rules.

The review of the EU OSH legislation and the changes to Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive fit within the Commission's work on establishing a European Pillar of Social Rights. It also took place as the REFIT exercise was undertaken.

• Primary Source

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/17/3, 10.01.17: Commission modernises policy on health and safety at work: frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-3_en.htm

European Commission: DG Communication: MEMO/17/3, 10.01.17: Commission follows up on workers' protection from cancer-causing chemicals: frequently asked questions http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-17-4_en.htm

ESO: Background information: Occupational health and safety at work: the EU strategies http://www.europeansources.info/record/occupational-health-and-safety-at-work-the-eu-strategies/

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