The European Parliament will today vote on measures to protect workers from a new generation of health threats at work.
Labour MEPs want a Europe-wide drive against new, cancer-causing chemicals in the workplace as well as measures to combat musculo-skeletal disorders such as back pain and repetitive strain injuries.
British Labour MEP Glenis Willmott, who drafted the report, said: "We need new EU legislation to deal with new and emerging risks and where the existing laws have proved to be inadequate."
"In particular, we need binding new limit values for cancer-causing substances, such as crystalline silica, which can cause pulmonary diseases."
Violence at work
Glenis Willmott MEP is also highlighting workers vulnerable to attack as part of her major campaign, launched with her Health and Safety report.
"Latest figures estimate that in one year, up to 764 000 people have been victims of violence at work," said Glenis Willmott.
"People who work in direct contact with the public are at particular risk of violence. The British Crime Survey has shown that over a 12-month period there were approximately 339,000 threats of violence and 317,000 physical assaults by members of the public on British workers."
Disabled workers
The directive calls for special attention to disabled workers and vulnerable groups, including migrant workers, young, ageing and temporary agency workers.
Glenis Willmott MEP continued: "Studies show that for these workers the rate of occupational accidents and diseases is much higher than the EU average. Most of them are at the lower end of the income scale and at higher risk because they lack training and awareness of either their rights or the risks involved in their work.
For more information please call the European Parliamentary Labour Party press officer, Silke Thomson on +32 479 790 053
