A European Community action programme to protect the health and safety at work of European Union citizens with a view to responding to developments in science and technology. The programme covered a series of measures establishing the framework for current and future activities over a five-year period from 1 January 1996 to 31 December 2000. In implementing the programme, the Commission was assisted by: (1) an Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work, composed of representatives of the European Union (EU) Member States and chaired by the Commission representative; (2) a Committee of Senior Labour Inspectors, which would advise the Commission on specific matters; (3) a Scientific Committee with the task of delivering specialist opinions on occupational exposure limits for chemical agents. With a view to reinforcing cooperation between national labour inspectorates in connection with the application of European legislation and the incorporation of scientific expertise into the preparation of Community instruments, the Commission has, in addition to the existing official committees such as the Advisory Committee on Safety, Hygiene and Health Protection at Work, conferred formal status on the latter two committees. In the interest of carrying out the programme successfully, the Commission stressed the need to encourage close cooperation with the EU Member States, third countries (CEEC) and specialized agencies of the United Nations (International Labour Organization, World Health Organization, etc.). A progress report on the activities implemented regarding safety, hygiene and health at work was drawn up at the end of 1997, while a final overall report giving an independent assessment of the main activities was produced on 31 December 2001. See: European Agency for Health and Safety at Work; Health and safety at work; Labour inspection; Occupational health services; Occupational safety and health