Health and Safety at Work
Health and Safety at Work : Responsibilities of employers and workers: EU Directive 89/391/EEC of 12 June 1989 on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work ensures a higher degree of protection of workers at work in the European Union through the implementation of preventive measures to guard against accidents at work and occupational diseases, and through the information, consultation, balanced participation, and training of workers and their representatives. The Directive applies to all sectors of activity, both public and private, with the exception of certain specific activities in the public and civil protection services. Employers are obliged to: ensure the safety and health of workers in every aspect related to the work, primarily on the basis of the specified general principles of prevention, without involving the workers in any financial cost; evaluate the occupational risks, inter alia in the choice of work equipment and the fitting-out of workplaces, and make provision for adequate protective and preventive services; keep a list of, and draw up reports on, occupational accidents; take the necessary measures for first aid, firefighting, evacuation of workers and action required in the event of serious and imminent danger; inform and consult workers, and allow them to take part in discussions on all questions relating to safety and health at work; ensure that each worker receives adequate safety and health training throughout the period of employment. Workers are obliged to: (1) make correct use of machinery, other means of production, personal protective equipment and safety devices; (2) give warning of any work situation presenting a serious and immediate danger and of any shortcomings in the protection arrangements; (3) cooperate in fulfilling any requirements imposed for the protection of health and safety, and in enabling the employer to ensure that the working environment and working conditions are safe and pose no risks. The health of workers is monitored through the application of measures introduced in accordance with national laws and practices. Particularly sensitive risk groups must be protected against the dangers which specifically affect them. See: Health and safety at work; Occupational health services (ILO); Occupational safety and health (ILO).
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