7 December 2004 - New European Risk Observatory Spotting Risks Within Workforce
The main initiatives, as set out in the Community Strategy for Health and Safety at Work, will include the following:
- a Europe-wide information campaign focusing on the risks of excessive noise at work, culminating in the European Week for Safety and Health at Work, 24-28 October 2005
- the launch of a new Risk Observatory to identify emerging risks and corresponding good preventive practices
- an enlargement action plan aimed at raising awareness of safety and health at work in the EU’s 10 new Member States
- an investigation into the relationship between occupational safety and health and economic performance
- a study into the impact of Europe’s ageing workforce on OSH policies and practices
- preparation for an information campaign in 2006 on protecting young workers
On completion of consultation with the European Parliaments' decision on the budget allocation for 2005, the new Risk Observatory agency will commence with their strategy.
Director of the European Agency commented:
“Our new Risk Observatory will carry out Europe-wide surveillance activities to spot new and emerging risks and identify ways to combat them. Alongside our campaign on noise, we also hope to take a decisive step in promoting safety and health awareness in the new Member States through an enlargement action plan.”
Article by Alexandra Johnston
