EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — The AGENCY and European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2003 The AGENCY and DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES – HANDLE WITH CARE Finn Sheye International Network Manager

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — To help improve working conditions in the European Union by providing technical scientific and economic information to people with an interest in safety and health at work Aim of the Agency

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Network development - building the links Information services - communicating knowledge Information projects - developing knowledge Key Areas of Activity

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — EU Focal Points CCs Focal Points EFTA Focal Points

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK —

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK —

Research Inventory of socio-economic costs New trends in accident prevention due to the changing world of work Online funding guide for researchers

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Construction Sector web feature Health care web feature Fisheries Sector Disabled web feature Good Practice

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — onwards (1) European Weeks for Safety and Health at Work Dangerous Substances Construction – 2004 (Noise – 2005) (Young Workers – 2006)

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — onwards (2) Risk Sectors Fisheries – 2002/03 Education – 2003/04 Agriculture – 2004/05 (Metal Industry – 2005/06) (Transport – 2006/07)

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — onwards (3) Priority Groups Gender – 2002/03 Disabled (Migrants/Foreign workers – 2004/05) (Ageing workers – 2006/07)

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — What is European Week? The largest workplace safety and health campaign in Europe It is an annual event aimed at: - Promoting awareness and activities to reduce risks - Promoting good practice solutions

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — 16 million chemicals worldwide 30,000 commonly marketed in the EU 10,000 produced in volumes of more than 10 tonnes Use of biological agents is also increasing Why dangerous substances?

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — High human costs Diseases associated with dangerous substances include cancer, respiratory problems, dermatitis, neuro-psychological difficulties. Up to 10% of all asthma cases are work-related At least 4% of all cancers are due to hazardous substances at work

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Significant financial costs Occupational skin diseases cost the EU €600 million each year Occupational asthma costs €55,000 per patient EXAMPLES:

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Nearly 25% of workers in EU at risk 32 million employees exposed to dangerous substances 22% of workforce inhale hazardous vapours, fumes and other materials 16% have direct contact with dangerous substances 1 million workers exposed to biological agents

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — A PROBLEM THAT AFFECTS VIRTUALLY ALL SECTORS

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Construction Dermatitis from Chromium VI in cement

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Painting and printing Neurological risks from organic solvents

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Farmers Respiratory problems and Parkinsons Disease from pesticides

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — Bakers and many more…. Asthma from flour dust

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — How does the campaign work? It is a decentralised European campaign involving EU Member States, EFTA, accession countries and candidate countries Each country organises its own programme of activities with main events taking please in October

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — The Agency produces and distributes materials (reports, factsheets, etc) in all 11 EU languages Creates a dedicated Web site at Launches the Week at EU-level Runs a European Good Practice Award Organises the closing event together with the Italian EU-Presidency How does the Agency support these?

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK —

Solutions promoted during the European Week The need for all firms to conduct a risk assessment and to provide relevant information to their workers The value of elimination, substitution or reduction Importance of other solutions, including personal protective equipment Good Practice Awards to highlight innovative solutions

EUROPEAN WEEK FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK — EUROPEAN AGENCY FOR SAFETY AND HEALTH AT WORK agency.osha.eu.int Thank you for your interest!