European Federation of Building and Woodworkers Has currently 74 affiliates in 30 countries throughout Europe Represents about 2.4 Mio. workers Executive Committee Standing Committee Construction Standing Committee Wood Health- and Safety Co-ordination Group General Assembly EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

European Social Dialogue EFBH takes part in Social Dialogues in three sectors : Construction Sector: with FIEC Wood Sectors: with CEI-Bois Furniture Sector: with UEA and EFIC EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

European legislation on OSH Construction and woodworking sectors are high risk sectors OSH has improved over the last decades Framework directive and single directives A new understanding on prevention The situation remains insufficient Fourth survey on the Dublin Foundation New hazards on the increase / old hazards stable Approximately death by work related cancer Only skin diseases cost the EU-countries 1 billion € every year EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Europe today Noise Smoke, fume, dust Noise Radia tion Repetitive Hand or Arm movements EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Noise, Vibration Noise, Vibration Dampness, Cold, Heat Dampness, Cold, Heat Heavy loads Heavy loads Dusts, Smokes Dusts, Smokes Painful postures Painful postures Time-pressure and tight deadlines Time-pressure and tight deadlines Working at high speed Working at high speed Repetitive work Repetitive work Unfavourable working-time Unfavourable working-time Social conflicts Social conflicts Slight decrease in traditional hazards e.g. Strong increase in new risks including factors of mental stress Changes in the strain profile EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Problems of Functional Differentiation Noise Atmosphere Lighting Workplace and tools Coordination with others Breaks Work environment Work organisation Venue of work Position in the hierarchy Scientific knowledge Industrial science Technology / Standard- ization Labour psychology Substances Workplace Task and work division

New Strategy to 2012 Legislation remains a core factor for successful prevention in OSH That concerns values, requirements as well as broader strategies for complex problems A proper application and implementation remains crucial Special attention should be paid to the construction sector and other high risk sectors EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

New Strategy to 2012 Specific support for specific conditions – especially for small enterprises without an internal OSH-structure The participation of workers and their representatives is vital for any progress The incorporation of OSH in other community policies should be attributed by precise goals and perspectives Improvement in co-ordinated scientific activities are requested (say R+D-Programme) EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009