Introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work

To ensure a higher degree of protection of workers at work 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. This framework Directive serves as a basis for individual Directives covering, inter alia, the areas listed in the Annex.

2) COMMUNITY MEASURES

Council 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.

3) CONTENTS

1.

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.

2.

Definitions of the terms "worker", "employer", "workers' representative" and "prevention".

3.

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;

to evaluate the occupational risks, inter alia in the choice of work equipment and the fitting-out of workplaces, and to make provision for adequate protective and preventive services;

to keep a list of, and draw up reports on, occupational accidents;

to take the necessary measures for first aid, fire-fighting, evacuation of workers and action required in the event of serious and imminent danger;

to inform and consult workers and allow them to take part in discussions on all questions relating to safety and health at work;

to ensure that each worker receives adequate safety and health training throughout the period of employment.

4.

Workers are obliged:

to make correct use of machinery, other means of production, personal protective equipment and safety devices;

to give warning of any work situation presenting a serious and immediate danger and of any shortcomings in the protection arrangements;

to 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.

5.

The health of workers is monitored through the application of measures introduced in accordance with national laws and practices.

6.

Particularly sensitive risk groups must be protected against the dangers which specifically affect them.

7.

The Council will adopt individual Directives - inter alia, in the seven areas listed in the Annex - to which the provisions of this Directive will apply in full, without prejudice to more stringent and/or specific provisions contained in the individual Directives. This Directive and the individual Directives may be amended by the Council (procedure under Article 118a of the Treaty); technical adjustments are made by the Commission, assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States.

4) DEADLINE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LEGISLATION IN THE MEMBER STATES

31.12.1992

5) DATE OF ENTRY INTO FORCE (if different from the above)

6) REFERENCES

Official Journal L 183, 29.06.1989

7) FOLLOW-UP WORK

8) COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING MEASURES