European Agency tackles health and safety issues
A report from the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work gives a comprehensive overview of how economic instruments can improve occupational safety and health (OSH) in the Member States of the European Union. "I am convinced that the case for better health and safety standards in the work place will be strengthened if policy makers are better informed of what poor standards actually cost and how these costs can be reduced", said European Commissioner Flynn, who is responsible for Employment and Social Affairs, Moral, social and human considerations are predominant when it comes to deciding on preventative measures both on the national and company level, according to the report. In its survey, the Agency estimated the costs to society of work-related injuries and ill health as between 2.6% and 3.8% of Member States' gross national products. The report outlines the tools used by the Member States to encourage good health and safety practice at the company level, and indicates that almost all Member States are presently using financial incentives to assist companies. They are also using financial sanctions as enforcement measures, incentives in social insurance schemes and, in some Member States, the selection of contractors on the basis of health and safety criteria.