EU Rules and Regulations on Health and Safety at Work

One of the areas where the EU has had a significant impact is health and safety at work. Health and safety rules and regulations have been introduced in order to make Europe's workplace safer, healthier, and, last but not least, more efficacious. All businesses are required to comply with the health and safety law. As for workers, they have the right to labour in environments where the risks pertaining to their wellbeing are adequately managed. Health and safety rules and regulations are the same all through Europe, although some of them have been modified to fit into the national law.

Article 153 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union empowers the EU to make decisions when it comes to health and safety at work. The European Union's executive arm, in other words, the European Commission, works together with the European Agency for Health and Safety to spread knowledge, offer direction, and sustaining healthy work environments. The EU - OSHA is the main provider of guidance and information throughout Europe, collaborating with governments, employers, and workers with the goal of improving working conditions in Europe.

The Need for Policy Actions to Enhance the Working Situation in the EU

Nowadays, serious hazards are present in the workplace. Examples include but are not limited to working at height, poor housekeeping, chemicals, confined spaces, and using multiple extension cords. It is estimated that there were 3878 fatal accidents at work in the European Union, which represents an increase compared to last year. Additionally, more than 34 million workers have suffered serious incidents at work. A significant percentage of the deaths mentioned earlier is due to diseases like cancer. It is the duty of the employer to ensure that jobholders are safe from these hazards.

Investing in occupational safety and health administration contributes to the wellbeing of labourers and solves the issue of sick leave and personal injury claims. In the past years, the number of personal injury claims with work injuries and accidents has continually increased in the EU. An injury or an accident resulting from the breach of legislation gives the person the right to claim personal injury compensation. Taking into consideration that there is an alarming situation across the European Union, it is understandable why policy actions have been implemented. Approximately 85% of workers are contented with the situation of their workplace, meaning that there is room for improvement.

Duties the Employer Owes To the Employee

The European Union sets legislation by means of rules and procedures. The legal framework covers all possible risks and establishes principles of safety management from which other truths can be derived. The rules and regulations for health and safety at work are officially stated in Directive 1989/654/EEC (OJ:L393/1/89). The legal act of the EU outlines the minimum standards that any enterprise must follow so as to guarantee the comfort and safety of the employees. It is the responsibility of the manager to:

• Make certain that paths for traffic for emergency situations and that the exits are maintained clear. The emergency routes must lead immediately to a safe setting. Should there be a crisis, the workstations should be evacuated fast and the employees should be able to get to safety. The number of traffic routes depends on the dimensions of the facility and the maximum number of people allowed.
• Ensure preservation of equipment in the workplace, as well as technical maintenance. Workplaces need to be equipped with fire-fighting equipment and alarm systems. Non-automatic gear should be available for immediate use.
• Maintain a clean workplace, guaranteeing that the gear and devices are disinfected. Cleaning and sanitising the machinery means eliminating visible matter and unpleasant odour.
• Warrant that the equipment and devices meant to eliminate hazards are maintained and checked on a regular basis. Machinery can cause injuries in several ways. For instance, sharp edges can lead to cuts and stabbings.

Attention needs to be paid to the fact that these are only general requirements. The health and safety legislation compels employers to:

• Take rational steps to ensure free health and safety,
• Assess occupational risks and provide protective gear and preventative services,
• Keep an accident book,
• Provide health and safety training.

The workers need to be informed with regard to any measures that are taken to reduce of job-related injuries and diseases. Employers are required to consult employees on health and safety problems, consultation that can be done directly or through a representative.

The employer has a legal responsibility to ensure the wellbeing of the staff and other people, such as clients and members of the public.

Minimum Safety and Health Requirements for Workplaces Used For the Very First Time

All workers are entitled to work in an environment that does not put their health and safety at risk. Health and safety rules and regulations are not complicated. Nonetheless, many businesses undermine the importance of providing health and safety for people in the workplace. It does not matter if the workplace is new or old. Speaking of workplaces that are used for the first time, these are the minimum requirements that need to be satisfied:

• Ventilation and confined spaces – There needs to be enough fresh, breathable air in confined spaces. Methods for ventilating the space include mechanical and general ventilation. They must operate so as not to expose the workers to drafts.
• Room temperature – The temperature must be right for human beings, being in close connection with the working methods utilized and the physical demands of the place. Windows, glass partitions, and skylights should not allow immoderate sunlight.
• Natural and artificial lighting – Workplaces should bring in natural light as much as possible. They should also be equipped with incandescent bulbs or LEDs. Lighting installations should not present any risks.
• Doors and gates – The placement and the multitude doors depends on the nature and use of the rooms. Transparent doors must be marked. As far as the gates are concerned, it is important to ensure that they meet safety standards.