ETUC demands EU action on musculoskeletal disorders
The European survey of 2010 on working conditions once again underlined the importance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) which affect all industries, and are the source of a significant proportion of absences due to illness. In the most severe cases, they can prevent workers from keeping their jobs. The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) calls for the European Commission to assume political responsibility and submit without delay a draft directive to allow the Parliament and the Council of Ministers to fulfill their role.
The European Commission has been preparing a comprehensive directive on musculoskeletal disorders almost ten years now. On several occasions the European Parliament has expressed its wish for a rapid conclusion to this exercise.
“A global Community legislation on musculoskeletal risks would represent added value for the Member States and boost prevention policies in a more effective manner” said Judith Kirton-Darling, Confederal Secretary of the ETUC.
For the ETUC, the proposed directive should be linked to the preparation of the Community strategy on occupational health and safety for 2013-2020. It is an essential element of a new strategy that grants priority to health problems at work and in particular to the long-term effects of working conditions.
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