To mark the World Day for Safety and Health at Work on 28 April, the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) launched its new Healthy Workplaces Campaign for this year: promoting safe maintenance across Europe.
The campaign was launched at at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels by Dr Jukka Takala, Director of EU-OSHA and the EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, Mr László Andor.
Mr Andor said: 'Maintenance is a daily part of every workplace and sector. The 20% of accidents currently linked to maintenance is too high and shows it's an area where we have to raise awareness and step up our efforts'.
'Our overall strategy is to cut all work-related accidents in the EU by 25% over the coming years. This campaign will help to raise awareness about maintenance-related risks, saving lives across Europe and bringing us closer to our overall goal for safer and healthier workplaces.'
In some European countries as many as 20% of all workplace accidents are connected with maintenance and in a number of sectors over half of all accidents are maintenance-related. Maintenance is essential to prevent workplace risks, but it is itself a high risk activity for the workers that carry it out. It is estimated that in Europe 10-15% of fatal accidents at work can be attributed to maintenance operations. It is vital, therefore, that maintenance is carried out properly, taking into consideration workers’ safety and health.
- You can download the official campaign guide and other campaign materials (presentations, publications and promotional material in 22 languages) and find campaign events that will be happening near you, on the Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2010/11 website.
