EU takes steps against workplace-related cancers

The European Commission is taking another important step to protect workers in the EU from workplace-related cancer as well as other health problems, says an International Workplace report. The Commission proposes to limit workers' exposure to five cancer-causing chemicals, in addition to the 21 substances that have already been limited or proposed to be limited. Estimates show that the proposal would improve working conditions for more than 1m EU workers and prevent more than 22 000 cases of work-related illness. Commissioner for employment, social affairs, skills and labour mobility, Marianne Thyssen, said: ‘Today, the Commission has taken another important step towards fighting work-related cancer and other relevant health problems on the work floor. We propose to limit workers' exposure to five additional cancer-causing chemicals. This will improve protection for over 1m workers in Europe and help create a healthier and safer workplace, which is a core principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights.’