Health & Safety for Workers
Carcinogens directive at workplaces
The directive is relevant for our industry because of workers’ possible exposure to crystalline silica (SiO2). Although crystalline silica is ubiquitous in nature, the inhalation of fine dust containing a proportion of it may constitute a hazard that is limited to the workplace.
The precast concrete industry pledged to protect its workers and is part of a social agreement called NEPSI formed by the Employee and Employer European sectoral associations having signed the Social Dialogue “Agreement on Workers’ Health Protection Through the Good Handling and Use of Crystalline Silica and Products Containing it” on 25 April 2006.
Directives: bind Member States as to the objectives to be achieved within a certain time-limit while leaving the national authorities the choice of form and means to be used. Directives have to be implemented in national legislation in accordance with the procedures of the individual Member States.