HEALTH AND SAFETY

Health and Safety

Health and Safety

Introduction

This paper will be discussing the European Union policies in context to the health and safety that influences in UK. It will also analyze the effectiveness at reducing the risks to workers, for this part Health strategy and health program of the EU will be discuss. The health and safety of citizens is an important priority for the EU. The health policy of the EU gives to each of us the right to the same high standards of health and quality care. EU policies in this area aim to (Stranks, 2005: 25):

prevent disease

promote a healthier lifestyle

Protect people from health threats such as pandemics.

Although the organization and delivery of health services is the responsibility of individual member countries, the EU adds value to their work by bringing together different countries working together to address common problems such as aging populations and health problem associated with it. Because health problems know no borders, the EU works in close collaboration with international partners such as the World Health Organization (Stranks, 2005: 29).

Discussion

Supervision and Regulation of Occupational Health

Industrialization and the emergence of the health concerns have encouraged the establishment of a protection of workers from the mid-19th century (Protection of Employees weaker with the law of 1841, inspired by the report and laws labor inspection, occupational accidents, occupational diseases with a right to compensation from the employer in charge). Protection has steadily increased throughout the 20th century with the creation of occupational medicine in 1946, then of the National Agency on improving working conditions in 1973, while the Auroux laws of 1982 expanded the missions committee of health and safety and workers' rights over their working conditions (Blanpain, Bamber & Pochet: 2010: 1). Today's standards of health are largely of European origin.

However the protection of employees is undermined by the growth of precarious situations (temporary) and the effects of outsourcing. This new organization of labor in an economy increasingly competitive and demanding causes more suffering at work (stress). Within the Labour and Management of Industrial Relations, the Sub-Directorate of Working Conditions and prevention of occupational risks develops implements and evaluates the French policy aimed to improve working conditions and prevent occupational hazards through regulations and programs. Its activity is marked by the influence of the European Union in this area and through consultation with social partners, as part of the Supreme Council for the prevention of occupational hazards (Blanpain, Bamber & Pochet: 2010: 3). This council, chaired by the Minister of Labour, must be consulted on all draft texts relating to the health, safety or quality of the environment. It may also, on its own initiative, make proposals. The management of labor relations can also accompany the action of the decentralized services and labor inspection.

Health Strategy and Health Program of the EU

The EU's health strategy is based on its policies and entitled as "Together for health", which sets three goals for helping people live longer and healthier (Burgoon & Dekker, 2010: 126):

promote good health in an aging Europe

protect citizens against health threats

Promote dynamic ...