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2025-03-07
CESI calls for the protection of the health workforce beyond the pandemic
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Today, the European Parliament plenary endorsed an agreement reached with the Council on December 16 last year on a fourth revision of the EU’s directive 27/2004 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work.
For a better protection of the healthcare workforce:
A larger scope of the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive 37/2004
Today, the European Parliament plenary endorsed an agreement reached with the Council on December 16 last year on a fourth revision of the EU’s directive 27/2004 on the protection of workers from risks related to exposure to carcinogens or mutagens at work.
For CESI it is a breakthrough: This fourth revision of the directive will include a reference to dangerous medicines, therefore guaranteeing a greater protection for healthcare workers.
The COVID-19 pandemic put health workers in the spotlight and emphasised the importance of PPEs (personal protective equipment). On the other hand, it overshadowed other risks that healthcare professionals are exposed to.
Dangerous drugs which are widely used in the treatment of cancer contain harmful substances for those handling them. Over time, this can cause serious illnesses, and even cancer. More than 12.7 million healthcare workers in Europe, including 7.3 million nurses, are potentially exposed to such dangerous substances[1].
Since 2018, CESI has firmly advocated in favour of expanding the scope of the 37/2004 EU Directive to include reprotoxic and dangerous substances. Following the 4th revision of the EU Directive 37/2004 on carcinogens and mutagens, the European Commission will set new standards and guidelines on the preparation and administration of these substances.
Esther Reyes, Chairwoman of CESI’s Expert Commission ‘Health’ welcomed the vote. “Of course, we are glad about the approval of the European Parliament plenary, which will hopefully further protect our affiliates. But there is more to it. For years we have asked for investment in the health sector; to increase human resources, and to improve working conditions. Altogether, a more inclusive, overarching protection of the healthcare workforce is needed.”
The agreement still needs to be formally approved by the Council at ministerial level, before the revised directive can enter into force.
[1] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-9-2021-0114_EN.html
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