European Parliament own-initiative report on occupational health and safety calls for measures against third-party violence at work

The cardinal point of the resolution is the human health and safety protection at work, which must be ensured in the definition and implementation of all the Union policies and activities.

The resolution’s scope spans across all aspects related to the health and safety at work, including elements such as fatal and non-fatal accidents, work-related illnesses, accidents while performing black-work activity, as well as psychosocial risks. Moreover, internal factors such as radiation, stress at work and working conditions are taken into consideration.

CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger said: “Globalisation, digitalisation and not least the Covid pandemic have represented challenges that changed our perception and approach to work. Rightly so, mental health has obtained great relevance in the debate on workers’ health and safety – rising levels of mental work-related absenteeism, including through burnout, exhibit this. We welcome the emphasis that the report puts on this matter.”

He added: “As CESI, as a European voice of employees in all parts and layers of public services, we find it particularly appropriate that a prominent mention is made in the report of third party violence as an increasing problem in the world of work. For many of the teachers, nurses and administration staff that we represent, violence by customers and citizens is an increasing problem that policy makers and social partners need to address urgently.”