Evaluating impact on workers' health, safety and dignity

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Scope

Will the option affect workers' health, safety and dignity?

Definition

This key question refers to the conditions in which a individual works, in terms of security of employment, safety in the workplace and quality of the job. Working environments that are as safe and healthy as possible are a significant part of a successful employment relationship. An individual could be exposed to a range of toxic substances or dangerous machinery and hazards which are unique to the work place. In addition, the intensity, duration and amount of work undertaken can result in work related stress, which can reduce an individual's ability to deal with everyday tasks and lower immunity, thus increasing the risk of contracting common illnesses. The incidence of work related fatalities or serious injuries gives an indication of the risk of accidents occurring in the work place and is related to the nature of the work undertaken and the health and safety regulations in force. For example construction workers would have a higher risk of accidents on a building site. Policies that contribute to reducing the incidence of fatalities or serious injuries are considered to be positive for sustaining a healthy population.

Result

Indicators:

The following Eurostat Structural Indicators are relevant to address the key question:

• Serious accidents at work: total
• Serious accidents at work: females
• Serious accidents at work: males
• Fatal accidents at work: total
• Total employment rate of older workers

There are no Eurostat Sustainable Development Indicators directly related to this key question

Relevant statistics and figures also available through the EC website:

• 8http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/news/2002/apr/esaw_en.html European statistics on accidents at work (ESAW)]

See also

• ILO (International Labour Organization): Standards and fundamental principles and rights at work
• IA TOOLS

References

This text is for information only and is not designed to interpret or replace any reference documents. This text is partially adapted from:

DG Employment and Social affairs: Health and safety web site