The European Parliament called on Tuesday for better protection of workers from occupational diseases, accidents, criticizing the European Commission for inaction.
In a report, the European Parliament regretted that the European Commission "is silent on targets for the reduction of occupational diseases."
About 167,000 people died from a work-related accident or disease in 2006 in the European Union, according to the International Labor Organization. Another 300,000 workers suffer permanent disability every year, estimates the European Commission.
The European Parliament report, adopted with 598 votes in favor,20 against and 23 abstentions in Strasbourg, France, also called for better protection of healthcare workers from blood borne diseases.
The report warned that healthcare workers are at risk of contracting more than 20 life-threatening viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. The report asked the commission to come to proposals to amend relevant legislation well before the end of the legislature in mid-2009.
The report said new and emerging health risks must be identified and asbestos must be phased out.
Source:Xinhua
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