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Health and safety at work
The EU requires employers, with the co-operation of employees, to ensure the safety and health of employees at work.
EU rules on health and safety at work
Summary: The EU requires employers, with the co-operation of employees, to ensure the safety and health of employees at work.
The objective of the Directive 89/391/EEC of June 12, 1989 is to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers in the workplace. This is to be achieved through preventative measures, information, consultation and training.
Employers are obliged:
- To ensure the safety and health of workers at work, primarily based on the principle of prevention, and without cost to the employee;
- To evaluate the occupational risks in the choice of equipment and fitting out of workplaces and to provide adequate protective and preventative services;
- To keep a record of occupational accidents;
- To provide for first aid, fire-fighting, and the evacuation of employees in the event of serious and imminent danger;
- To inform and consult employees on all questions relating to safety and health at work;
- To ensure each employee receives adequate safety and health training throughout the period of employment.
Employees are required:
- To make correct use of machinery, other means of production, personal protective equipment and safety devices;
- To give warning of any danger at the workplace and of any shortcomings in the protection arrangements;
- To co-operate in fulfilling requirements for the protection of health and safety at the workplace.
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Factsheet