European Federation of Building and Woodworkers

Has currently 74 affiliates in 30 countries throughout Europe

Represents about 2.4 Mio. workers

ExecutiveCommitteeStanding Committee

ConstructionStanding

Committee WoodHealth- and Safety

Co-ordination Group

General Assembly

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

European Social Dialogue

EFBH takes part inSocial Dialogues in three sectors :

Construction Sector: with FIEC

Wood Sectors: with CEI-Bois

Furniture Sector: with UEA and EFIC

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

European legislation on OSH• Construction and woodworking sectors are high risk

sectors

• OSH has improved over the last decades

• Framework directive and single directives

• A new understanding on prevention• The situation remains insufficient

• Fourth survey on the Dublin Foundation

• New hazards on the increase / old hazards stable

• Approximately 100.000 death by work related cancer

• Only skin diseases cost the EU-countries 1 billion € every yearEBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Europe today

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

Vibr. Low temp. Heavy loads Painfultiring

positions

Exposure to physical risks

1990 EU 12

1995 EU 15

2000 EU 15

2005 EU 25

2005 EU 15

Noise

Smoke, fume, dust Noise

Radiation

Repetitive Hand or Arm movements

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Noise, VibrationNoise, Vibration

Dampness, Cold, HeatDampness, Cold, Heat

Heavy loadsHeavy loads

Dusts, SmokesDusts, Smokes

Painful posturesPainful postures

Time-pressure and tight deadlinesTime-pressure and tight deadlines Working at high speedWorking at high speed Repetitive workRepetitive work Unfavourable working-timeUnfavourable working-time Social conflictsSocial conflicts

Slight decrease in traditional hazards

e.g.

Strong increase in new risks including factors of

mental stress

Changes in the strain profile

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

Problems of Functional Differentiation

NoiseAtmosphere

Lighting

Workplace and tools

Coordination with others

Breaks

Work environment

Work organisation

Venue of work

Position in the

hierarchy

Scientific knowledge

Industrial science

Technology / Standard- ization

Labour psychology

Substances

Workplace

Task and work division

New Strategy - 2007 to 2012

Legislation remains a core factor for successful prevention in OSH

That concerns values, requirements as well as broader strategies for complex problems

A proper application and implementation remains crucial

Special attention should be paid to the construction sector and other high risk sectors

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009

New Strategy - 2007 to 2012

Specific support for specific conditions – especially for small enterprises without an internal OSH-structure

The participation of workers and their representatives is vital for any progress

The incorporation of OSH in other community policies should be attributed by precise goals and perspectives

Improvement in co-ordinated scientific activities are requested (say R+D-Programme)

EBC Conference – Brussels 23 February 2009