ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) has launched its new two-year Healthy Workplaces Campaign under the theme of working together for risk prevention.

OSHA says European workplaces are healthier now than they have ever been, but still every year there are 6.9 million workplace accidents and millions more work-related diseases. The economic cost of this is estimated to be 490 billion euros a year - more than half the current cost of the EU's financial crisis bail-out fund.

This new campaign turns the spotlight on the importance of management leadership and worker participation in improving workplace safety and health.EU commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor commented: "Europe has made a lot of progress in the area of occupational safety and health in the past decade and we have to continue our work in this area. This is one of the key policies to make active ageing a reality, which is the aim of the European Year in 2012.

"There is evidence that prioritising health and safety is not just the right thing to do, it's also good for business. Benefits include reduced costs and increased productivity; a happier and more productive workforce; lower rates of worker absence and turnover; fewer accidents; improved standing among suppliers and partners; greater awareness and control of workplace risks; and a better reputation for sustainability among investors, customers and communities."

The campaign encompasses a range of activities at national and European level.

For more information: www.healthy-workplaces.eu