Cancer risk to workers in open spaces
4.7.2017
Question for written answer E-004523-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Eleftherios Synadinos (NI)
Approximately 14.5 million Europeans are exposed to harmful levels of solar ultraviolet radiation in their work. Bodies such as the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology admit that solar radiation is a carcinogen and the leading cause of non-melanoma skin cancer, and carry out actions to inform the relevant authorities. [1]
It is imperative that the specific cause of cancer be officially acknowledged in practice.
Will the Commission support updating Directive 2006/25/EC and complete the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents?
Will it update Annex I, Part 5 of its recommendation of 19 September 2003 concerning the European schedule of occupational diseases to reflect the direct relation between outdoor working tasks and non-melanoma skin cancer owing to ultraviolet solar radiation?
Will it participate in providing information, raising awareness, supporting the exchange of best practice and organising dialogue with stakeholders, with an emphasis on taking the respective preventive measures and educating workers and employers about the need to implement these measures?
- [1] http://pr.euractiv.com/pr/eadv-launches-global-call-action-protect-outdoor-workers-skin-cancer-caused-sun-140295