The first European accord for the protection of the health of workers belonging to various employment sectors is specifically targeted at the prevention of silicosis and the necessary medical assistance in the event of disease. European citizens and citizens of third countries legally resident in Europe who “share” contact with silicon particles on a daily basis are estimated to total roughly two million. They have contact with the particles in a variety of industrial sites: in glassworks, in mines, in quarries in general, in cement works, in foundries, in potteries, in wool mills and factories for the processing of minerals. Persons involved in the processing of such products, their stockpiling and transport are also subject to the risk of contamination. The accord was signed by the representatives of employers and trades unions in the presence of Commissioner Spidla last week, but will only come into force in October for a period of four years, followed by automatic two-year extensions. Its main objective is the “reduction of the exposure of workers to powders of silicon crystals through the application of good practices on the workplace”. The joint Monitoring Committee will play a fundamental role: it will monitor the correct interpretation and application of the accord, and at the same time continuously update the list of good practices.
