Occupational safety and health: risks related to chemical agents (14th particular Directive, Directive 89/391/EEC)

Adopting the recommendation for second reading by Mr Freddy BLAK (PSE, DK) on the protection of the health and safety of workers from the risks relating to chemical agents from work, the European Parliament approves the common position adopted by the Council. However, it proposes a number of technical amendments seeking to protect workers against risks from the substances. In particular, it calls for the introduction of Community indicative limit values for occupational exposure. In addition, Parliament recommends that: - on the basis of reports provided by the Member States the Commission carry out an assessment of the way in which the Member States have taken account of Community indicative limit values. If this assessment reveals why differences in standards occur, the Commission should undertake appropriate action with a view to closer harmonization in this area; - workers should be suitably informed with regard to hazardous chemical agents in the workplace and those identified during risk assessment; - workers should receive suitable training on appropriate precautions and actions to be taken in response to safety hazards; - workers should be consulted concerning the results of risk assessment with regard to chemicals and the protection and prevention measures which should be taken. - Health surveillance procedures should be agreed with the workers concerned. �