Occupational health in the European Union

Despite extensive legislation in the European Union, employees remain exposed to occupational risks and there is still a significant burden of work-related ill-health. The trend for more people to work in service industries rather than manufacturing has resulted in a change in the nature of risk and pattern of occupational illness. Worker access to occupational health services ranges from 15 to 96% and depends on the country in which employees live and the type of operation in which they work. The increasing number of small enterprises provides a particular challenge when trying to provide occupational health support to the European Union's 158.4 million workers. European law alone is not sufficient to improve the health of those at work and further action is needed at state, employer and professional level. New initiatives seek to improve the health of the Union's workforce, including a drive for better compliance with new law by every member state. Governments are working with key stakeholders through partnering strategies to develop innovative approaches for better access to quality occupational health services. Furthermore, targets for reduction in occupational ill-health have been identified. Where country laws do not mandate the provision of occupational health services, employers need to see the benefit of providing occupational health support. Finally, the medical profession is making procedures for self-regulation more rigorous and professional bodies are actively engaged in issuing professional standards and guidelines. Ultimately, the individual practitioner is responsible for ensuring that he or she develops and maintains the necessary knowledge and skills to provide competent services.