Safe maintenance goes to top of the agenda in European Week

Safe maintenance will be the focus of this year's European Week for Safety and Health at Work which starts on Monday as hundreds of conferences, exhibitions, and training sessions - organised by the European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA) and its partners - are held in more than 30 countries across Europe.

EU-OSHA's Director Dr. Jukka Takala said with up to 20% of maintenance related workplace accidents, it is clear that Safe Maintenance is a vital component in the Healthy Workplaces Campaign. "Scientific studies also show that maintenance workers are more prone to occupational diseases and work-related health problems such as asbestosis, cancer, hearing problems, and musculoskeletal disorders," he said. "For the sake of the health and safety of all workers everywhere, it is essential that we make the most of each opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safe maintenance throughout Europe."

The events will equip stakeholders with relevant knowledge on how to get maintenance right - the healthy and safe way. By bringing together government, business and the general public, the importance of safe maintenance will be cemented across sectors and national borders. Key in this European Week will be the 30 new Official campaign partners - a wide range of companies and associations from the private and public sector, including some of Europe's most well known companies who have joined forces with the Agency and started to promote good practices in safe maintenance through a variety of activities.

"With such a large range of events being held throughout Europe, everyone is bound to get the message that safe maintenance is key to Healthy Workplaces from the workshop floor to the boardroom," Dr Takala said.

For more information about the European Week and the activities visit the Healthy Workplaces Campaign website at: http://hw.osha.europa.eu