According to the EESC's Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, the upwards harmonization in working conditions should be a key priority for EU action as health and safety at work are crucial in fostering growth and productivity.

This statement comes as a reaction to the publication of a European report where 35% of workers found that their work put their health and safety at risk.

The working conditions survey made by the European Foundation for the Improvement of Living and Working Conditions showed that poor working conditions have a negative impact on the health of millions of workers in Europe.

"Health and safety should be seen as an integral part of a modern, competitive business and as a pillar of the European Social Model. I really hope that the goal to cut accidents at work by 25 percent set in the current strategy on health and safety at work will be achieved", Leila Kurki, president ot the EESC's Section for Employment, Social Affairs and Citizenship, said.

A sound evaluation of the current Community strategy 2007-2012 on health and safety at work is essential to make progress. The new strategy, starting from 2012, should feature a comparable target for reducing occupational illnesses.

The success of the new strategy will depend on the leadership of the European Commission, effective implementation mechanisms and the motivation of the Member States to develop and enforce national strategies. Priority target groups, like workers with disabilities, women, older workers, young workers and migrant workers, need specific regulation, policies and support, in the opinion of European Economic and Social Committee, which represents European social society.

The new strategy should give importance to the social dialogue as an essential instrument in ensuring health and safety at work. Social dialogue is relevant in developing a true culture of risk prevention in the work place, health and safety training and adequate training programmes for superiors and staff responsible for these issues. Also small and medium size enterprises need to be given special support in the strategy.