K. Hatzidakis: Specific results for the upgrade of health and safety at work

On the occasion of the International Day for Health and Safety at Work, today, April 28, the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Kostis Hatzidakis, made the following statement:

“Health and safety at work requires not only declarations, but tangible policies that create better conditions in practice. In this context, in the last twelve months the government has adopted a series of initiatives to strengthen the protection of health and safety at work:

– International Labor Organization Conventions 187 for the Promotion of Occupational Safety and Health and 190 for the Elimination of Violence and Harassment in the Working World have been ratified.

– The Labor Inspectorate has been established as an independent administrative authority, while these days the appointment of a Governor in this new independent authority is progressing.

– The Digital Work Card has been introduced, which, in addition to the observance of working hours, contributes to the fight against undeclared or undeclared work, ie conditions that degrade the safety framework for employees.

– It was defined that digital platforms have the same obligations for welfare, health and safety towards the self-employed, as those that apply to employment contracts.

– It was predicted that the break would be granted after 4 working hours, instead of 6.

– The right to disconnect in telework was guaranteed.

All this with the law 4808/2021 for the Protection of Labor, which may have been unjustly accused due to party fanaticism, but took concrete steps forward even for the health and safety of the workers.

In addition, the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs has consulted with the social partners on the new National Strategy for Health and Safety at Work, which is based on the new strategic framework of the European Union for Health and Safety at Work 2021 – 2027 and at the same time, incorporates national needs and priorities.

But the challenges remain. Changes in the organization of work and rapid technological developments can significantly reduce the risk of accidents at work and occupational diseases in the past, but at the same time new risks are constantly emerging. The new challenges and accidents at work that are unfortunately still happening are the reasons why we at the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs are not complacent, but with the policy we implement in cooperation with the social partners we aim at specific, measurable results for the prevention of accidents. and improving working conditions. It is a matter of conscience, it is a matter of obligation to employees. ”

Source: Capital

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