1992 and the working environment

Abstract

This article describes the European Community (EC) social policy provisions relating to health and safety at work. The EC has developed a substantial body of legislation in the area of health and safety at work but this has received little academic attention and aroused little political controversy in comparison with other EC social policy law. However, in looking at statements made in the United Kingdom by the Heatlh and Saftey Executive it is seen that the resolve has been expressed to minimise the impact of EC health and safety initiatives. Thus it is argued that there is the need for greater awareness of the EC standards and that efforts should be made to utilise the direct and indirect effect of EC law in the national courts in order to secure the full effectiveness of these important rights