Towards a more economist approach in the european policy of security and health at work: Critical reflections about the Strategic Framework 2014-2020

Abstract

After initial uncertainty on the adoption of a new Community Strategy after the expiry of the above, we have finally met the Communication from the Commission on the Strategic Framework 2014-2020 on Safety and Health. The document, though apparently continues the line drawn by its precedents, presents new profiles and relocates the hubs reflection of a more economic and less humanistic approach of the safety and health at work guardianship. The strong inrush of concepts such as competitiveness, profitability, productivity, employability or longer working life, which naturally entwines with other Community Strategies, are part of a clear shift towards a less social Europe. However, we can see some positive aspects, in particular the centrality of work-related diseases and the need for use of non-legislative tools, due to the relative failure of the implementation of the Community legal acquis. There is a particular concern for small businesses,whose special difficulties, well known, have still no adequate answers, especially internally.