Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-10-23-Speech-2-118"
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"en.20011023.6.2-118"2
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".
According to Mrs Thorning-Schmidt, 24% of workers in Europe are exposed to mechanical vibrations. These are mainly those working in the mining, building, manufacturing, forestry and transport industries.
Hand-arm vibrations cause serious and virtually systematic problems, such as the ‘white finger’ phenomenon in woodcutters and forestry workers; carpal tunnel syndrome, poor circulation and loss of feeling. Whole body vibrations cause lumbar pain, slipped discs, as well as premature degeneration of the spinal column.
However, despite the fact that these problems are known to be harmful to workers’ health, it has taken almost ten years for a European directive to be drafted!
The reason why this has taken so long is because the management in these sectors and equipment manufacturers are taking a stand, and they do not want restrictive standards, which would mean the equipment used would have to be replaced immediately in the light of technological developments. Furthermore, businesses do not always use approved equipment. And where they do, they do not necessarily inspect it on a regular basis, so the vibrations increase.
Above all, however, the conditions under which people are obliged to work are considerably aggravating factors. The equipment concerned is often used by workers who are paid for their output, in terrible conditions of intensive work. We must oblige businesses to pay for regular breaks throughout the day.
It is scandalous that workers continue to risk their health in order to earn a living."@en1
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