92001E3096

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3096/01

by Mihail Papayannakis (GUE/NGL) to the Commission

(13 November 2001)

Subject: Implementation of directives on health and safety at the workplace

To what extent are the following directives observed in Greece:

- 89/391/EEC(1) on the introduction of measures to encourage improvements in the safety and health of workers at work,

- 89/654/EEC(2) concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace,

- 89/656/EEC(3) concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace, and

- 1999/92/EEC(4) on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres?

Has Greece taken the implementing measures required to comply with each of the above directives? If so, are they correctly applied? If not, have proceedings been initiated for infringement of Community legislation and what stage has been reached in those proceedings for each separate directive?

(1) OJ L 183, 29.6.1989, p. 1.

(2) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 1.

(3) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 18.

(4) OJ L 23, 28.1.2000, p. 57.

Answer given by Mrs Diamantopoulou on behalf of the Commission

(15 January 2002)

Directives 89/391/EEC(1), 89/654/EEC(2), 89/656/EEC(4) have been implemented in Greek national law, and the implementation measures have been notified to the Commission. Transposition of the Community Directives by the legislation notified has been found to be satisfactory. As far as Directive 1999/92/EC(3) is concerned, the transposition deadline set down in Article 13(1) is 30 June 2003, which means that Member States are under no obligation to adopt implementing measures before this date.

The correct application of national health and safety measures adopted to transpose the Community Directives is the responsibility of the Member States. In this context, the Commission would draw the Honourable Member's attention to the fact that a complaint has recently been lodged concerning the application of the Directives on the health and safety of workers in Greece.

The Commission will take all appropriate measures in connection with this complaint and may, if appropriate, initiate infringement proceedings concerning the Directives in question.

(1) OJ L 183, 29.6.1989.

(2) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989.

(3) OJ L 23, 28.1.2000.

(4) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989.