91999E0918

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0918/99

by Graham Watson (ELDR) to the Commission

(8 April 1999)

Subject: Workplace Directive

Will the Commission list the countries which have complied with the fire-safety requirements of the Workplace Directive (89/654/EEC)(1), indicate what checks and inspections it is implementing to ensure compliance with the fire-safety requirements of the Directive and which countries are facing infringement proceedings for failure to ensure compliance and the nature of those proceedings?

Answer given by Mr Flynn on behalf of the Commission

(4 May 1999)

All Member States have informed the Commission of their national implementing measures transposing Council Directive 89/654/EEC of 30 November 1989 concerning the minimum safety and health requirements for the workplace (first individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC(2)).

It is the task of the Member States to ensure adequate checking and monitoring of the national provisions transposing the Directive. Consequently, all matters relating to the implementation of those provisions come under the jurisdiction of the national authorities, which must organise and carry out the inspections and checks needed to ensure proper application of the measures.

The Commission has assessed the conformity of the national implementing measures transposing Directive 89/654/EEC and has taken appropriate action where necessary. For example, it has requested additional information from Member States where the fire-safety requirements did not seem to have been fully or correctly transposed.

After studying the replies, it is possible that the Commission might initiate infringement proceedings under Article 226 (ex Article 169) of the EC Treaty.

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

(2) OJ L 393, 30.12.1989.