Review of Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture discussed at European Parliament Agriculture Committee
A major review of the Future of Agriculture and its impact on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) in the EU was recently discussed at the European Parliament Agriculture Committee.
The Review was commissioned by the EU Occupational Safety and Health Agency (EU- OSHA). This Agency provides information and foresight for occupational safety and health and contributes to EU programmes and strategies.
The Review which was commissioned by the EU Occupational Safety and Health Agency (EU-OSHA) provided a foresight review for policy makers and key stakeholders with up- to- date information and insights on likely future developments in agriculture and their impact on OSH.
The Review was co-authored by Dr John McNamara, Teagasc Health and Safety Specialist along with Mr Alun Jones (Lead Author) of the International Centre for Advanced Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM) based in Spain and Dr Martina Jakob, Leibniz Institute - Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) in Germany.
MEPs expressed their appreciation with the high quality of the report with Irish MEPs championing a strong follow-up to the report, particularly on work-related psychosocial and mental health issues. MEPs focused their comments and queries on the following:
- Work-related psychosocial and mental health issues in farming
- Mobile and seasonal workers in agriculture (both OSH and wider social challenges)
- OSH in agriculture and forestry, including accident reporting
- Occupational illnesses, including pesticides.
Access the review at the EU-OSHA Website
A short 2 minute clip of the presentation of the proceedings
Dr John McNamara, Teagasc, 2nd left with Mr Alun Jones (CIHEAM) and Ms Annick Starren Project Manager at EUOSHA